The 10 Best Shoes for Comfortable, Chic Travel (2024)

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The 10 Best Shoes for Comfortable, Chic Travel (1)

Because yes, you can have it all.

By Gaby Keiderling

There is an art to dressing for travel. It's all about finding the perfect balance of looking put together while feeling completely unconfined. Whether you're taking a red-eye flight or hitting the open road, achieving this balance sets you up for success when you reach whatever your destination may be. So, let's start with the foundation: your shoes.

When selecting your travel shoe, you will want to consider support and style. Most likely, your trips are going to involve quite a bit of walking. Or sprinting to the gate if you're one of those folks who still working on traveling time management (*raises hand*). Therefore, make sure the shoe you choose has ample cushion and stability. Then, think about your next destination. Do you go from the plane to the hotel gym? Pick up a pair of sneakers. Are you going straight from the train to the office? Go for a soft leather pair that still has structure. From suede kicks to streamlined loafers, there's a shoe for every type of traveler out there.

Ready to choose the companion to join you on your next adventure? Check out the 10 best travel shoes right here.

Best Lightweight Sneakers

Lululemon Cityverse Sneakers

The 10 Best Shoes for Comfortable, Chic Travel (12)

Best Lightweight Sneakers

Lululemon Cityverse Sneakers

Pros
  • The 10 Best Shoes for Comfortable, Chic Travel (13)Comes with two different laces
  • The 10 Best Shoes for Comfortable, Chic Travel (14)Cupped rubber outsole increases traction
Cons
  • The 10 Best Shoes for Comfortable, Chic Travel (15)Sells out quickly
  • The 10 Best Shoes for Comfortable, Chic Travel (16)The white colorway gets dirty easily

Lululemon recently entered the men's footwear world, and it did so with a bang. We have always been fans of the brand's clothing (we're looking at you, ABC pants), so we had high expectations for the sneakers. And let us tell you this, they did not disappoint. Extremely lightweight yet still supportive, you won't want to take this pair off.

Sizes7–14
Colors2

Most Timeless Shoes

Clarks Desert Boot

The 10 Best Shoes for Comfortable, Chic Travel (17)

Most Timeless Shoes

Clarks Desert Boot

Pros
  • The 10 Best Shoes for Comfortable, Chic Travel (18)Simple lace fastening
  • The 10 Best Shoes for Comfortable, Chic Travel (19)Clarks Original fobs come attached
Cons
  • The 10 Best Shoes for Comfortable, Chic Travel (20)Suede requires maintenance
  • The 10 Best Shoes for Comfortable, Chic Travel (21)Complaints of colors being slightly different than expected

The Desert Boot goes way back. Like 1950s back. There's a reason the minimalist suede design is still alive and kicking today, and it's called craftsmanship. From the sand suede upper to the breathable leather lining, this attention to detail is impeccable. Plus, when you get where you're going, they can dress up or down with ease.

Sizes7–15
Colors7

Best Suede Sneakers

Golden Goose Soul Star Sneakers

The 10 Best Shoes for Comfortable, Chic Travel (22)

Best Suede Sneakers

Golden Goose Soul Star Sneakers

Pros
  • The 10 Best Shoes for Comfortable, Chic Travel (23)Subtle branding for quiet luxury
  • The 10 Best Shoes for Comfortable, Chic Travel (24)Loose, lace-up vamp for easy on and off
Cons
  • The 10 Best Shoes for Comfortable, Chic Travel (25)Suede needs more maintenance
  • The 10 Best Shoes for Comfortable, Chic Travel (26)More expensive end of sneakers

These days, it seems like Golden Goose has a sneaker for almost every occasion. Our favorite for traveling are the Soul Stars, which come in this suede low-top iteration that teeters at the intersection of chic and casual. The scuffed soles create the brand's signature worn-in look that makes these feel like they've been in your shoe rotation forever.

Sizes8–13
Colors3

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Best Leather Sneakers

Thousand Fell Lace Up Sneakers

The 10 Best Shoes for Comfortable, Chic Travel (27)

Best Leather Sneakers

Thousand Fell Lace Up Sneakers

Pros
  • The 10 Best Shoes for Comfortable, Chic Travel (28)Stain proof design
  • The 10 Best Shoes for Comfortable, Chic Travel (29)Odor resistant
Cons
  • The 10 Best Shoes for Comfortable, Chic Travel (30)Require a little break in period
  • The 10 Best Shoes for Comfortable, Chic Travel (31)Creases in the front with wear

This pair isn't just comfortable and breathable, but it's entirely recyclable. It's so recyclable, in fact, that you even get credits if you follow the brand's trade-in program. With structural details made from coconut, sugarcane, and palm, it's better for the environment. And with a sleek, white upper that goes with nearly anything, it's better for your travel wardrobe, too.

Sizes8–13
Colors14

Best Workout Sneakers

On Cloud 5

The 10 Best Shoes for Comfortable, Chic Travel (32)

Best Workout Sneakers

On Cloud 5

Pros
  • The 10 Best Shoes for Comfortable, Chic Travel (33)Available in waterproof iteration
  • The 10 Best Shoes for Comfortable, Chic Travel (34)Made with antimicrobial mesh
Cons
  • The 10 Best Shoes for Comfortable, Chic Travel (35)The athletic design makes them less versatile
  • The 10 Best Shoes for Comfortable, Chic Travel (36)Only come in one width

Specifically made for travel and everyday wear, On's beloved sneakers have been re-engineered with 44 percent recycled content for a more eco-minded design. Zero-Gravity foam delivers ample cushion, and a molded heel keeps your foot secure.

Sizes7–14
Colors12

Best Business-Casual Loafer

Cole Haan Pinch Weekender Penny Loafers

The 10 Best Shoes for Comfortable, Chic Travel (37)

Best Business-Casual Loafer

Cole Haan Pinch Weekender Penny Loafers

Pros
  • The 10 Best Shoes for Comfortable, Chic Travel (38)Enhanced traction in sole design
  • The 10 Best Shoes for Comfortable, Chic Travel (39)Can wear for work or leisure
Cons
  • The 10 Best Shoes for Comfortable, Chic Travel (40)Not as much arch support
  • The 10 Best Shoes for Comfortable, Chic Travel (41)Less stability

Whether you're headed on a business trip or merely prefer a more sophisticated look, you can't go wrong with Cole Haan's loafers. The premium leather and classic styling create a slip-on that feels truly timeless.

Sizes7–13
Colors2

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Most Iconic Shoe

Nike Air Force 1 '07

The 10 Best Shoes for Comfortable, Chic Travel (42)

Most Iconic Shoe

Nike Air Force 1 '07

Pros
  • The 10 Best Shoes for Comfortable, Chic Travel (43)Large range of sizes
  • The 10 Best Shoes for Comfortable, Chic Travel (44)Perforations on toe for breathability
Cons
  • The 10 Best Shoes for Comfortable, Chic Travel (45)White style gets dirty easier
  • The 10 Best Shoes for Comfortable, Chic Travel (46)Chunkier silhouette is less versatile

There's a reason why Air Forces have been a wardrobe staple since 1982. The simple leather look, iconic Swoosh, and subtle cushioning make this pair a no-brainer.

Sizes6–18
Colors4

Best Chelsea Boots

Blundstone Chelsea Boots

The 10 Best Shoes for Comfortable, Chic Travel (47)

Best Chelsea Boots

Blundstone Chelsea Boots

Pros
  • The 10 Best Shoes for Comfortable, Chic Travel (48)Cushioned midsole provides comfort
  • The 10 Best Shoes for Comfortable, Chic Travel (49)Water-resistant leather
Cons
  • The 10 Best Shoes for Comfortable, Chic Travel (50)Leather requires some maintenance
  • The 10 Best Shoes for Comfortable, Chic Travel (51)Not as practical for traveling to warmer locations

If you don't have TSA Pre, then you understand the pain of having to remove your shoes for security. Instead of fuddling with the laces of your sneakers, opt for a pair of Chelsea boots, from Blundstone in particular. The elastic side coupled with heel and front tabs will help you breeze through security.

Sizes4–14
Colors8

Best Retro Shoe

Todd Snyder Tuscan Low Profile Sneakers

The 10 Best Shoes for Comfortable, Chic Travel (52)

Best Retro Shoe

Todd Snyder Tuscan Low Profile Sneakers

Pros
  • The 10 Best Shoes for Comfortable, Chic Travel (53)Neutral color ways are easier to style
  • The 10 Best Shoes for Comfortable, Chic Travel (54)Leather footbed for comfort
Cons
  • The 10 Best Shoes for Comfortable, Chic Travel (55)Leather and suede need more maintenance
  • The 10 Best Shoes for Comfortable, Chic Travel (56)On the pricier side

Todd Snyder's vintage-inspired sneakers take on a mixed media craftsmanship that juxtaposes two-tones of leather and suede. Throw on a some simple slacks with the low-profile silhouette for an effortless fit.

Sizes8–13
Colors3

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Best Driving Loafer

Rothy's The Driving Loafer

The 10 Best Shoes for Comfortable, Chic Travel (57)

Best Driving Loafer

Rothy's The Driving Loafer

Pros
  • The 10 Best Shoes for Comfortable, Chic Travel (58)Washable design
  • The 10 Best Shoes for Comfortable, Chic Travel (59)Large range of sizes and colors
Cons
  • The 10 Best Shoes for Comfortable, Chic Travel (60)Complaints about breathability
  • The 10 Best Shoes for Comfortable, Chic Travel (61)Less supportive

Extremely flexible and durable, this Rothy's loafer is a fan favorite. Knit from about 21 plastic bottles, sustainability is at the core of the design. The raised nubs on the outsoles produce extra grip to combat those slippery airport floors.

Sizes7–16
Colors11
The 10 Best Shoes for Comfortable, Chic Travel (2024)
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