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Whether you’re packing for a business trip or your annual vacation, space and weight are usually limited. One way to make the most of your luggage allowance is to carefully choose which shoes you take. A lightweight, comfortable pair that can fulfill several different functions (from providing support on your city walking tour or hiking excursion to looking good at dinner afterward) is ideal. Our travel experts tested 22 of the best women’s shoes for your next adventure, rating each pair for comfort, fit, quality, and value, then choosing winners for a range of categories from “Best Sandals” to “Most Sustainable.” The Rundown Best Value: Best Sandals: Best Hiking Sandals: Best for the Office: Most Sustainable: Table of contents Our Picks Final Verdict How We Tested Others We Tested What to Look For FAQ Why Trust TripSavvy Our Ratings Cushioning 4/5 Responsiveness 3.5/5 Fit 4.5/5 Value 4/5 Blister Protection 4.5/5 What We Like Ready out of the box Hard-wearing and easy to clean Reasonable price point What We Don't Like Limited color choices If you’re looking for an everyday, running-inspired sneaker that won’t break the bank, you can’t go wrong with the Adidas Cloudfoam Pure Sneaker. Made especially for women, they feature a breathable, foot-hugging textile upper and a combined Cloudfoam midsole and outsole. We found the latter so comfortable that we likened wearing them to having our feet cradled by a cloud and reported no rubbing or irritation even though we wore them for extended periods without socks. The shoes have laces and score sustainability points by utilizing high-performance recycled materials. We found them impressively durable, with no noticeable wear or odor even after all three test wears. The soles got a little bit dirty, but we were able to clean them with a wipe of a damp cloth. As for the price tag, we were astonished when we discovered how affordable these sneakers are—our tester would happily have paid three times the price for the quality and comfort experienced. The shoes come in neutral colors and full and half sizes from 5 to 12. We found that they fit perfectly and were true to size. Sizes: 5 to 12 | Materials: Knit textile upper, Cloudfoam midsole and outsole | Sustainability: Primegreen recycled materials Our Ratings Fit 5/5 Value 5/5 Comfort 4.5/5 Quality 4.5/5 What We Like Sturdily built Timeless style Huge choice of sizes and colors What We Don't Like Not the best for all-day wear First launched in 1925, the Superga 2750 Cotu Classic Sneaker has become an emblem of Italian style inspired by ladies’ tennis shoes. Although more expensive than our overall winner, we feel that the price tag is a fair reflection of its combined quality and style. It features a cotton upper and lining, a rubber outsole, and a lace closure. Our tester found the shoes incredibly comfortable out of the box, with cushioned soles that provided good support for indoor and outdoor use. The fit was true to size, although those with wide feet may want to size up. However, we would recommend them for a light travel day rather than one with extensive walking since we did experience some discomfort after spending more than two-thirds of the day on our feet. Nevertheless, we were impressed by the quality construction, with thick soles and sturdy stitching. We also appreciated that the shoes didn’t become saturated when caught in the rain as other fabric shoes may do. Choose one of many gorgeous pastel colors, from classic white to violet or light blue. Sizes: 5 to 15.5 | Materials: Cotton upper, rubber outsole | Sustainability: Not listed Our Ratings Fit 4/5 Value 5/5 Comfort 4/5 Quality 5/5 What We Like Wear well for extended periods Sturdy, reliable construction Variety of sizes What We Don't Like Sizing can be tricky The New Balance 574 Core Sneaker wins our vote as an easy, neutral choice that’s well-made and superbly comfortable. Designed as a hybrid road and trail shoe, it’s suitable for wherever your walking takes you, even on a trip to Disney. We found the sneakers so lightweight it was easy to forget we were wearing them. This lightness comes from their recycled polyester mesh upper, with responsibly sourced leather accents and EVA foam cushioning around the midsole and heel. A rubber outsole provides solid arch support. We especially liked that the laces stayed tied throughout our test wear periods and that the shoes went well with most casual outfits. In fact, we were surprised to find this level of comfort and style for under $100 (although you’d likely want a flashier sneaker for anything more formal). We found the sneakers roomier than expected, although the New Balance website recommends sizing up. But, with extended-width sizes available, you should be able to find your perfect fit. Colors range from black to burgundy or navy, all with white accents. Sizes: 5 to 12 | Materials: Mesh upper, EVA midsole, rubber outsole | Sustainability: Recycled polyester, rubber, and bio-based foam Our Ratings Fit 4/5 Value 4/5 Comfort 4.3/5 Quality 4.5/5 What We Like Sleek, statement-making aesthetic Easily fit into luggage Key functional elements What We Don't Like Only available in regular fit If you’re headed to the big city and need travel shoes that look as good as they feel, we recommend the On Running Cloudrift Sneaker. Available in three colorways—White/Sand, Metal/Navy, or Ivory/Storm—they’re as fashion-forward as it's possible for a sneaker to be, looking just as good with cute jeans or dresses as they do with athleisure wear. We loved the lightweight, breathable mesh upper made of performance running materials and the added heel cushioning provided by the Speedboard midsole. The shoes were comfortable right out of the box, with zero time required to break them in. Our tester appreciated their significant support—but did caution that potential buyers should size their pair carefully to avoid the structured cushioning hitting in awkward places and causing discomfort. There are no extra-width sizes, unfortunately. Nevertheless, with no wear and tear visible after our test period, these sneakers are likely to last a long time and are both light and packable enough to make them the perfect traveling companion. Sizes: 5 to 11 | Materials: Mesh upper, unspecified mid- and outsole | Sustainability: 35 percent recycled materials Our Ratings Fit 5/5 Value 5/5 Comfort 4.5/5 Quality 4.8/5 What We Like Provide stable ride Cute and casual aesthetic Reduced environmental impact What We Don't Like Relatively expensive Comfortable, attractive, lightweight, quick to dry, and easy to clean—it’s difficult to imagine a more perfect summer travel shoe than the KEEN Elle Backstrap Sandal. We loved the stretchy straps, allowing a snug fit without cutting off circulation. Made from 100 percent recycled plastic bottles, the straps held their shape even after miles of walking, keeping our feet securely in place with no slipping or sliding. The sandals also feature a compression-molded EVA midsole and an EVA footbed with arch support for all-day comfort. The rubber outsole offers plenty of traction and is non-marking, making it ideal for adventurous travel—whether you’re hitting the trail or heading out on a boat trip. The outsoles are also sustainable, using jute infusions to reduce the amount of rubber used. While pricey for sandals, we ultimately felt the cost was well worth it for the combination of quality and understated style. Our test pair was true to size, and there are many colors to choose from, including two-toned, patterned, and tie-dye shades. Sizes: 5 to 11 | Materials: PET straps, EVA midsole, jute-infused rubber outsole | Sustainability: Straps made from recycled plastic bottles The 7 Best Women's Water Shoes of 2024, Tested and Reviewed Our Ratings Fit 4.3/5 Comfort 4.5/5 Quality 4.8/5 What We Like Lets you dial in the perfect fit Solid grip Handles demanding use What We Don't Like Toe loop may cause discomfort at first Although we liked the Chaco Zx2 Classic Sandals so much we would recommend them “for anyone, for any kind of wear,” we found them particularly suitable for hiking trips. The polyester jacquard webbing straps wrap around the foot and through the midsole and are fully adjustable. This, combined with the added toe loop, makes the fit fully customizable for incredibly sturdy, supportive, all-day comfort. After eight solid hours of active wear, our feet were not tired. The sandals also feature a podiatrist-accepted, women’s specific PU footbed that promotes alignment and a non-marking ChacoGrip rubber outsole. We found the latter very thick, with a deep lug for excellent traction on rougher terrain. The only downside? We did experience some initial chafing around the toe loop, so we recommend breaking the sandals in before heading out on a hike. Choose yours in a medium or wide fit, in a range of colors from classic black to statement-making prints. Sizes: 5 to 12 (no half-sizes) | Materials: Polyester straps, PU midsole, rubber outsole | Sustainability: Vegan-friendly construction The 9 Best Women’s Hiking Sandals Our Ratings Fit 5/5 Value 4.8/5 Comfort 4.5/5 Quality 4.8/5 What We Like The right balance between rigidity and flex Two-way heel Easy to maintain What We Don't Like Back tab may bump against Achilles tendon The Olukai Pehuea Lī ‘Ili Sneaker is an excellent choice for traveling professionals who need to look put-together but still want all-day comfort. Crafted from soft, full-grain leather, the shoes mold to your feet as you wear them, with anatomically contoured footbeds that we found instantly comfortable—no breaking-in required. The sneakers provide good arch support and offer a roomy toe box (perfect for those with wide feet). Other than that, we loved that the footbeds are both removable and washable—a major plus for those who don’t like ruining their workplace aesthetic by wearing socks with their sneakers. And, a collapsible drop-in heel converts the sneakers to slip-ons for easy on-and-off through the airport (or under your desk). Other highlights include the non-marking Wet Grip Rubber outsole and the construction, which is durable enough to justify the slightly higher price tag. Choose from a range of office-appropriate colors, including white, tan, or black. Sizes: 5 to 11 | Materials: Leather upper, rubber outsole | Sustainability: Not listed The Best Flip Flops For Women, Tested and Reviewed Our Ratings Fit 5/5 Value 4.5/5 Comfort 4.5/5 Quality 5/5 What We Like Vegan Wear in quickly Cushioned fit What We Don't Like Not in love with the color One for all those who want to look and feel good while also doing their bit to save the planet, the Allbirds Plant Pacers are 100 percent plastic- and petroleum-free. The uppers are made from plant leather, while the sugarcane-based, green EVA foam midsole is lined with a eucalyptus and recycled polyester blend. The outsole is natural rubber; even the laces feature 100 percent recycled polyester. We love the brand’s commitment to upcycling and feel that the shoes’ sustainability justifies their high-end price tag. They’re also lovely to look at, with a clean, refined aesthetic reinforced by a classic cupsole stitch. The only drawback is the slightly off-white color, which we felt seemed slightly unintentional, with no other colors to choose from. Nevertheless, the shade did hold up well to extended wear, despite our fears about potential staining. We found the shoes a little stiff out of the box, but within a wear or two, they felt as if we had owned them for years. They’re sturdy without being too rigid, with a comfortably thick sole and cushioned heel. Sizes: 5 to 11 (no half-sizes) | Materials: Plant leather upper, SweetFoam midsole, rubber outsole | Sustainability: Made from plant-based or recycled materials Our Ratings Fit 4.5/5 Value 4.5/5 Comfort 5/5 Quality 5/5 What We Like Upscale, slightly retro style Adjustable fit Zero breaking-in period required What We Don't Like Some more colors would be nice We loved the look of the Frankie4 Winnie II Suede Sneakers, with their luxe perforated leather uppers and buttery soft suede accents. We had never experienced such out-of-the-box comfort before, so we would wholeheartedly recommend these sneakers despite them costing roughly four times the price of our overall winner. They have a shock-absorbing sole and use a specifically placed foam lining (made from recycled plastic bottles) to prevent pressure and rubbing. Furthermore, the podiatrist-designed footbed features a triple-layer system for impressive heel, arch, and forefoot support. We found that our heels didn’t move at all, and at no time did our toes feel cramped. Using the included insole set, the fit can also be customized to suit regular, wide, or narrow feet. Other benefits include the slip-resistant sole, the absence of any heavy materials for travel-friendly lightness, and an additional set of laces for alternate styling. The sneakers come in just two colors: white and black/white. Sizes: 6 to 13 | Materials: Leather upper, rPET foam lining, rubber outsole | Sustainability: Lining made from recycled plastic bottles The Cloudfoam Pure Sneaker from Adidas has everything you want in a travel shoe: a light and breathable upper, extra cushy and supportive soles, and a reasonable price tag. If you are the type of traveler who tends to rack up miles at your destination, go for the New Balance 574 Core Sneaker. First, we removed each pair of shoes from their packaging and visually inspected their material and design quality. In particular, we tested for potential arch support issues by seeing how much the sole flexed when bent in the middle. Next, we completed at least three test wear periods: the first for 30 minutes, the second for three hours, and the third for a full day. During each test period, we evaluated the shoes’ fit, whether they chafed or applied pressure in uncomfortable places, how breathable they were, and their traction on various surfaces and in different weather conditions. Finally, we scored each pair from 1 to 5 for comfort, fit, quality, and value, with the overall score determining whether they were included in our final selection. Allbirds Wool Runners: While we found these sneakers comfortable and appreciated their sleek look, they were unsuitable for use in any kind of precipitation—making them too limited for a travel shoe. Vessi Women's Everyday Classic: We loved that these shoes were waterproof and lightweight, making them super versatile. However, they lost points because we didn't think they were stylish enough for evening wear. Suavs Women's The Zilker Gum: Although comfortable, we had concerns about the long-term durability of these shoes. They're also relatively expensive, although we did appreciate their packability and removable insoles. Taos Footwear Women's Star Sneaker: We found that these sneakers fit more narrowly than expected and experienced some rubbing during our test wears. We also felt that the arch support was uncomfortably pronounced. ECCO Women's Soft Sneaker: These sneakers were comfortable from the first wear and essentially fine in every way (if a bit overpriced). However, we wished they were a brighter white and came in half sizes. Ryka Devotion Plus 3 Walking Shoe: While we felt these shoes weren't comfortable or supportive enough for serious runners, they were great for everyday use. The quality was good, and we liked their lightweight breathability. Birdies The Starling: These shoes had a significant break-in period, but afterward were very comfortable. We loved the premium materials and professional look but would recommend it for business travel only. BIRKENSTOCK Arizona Essentials EVA: The pros of these shoes are that they're light, waterproof, and attractive. Cons were that it took a while to get the fit right and that they were pretty expensive for a simple sandal. Teva Universal Trail Sandals: These are excellent quality, comfortable sandals that will likely last a long time. They're on the more expensive side, though, and we'd recommend sizing up if you're between sizes. Osay Leather Slide Loafer: We love these beautifully made shoes for their quality leather construction, comfort, and the fact they can transform into slip-ons via a collapsible heel. They don't have much support, though. The Best Slip-on Shoes For Women, Tested and Reviewed The best type of shoe depends on where you’re going, the weather you’re expecting, and the kind of activities you’ll be doing. For a city break with lots of walking around town and perhaps a few park outings or urban hikes, you can’t beat a comfortable sneaker with plenty of breathable support. Choose one in a neutral shade like white, black, or tan, and you can probably wear it out to dinner as well—saving you from having to pack formal footwear. If you’re headed somewhere tropical, a lightweight, quick-drying sandal with a cute aesthetic and enough traction to be practical is the perfect all-rounder. The travel shoes mentioned on this list range in price from around $50 to approximately $200. With our overall winner also being the most affordable, it’s definitely possible to buy the perfect travel shoe without breaking the bank. However, you may want to pay a little more for a brand you know and love, for premium quality materials that will stand the test of time, or for a shoe that gives you peace of mind by exclusively using plant-based or recycled materials. Generally speaking, $100 is the average you should expect to spend on a good pair of travel shoes, with anything less or more representing the cheaper and pricier ends of the spectrum, respectively. If one of the defining features of a travel shoe is that it can be worn in multiple different scenarios (and will therefore be one of only a few pairs you take with you), it’s essential that you actually enjoy wearing it and are comfortable doing so. Fit is key—the shoe should hug snugly enough that there’s no slippage when you walk, without rubbing, chafing, or putting pressure on any part of your foot or toes. If you’re going to be wearing the shoe for extended periods, some arch support is a good idea, while breathability is important if you plan on using the shoe for active pursuits such as hiking, running, or extensive walking. Frequently Asked Questions How many pairs of shoes should I bring on a trip? The number of shoes you should pack for a vacation is very subjective, with the answer depending on everything from the climate of your destination to the range of activities you’ll be taking part in and your personal style choices. But, savvy travelers often apply the three-shoe rule to their packing: one pair of sandals or flip-flops, one pair of comfy sneakers that can also be dressed up, and possibly a pair of formal shoes or heels. You can switch one or more of these out to suit your specific needs—proper walking boots instead of heels for a hiking trip, perhaps, or insulated winter boots instead of sandals if you’re headed somewhere chilly. How should I clean a pair of travel shoes? How you clean your travel shoes depends a lot on the shoe, with different methods recommended for different types, materials, and brands. The best option is to check and follow individual manufacturer’s guidelines for shoe cleaning and care. Generally speaking, though, many shoes can be spot cleaned with a damp cloth. Some are machine washable, while others have removable insoles that can be washed separately. The latter is a good idea if you’re heading somewhere warm, tend to get sweaty feet when walking a lot, or prefer not to wear socks with your sneakers. What shoes are best to wear through airport security? Although taking your shoes off at security is not a requirement at every airport, it’s a common enough rule that it makes sense to fly in footwear that’s easy to take off and put back on again quickly. That means swapping laces for zippers, elasticated straps, or pull-on styles, or, if you’re heading somewhere warm, opting for sandals or flip-flops. Some of the shoes on our list are designed with a collapsible heel, so that you can slip your feet in and out in a matter of seconds but also enjoy a more structured, supported style when you reach your destination. Security aside, it’s always a good idea to fly in comfortable shoes—think sneakers, not heels. Jessica Macdonald is TripSavvy’s Africa travel expert and a regular contributor of articles related to adventure and family travel. She is a keen traveler herself, having explored more than 50 countries across six continents. She loves to get to know a city by walking for miles without a map, and as such, she has a keen appreciation for the value of a comfortable, hard-wearing pair of travel shoes. The 11 Best Women's Winter Boots of 2024Best Overall
Adidas Cloudfoam Pure 2.0 Running Shoes
Best Value
Superga Classic Sneaker
Best Walking
New Balance New Balance Women's 574 Core Sneaker
Best Style
On Running Women's Cloudrift Shoe
Best Sandals
Keen Women's Elle Backstrap Sandal
Best Hiking Sandals
Chaco Women's Zx2 Classic Sandal
Best for the Office
Olukai Leather Sneakers
Most Sustainable
Allbirds Women's Plant Pacers
Best Splurge
Frankie4 Australia Women's Winnie II White Suede Shoes
Final Verdict
How We Tested
Other Travel Shoes We Tested
What to Look For in Travel Shoes
Type of Shoe
Cost
Wearability
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