Stylish walking shoes for travel. Sounds impossible. Kind of like the Lochness Monster of the fashion world. Am I right?
Well thankfully, that’s a myth!
Truthfully though, this list won’t contain any super sexy, six-inch, stiletto heels that give you fantastic upper Lumbar support and that make you feel like you’re walking on air.
Sorry but honestly:
I can’t remember the last time I wore a pair of heels.
However:
This list does contain an assortment of flats (ballet flats, boots, flip-flops, slip-
And I’ve worn all of these shoes so I’ll detail the good, the bad, and the UGLY about each and every pair.
Because really:
No shoes are totally perfect. But for MOST of us womenfolk, we need about ten thousand pairs of comfortable, stylish walking shoes for travel.
Why?
Not only are shoes cute, comfortable, and fun to wear, but they never make you feel fat!
Three cheers to that. Now if only I could eat whatever I want and not gain a pound.
But back to comfortable walking shoes.
They’re always there for you to comfort you and remind you that you are wicked awesome and insanely gorgeous, even if you’ve gained about a hundred pounds.
Because guess what?
You’re fashionable walking shoes? Yeah, they still fit! They never gave up on you!
So this post on stylish walking shoes for travel? Yeah, its an undying, ode of love to my shoes, who forever reassure me of just how amazing I really am.
At least:
That’s how I justify buying myself a ton of walking shoes for travel that I actually don’t need.
But onwards and upwards to all the glorious pairs of shoes!
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1. AOMAIS Women’s Fashion PU Leather Sneakers Low Top Laceup Canvas Shoes
Let’s be honest. Are these
Nope.
But for $20 a pair, they are pretty darn good.
Not only are they true to size (for the US at least), but they are pretty good alternatives to converse since they are MUCH cheaper.
Plus:
They’re perfect for people with wider feet, even if they aren’t the most supportive walking shoes in the world.
And added bonus?
If they do fall apart (didn’t happen to me but some people mentioned this possibility) or get ruined while you travel, it’s not a huge deal because they only cost you $23.
Therefore:
You can just throw them out and get a new pair.
I also would never purchase them in white since those get SUPER dirty super quickly.
But all in all:
They also look super cute and not like some gross pair of orthopedic sneakers that your doctor prescribed.
2. Converse, Chuck Taylor, All Star Low Tops
“I love getting blisters and watching my feet bleed!” said no one ever.
But:
You also don’t want a heinous pair of sneakers (cough…Sketchers Shape Ups…cough) that make you look like a total selife sitck wielding, fanny pack toting tourist.
And:
Unless you’re older and have a back problem, or have no idea how to tie shoes, velcro is not a super hott look.
So what’s the walking shoes for travel solution?
Converse! Not only is this iconic brand perfect for men and women of all ages (talk about a cross-generational fashion icon), but they are comfy, come in a ton of different colors, and can easily slip on and off (perfect for zipping through airport security).
Just remember:
Not only do Converse tend to run large (I’m an 8.5 and usually get an 8), but if you’re purchasing them on Amazon, make sure to purchase them from a reputable seller
LASTPairs and SHOEAMERICA are less than stellar purveyors of shoes who sent me the wrong size and/or two-toned shoes.
Talk about a downer.
So if you want a pair of Converse that really last, order them from a high-quality seller and get the Chuck Taylor 2 with canvas since they last longer, fade less, and provide your feet with better support.
***Be sure to get insoles if you have low or fallen arches***
3. DREAM PAIRS Women’s Winter Lace up Mid Calf Combat Boots
First of all:
I think the color pictured above is hideous. So if you decide to purchase these boots, then I would buy them in dark brown.
But besides that:
I really love these boots, and it’s kind of sort of serious.
First of all:
They are REALLY reasonably priced and cost $34 a pair, which is damn cheap when it comes to women’s boots.
Plus:
Not only do they look good, but they are comfortable, easily zip on and off (perfect for airport security), and have a secret pocket, in each boot, where you hide extra cash/credit cards.
This way, you don’t have to freak out about pickpockets.
Mind you:
It’s not a huge secret pocket. Just big enough for a few credit cards and some dollar bills. The zipper also gets caught a bit and can be tricky to zip and unzip, but not a deal breaker for me.
And the downside?
I wore mine for hours on end and walked around a ton in them and got a blister.
Therefore:
Until you get used to these, I would definitely pack some band-aids so that you don’t get blisters.
Also:
The interior is not faux fur but more of a fleece that does help keep your feet warm.
One of the many perfect gifts for friends going traveling, if I do say so myself.
And I do.
4. Cole Haan Women’s Elsie Ballet Ii Flat
My mission is life has always been to find cute ballet flats that I can actually walk around in all day while I travel,
You know:
Without getting insane blisters that make me limp around like Tiny Tim’s big sister.
Only not in an endearing kind of way.
Well, I am delighted to say that I finally found a pair of ballet flats that both me and my feet love.
And no, I haven’t tried Tieks yet but when I do I MAY add them to the list.
Yup, Cole Haan ballet flats have been the answer to this ballet flat lover’s prayers.
Not only are they insanely comfortable, and made with incredibly high-quality leather, but they provide you with great support and are perfect for people who have wider feet (if your feet are narrow, you may want to size down).
They are also slightly formal looking and really dress up any pair of travel pants.
The only teeny tiny negative is that I just wish that would last a bit longer.
Typically:
A pair of Cole Haan ballet flats will last between 9 and 10 months for me.
However:
I do walk around for hours on end when I travel so in fairness, this could be me more than these uber fashionable walking shoes.
5. TOMS Women’s Avalon Sneakers
I love TOMS.
Not only are they a company with a conscience, but they make high quality, comfortable, super cute shoes that are great for walking in.
Sure:
They’re not the warmest shoes on the planet, but warmth isn’t really something that you’re looking for when purchasing TOMS.
However:
The classic TOMS do have a rather thin sole that I would constantly wear out or destroy inadvertantly when walking over a jagged rock.
Which is why I never continually bought more.
But any other TOMS lovers out there, like me, can relax because this problem has been completely resolved in the TOMS Avalon sneakers; walking shoes that have a thick sole that protects your feet and that doesn’t easily wear out.
Plus:
They have a bit of an arch and are perfect for anyone who needs some extra foot support.
Be forewarned though:
TOMS usually feel a bit tight when you first buy them. But usually, they’ll stretch out within a day and feel insanely comfortable.
However:
I would try and go a half size smaller since I usually wear an 8.5 and the 8 fits me perfectly.
6. Teva Women’s W Voya Flip Flop
I LOVE TEVA flip flops so much.
They were my go-to flip flop in high school and still are
See:
They’re not like normal flip flops that have no arch support and that fall apart in about 2.5 seconds since you’re basically walking on a thin layer of cheap plastic.
Nope.
These bad boys of the flip flop world come in a variety of different colors, styles, and patterns, and are relatively inexpensive too.
And wait for it….
They were actually recommended to me by a physical therapist since they have hella awesome arch support.
Crazy right? I was shocked!
So if you’re looking for some comfy flip flops that will last longer than the walk to and from the plane, then TEVA’s are the way to go.
7. Polar Women’s Winter Thermal Snow Outdoor Warm Mid Calf Waterproof Durable Boot
Hi, my name is Kelly and I have an unhealthy obsession with Polar Woman’s Winter Boots.
Phew. Glad I got that off my chest.
But seriously, can you blame me? These winter boots cost $40, are absolutely adorable, and super comfortable to walk around in!
Plus
They’re also infinitely cheaper and warmer than that pair of Sorrel Boots I got five years ago.
However:
Besides the price, what do these boots really have to offer a maladjusted shoe addict like myself?
First of all:
They are warm AF since they have this nice fleece lining on the inside that keeps your feet extra toasty on those blustery, NYC nights.
And in spite of the laces:
They are actually zip up boots that are insanely easy to get on and off. They are also 110% waterproof, which is great when you find yourself knee-deep in an epic, NYC slush puddle of doom.
Only slight negative?
They aren’t the longest lasting boots I’ve ever owned.
After several months:
They developed a small split in the fabric but honestly, I still think these boots were totally worth it.
8. Steve Madden Women’s Gills Fashion Sneaker
I’ll be the first one to admit that I have a slight love/hate relationship with Steve Madden, slip-on sneakers.
See:
A while back, I got these quilted, Steve Madden slip-on sneakers, and they were exactly what I was looking for.
They were nicer than ordinary sneakers, comfortable, and incredibly easy to get on and off (especially at the airport with a pair of no show socks).
The one big flaw?
Until I broke them in, they gave me AWFUL blisters.
In fairness:
When I travel, I walk around about as much as someone doing the Camino de Santiago.
That’s why:
It got to the point where my blisters were so bad that I was kind of limping around while wearing them.
So when I finally caved and got these Steve Madden Women’s Gills Fashion Sneaker in leather, I was a bit worried.
But:
I diligently researched this shoe before I purchased a pair and ordered a size up to avoid any possible blister incidents.
And I am delighted to report that my faith was not misplaced.
In this model:
The heel is rounded and padded so that blisters aren’t an issue. I would still wear no show socks though so that your
They’re also super comfortable, last, a LONG time (so you can justify the price tag), look good with almost any outfit (as long as you get them in a neutral color) and are easy to get on an off.
An awesome pair of cute walking shoes for any savvy world traveler, or for anyone pretending to be one, like me.
9. Adidas Originals Women’s Campus
Yeah:
These aren’t the most stylish walking shoes on this list. Unless you’re dying to look like Sporty Spice while traveling.
In which case, go for it and own that shizxle.
But in all seriousness:
I put these shoes on the list because while they are mad comfortable, they are more nostalgic than anything else since the youth of America forever and always LOVE Adidas.
Plus:
This pair in black and white totally remind me of the sambas we all used to wear when we were little.
Also not gonna lie:
These are
FYI though:
These shoes tend to run big so I would order a full size smaller than what you would normally get.
Also be careful:
Make sure the seller is reliable because some people will claim they’re selling you Adidas when in actuality, they’re crappy knockoffs.
I saw one girl who had an allergic reaction to non-Adidas, Adidas shoes.
Yikes.
10. UGG Women’s Kristin Winter Boot
I feel like UGGS are the shoes that everyone loves to hate, but in reality, we all not so secretly love them.
Why?
Well, I feel like UGGS are basic AF (pass me my yoga pants and pumpkin spice latte while you’re at it) and if I’m honest, the classic pair is mad comfortable but not exactly a super sexy shoe.
Plus:
If you wear them out in the snow (big
They are also NOT naturally waterproof so make sure you buy the spray and waterproof the crap out of them before you wear them.
Okay;
I just made UGGS sound horrible but I swear I love them, especially the UGG Women’s Kristin Winter Boot.
Firstly:
The price is pretty reasonable, at least for UGGS, at $110 a pair. I also like this style because they look like real boots, and not glorified man slippers.
They also have a bit of height, are insanely comfortable, and are just way cuter than the traditional UGG boot, at least in my humble opinion.
Plus:
They are super soft, and super warm too. The fur and leather are also really high quality and basically, make you feel like a total big shot while you’re walking around Starbucks (kidding…sort of).
However:
Like most people who order this UGG model, they are WAY smaller than any other pair of UGGS I have ever owned.
That’s why I would order them a full size bigger than you normally do.
Plus:
The shoe itself is a bit narrow and there is no side zipper. So if they’re too small, you’ll have a difficult time just trying to put them on.
But probably the best pair of UGGS I have ever owned, and I’ve owned quite a few.
11. Franco Sarto Haylee Women’s Slip Ons
True confessions?
This is the only shoe on this list of best flats for walking that I don’t actually own myself.
Honestly:
There are just a little too professional for my taste (since I work from home and slum it up in sweatpants with holes).
However:
One of my friends who travels a lot for work absolutely loves these shoes and insisted that I put them on this list (Shout out to Danielle, you’re the best).
Apparently:
She wears these bad boys all the time since they are ridiculously comfortable, don’t click along the floor as you walk, are super cute, and made of high-quality material.
They also have a chic, black suede feel to them that makes you look and feel super snazzy. But they are also still reasonably priced and will cost you $90 a pair.
As far as sizing:
My friend said her’s were true to size and fit perfectly. However, I did read some reviews that said this shoe runs small.
But if I were ordering these shoes:
I’d purchase them true to size and go from there.
12. Birkenstock Women’s Mayari Oiled Leather Sandal
I feel like I need to write a sonnet to my Birkenstock’s since I have been rocking them since the stone age.
AKA when I was still in high school.
And while the style of
Not only do they last forever (I always get tired of my shoes before they wear out):
But the Birkenstock Women’s Mayor style is super comfortable too.
Unlike my older pair of Birkenstocks that gave me zero support, not that I actually gave a hoot at the time, this pair is a bit more supportive with a built-in arch that I adore.
Plus:
This style is infinitely cuter and more feminine than the traditional Arizona style.
And like all Birks:
They are well-made, super comfortable when worn for long periods of time, and last for forever and a half.
Only downside?
They take an eternity to break in but it’s totally worth waiting since these sandals literally mold to your foot.
Also:
They always takes me so flipping long to break in. And when they do get dirty, it’s impossible to clean them since they aren’t rain-resistant and get water stains.
And if you have narrow feet:
I would definitely order a smaller size since these walking shoes for travel tend to run big.
Otherwise, Birks are basically the perfect sandal.