Shoes can make or break a long travel day. Wearing the wrong pair can leave you dealing with blisters, sore arches, and aching heels before you’ve even made it to your destination. Luckily, you don’t need to pack your whole shoe collection. A few comfortable, versatile pairs can keep your feet happy from the airport to sightseeing and everything in between.

The Best Footwear for Travel

Running Sneakers

If you expect to rack up some serious steps with a layover through a sprawling hub airport, lace up with a good pair of running shoes. Models such as the ASICS Gel-Nimbus and Adidas Ultraboost provide solid cushioning and support, making them a good option for long days on your feet. They’ll also come in handy for city trips where sightseeing means walking several miles a day. 

One downside is that running shoes can look a little too casual or sporty with some outfits, so they may not be the best choice if you’re looking for one pair that can take you from the airport to breakfast, touring, and dinner.

Cushioned Walking Shoes

For travelers who prioritize comfort above all else, max-cushion walking shoes are worth considering. The Hoka Bondi, for example, has a thick foam sole designed to absorb impact and soften the feel of hard surfaces.

If you’re someone who needs a little extra padding, these shoes can be especially useful in cities where you’ll spend hours walking on concrete, stone, and pavement. Be sure to try them out before your trip, though — some people love the extra padding and feel of a highly cushioned shoe, while others find thick soles less stable.

Supportive Flats and Sandals

A pair of comfortable slip-ons — such as ballet flats, loafers, or supportive sandals — can also be useful when traveling, particularly if you’re traveling through an airport where you’ll still be required to remove your shoes for security. Just look for a pair with a supportive footbed rather than a thin, flimsy sole. Tieks offers an ultra-comfortable, stylish flat, while many Birkenstock sandals and loafers are versatile enough to wear while exploring your destination. 

However, you may want to think twice about wearing open-toed sandals on the plane itself. Flight attendants do not recommend wearing open-toed shoes because you’re much more likely to get stepped on, stub your toe, or have luggage rolled across your foot. 

Slip-On Boots

Heading somewhere cooler or wetter, or planning some trail walking or light hiking? You might want to wear a pair of boots on the plane. Blundstones are a popular choice because they’re relatively lightweight, easy to slip on and off, adaptable in changing weather conditions, and versatile enough to dress up to go out to dinner or down to hit the trails as soon as you land. Just don’t make the mistake of wearing a brand-new pair on vacation: Boots need some time to soften up and mold to your feet.

Pair them with above-ankle merino wool socks to prevent blisters, and they can handle everything from cruising quickly through the TSA line to a variety of everyday activities on the ground. Some travelers may find that boots set off the TSA scanners, however, so you may be asked to take them off during the screening process. 

The Worst Footwear for Travel

New Shoes

The golden rule of travel footwear? Don’t make your vacation the test drive for a new pair of shoes. A pair that feels comfortable in the store can rub differently after several hours of traversing airport terminals. Wear new shoes around your house first to get a good sense of how they’ll feel. Even better, leave them at home and opt for a broken-in pair of shoes you already know you can trust.

High Heels and Dress Shoes

There’s a time and place for dress shoes, and a long day at the airport isn’t it. Stiff soles and little cushioning can quickly lead to sore feet and tired legs. If you need to step off the plane looking ready for the boardroom or a fancy dinner, wear a pair of comfortable flats that can easily slip into your carry-on and swap them for more polished footwear when you land.

Flip-Flops and Flimsy Sandals

Flip-flops are great for the pool or beach (and you’ll probably want to pack a pair in your luggage), but they certainly aren’t ideal for a long travel day. Their thin soles offer minimal cushion and stability, while loose straps provide little support or structure. Plus, your feet in flip-flops can feel downright icy on air-conditioned flights.

Heavy-Duty or Lace-Up Boots

A heavy-duty boot with sturdy sides and soles might seem like a practical choice, particularly if you’re looking to save room in your carry-on, but overly rugged footwear can quickly become a burden during long or stressful travel days. Lace-up boots can be especially annoying at the TSA checkpoint, when you’ll likely have to take them off and put them back on. The rigid soles found on many heavy boots can also make stairs and long airport walks more tiring. If you’re coming from or heading to a cooler climate where boots are a necessity, consider a pair of Blundstones (see above) and break them in a few weeks before your trip.