When you travel, the chances are you’re going to be doing a fair bit of walking. We usually spend many hours on our feet each day of our trips, whether that’s hiking up mountains or just exploring city attractions, and the right pair of shoes really does make or break the trip.
Shoes are also heavy and take up valuable luggage space. So you want something versatile, something that handles cobbles in the morning, a museum floor for three hours, and a restaurant that won’t quite seat you in trainers.
We’ve spent years travelling many months out of the year, often walking 20,000+ steps a day researching destinations. We do everything from city exploring to mountain hiking, and our trips cover all sorts of terrain, from city streets to deserts to dirt and snow-covered trails.
Based on all that walking (and an embarrassing number of pairs of shoes), I’ve put together this guide to the travel shoes I actually wear, plus the picks I’d recommend across every category. We also have a guide to travel shoes for women here, written by Jess.
This guide covers a wide range of men’s travel shoes, from versatile city shoes to hiking boots to dress shoes. Let’s get started with what I personally wear, then move on to the picks for every type of trip.

Table of Contents:
What I’ve Actually Worn for Years
Before getting into the full category guide, here’s the short version. Most travel shoe roundups give you 20+ products with no clue which ones the author actually wears. So this section is the opposite. These are the five pairs I actually reach for when packing, with how long I’ve owned each pair and where they earn their place.
If you only read one section of this article, make it this one.
1. Vessi Weekend Classic
My current daily go-to. I’ve been wearing the Vessi Weekend Classic in oak brown for around two years now, and they’ve replaced almost everything else for general city travel. They’re properly waterproof, comfortable for full days of walking, and smart enough that I’m happy wearing them out for dinner.
The waterproofing is the headline feature. I’ve worn them in proper rain in the UK, through wet grass, and across the kind of city pavement puddles that swallow lesser shoes, and my feet have stayed dry every time. They’re also light and pack-friendly, so if you’re trying to travel with one pair, these are the ones I’d point you at first.
The look is somewhere between a sneaker and a casual lace-up, which is the sweet spot for European city travel where pure trainers can feel a bit out of place at evening venues.
Best for: One-pair-only city travel, anywhere wet (the UK, autumn Europe, Pacific Northwest), travellers who want waterproof without looking like they’re about to climb a mountain.
Check current price on Vessi here.
2. Allbirds Wool Runner NZ Waterproof
The shoes I previously had on heavy rotation were the Allbirds Wool Runner Mizzles. Allbirds have since replaced those with the Wool Runner NZ Waterproof, which is the same merino-wool comfort but properly waterproof rather than water-resistant. It’s the upgrade the Mizzles needed.
I’ve owned five pairs of Allbirds shoes over the years (started with a pair the company sent me to test, then bought four more pairs because I liked them so much), and these waterproof wool runners are the cooler-weather pick. They’re warm, the wool minimises odour so you can wear them without socks, they’re machine washable, and the waterproof version means you can wear them through a UK autumn without thinking twice.


Best for: Cooler-weather city travel, European autumn and winter trips, anyone who prefers a sneaker silhouette.
Check current price on Allbirds here, in the US on Amazon here, or in the UK on Allbirds here.
3. Allbirds Tree Runners
The hot-weather counterpart to the Wool Runners. Made from eucalyptus tree fibres, these are extremely breathable and lightweight, which makes them ideal for warm climates. I’ve worn them across East Africa and across Europe in summer, including a memorable European heatwave where I covered 25,000+ steps a day in 35°C / 95°F+ heat. They were comfortable the whole time.
I liked the first pair so much I’ve since bought multiple pairs in different colours. Like the Wool Runners, they’re machine washable and minimise odour, so you can wear them with or without socks (mostly without, in summer).

Best for: Summer city travel, hot destinations, anyone who runs warm.
Check current price on Allbirds here, or in the UK on Allbirds here.
You can also read our complete Allbirds review, which covers everything you need to know about the various Allbirds styles available.
4. Scarpa Kinesis Pro GTX
I’ve worn Scarpa boots for decades, and these Kinesis Pro GTX boots are only my second pair. That’s how durable they are. The first pair lasted me through years of hiking before they needed replacing, which is the kind of return on investment that justifies the price.
These are full-leather upper, Gore-Tex lined, with a Vibram sole and proper ankle support. I’ve worn them on hikes around the world, including in Australia, Europe and the USA, in conditions from desert to snow, and they haven’t let me down yet.

They’re not cheap, but if you’re going to be doing any serious hiking, a good pair of boots is the single most important purchase you’ll make. Cheap hiking boots cause blisters, leak, and fall apart on the trail. These do none of those things.
Best for: Multi-day hiking, mixed-terrain trips, the kind of person who’d rather buy once and be done.
Check current price on Amazon here.
5. Amberjack Original
The most comfortable pair of dress shoes I’ve ever owned. I used to have to wear dress shoes every day for work, back in my software developer days, and I wish that Amberjack had existed back then. The base is built like a hiking boot for support, the shoe flexes like a sneaker, and the inside has a sheepskin lining that makes them feel less like dress shoes than any I’ve owned.

The exterior is full grain leather. They look properly smart, which is the test for a dress shoe, but they walk like a casual shoe, which is the test for a travel shoe. These are the ones I pack when I know there’s a wedding, a nicer restaurant, or any setting where the Vessi or Allbirds wouldn’t quite fit.

Best for: Any trip with a smart-dress occasion, business travel, anyone who’s previously had to compromise comfort for formality.
Check current price on Amberjack here. They make a few different styles too, so it’s worth seeing the full range.
Pack-One-Pair Picks by Trip Shape
Most travel shoe articles, ours included historically, organise everything by category (sandals, dress shoes, hiking boots, etc.) and assume you’ll work out for yourself which combination to pack. The question I actually get asked is the opposite: “I’m going on a 10-day trip to X, what should I bring?”
So here are five common trip shapes with the actual pair (or two pairs) I’d pack for each. If your trip doesn’t quite fit one of these, the closest match is usually the right starting point.
For a 10-day European city trip (Lisbon, Edinburgh, Rome, Athens, similar), the everyday pair is the Vessi Weekend Classic. If the forecast is cool, the Allbirds Wool Runner NZ Waterproof comes too. The Vessis handle cobbles, hills and museum floors well, and they’re presentable enough for evening venues.
For a European city trip with light hiking (city base plus a day hike or two), the Allbirds Tree Runners work for city days and the Scarpa Kinesis Pro GTX for the hike days. Wear the boots in transit so you don’t have to pack them, they’ll eat into your luggage allowance quickly.
For a hiking-led trip (Iceland, Norway, the Alps), the Scarpa Kinesis Pro GTX is the daily pair, with the Allbirds Tree Runners as the recovery shoe for evenings and travel days.
For a summer heatwave city trip (Mediterranean, Southeast Asia), the Allbirds Tree Runners handle walking, with the Teva Voya Flip for evenings, the beach, and the hotel pool.
For winter city travel (Northern Europe, North America), the Allbirds Wool Runner NZ Waterproof covers most days. If you’re somewhere with serious snow on the ground (Reykjavik in January, say, rather than London in January), step up to a proper snow boot like the Merrell Thermo Chill.
The two-pair maximum is real. We’ve travelled for years and rarely needed more, even on trips that mixed city and trail. If you can wear the bulkier pair in transit, the second pair fits in any carry-on.
Things to Consider when buying Travel Shoes
Before getting into the full picks list, three things matter when choosing travel shoes. The list of things people say matter is much longer (cost, weight, style, durability, versatility, packability), but most of those collapse into these three.
Comfort
The most important point. A stylish pair of shoes that hurts your feet by hour three is a worse purchase than a slightly less stylish pair you can wear all day. Big city days take their toll on feet, with hours of walking, climbing endless stairs, and standing on hard museum floors. Anything that shaves friction or impact from that experience is worth paying for.
The shoes that sit in this article do because I’ve worn them for full days without my feet complaining. Comfort is also why every category here includes at least one option with proper cushioning and support, even the dress shoe section.
Versatility
The single best thing a travel shoe can do is fit more than one role. A pair that handles all-day city walking, a smart-casual evening, and a forecast change without protest is worth two pairs that each only handle one job. That versatility is what lets you pack two pairs total instead of four.
Neutral colours help here. Black, tan, navy, grey or brown shoes go with whatever you’ve packed, which means you don’t end up rotating shoes around your outfit choices.
Weight and Packability
Airlines are increasingly strict on weight, and shoes are heavy. The lighter and more packable each pair is, the more you can take or the more space you have for other things.
The trick most travellers miss is wearing the bulkier pair in transit. Hiking boots, snow boots, and any chunky shoe should be worn on the plane, not packed. That way the lighter, more packable pair (sandals, sneakers, dress shoes) goes in the bag.
Best Travel Shoes for Men
The rest of this guide covers the full picks across every type of travel shoe, organised by category. Most travellers won’t need shoes from every category, and there’s a “you probably don’t need this” note on a couple of the niche ones below.
Generally, our trips include both city walking and some hiking. So I usually pack a versatile city pair (Vessi or Allbirds, depending on weather) and a pair of hiking boots if there’s any trail walking on the itinerary. If we’re somewhere warm, sandals get added too.
Best Versatile Travel Shoes for Men
The “if I can only bring one pair” category. Versatile shoes work for full-day city walking, evenings out, and forecast changes without complaint.
1. Vessi Weekend Classic
Covered above as my current daily pair. Worth repeating in this category because it’s exactly what versatile shoes are meant to be: 100% waterproof, comfortable for long days, and smart enough to wear out to dinner. Two years in and they’re still my first choice for any trip where I want to pack one pair.
Vessi makes a few styles. The Weekend Classic is the lace-up casual that I wear, but they also do slip-ons, sneakers, and a couple of dressier options if the look isn’t quite right.
Check current price on Vessi here.
2. Rockport Robinsyn Waterproof Plain Toe
If you want something a bit more formal-looking than the Vessi while still being comfortable for full-day walking, this is the pick. The Rockport Robinsyn line is what I’d reach for if I needed one pair that could handle both city walking and a smart restaurant or office setting.
Despite the relatively formal appearance, Rockport has managed to make a shoe that’s also fully waterproof and comfortable for walking around all day. The footbed handles all-day wear, and the sole has decent traction. For trips where you need one pair that can do meetings, dinners, and long walks, this is a strong choice.
Check current price on Amazon here.
Best Travel Walking Shoes / Sneakers for Men
These are designed for long days of walking above all else. Less formal than the versatile picks above, but the comfort-per-mile is unmatched.
1. Allbirds Wool Runner NZ Waterproof & Allbirds Tree Runners
Both covered in detail in the lead section above. They sit together here because between them, they cover almost any city-walking scenario. The Wool Runner NZ Waterproof handles cooler and wet weather; the Tree Runners handle warm and dry. If you’re wondering which to pick, weather is the deciding factor: pick the NZ Waterproof for European autumn or winter trips, the Tree Runners for summer.
Allbirds also has a strong focus on responsibly sourced and renewable materials, with a vegan range available too. The brand has been through a difficult few years commercially (closing US retail stores, shifting to wholesale and e-commerce), but the products remain excellent.
Check current prices on Allbirds: Wool Runner NZ Waterproof here, Tree Runners here, full men’s range here. UK readers can shop Allbirds UK here.
For more on Allbirds, see our complete Allbirds review.
2. Skechers Men’s Go Walk Max Effort
For a more affordable walking-focused option, Skechers have really upped their game with their cushioned walking sneakers. The Go Walk Max range is built around athletic walking, with a cushioned, supportive sole that holds up across long city days.
Jess loves her Mary Jane Skechers for all-day city walks, and the men’s Go Walk Max sit in the same family of “extremely comfortable, modestly priced, no-nonsense walking shoes.” If you’re not ready to commit to the Vessi or Allbirds price point, these are the budget pick.
Check current price on Amazon here.
Best Travel Sandals for Men
If you’re travelling somewhere warm, a pair of travel sandals is worth packing. The good options offer real arch support and a sole that handles light hiking and beach use both.
1. ECCO Men’s Yucatan Hiking Sandal
ECCO’s Yucatan sandals are a longstanding favourite for travel because they balance support and comfort better than most hiking sandals. They have a dual-density footbed designed for serious walking, and they come in enough colours that you can pick something that goes with your wardrobe.
What sets these apart from typical sandals is that you can actually walk a long way in them without your feet aching. They handle uneven trails, river crossings, and the kind of mixed beach-and-rocky-headland exploring that wears out cheaper sandals.
Check current price on Amazon here.
2. Teva Voya Flip
For trips where you really just want a pair of relaxed flip-flops for the beach, the pool, or evening hotel-to-restaurant walks, you don’t need a full hiking sandal. The Teva Voya Flip is what I’d point you at instead.
They’re light, pack tiny, and Teva makes them properly. They’re not trying to be a hiking sandal, which is the right call for a flip flop. They cost a fraction of the ECCOs and serve a different purpose.
Check current price on Amazon here.
Best Travel Hiking Boots for Men
If you’re going to be doing any serious hiking, a good pair of boots is the single best investment in this whole article. They’re not cheap, but they last for years and they make the difference between a hike you remember for the views and a hike you remember for the blisters.
1. Scarpa Men’s Kinesis Pro GTX
Covered in detail in the lead section above. These are my hiking boots, and they’ve been across deserts, snow, and most things in between. Full grain leather upper, Gore-Tex lining, easy-lace system, ankle support, Vibram sole. Expensive, but the kind of boot you buy once and own for a decade.
Check current price on Amazon here.
2. Lowa Men’s Renegade GTX
Lowa is another well-respected hiking boot brand, and the Renegade GTX is their best-known model. They’re lighter than the Scarpas, with a climate-control footbed and a leather outer for warmth and weatherproofing.
If the Scarpa Kinesis Pro feels like a bit too much boot for the kind of hiking you do (the Scarpa is built for serious mountain conditions), the Renegade is the more travel-friendly option. Lighter to pack, still properly waterproof, and a known quantity for hikers.
Check current price on Amazon here.
3. Merrell Men’s Moab 3 Mid Waterproof
For a long time, Merrell were Jess’s go-to hiking boots. She wore a pair of them when hiking Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania, which is about as serious a test as a pair of hiking boots gets.
The Moab 3 Mid Waterproof is the version we’d recommend, with a waterproof membrane and ankle support. They’re more affordable than either the Scarpa or the Lowa, which makes them a good entry point for someone who isn’t sure yet how much hiking they’ll actually do.
Check current price on Amazon here.
Water Shoes (You Probably Don’t Need These)
Water shoes are a small market full of generic options, and most travellers don’t actually need them. If you’re spending a day on a boat tour, a beach holiday, or a snorkelling trip where you’ll be walking on rocks or coral, they might be useful. For everything else, your sandals or trainers do the job.
If you specifically need them, the things to look for are quick-drying mesh, a non-slip sole with proper grip, and protection on the toes. Most of the cheaper options on Amazon meet that bar; the brand matters less than the fit.

Best Travel Sports Shoes for Men
If you’re planning to actually run or do gym workouts on your travels, packing dedicated sports shoes is worth it. They’re also lightweight and useful for less challenging hikes in dry conditions.
1. Adidas Men’s Duramo SL 2
The Duramo SL 2 is the entry-level Adidas running shoe and a sensible pick for a travel sports shoe. Light mesh upper for breathability, cloudfoam sole for cushioning, and a price point that doesn’t ask you to commit like a serious running shoe does.
If you want something for occasional hotel-gym workouts and the odd morning run on a trip, these handle that without taking up too much space in your bag.
Check current price on Amazon here.
2. ASICS Men’s Gel-Nimbus
If you actually run and want something proper, the ASICS Gel-Nimbus is the running shoe most reviewers point at. The Gel-Nimbus line was originally designed for long-distance running, with the visible gel cushioning under the heel to take the impact out of long runs.
The mesh upper is breathable, the cushioning is excellent, and they’re widely considered one of the best all-round road running shoes. They’re heavier and more expensive than the Duramo, but if running is part of your travel plan, the difference is worth it.
Check current price on Amazon here, or REI here.
Best Travel Snow Boots
If you’re travelling somewhere where there’s serious snow on the ground (Reykjavik in winter, Tromsø, Quebec, the Alps in deep winter), a proper snow boot is worth packing. They’re insulated for warmth, designed to keep snow out from the top, and waterproof in a way that ordinary hiking boots aren’t necessarily.
For most winter European city travel (London, Paris, even Edinburgh), the Allbirds Wool Runner NZ Waterproof from above will be enough. Snow boots are for the destinations where you’d actually be walking through snow.
1. Merrell Thermo Chill Mid Shell Snow Boots
A solid mid-priced snow boot from a brand that knows what it’s doing in waterproof footwear. Insulated, fully waterproof, with a moulded insole that flexes around your foot.
For a week of winter city travel where there might be snow on the ground, these are the pick. They’re warm, they keep your feet dry, and they’re not so chunky that you can’t wear them out for dinner.
Check current price on Amazon here.
2. Columbia Men’s Bugaboot Celsius
If warmth is the priority, the Columbia Bugaboot Celsius range goes further than most. Waterproof, seam-sealed, with Columbia’s omni-heat reflective lining that makes a real difference when it’s properly cold.
They’re a bit heavier than the Merrell Thermo Chill, but if you’re going somewhere properly cold (Iceland in winter, ice hotel territory), the extra insulation justifies the extra weight.
Check current price on Amazon here.
Best Travel Dress Shoes
If you need smarter shoes on the road (a wedding, a business meeting, a nicer restaurant), a pair of travel dress shoes is worth packing. The picks below balance smartness with all-day comfort, which is the gap most dress shoes fail. We’ve also got a related guide to the best travel suit for men if smarter dress is part of your trip.
1. Amberjack Original
Covered in detail in the lead section above. Most comfortable dress shoes I’ve owned. Hiking-boot-grade base, sneaker flex, sheepskin lining, full grain leather upper. The pair I pack when smart-dress is on the trip.
Amberjack also makes other styles (loafers, wholecuts, brogues), so if the Original isn’t quite right, the full range is worth a look.
2. Clarks Men’s Cotrell Edge Oxford
For a more traditional dress shoe at a much lower price point than the Amberjack, Clarks is the dependable pick. The Cotrell Edge has an open-cell Ortholite foam insole that helps with impact absorption, which is the thing most cheap dress shoes cut corners on.
They’re not in the same comfort league as the Amberjack, but they’re a fraction of the price and they last for years if you care for them properly. A reasonable compromise pick.
Check current price on Amazon here.
3. ECCO Men’s New Jersey Slip On Loafer
If you’d rather skip laces, ECCO’s slip-on loafers are the smarter slip-on option. Lightweight, casual-but-smart, and they tuck flat into a bag.
These work as a year-round dress-casual option, day to evening, and they’re particularly useful for any trip with airport security in it (slipping them off and on is faster than dealing with laces).
Check current price on Amazon here.
How Many Shoes Should I Pack for Travel?
Two pairs is the answer for most trips. I try to travel with no more than two pairs on most trips, even ones that mix cities and trails, and we’ve never come back wishing we’d brought a third pair.
Most of our trips include both city walking and some hiking. On those, I wear my hiking boots in transit (because they’re bulkier and heavier and it’d be silly to pack them) and pack the Vessis or Allbirds in my bag. That covers everything.
Sometimes you do need three pairs. If you’re going somewhere warm enough that sandals make sense, and you also want a more formal pair for an evening, three is the count. Try not to go beyond that.
Best Travel Shoe Accessories for Men
Shoes aren’t the whole story. A few accessories make a real difference to how comfortable your feet stay across long days of travel.
1. Cushioned Ankle Socks
A good pair of shoes won’t get you far without good socks inside them. Most people don’t think about socks much, which is why so many travellers end up with blisters on day three. The basics that matter: comfort, breathability, washability (the test being whether they survive a few washes), and odour control.
Check current price on Amazon here.
2. Merino Wool Hiking Socks
If you’re hiking, merino wool socks are non-negotiable. They handle moisture and temperature better than cotton, they don’t smell after a long day, and they last for years. I prefer merino over any synthetic for hiking specifically.
The pack we recommend is a four-pair set, which is enough for most trips, plus you can always do laundry as you travel. Reinforced heel and toe for the extra wear hiking puts on socks.
Check current price on Amazon here.
3. SOUL INSOLE Premium Orthotic Insole
Both Jess and I have suffered from arch pain on long trip days, and these orthotic insoles have been the fix. They slot into the arch of any shoe, including sandals and dress shoes, and they redistribute pressure across the foot rather than letting it concentrate on the heel and forefoot.
They’re washable and reusable, so one pack lasts a long time. Worth a try if you’ve ever had arch pain on a long walking day, even if you don’t normally wear orthotics.
Check current price on Amazon here.
4. Travel Shoe Bags
For ease of packing, and to save you having to scrub shoes spotless before they go in the bag, shoe bags are worth the small investment. The Yamiu set is what we use: four bags across two sizes, waterproof material, inexpensive.
When you’re not travelling, they’re useful for shoe storage at home (dust-free) or as a waterproof toiletry bag if you don’t have four pairs of shoes to bag up.
Check current price on Amazon here.
5. Nikwax Fabric & Leather Proof Spray
If you’ve spent good money on a pair of leather shoes or hiking boots, a waterproofing aftercare product extends the life of the shoe and keeps them performing properly. Nikwax is the well-known name in this space.
You probably don’t want to travel with this, but a regular application at home keeps leather waterproof and the leather itself in good condition. Cheap insurance against having to replace a £200 pair of boots after one bad season.
Check current price on Amazon here.

Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best travel shoes for European city walking?
The Vessi Weekend Classic is my first recommendation for European city walking. They’re 100% waterproof (which matters more than you’d expect across UK and Northern European weather), they handle cobbles and hills well, and they’re presentable enough for evening venues where pure trainers feel out of place.
If you want a sneaker silhouette instead, the Allbirds Wool Runner NZ Waterproof is the cooler-weather pick and the Allbirds Tree Runners is the warm-weather one. Between these three, you’ve got European city travel covered for any season.
How many pairs of shoes should I pack for travel?
Two pairs covers almost every trip. One versatile city pair you wear most days, and a second pair for whatever your trip needs (hiking boots if there’s a trail walk, sandals if it’s hot, dress shoes if there’s an evening occasion).
The trick is wearing the bulkier of the two in transit. Hiking boots and snow boots go on the plane, lighter shoes go in the bag. Three pairs is sometimes justified (warm trip with both hiking and evening occasions), but four or more rarely is.
What about cobblestones?
Cobbles are harder on feet than flat pavement because they cause constant micro-adjustments to balance and impact. The shoes that handle them best have proper cushioning, decent grip, and a sole that flexes rather than going stiff.
The Vessi Weekend Classic, Allbirds Wool Runner NZ Waterproof, and Allbirds Tree Runners all handle cobbles well. The Rockport Robinsyn does too if you want something dressier. What you want to avoid for a heavy-cobble destination is anything with a thin or rigid sole, including most fashion sneakers and most dress shoes that aren’t built for walking.
Are sneakers okay for nicer restaurants in Europe?
It depends on the sneaker and the restaurant. Bright-coloured technical running shoes look out of place at a nicer restaurant; quiet leather or wool shoes in dark colours generally don’t.
The Vessi Weekend Classic and Allbirds Wool Runner NZ Waterproof in dark colours both pass for casual-evening wear at most European restaurants. If you’re going somewhere properly formal (Michelin-starred, hotel jacket-required dining), pack dress shoes. For most travellers’ restaurant choices, a quiet pair of sneakers is fine.
What shoes should I pack for Iceland in winter?
For Iceland in winter, hiking boots are the right answer for any day with outdoor activity (the Scarpa Kinesis Pro GTX or Lowa Renegade GTX both work). Pair them with the Allbirds Wool Runner NZ Waterproof for Reykjavik city days where you’re not walking through snow.
If you’re going to be out on glaciers, ice caves, or northern-lights tours where you’re standing outside in serious cold for long periods, step up to a proper snow boot like the Merrell Thermo Chill or Columbia Bugaboot Celsius. Warm wool socks are non-negotiable. We’ve got a full Iceland winter packing guide for the rest of the kit.
What about smart-casual or business travel shoes?
The Amberjack Original is my main recommendation for business travel. It’s a full dress shoe in look but built like a sneaker for comfort, which is the gap most dress shoes fail. If Amberjack isn’t quite the right fit, brands worth checking out include Cole Haan (good comfort options), Ecco’s S Lite hybrid brogue line, Grant Stone, and Allen Edmonds (more expensive, traditional dress shoe craftsmanship).
The Rockport Robinsyn Waterproof Plain Toe is also worth considering if you want something between a smart shoe and a casual one. The Clarks Cotrell Edge Oxford is the budget option that still passes the smart-shoe bar.
Further Reading
That summarises our guide to the best travel shoes for men. We’ve also got a number of other guides we think you’ll find useful for travel planning.
- For more on Allbirds specifically, see our complete Allbirds review.
- If smarter dress is part of your trip, see our guide to the best travel suit for men.
- For destination-specific packing, 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.
- For gift ideas, see our guide to what to buy for photographers, travel themed home decor items, and our ultimate gift guide for travelers.
- And lots of travel inspiration: the world’s best road trips, getting online when travelling, picking a travel router, and more.
And that’s it. Hopefully you found a pair of shoes you like, or at least some ideas for what to look for when buying your next pair.
Do you have a favourite pair of travel shoes, 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