The Best Men’s Travel Shoes for Your Next Trip

Traveling for endless miles all around the globe allows you to learn about yourself, communicate with people from all walks of life, and feast on the wonderful views nature provides. That’s why bringing the right gear is crucial to enjoying any trip. Although many people don’t pay attention to them unless they’re uncomfortable, break apart, or soaked, the most important piece of gear is your shoes. Travel shoes are oddly underrated, in that they carry you around and support every bone and joint in your body all day. While compiling this guide to the best travel shoes, we focused on overall comfort, packability, protection against the elements, and style.

what shoes are best for travel?

The right travel shoes depend on where you’re going and what you’re doing when you get there, and there’s not shortage of footwear able to handle various activities and terrain. Yes, you can grab a pair of sturdy, running shoes for all-around comfort and stability, but you can also go for a pair of lightweight slip-ons if you’re more concerned about comfort on the plane. At the end of the day, the itinerary of your trip should dictate the style of shoes you go for. But if you just want one pair to do it all, it’s safe to go with either hiking shoes or runners. We love traveling, and we know a pair of shoes can make or break the trip, so it’s important to bring the right pair (or two). 

What to Look for

Style: You probably have a style preference when it comes to shoes already (sneakers, runners, etc.), but you should go for shoes that can be used for the usual travel activities like walking tours, dinners, and hikes. If you’re more concerned about flight comfort, a soft slip-on is a great choice, and for walking, you almost always want to go for sneakers with solid arch support.

Portability: Lightweight shoes will be easier to pack and travel with, and are usually better for long-distance walking (which happens a lot when traveling). If you’re really short on space, a pair of easily collapsable/foldable shoes can be helpful as well. 

Comfort: No matter the style you go for, you want shoes with good arch support, solid cushioning, and a proper fit. If you’re only bringing one pair, make sure they’re designed for lasting comfort over style. 

Material: Shoes made of materials like leather, canvas, or synthetic blends are perfect for travel shoes, as you want something that will last but still look good. 

Vans Classic Slip-on Shoe

Best Budget Shoes: As one of the most iconic skate shoes (and slip-on sneakers in general), the Vans Classic Slip-ons are truly timeless, and have always been an affordable pick that gets the job done. You may not be getting the support you might get from running shoes, but they’re reliable, durable, and ready for anything. They’re made with canvas uppers with elastic sides for added stretch, and feature the classic waffle rubber outsole we all know and love.

Teva ReEmber

Best Slip-Ons: Teva has made many excellent sandals, but their talent extends to creating shoes too. Their ReEmber shoes provide the comfort of their sandals while having a sophisticated closed-toe style. Built using a majority of recycled materials, these shoes can handle it all. They have a natural fit allowing your feet to relax, and they’re super lightweight, so you have more freedom to move. It’s equipped with a 100% recycled ripstop upper, a 100% recycled polyester rib knit collar, and a 50% recycled polyester collapsible heel. On top of that, you get a grippy rubber outsole made of 50% recycled rubber and an antimicrobial treatment to keep things fresh.

New Balance 574 Core

Best Sneakers: These iconic “dad shoes” have been making waves in the fashion industry, but don’t let their newfound fame fool you – these are still some of the comfiest sneakers you can get, and are perfect for long walks and plane rides. It starts with a suede and mesh upper connected to a soft ENCAP midsole (which combines soft foam with a durable polyurethane rim), providing you with all-day comfort, and they’re super lightweight, coming in at 327.4 grams. And as part of New Balance’s green leaf standard, the upper is made of at least 50% recycled material.

Nike Air Pegasus 83

Best Retro Sneakers: If you’re shopping for sneakers, you can never go wrong with Nike when it comes to both style and comfort. Especially when they have a retro style that goes with just about anything, and running shoe support that gives you the comfort needed on long walks. It sports a textile upper with suede accents, a foam midsole with the classic Nike Air technology (great for impact absorption), and a rubber waffle outsole for traction. Plush padding around the ankles gives you more support, and a large swoosh ties it all together. 

Allbirds Wool Runners

Best Walking Shoes: Whether you’re going for a hike or hitting the bar to enjoy the town’s nightlife, Allbirds are all you need. Made with a superfine coat of New Zealand Merino wool, which is turned into Allbird’s own textile, these shoes feel like clouds on your feet. These temperature-regulating, moisture-wicking, water-resistant kicks have 100% recycled laces with a design inspired by nautical rope. Their padded insoles are made with castor bean oil, which cuts down carbon output compared to petroleum-based foam. Topping things off, Allbird’s Wool Runners use a proprietary, low-density foam sole with a special S-curve tread to mirror the flexibility of your feet for ideal weight distribution.

Nike ACG Lowcate

Best Hybrids: Nike has designed a variety of shoes for just about every activity out there, and their ACG (All Conditions Gear) Locate shoes happen to be the perfect pair for wanderlust. Featuring a mixed material upper and comfy, lightweight cushioning for all-day support, these shoes are tough to beat. They’re made with a trail frame underfoot for a superior, supportive feel on your feet. Also, midfoot webbing keeps your feet locked in place, while the rubber outsole gives you dependable traction. Once you put these shoes on, you’ll never think about leaving the country without them.

Lems Boulder Boots

Best Boots: Comfort is everything when you’re traveling, and that’s Lems’ main focus with their Boulder Boots. These boots are shaped for a natural fit, making them more than capable of handling any situation. Constructed using 1200-denier nylon and nubuck leather, these water-resistant boots will help you trek through the jungle on some otherworldly adventures. They also have injection-blown rubber (IBR) outsoles for insane flexibility, so you can fold them down and stuff them into your duffle bag, saving tons of space. Speaking of space, these boots have a wide toe-box design, giving your feet the comfort and freedom they need while you’re discovering the world.

Lusso Cloud Nomad

Best Plane Shoes: Whether you’re going for a stroll on some exotic island or keeping up with your workout routine on foreign ground, Lusso’s Cloud Nomads will protect you while you’re in motion with a super soft design. Constructed with recycled bamboo and lined with memory foam, these shoes are as comfy as they get. The soft midsoles and sole cushioning give you a comfortable fit you’ll be thankful for after a long day on your feet. Lastly, they’re finished off with IP-EVA outsoles for amazing traction.

Vivo Barefoot Gobi III

Best Desert Boot: For a more formal look, Vivobafefoot has the elegant Gobi III shoes. Although they’re more dashing, they are as durable as any other Vivobarefoot shoes. Tested in various locations, including the Sahara Desert and the jungles of Borneo, the Gobi III shoes never failed. These shoes are made with a leather upper, removable anti-bacterial cork insoles, leather footbeds that mold to your feet, and thin TPU soles for stupendous durability. For added protection, the Gobi IIIs feature a puncture-resistant finish and a protective underfoot to keep debris out.

Amberjack The Original

Best Formal Shoes: If your travels involve any kind of formal event or dinner, you may want to consider these suede shoes from Amberjack. It starts with a water-repellent Italian suede and sheepskin lining, giving you a sophisticated look that’s as comfortable as it is stylish. Inside, you get a heat-activated insole that feels like memory foam providing excellent arch support, and a TPU outsole using athletic technology. On the back, there’s some hiking boot material to add to the durable construction.

Adidas Ultraboost Light Running Shoes

Best Lightweight Shoes: As one of the lightest adidas runners you can get, these Ultraboost Light Running Shoes feature a super lightweight BOOST midsole that provides comfort and solid energy return, and Continental Rubber outsoles for traction (even on wet terrain). Not only are these super comfortable, yarn in the upper is made with at least 50% Parley Ocean Plastic and 50% recycled polyester, making this a sustainable pick as well.

The Best Weekender & Duffel Bags for Travel

Now that you’ve got some supportive shoes, you may want a bag to accompany you on your trip. So check out our best weekender & duffel bags guide.