The Most Comfortable Men’s Walking Shoes for Travel
While shoes may seem like just another thing to pack, putting a little more thought into what your feet have to wear for the next week or two will always pay off tenfold.
We’re not saying you need to spend hours deliberating over footwear (we did that part for you!). The point is to find — and break in — the right pair of comfortable travel shoes beforehand. That way, on your trip, you won’t have to care about shoes at all.
Many cities are designed for pedestrian exploration, and with the right footwear, you’ll find it easy to cover upwards of 10 miles a day. Even if you’re not walking much, it’s likely you’ll still be spending far more time on your feet than you do during a regular work week.
Related: The Best Men’s Waterproof Boots for Braving the Elements
The best men's shoes for travel are built to fit well and last long, which means they can be more expensive. (Just think about why backpackers are willing to invest in the best hiking boots and shoes they can find.) But that doesn’t mean an affordable pair won't work well for you. It’s all about what feels most comfortable.
And with that in mind, practicality doesn’t necessarily mean you need to sacrifice style. There are, in fact, comfortable walking shoes for men that won’t leave you wanting to crop your vacation photos from ankles up. On top of that, travel shoes need to match — or at least not blatantly clash with — what you’re wearing throughout the trip. So versatility is also key when you’re seeking out the right pair.
From wing-tipped dress shoes to waterproof sneakers and even stylish sandals, we’ve rounded up the best men’s travel shoes for every type of trip. Just keep on scrolling to find your new favorite pair.
Looking for women’s travel shoes? Check out our most comfortable shoe picks for women here.
Best For: Many, Many Miles
Merrell is a legacy brand of choice for travelers and hikers worldwide — and also of the Travel Channel’s Adam Richman — for its functional, durability-focused approach to footwear. A brand new style from its lifestyle line, the Range sneaker combines reliable traction and air-cushioned insole support with a look and feel that works from sunrise to sunset.
To buy: merrell.com, $120
Best For: Active Vacations
Allbirds' lightweight Tree Runners are the ideal sneaker for a trip that has both city and nature elements. They're made with a eucalyptus tree fiber, which is naturally breathable and has a cooling effect on your feet.
To buy: allbirds.com, $95
Best For: A Laid-back Look
Since 1850, Johnston & Murphy has been designing custom shoes for every U.S. president from Fillmore to Kennedy to Obama, making them a trusted source of both comfort and class. With its easy slip-on styling, breathable lining, and foam-cushioned footbed, the Cresswell Venetian loafer is the perfect vacation shoe.
To buy: zappos.com, $159
Best For: Upgraded Surf Style
Olukai's commitment to anatomical design is just as strong as the brand's ties to its Hawaiian heritage. The Hiapo flip-flop is crafted with premium full-grain leather and hand-sewn details for a sandal that's built to last.
To buy: nordstrom.com, $110
Best For: Classic Kicks
The Asics heritage line, Onitsuka Tiger, was revived in the early 2000s as an homage to the brand’s most successful designs from the past 60 years. One of those designs, the Mexico 66, was the first pair to feature the now-famous tiger stripe.
To buy: zappos.com, $85
Best For: Cruising the Coastline
The espadrille originated in the Pyrenees in the 14th century and still manages to be incredibly popular around the world. This neoprene pair by Sea Star is the perfect slip-on-and-go option for a day at the beach or on out on the boat. They're fast-drying, with non-marking soles.
To buy: zappos.com, $96
Best For: Low-key Sneakers
Saucony, one of the most respected names in running shoes, has spent years studying the biomechanics of top athletes to develop their innovative comfort and performance concepts. Its line of walking sneakers — like the Jazz Low Pro — scores the same fit, feel, and performance points as the more technical pairs.
To buy: zappos.com, $43
Best for: Saving Time at Security
Vince — a brand defined by modern, effortless style — makes quite a comfortable pair of slip-on sneakers with a double-padded footbed and a thick rubber sole. The perforated Italian leather uppers add both breathability as well as a textured look.
To buy: zappos.com, $110
Best For: Simple White Sneakers
M.Gemi's Lucente Sneaker is crafted with supple leather uppers, a genuine rubber sole, and a comfy padded back collar. Though, we have to warn you, they're compliment machines.
To buy: mgemi.com, $228
Best For: Everyday Sandals
Foam flip-flops may be affordable, but they are terrible for your feet. The original support sandal, Birkenstock’s Arizona Slide, comes with a podiatrist recommendation for their adjustable straps and contoured cork footbeds that form to the shape of your foot with continued wear.
To buy: nordstrom.com, $135
Best For: Transitional Weather
Clarks’ Desert Boots — a timeless design was inspired by British WWII attire and debuted more than 60 years ago — have become international cult classics. And they’re just as cool as they are comfortable, with shaped leather and a crepe outsole to provide added cushioning.
To buy: zappos.com, $130
Best For: Reliable Technology
Another tried-and-true hiking shoe brand, Keen, also translates excellent quality into its more casual designs. The Glenhaven is the adventurer’s oxford, with a leather upper and a bungee-closure lace system. The internal support mechanism of this pair is made to provide lots of arch support.
To buy: amazon.com, $106
Best For: Business Trips
When you need a comfy shoe that's sophisticated enough for a suit but versatile enough to wear with jeans, look no further than Vionic's Bruno Oxford. Don’t let the wingtip design fool you: This pair packs plenty of podiatrist-designed comfort enhancements, including a super supportive footbed and a durable rubber sole.
To buy: vionicshoes.com, $150
Best For: Stylish Sneakers
This best-selling style from Brooklyn-based sneaker brand Greats has amassed more than 1,300 rave reviews from happy customers. It's a perfect fit for both work and play.
To buy: greats.com, $179
Best For: Casual Slip-ons
With an easygoing silhouette, lightweight rubber outsole, padded suede insole, and countless color and texture combos, Toms Canvas Classics make for the perfect travel companion.
To buy: toms.com, $52
Best For: In Case of Rain
With its water-repellant leather upper and neoprene lining, Johnston & Murphy's waterproof sneaker is just as practical as the brand's dress shoes but far more weather-resistant.
To buy: zappos.com, $169
Best For: Lightweight Sneakers
In our T+L Carry-On series, we learned PGA Tour Player Jamie Lovemark loves to travel with his Nike Roshes. “They have unique styling for streetwear, but also have the ability to be used in the gym to perform various methods of training. I personally love the neutral tones,” he said.
To buy: nike.com, $75
Best For: Boardwalk Strolls
The Sperry Top-Sider is an ideal shoe for seaside getaways. Its genuine leather upper is carefully crafted for long-lasting wear, while the rubber outsole is equipped with patented Wave-Siping technology to help keep traction on wet surfaces.
To buy: zappos.com, $95
Best For: A One-shoe Weekend
Not many shoes intersect at the corners of the comfort, durability, support, and style grid, but Cole Haan’s 2.Zerogrand All-day Trainers deliver on all fronts. Features like super-cushioned footbeds and flexible knit uppers make them ready to wear from day one. Plus, there are 8 color variations.
To buy: colehaan.com, $220
Best For: Trail-to-town Transition
Worldwide, Scarpa has sold more Mojitos than just about any of their other styles of hiking, walking, and climbing shoes. Supportive Vibram soles, a reinforced arch, Italian leather uppers, and lacing all the way down to the toe box set your feet up for absolute comfort.
To buy: zappos.com, $159
Best For: Dressing Up or Down
A must-pack when heading to Italy, these Salvatore Ferragamo Parigi moccasins are incredibly versatile and easy to pair with shorts for a day of touring or with slacks for dinner in the evening. They’re also made in three width variations — narrow, medium, and wide — to help you find a flawless fit.
To buy: nordstrom.com, $595
Best For: Exploring the City
Long gone are the days when a pair of sneakers would peg you immediately as an American tourist. New Balance kicks have become a staple of the street-style set, for both men and women, and with a cushioned tongue, collar, and midsole, it’s easy to see why.
To buy: zappos.com, $70
