January 30, 2025
Pack Smart: Comfortable Travel Shoes for Every Adventure
Tickets, booked. Itinerary, planned. Bags, packed — well, almost. We all know how hard it can be to find the right pair of shoes to keep up with your adventures. Whether you’re exploring cobblestone streets, strolling beachside in tropical landscapes or hiking up scenic trails, comfortable travel shoes are a must.
In this blog, we’ll cover some of the best walking shoes for travel — no matter what’s on the agenda. From casual and comfortable travel sneakers to durable and weather-proof boots, we’re here to help you pick out the perfect pair for your next journey. Let’s get started!
Comfortable Travel Shoes for Men
Travel days should never feel like a trade-off between looking good and staying comfortable. Here are some of the best men’s travel shoes to keep you moving in style.
1. Loafers
When choosing comfortable walking shoes for travel, you can never go wrong with loafers — especially if you’re going somewhere warm. They’re lightweight and easy to slip on and off, perfect for airport security lines or quick outfit changes. Our men’s loafers are designed with soft, flexible materials and cushioned insoles, so your feet stay supported from sunrise to sunset.
Styling tip: Pair your loafers with linen shorts or slim-fit chinos to capture that relaxed yet sophisticated vibe. Add a button-up shirt or a casual polo, and you’re set for almost anything, from a casual dinner by the beach to a day of sightseeing.
2. Lace-Up Sneakers
This is a classic for a reason. Lace-up sneakers are the light travel shoes every suitcase needs. Comfortable enough for hours of walking yet versatile enough to work with just about any outfit, they’re the footwear you’ll reach for over and over again. With removable custom foam insoles and water and stain-repellent materials, TOMS lace-up sneakers are built to keep your feet dry and comfortable from morning till night.
Styling tip: Lace-up sneakers look great with jeans and a lightweight jacket on casual days. If you’re leaning into something more laid-back, joggers and a simple tee make the perfect combo. The best thing about sneakers is that they work as well on a walking tour or shopping afternoon as they do during a spontaneous dinner splurge.
3. Alpargatas
Timeless, elegant and comfortable, alpargatas are a traveler’s dream for warm-weather destinations. They’re stylish, breathable and pack easily, which makes them perfect for slipping into your bag and leaving room for souvenirs. Plus, with their minimalist style and European-chic design, they allow you to transition seamlessly from day to night.
Styling tip: Alpargatas pair effortlessly with linen trousers or tailored shorts. Add a casual button-down or a light tee, and you’ve got an outfit that works for everything from sunny patios to beachside dinners.
4. Chelsea Boots
For trips that call for something a bit more elevated, Chelsea boots give you the perfect combination between sophistication and practicality. They’re easy to pull on, sturdy enough for a full day of exploring and comfortable enough that your feet won’t feel it by the end of the day. At TOMS, we’ve crafted our boots with soft, flexible uppers and comfortable rubber soles that feel like a hug for your feet, even on long days spent wandering city streets or exploring rainy towns.
Styling tip: Chelsea boots look great with dark jeans and a well-fitted jacket. For a more casual look, try them with slim chinos and a lightweight sweater. We love Chelseas because they’re a compact, comfy walking shoe for travel that also brings a touch of refinement to your wardrobe without taking up a ton of space.
5. Slip-On Sneakers
When simplicity is what you’re after, slip-on sneakers are as uncomplicated as it gets. No laces, no fuss! These shoes are easy to wear and are comfortable enough to keep you moving all day. Another great thing about slip-ons? They’re lightweight and packable, making them an excellent pick for any trip where comfort and convenience are key.
Styling tip: Slip-on sneakers look great with joggers and a relaxed sweatshirt, but they also pair well with chinos and a casual shirt, which means it’s easy to dress them up a bit when the occasion calls for it. The secret is packing travel shoes that adapt to you, not the other way around.
6. Chukka Boots
Going on a short business trip and can only pack one pair of shoes? Chukka boots have you covered in both form and function. With lightweight insoles and sturdy construction, they’re built for comfort while looking polished enough for meetings or dinner plans. Plus, they’re adaptable and handle long days of travel or transitions from professional settings to more relaxed environments.
Styling tip: Need to look professional? Chukka boots work well with tailored trousers and a button-down shirt and jacket. Then, for after-hours, swap the trousers for dark jeans and throw on a lightweight sweater. These are the perfect boots for transitioning from day to night while still keeping your look sharp and travel-ready.
Comfortable Travel Shoes for Women
A great pair of shoes can mean the difference between a perfect vacation and a painful on the back of your heel. The right pair of shoes will keep you comfortable, no matter how packed your itinerary is. Here are some of our favorite women’s walking shoes for travel, carefully selected to keep up with your adventures.
1. Slip-On Sneakers
If you’ve ever traveled with uncomfortable shoes, you know how quickly they can take the fun out of your trip. Luckily, slip-on sneakers are here to save the day. They’re easy to step in and out of, with no laces to fumble with. Our women’s slip-ons are designed with flexible soles to keep your feet feeling great, whether you’ve planned a night out or a day of seeing the sights. They’re perfect for airport sprints, long walks or casual shopping, making them a must-have for any traveler looking to stay comfy without sacrificing style.
Styling tip: For chilly days, pair slip-on sneakers with leggings and an oversized sweater. For something a bit more elevated, try them with cropped pants and a tucked-in blouse.
2. Espadrilles
Espadrilles are always in style — and for good reason. Breathable, effortlessly stylish and incredibly comfortable, they were made for warm-weather destinations. At TOMS, we craft our espadrilles with soft materials and cushy insoles, giving you all-day comfort while keeping your feet cool. They’re great for exploring beach towns, outdoor markets or trying that cute cafe down the street from your hotel.
Styling tip: Espadrilles look great with a flowy sundress or a midi skirt. And they also pair beautifully with linen shorts and a breezy top. Add gold or silver accessories and a nice bag, and you’ve got an effortlessly chic outfit ready for a day of exploring or an evening out.
3. Ankle Boots
Fall and winter travel calls for a pair of shoes that can handle cooler weather and keep you comfortable all day. Ankle boots are a great option — they’re versatile, durable and designed to keep your feet warm without weighing you down.
Styling tip: Ankle boots work well with a variety of styles, from skinny jeans and an oversized sweater to a midi dress with a structured coat or blazer. Pair them with a scarf and a crossbody bag, and you’re all set for crisp fall days or winter getaways.
4. Lace-Up Sneakers
Looking for the most comfortable shoes for traveling? Lace-up sneakers come to the rescue. They’re supportive, trendy and designed to keep your feet happy through every step of your journey. With removable insoles and waterproof materials, TOMS travel sneakers for women are ideal for long walks, busy travel days or just exploring at your own pace.
Styling tip: Long flight or drive ahead of you? Wear your sneakers with jeans or joggers and a hoodie. If you’re dressing things up a bit, try them with ankle-length jeans and an oversized blazer. Sneakers are always a great choice, it’s only a matter of how you style them.
5. Hiking Boots
Nothing is more important than having a good, sturdy pair of hiking boots when you’re heading out on an adventure. If you’re hitting the trails, you need shoes that are built for comfort and durability. Look for women’s boots with padded collars, cushioned insoles and reliable traction to keep you steady on uneven terrain. Whether you’re trekking through forest trails or climbing rocky paths, hiking boots are built to handle it all.
Styling tip: Wear hiking boots with leggings and a moisture-wicking top for active days. For a more casual outdoor look, style them with straight-leg jeans and a flannel shirt. Finish with a weatherproof jacket, and you’re ready for any trail or adventure that comes your way.
6. Platform Sandals
Who said comfort and height don’t go together? Platform sandals provide extra lift without compromising support, an ever-reliable chic pick for long days in warm weather. Look for a pair with cushioned footbeds and sturdy soles to keep your feet comfortable and ready for whatever the day brings. Lightweight and easy to wear, they’re essential for sightseeing, dinner plans, and everything in between.
Styling tip: Platform sandals go beautifully with flowy maxi dresses or cropped trousers and a fitted top. Add a few bold accessories, like statement earrings or a woven bag, to pull the outfit together and keep things chic even while you’re on the go.
Tips for Choosing the Right Travel Shoes
There’s no way around it: the right shoes can make or break your travel plans. So, to find the best fit, it helps to think about the type of vacation you’re planning. Here are our top tips for choosing a good pair of walking shoes for vacation based on your travel plans:
City Adventures
- Opt for cushioned sneakers or slip-on shoes if you’re planning on strolling all or most of the day.
- Look for lightweight, breathable materials to keep your feet cool and dry.
- Choose shoes that pair well with both casual and slightly dressier outfits.
Beach Getaways
- Sandals with sturdy soles and arch support are ideal for warm-weather outings.
- Pack water-resistant options for beach days or boat trips.
- Bring a pair of lightweight espadrilles or alpargatas for evenings out.
Outdoor and Hiking Excursions
- Hiking boots with padded insoles and reliable ankle support are a must.
- Waterproof materials and slip-resistant soles handle rugged terrain and unexpected weather.
- Break in your boots before the trip to avoid blisters.
Cold-Weather Travel
- Choose insulated boots to keep your feet warm and dry.
- Look for shoes with good traction to navigate icy or snowy conditions.
- Waterproofing is important for staying comfortable in wet weather.
Short Business Trips
- Ankle boots or loafers are great for transitioning between meetings and casual outings.
- Choose elegant, comfortable styles that work with professional attire but can also transition easily to off-hours plans.
- Stick to neutral colors for easy outfit coordination.
Wear TOMS. Wear Good.
We know choosing the perfect travel shoe can be tough. You need something sturdy and comfortable for long days of walking but stylish enough to keep your outfits stylish. Hopefully, this guide to the most comfortable travel shoes gave you some ideas and made the decision a little easier.
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Shop our collection of men’s shoes and women’s shoes and find your new go-to pair today!