Deciding which shoes to take on a trip can be a struggle, especially if you have lots of activities planned or are travelling to different destinations. They take up extra space in your luggage and can be heavy and bulky to travel with. The wrong shoes can lead to sore feet, back pain and even injury, so it’s important to bring the right ones – even if that means buying new ones.
Best shoes for travelling
1. Flip-flops and sandals
A good pair of flip-flops or sandals are generally the best travel footwear for most trips. They’re casual and go well with most outfits for those who want to look stylish on the move. However, it’s usually not a good idea to bring those $3 flip-flops from Old Navy that you live in during the summer. Wherever you go, you will probably be walking and on your feet for a good part of the day, so finding a quality pair of flip-flops or sandals for travel is essential.
KEEN Newport H2 Sandal
The Keen Newport H2 is the best travel sandal for men and women who plan to do a lot of walking and even minimal hiking. They offer a cushioned sole with extra traction, making them an excellent option if you plan to do some short hikes to waterfalls or other bodies of water.
2. Walking shoes
If you need more comfort and support than a travel sandal, but don’t intend to walk a lot, good walking shoes are a good compromise. Traditional walking and running shoes fall into this category. There are many options out there, but I’ve narrowed it down to the three best walking shoes for travel.
Nike Free 5.0
The Nike Free 5.0 is designed to give your feet as much freedom as possible. They were designed with runners in mind, so if you plan to do some training on your trip or already run at home, the Nike Free 5.0 is a good option for you. They’re lightweight with minimal cushioning, but once your feet get used to them, they’re extremely comfortable. Just make sure you break them in before your trip!
3. Hiking/trekking shoes
If you have any hiking on your itinerary, a good pair of hiking or trekking shoes are essential. These are the best travel shoes for adventure travellers or those who want to get away from the hustle and bustle of big cities and into the great outdoors. The great thing about hiking boots is that they take up far less space than their boots counterparts and are good for all but the most strenuous hikes.
Columbia Redmond Trail Shoe
The Columbia Redmond Trekking Shoe is a great travel shoe for men and women who want to hike a few trails. They are made from a combination of suede leather and mesh webbing to promote airflow and breathability. They also have a traction rubber outsole to prevent slipping on wet surfaces.
4. Walking shoes
Most travellers, even those who plan to do some walking, are happy with walking or trekking shoes. However, if you have planned your trip around some great hikes or are going on an activity-based trip, such as a gorilla trek, it is a good idea to invest in hiking boots. They may take up a little more space in your pack, but the extra support and stability on long, difficult hikes is more than worth it.
Timberland White Ledge
If you are planning to hike somewhere wet, the Timberland White Ledge hiking boots are the best travel footwear for you. They are made from waterproof leather with a seam-sealed waterproof construction inside to keep your feet dry. They also have shock-absorbing cushioning and rubber outsoles for traction.