When you travel, the chances are you are going to be doing a fair bit of walking. We usually spend many hours on our feet each day of our trips, whether that be hiking or just exploring city attractions.
Given how much time you will likely spend on your feet, having the right travel shoes is really important. You want shoes that will be comfortable for prolonged time, but that are also suitable for the rigors of travel.
Shoes can also be heavy, so you generally don’t want to be bringing too many pairs with you as they can take up valuable luggage space.
The key thing is to find the right kind of shoes for the trip you are going on. Ideally these will be versatile, and able to be used in a variety of situations.
For example, you might find a pair of shoes that are comfortable enough to walk around in all day, which are also smart enough for a nice evening out.
We’ve spent years traveling for many months out of the year, often walking in excess of 20,000 steps a day researching destinations. We do everything from exploring cities to hiking up mountains, and our trips cover all sorts of terrain, from city streets to deserts to dirt and snow-covered trails.
Based on our experiences traveling (and wearing many pairs of shoes!), I’ve put together this list of the best travel shoes for men. We also have a guide to travel shoes for women here.
This post covers a wide variety of men’s travel shoes, from hiking boots to sandals, to versatile all-rounders that are as comfortable in a nice restaurant as they are walking all day in a city.
I’m also going to share some of the things you need to think about and look for when buying a pair of shoes for travel. Let’s get started!
Table of Contents:
Things to Consider when buying Travel Shoes
Versatility
Versatility is important when it comes to travel shoes – ideally you want a pair of shoes that will fill a variety of roles, so you can minimize how many pairs you need to pack.
Having shoes that match and blend easily with the majority of your clothes is also useful. This means that whether you’re wandering the city streets during the day, or heading out for a night on the town, your shoes will work.
We think that sticking to neutral colors, like black, tan, navy, grey or brown, will help ensure that your travel shoes will go with whatever clothes you wear each day.
Cost
It might not seem like it sometimes, but your choice of travel shoes really can make or break your holiday.
Sometimes you have to make the investment to ensure that your sightseeing itinerary goes as smoothly as it possibly can.
We know that the price tag can really take the shine off a great pair of travel shoes, so we’ve tried to include shoes across a whole range of budgets.
However, do bear in mind that shoes can be a real investment. We have found that investing in a good pair of travel shoes or hiking boots that last for many years and offer great comfort is well worth it.
Space (in luggage)
The amount of luggage you plan to take on your trip is really going to impact how many pairs of travel shoes you can take with you.
If you choose to travel with a backpack or carry-on suitcase, chances are you’ll be limited to one pair, so it’s important to pick the right ones!
Although more luggage space means you can carry more shoes, sometimes one or two pairs of high-quality footwear is all you need if you pick the right ones.
Weight
With airlines cracking down on maximum weight allowance, less really is more when it comes to packing your travel shoes.
The lighter the shoes, the more pairs you can bring with you, or alternatively, the more space you will have for clothes & souvenirs.
It becomes a little bit more difficult during the winter months when you are traveling with heavy snow and hiking boots, but you should still keep weight in mind and search for the most comfortable, lightweight footwear you can find.
Durability
You may be tempted to pick up a pair of cheap hiking boots, but the lower the quality the less enjoyment you will get from your trip, and your shoes in the long term.
Trust me, you don’t want to be half way through a hike and suffering with wet feet or blisters because you cut costs on your hiking shoes.
Investing in your travel shoes is investing in your happiness at the end of the day. Look for qualities like grip, reinforcement around the toes, flexibility in the soles, and weatherproof features.
In our experience, a good pair of shoes from a well-known manufacturer will last for many years.
Comfort
They might be the most stylish shoes you’ve ever laid eyes on, but if they are not comfortable, they certainly aren’t worth the pain they will inevitably cause you during your trip.
I would argue that comfort is the most important point on this list.
Big adventures can take their toll on your feet, with hours of walking everyday, climbing endless flights of stairs, and rugged mountain terrains, your feet deserve to be as comfortable as possible.
Style
Once you’ve ticked the boxes for all of the above, it’s time to think about the overall style of your new travel shoes. A comfortable pair of stylish shoes will go a long way!
The style of the footwear impacts how many different types of outfits you can wear them with and how easily you can take your shoes from day to night.
We’ve included some of the most stylish travel shoes below to cover you for any travel occasion, at any time of the year.
Best Travel Shoes for Men
We’ve split our guide out into the various types of travel shoes available for men. Depending on the type of trip you are going on, you will likely need shoes from one or more of these categories.
Generally, our trips include both city walking and backcountry hiking. So I will usually pack a good pair of versatile travel shoes, and then, depending on the hiking and likely weather conditions, I will bring a pair of hiking boots.
If we are travelling somewhere warmer, I’ll also likely bring some sandals, which are lightweight and don’t take up much space.
Of course, which travel shoes you bring will depend on a variety of factors, but hopefully the options below should give you lots of ideas!
Best Versatile Travel Shoes for Men
If you’re simply looking for ‘the one’, the most comfortable, reliable, durable and stylish pair of shoes for many different types of travel, these are our go-to versatile travel shoes for men.
1. Allbirds Wool Runner Mizzles
If you want something which is super comfortable for all day use and not too formal, then check out the range that Allbirds / Allbirds UK have.
I actually have five pairs of Allbirds shoes!
First, I have a pair of Allbirds Wool Runner-Up Mizzles (UK here) which Allbirds sent me to test out.
I liked them so much that I’ve since acquired four more pairs of AllBirds shoes. For travel though, I think that the Allbirds Tree Runners (UK here) and Allbirds Wool Runner-Up Mizzles are my favourites.
These shoes meet different needs for travel, and I’ll go over them both so you can see which might be best for your trips.
First, the Allbirds Wool Runner-Up Mizzles. These are made from merino wool which has a water-repellent shield, meaning they are pretty water resistant.
In my testing they will repel rain water for a while, so will withstand a rain shower. However, they’re not waterproof, in that you can’t stand in water for a long time and expect to have dry feet!
The Wool Mizzles are also incredibly comfortable, as you would imagine, given that they are made of merino wool. I’ve worn them for full day adventures around town, and they are really comfortable. They’re also smart enough for evening wear, if not perhaps in the same category of formal wear as other shoes on this list.
The Wool Runner Mizzles are great shoes if you want something which is a bit warmer and which offers rain protection. So a city visit in a cooler month for example is a good scenario.
The Allbirds Tree Runners are more of a sneaker style shoe, which are made from eucalyptus tree fibers. That makes them very breathable and lightweight, and ideal for travelling in warmer climates.
I’ve used them on a trip across East Africa as well as in Europe in summer during a heatwave, and they were incredibly comfortable even on days when we were exploring cities and covering 25,000+ steps in 35C / 95F + heat!
In fact, I liked the pair of Tree Runners so much that I’ve since bought multiple pairs in different colors!
Both these shoe styles, and most of the shoes from Allbirds in general, offer a number of features which make them awesome as travel shoes.
They’re machine washable, and they minimise odour so you can wear them with or without socks. There are also lots of little details, like the full sealed caps on the laces to stop them fraying, that show someone really took their time to get them right.
The Allbirds brand also has a strong focus on using responsibly sourced and renewable materials. They also have a focus on sustainability and a commitment to doing right by the planet, you can read more about that here. They also have vegan shoes available.
Allbirds have an excellent selection of men’s shoes which you can see here (UK here), and I think they are definitely worth checking out for your next travel shoe.
You can also read our complete Allbirds review, which has everything you need to know about these shoes and the styles available.
2. Rockport Men’s Waterproof Oxford Shoes
My favorite shoes for travel when I want something a bit more formal looking are a pair of Timberland’s called the Men’s Carter Notch, but unfortunately Timberland has stopped making them, or anything like them.
The closest I can find as a replacement are these Rockport Oxford shoes, which is what I’ll be buying if my current pair ever wears out!
Despite their relatively formal appearance, Rockport has managed to make a shoe that is also comfortable for walking around in all day as well as being fully waterproof.
The footbed works to keep feet comfortable all day, and these shoes are just as comfortable in the city as they are giving a presentation or going out for a meal at a nice restaurant. The sole is designed to give maximum traction, and you should be able to walk miles in comfort.
For trips where I really just want to pack one pair of shoes, and where I know I’ll have some nights out at nicer restaurants, this would be my go-to pair.
Check price on Amazon here.
3. Merrell Freewheel 2
These stylish smooth suede sneakers are comfortable enough for all day walking and smart enough for an evening out.
Their EVA midsole and air cushion insole are ideal for comfort and stability, while the rubber sole provide the traction you need to hit up as many tourist attractions as possible on your travels.
On top of all of this, they are super stylish and can be paired with a pair of shorts during the day, or with a pair of jeans for an evening meal out. They have it all, comfort, support and versatility.
The only downside is that suede can be susceptible to stains, and isn’t waterproof. We would advise treating them with a suede waterproofing product like this.
Check price on Amazon here, and Zappos here.
4. Adidas Men’s Duramo SL Running Shoes
To be mentioned as our ‘best travel sports shoes’ you need to combine durability, comfort and flexibility in one.
If they happen to be as stylish as the Adidas Duramo SL Running Shoes, that’s a bonus! These shoes are built with light mesh for breathability and a cloudfoam sole for extra cushioning during your activities.
On top of this, they are reinforced with ADIWEAR technology for extra resistance against wear and tear and the outsole grip is made with running and jogging in mind. They are a stylish all-in-one option for both sports and general sightseeing around the world.
Check price on Amazon here, and Zappos here.
5. Clarks Ashcombe Bay
Clarks have been creating high quality, reliable shoes for almost 200 years, so it’s safe to say they know a thing or two about how to build the ideal travel shoe.
Their Ashcombe Bay range is a perfect example of this. With dark brown leather upper, a waterproof membrane, lightweight feel and a durable sole unit with great grip, they really encapsulate style and comfort. Finished with a lace fastening for a secure fit, these shoes are perfect for exploring.
Check price on Amazon here.
Best Travel Walking Shoes / Sneakers for Men
These shoes emphasise comfort for long periods of walking over anything else. They might not be quite as smart as some of our other options, but they will certainly keep your feet comfortable!
1. Allbirds Wool Runner Mizzles
We covered these in our favourite shoes above, but wanted to include them here as well because we think they are a great pair of shoes.
The Wool mizzles are incredibly comfortable, and Allbirds have an excellent selection of men’s shoes which you can see here. I think they are definitely worth checking out if you’re looking for something a little less formal from your travel shoe that will be comfortable for all day wear. Check out their Tree Runners if you want something a bit cooler for hotter countries.
Again, if you are interested in Allbirds shoes we recommend reading our complete Allbirds review, which has everything you need to know about these shoes and the styles available.
2. Merrell Freewheel Lace
We’ve already mentioned this perfect pair in our ‘Most Versatile Travel Shoes’ section, so you can probably tell that we are big fans!
It doesn’t get much more comfortable when it comes to travel walking shoes, as these stylish smooth suede trainers are renowned for their lightweight support. Their EVA midsole and air cushion insole are ideal for comfort and stability, while the rubber inserts provide the traction you need to get the miles in.
Check price on Amazon here, and Zappos here.
3. Skechers Men’s 54601 Trainers
Skechers have really upped their game with their comfortable and affordable walking sneakers.
The Go Walk Max range is designed with athletic walking in mind, so you can be sure that their cushioned, supportive sole design will keep your feet going strong even after a long day of exploring.
Jess loves her Mary Jane Skechers for all day city exploration, and we are confident that these will be super comfortable for all day use too.
Check price on Amazon here, and Zappos here.
4. Adidas Men’s Terrex Swift R2 GTX Cross Trainers
If you are looking for durability, these are a great option! Their GORE-TEX Upper ensures that the shoe is completely waterproof, while the snug fit and lace bungee helps to avoid awkward tangling so you’ll never have to worry about your laces untying while you’re on the go.
The ripstop fabric is light weight and excellent for durability, while the synthetic overlays provide extra support to the construction.
Check price on Amazon here, and Zappos here.
Best Travel Sandals for Men
If you’re travelling somewhere warmer, you might consider some travel sandals to keep your feet cool. These can be really comfortable too, with models offering good support and soles that are suitable for hiking and more casual use.
1.ECCO Men’s Yucatan outdoor offroad hiking sandal
You can always rely on ECCO when it comes to lightweight, supportive sandals. But you don’t have to take our word for it – their Yucatan sandals currently have over 1,300 reviews on Amazon with a 4.5 star rating!
It also helps that they come in every colour you could ever want. If you are on a mission to tackle the terrain, you will love their dual density footbed, made for added comfort and performance.
Check price on Amazon here, Zappos here, and REI here.
2. Skechers Men’s Louden Sandal
Comfort is key when it comes to travel sandals, so the more cushion, the better. Skechers take their padding pretty seriously with their memory foam cushioned footbed and 360 padded straps!
The Louden Sandal is part of their new ‘Relaxed Fit’ series, which offers a roomier and more comfortable fit.
Check price on Amazon here, and Zappos here.
3. Dockers Men’s Newpage Sporty Outdoor Sandal Shoe
If your itinerary is jam packed with sporting activities, you’ll want to find something that syncs up perfectly to your movement.
The Dockers memory foam insole shapes to your foot for instant comfort and a more personal fit. The fusion footbed adds an extra layer of cushioning and the rubber outsole guarantees durability and grip for any outdoor activity.
Check price on Amazon here, and Zappos here.
4. Teva Voya Flip
If you just want a pair of relaxed flip-flops for beach use or for the pool, you probably don’t want a full blown sandal.
Instead, I think this pair of beach ready flip flops from Teva would be a great option. They’re available at a great price point and have thousands of happy customers, and they’re small and light enough to be added to any bag without taking up too much precious space.
Check price on Amazon here, Zappos here and REI here.
Best Travel Hiking Boots for Men
If you’re going to be doing any serious hiking on your travels, I highly recommend getting a good pair of hiking boots. These can definitely be pricey, but I urge you not to cut corners with good hiking boots, as they will last you for years.
1. Scarpa Men’s Kinesis Pro GTX Hiking Boots
These hiking boots are well built and designed to last for many years of hiking across a variety of terrains. I’ve worn Scarpa boots for decades, and these Kinesis Pro GTX boots are only my second pair!
This pair of Scarpa boots are waterproof with a full grain leather upper section, a Gore-Tex lining, an easy-lace system, excellent ankle support, and a comfortable Vibram sole.
These are fairly expensive, but hiking boots are definitely an investment, and this is a pair that we are sure will last you for years to come.
I’ve worn these hiking boots on hikes all around the world, including in Australia, Europe and the USA, in conditions from deserts to snow, and they haven’t let me down yet!
Check price on Amazon here.
2. Lowa Men’s Renegade GTX Hiking Boots
Lowa are a well known brand for high quality travel footwear. These lightweight hiking boots have fantastic grip, a climate-control footbed and a outer layer of leather for warmth and weatherproofing.
It’s difficult to find such a lightweight, versatile pair of boots like these. Their flexibility and comfort is next to none – foolproof for a day out on the hiking trails whilst still being light enough to pack for travel.
Check price on Amazon here, Zappos here, and REI here.
3. Merrell Men’s Moab 3 Mid Waterproof Hiking Boot
For a long time Merrell were Jess’s go to hiking boots, and in fact she wore a pair of Merrell boots when hiking Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania.
The pair we recommend are the Moab 3 Mid Waterproof version, which offer a waterproof membrane to keep your feet dry as well as all important ankle support. There are different versions of this shoe though, depending on your needs.
Check price on Amazon here
Best Travel Water Shoes for Men
If you’re going to be spending time on the beach or in the sea, you might consider a pair of water shoes. These are fast drying shoes specifically designed for water based activities, which will keep your feet protected.
1.Belilent Water Shoes
These non-slip water shoes have all of the key features required for a great day out on the water. They are soft and lightweight, flexible, have a breathable upper mesh and protective soles.
They’re ideal for all water sports, water-based activities and beach time, but also comfortable for other uses.
Check price on Amazon here.
2. Sixspace Barefoot Water Shoes
If you are looking for fast drying water shoes, that are easy to pull on and off, these are the ones for you.
With tough padding around the sole, the Sixspace Barefoot water shoes protect you from sharp rocks and cuts while you’re out at sea.
Their stretchy upper and removable padded insole provides maximum comfort and flexibility, so you can enjoy any water sport without worry.
Check price on Amazon here.
3. Sport.z Barefoot Shoes
The Sport.z Barefoot water shoes are made to last, with breathable ultra light weight fabric for fast draining and cross ventilation. Not only can you can wear them as water shoes, but also for walking or hiking, which adds to their versatility on your next trip.
The lace-up system ensures a fast and secure fit, while the anti-slip rubber sole with eleven holes on each bottom allows proper drainage for a cooler and healthier environment for your feet.
Check price on Amazon here.
Best Travel Sports Shoes for Men
If you like to be active when you travel, or just want to some really comfortable shoes, these sports shoes might be ideal for you.
They’re also generally fairly light weight, so won’t take up too much room in your bag, and can be useful for less challenging hikes in dry conditions.
1. Adidas Men’s Duramo 10
The best travel sports shoes should combine durability, comfort and flexibility in one. If they happen to be as stylish as the Adidas Duramo 10, that’s a bonus!
These shoes are built with light mesh for breathability and a cloudfoam sole for extra cushioning during your activities. On top of this, they are reinforced with ADIWEAR technology for extra resistance against wear and tear and the outsole grip is made with running and jogging in mind.
They are a stylish all-in-one option for both sports and general sightseeing around the world.
Check price on Amazon here, and Zappos here.
2. ASICS Men’s Gel-Nimbus Running Shoes
Famous among the running community, you can always count on Asics to bring you high quality and durable sports shoes.
The GEL-Nimbus series were actually created with Marathons in mind (which can be quite similar to sightseeing if you ask me!).
They have a visible gel in the back of the sole to make each step a little bit easier and much more comfortable. The ‘FlyteFoam’ bottom minimizes impact, and the mesh upper adapts to your foot for extreme comfort and excellent breathability.
It could be argued that these are the best on the market in terms of structure, support and affordability.
Check price on Amazon here, Zappos here, and REI here.
Best Travel Snow Boots
If you are going to be travelling somewhere where there is likely to be a lot of snow to walk through, you might consider buying a specially designed pair of snow boots rather than hiking boots.
Unlike hiking boots, these include additional insulation to keep your feet warm, plus they usually have protection against snow entering the boot from the top of the boot, which based on personal experience, is never a pleasant thing!
1. Merrell Thermo Chill Mid Shell Snow Boots
Mastering the perfect snow boot isn’t easy, it takes the right combination of grip, comfort, warmth and breathability. These guys have hit the nail on the head.
With a focus on waterproof protection, the Merrell winter range has built an all-over defense from snow and rain to ensure all-around warmth in the coldest of temperatures.
Once you slip your feet inside, the insoles instantly mould around you to provide the flexibility, support and protected movement that you need.
Check price on Amazon here.
2. The North Face Men’s Tsumoru Snow Boot
The North Face are famous for their high quality gear, and these boots will certainly make you understand why they have become one of the most trusted brands in the adventure travel world.
Lace them up right and nothing will be getting in or out of these snow boots! With features like the injection-moulded eva midsole along with their PU-coated, ballistic-mesh upper, these are the perfect travel snow boot to protect you from winter’s worst.
With high quality insulation, your feet will stay toasty warm, whatever the outside conditions!
Check price on Amazon here and Zappos here.
3. Columbia Men’s Bugaboot Plus
If it’s warmth you’re after, these waterproof, cosy, cushioned Columbia winter boots will keep you warm and protected on winter days.
They have somehow managed to keep them relatively lightweight, while maintaining all the thermal insulation you need. With great grip in their rubber soles, a waterproof, seam-sealed exterior and their omni-heat™ reflective lining, you are guaranteed long lasting comfort.
Check price on Amazon here, Zappos here, and REI here.
Best Travel Dress Shoes
If you need smarter shoes to travel with, you’ll want a pair of travel dress shoes. We’ve looked for shoes that are comfortable as well as being stylish, and also shoes that shouldn’t take up too much space in your bag where possible. If you need to be smarter when you travel, you might also enjoy our guide to the best travel suit for men.
1. Amberjack Original
By far the most comfortable pair of dress shoes I’ve ever owned are my Amberjack Original shoes.
These shoes are designed to look formal, yet still be super comfortable for all day wear. The base is made from hiking boot material for support, there’s a recessed heel for improved cushion, and the shoe flexes like a sneaker for comfort.
Inside, there’s a comfortable sheepskin lining, with an athletic outsole and a heat activated insole. The exterior is a lovely full grain leather which completes the premium experience.
Honestly, I used to have to wear dress shoes every day for work, and I wish that Amberjack had existed back them so I could wear them every day. As it is, these are my go-to shoes for more formal occasions when we’re at home or on the road, and they are comfortable enough to wear all day if needed.
Amberjack actually make a range of dress shoes. They’re all comfortable, and you might find a different style you prefer. See them all here.
Check price on Amberjack here
2. Clarks Men’s Cotrell Edge Oxford
If you’re looking for comfort and durability you really can’t beat a good pair of Clarks. Their Cotrell Edge Oxford shoes have a foam inlay, made from ‘open-cell Ortholite technology’ which helps with impact absorption with every step you take.
Treat them well and you will get years out of these shoes, as they don’t flatten under pressure or with wear. Highly recommend!
Check price on Amazon here and Zappos here.
3. ECCO Men’s Luca Slip On Trainers
Ecco are known for their high quality mens shoes, and these slip on travel dress shoes are the perfect combination of comfort and style.
Wear them year round, from day to night, for a casual dressed up look. They are also lightweight, making them the ideal shoes to tuck inside your luggage.
Check price on Amazon here.
4. Hush Puppies Men’s Moccasin
You can’t go wrong with a pair of these Hush Puppies. Their soft leather uppers mean that they can be easily stored in your bag without taking up too much space.
They also feature breathable microfiber lining and wrapped sock lining for a comfortable fit no matter what the temperature. Their durable rubber outsole provides ideal traction for exploring new cities for hours on end.
Check price on Amazon here.
How Many Shoes Should I Pack for Travel?
I try to travel with no more than two pairs of shoes on most trips where possible, however, this varies depending on where we are travelling to and the types of activities we’ll be doing.
Normally, most of our trips include a combination of city travel and hiking. On those trips, I’ll wear my hiking boots to travel in as they are bulkier and heavier, and will pack either my Oxford’s or one of my Allbirds pairs in my bag.
Of course, sometimes you will need to travel with more shoes for more specific activities, but we advise trying to keep it to three pairs as a maximum.
Best Travel Shoe Accessories for Men
It’s not all about the actual shoes of course. There are some accessories and items that we advise you also look into to improve your foot comfort when you travel.
1. Rockay Accelerate Anti-Blister Running Socks
A great pair of shoes won’t get you far without a good pair of socks inside them. I don’t know many people who put a lot of thought into their socks of choice, so don’t worry – we’ve found some that tick all the travel essential boxes.
Comfort, breathability, washability (is there anything worse than only getting 1 or 2 solid wears out of your socks before they start to fall apart in the wash?) and odor control.
2. Merino Wool Hiking Socks
If you are planning on doing any hiking, I highly recommend a pair of good hiking socks. I prefer merino wool socks for hiking as they are good at controlling both moisture and temperature.
This pack of socks comes with four pairs, which should be enough for most trips, plus you can always do laundry as you travel. They also offer a reinforced heel and toe for longevity.
3. SOUL INSOLE – Premium Orthotic Insole
With all of the walking, Jess and I have suffered from arch pain during our trips, and these have been a life saver! They slot right into the arch of your shoe for maximum comfort – even sandals and dress shoes.
They instantly reduce the pressure from my forefoot and heel by redistributing the pressure evenly across my entire foot.
A big bonus for me is the fact that they are washable and reusable so one pack will get you a long way. Their medical grade gel is antibacterial, odorless, soft and flexible. I can’t recommend them enough!
4. Travel Shoe Bag
For ease of packing, and to save you the worry of having to get your shoes spotless before adding them to your bag, we recommend you pick up some shoe bags to travel with.
The Yamiu shoe bags are inexpensive, come in a set of 4 bags across two sizes, and are made of a waterproof material. When you’re not traveling, you can use them to store your shoes in a dust free environment, and being waterproof you can even use them as a toiletry bag if you don’t have four pairs of shoes to travel with!
5. Waterproofing Wax
If you buy an expensive pair of leather shoes or hiking boots, we can highly recommend buying a good after care product like this Nikwax Waterproofing wax.
This isn’t necessarily something you will want to travel with, but we recommend using it regularly on your leather products to maintain their waterproof capabilities and keep the leather in top condition.
Further Reading
That summarises our guide to the best travel shoes for men! Hopefully you found it useful. We’ve also put all the items from this guide into a list on Amazon for easy reference.
We also have a number of other relevant posts that we think you will find useful for travel planning.
- We have a detailed Allbirds review, which has everything you need to know about these shoes and the styles available.
- We also have a detailed guide to the best travel suit for men
- If you’re looking for specific packing tips, see our guides to what to pack for a ski trip, what to pack for Iceland, what to pack for London, and what to pack for winter in Finland to get started.
- For gift ideas, see our guide to what to buy for photographers, travel themed home decor items, and our ultimate gift guide for travelers.
- We also have lots of travel posts to help inspire and help you plan your next trip! These include our guide to the world’s best road trips, our guide to getting online when travelling, our guide to picking a travel router and more
And that’s it. We hope you found a pair of shoes you like, or at least some ideas for what to look for when buying your next pair of travel shoes.
Do you have a favourite pair of travel shoes you’d like to share, or a question about any of the above? As always, just let us know in the comments below!
Mitch Clark says
what are some travel shoe suggestions would you recommend for a twenty-something business traveler starting out? I normally wear either black or dark brown shoes and need to look professional to go with more formal work wear and also be fairly easy to clean and comfortable – bonus if works with other clothes too – looking for a list of brands to check out and even specific shoes you might know of
Laurence Norah says
Hey Mitch!
So this will depend a little on how formal you want to be. If you are going to be wearing a suit, then you might want a pair of dress shoes. These can definitely work with other clothes as well as long as you don’t mind looking more dressed up than casual. Personally I have a pair of Amberjacks as formal dress shoes, they are very smart but they are stealthily designed to also be very comfortable, which isn’t the case with a lot of dress shoes I’ve owned. They make a number of different styles.
If those are a bit formal then I used to recommend a pair of Timberland Stormbuck Oxford shoes but they don’t seem to be being made any more. So the next closest shoes I could find are these Rockport Oxfords. Just note that they aren’t leather, although the material has a similar look. Another option to consider would be the Ecco S Lite hybrid brogue which offers a good balance of style and comfort. Cole Haan would be another brand to consider.
Depending on budget, you may also consider looking at brands like Grant Stone or Allen Edmonds. However their shoes tend to be a bit more expensive, and I’d say if you are just starting out you might want to start off with a less expensive option and see what works for you.
I hope this helps, let me know if I can be of any more help!
Laurence
Rigo says
Hello Laurence, thanks for the list.
I’m going to be travelling to a few cities in Europe for the first time for about 3 weeks(Belgium, Germany, Austria), from mid november to early december, so i’m assuming i can expect a not extremely cold environment, but most likely colder than i’m used to as a south american haha, so i’m trying to figure out what would be some good pairs of shoes to bring to my trip.
I’m mostly worried about rainy weather, since in the colder months I usually wear some pretty comfortable and breathable running shoes and switch to warmer socks and works well enough for me at around 8C(45~F), but i’m not sure if that strategy will work out this time since they’re very not waterproof haha, so what would you recommend? assuming it’s going to be an exclusively city walking trip.
Laurence Norah says
Hi Rigo,
It’s my pleasure. So my personal choice would be the Allbirds Wool Runner Mizzles. They are fairly water resistant and are what I use for most of our cooler weather trips. I’m wearing them around Chicago at the moment and it’s been pretty cold and they have been comfortable for the trip. They are not going to withstand standing in rivers or anything like that, but they are fine for general wet weather in my experience.
I hope this helps!
Have a great trip 🙂
Laurence
David says
Hi Laurence, Found this article after reading through some of your Iceland articles which have been very useful. Thoughts on what shoes my wife and I should pack for a 10 day winter trip? Spending time in capital, some hiking, baths, beaches, day tours, etc. Thanks!
Laurence Norah says
Hi David,
Thanks so much. So personally I’d lean towards a good pair of hiking boots which is what we wear in Iceland in winter. Another option is snow boots, but those are a bit more specific. Waterproof hiking boots with a good grip should cover all your needs, along with some nice warm socks. You might also consider something like the Allbirds Wool Runner Mizzles for city use as they offer some water resistance and are quite warm too, but they wouldn’t be as good for hiking.
Let me know if I can help any further, and have an amazing time in Iceland!
Laurence
Scott says
This has been helpful. I am trying to find a pair of shoes for a 2 wk trip where I can just take the one pair as I don’t want to pack any shoes. The trip will to 3 cities in the USA so mostly a lot of city walking but also maybe some light walking/hiking on trails. I have wide feet so need a wide toe box and am prone to blisters. Thoughts on shoes and socks you would consider packing?
Laurence Norah says
Hi Scott!
I’m delighted to have been of help! So my first tip would be around socks. If you are prone to blisters, what I have found to work for me is to wear two pairs of thin socks rather than one pair of socks. Then, if there is friction, it happens between the socks rather than on your foot. Another option is to rub vaseline into your feet, which can also help. The anti-blister socks are also a good idea, and I would also suggest packing some blister specific sticking plasters like this.
As you only want to travel with one pair of shoes for a city break / light trail walking I am guessing you might want something a little bit smarter that would work on an evening out as well. So I’d suggest maybe the Timberland shoes, which are what I have. They are smart enough for a night out, but they also work for city walking. I wouldn’t want to do any extreme hiking, but they are ok for trail walking.
If those are a bit formal, then I think the Adidas Terrex might be a good pick. If you are buying online, my suggestion would be to purchase some different options at different sizes so you can return the ones that don’t fit.
I hope this helps!
HAve a great trip 🙂
Laurence
Brandon says
This has lots of good recommendations for men. I am heading on a trip soon that will include some city walking, museums, beaches, and snorkeling. I am guessing I will need two pairs of shoes…trying to fly carry-on only as short trip. Any thoughts? New to traveling and this is also my first time snorkeling so not sure if just flip-flops would be ok for boat or maybe water or reef shoes would be better?
Laurence Norah says
Hi Brandon – it’s really up to you, but I would definitely say that reef / water shoes would be better. Flip flops can be a bit slippery, especially when wet, and you might find your feet slip out of them. Reef shoes are more grippy and offer better support and protection. The good news is that they are pretty lightweight and fold up fairly small, so you shouldn’t have any problem fitting them in!
Best
Laurence