The best travel sneakers are lightweight, breathable and supportive at all the right points. It’s safe to say that a pair of good sneakers is the most important item you can pack when traveling. After a hot day of walking, you’ll get blisters. Eternal City? Thank you. No, thank you. two-week trip to Europe Or a two-day stay out eastI’ll have my favorite sneakers with me at all times (and perhaps a spare pair in my closet). suitcase).
After years of traveling, our editors are in agreement: the right pair can make a huge difference. We love that our favorite sneakers have enough cushioning to get us through an entire day of sightseeing. Our favorite sneakers are not only comfortable but also versatile. Some pairs work just as well for a run or a stroll. long-haul flight Hotel brunch. Find out which sneakers we use on a regular basis, including the cool and casual New Balance dad shoe, the reliable Allbirds, or the cushioned Hokas that you can run in.
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The best of the best:
Casual sneakers
No hands are needed to slip on and off the Milan sneaker by Kizik. “I have worn them all over the world, to work and everywhere else. New York City The following are some examples of how to get started: New JerseyRecently, I took them on a trip to Maine. The ultra-cushioned insoles have kept my feet comfortable. Paris Wilson. The nylon retro-inspired shoes are available in many colorways. You can also get them in an leather version, too.
Allbirds are the best in terms of comfort. Tree Runners have a lightweight design that is perfect for travel. “These sneakers are lightweight, stretchy and easy to put on while rushing through airport security. They’re just as comfortable as my favorite pair.” Uggs “Yet more functional and stylish (yet),” says contributor Lauren Dana Ellman. These versatile workhorses can be found in a wide range of neutral colours to match your entire home. capsule wardrobe. The shoes fit true to size and you don’t need to break them-in ahead of time. Just put them on and tie the laces and go. These shoes are made of eucalyptus. This is known for its thermo-regulating qualities and breathability, so your feet will stay surprisingly cool.
Read a full review here.
The New Balance 574s are my favorite shoes. I’ve worn them a lot over the last few years. The New Balance 574s are the perfect mix of sporty and fashionable, and they’re neutral enough to go with anything in my closet. carry-on. They have never let me down when it comes to comfort; whether I’m on a long commute to the office or a city walking tour around. BostonThey’ve always kept my feet happy. What stands out most to me is how lightweight they are—despite giving off the cool dad shoe vibe, they aren’t clunky or heavy at all. These sneakers have also kept their condition well over the years. I can’t say that about many of my white shoes.
Associate editor Charlie Hobbs Last year, he waxed lyrical about his love for New Balance dad shoes. He claims that they are the ultimate shoe for travel. The 9060 sneaker, one of his favorites, is a firm favorite. Hobbs states that he only packs these sneakers. “My conservatism was rewarded. I’m obsessed with these shoes. These shoes are the Platonic Ideal of a walking shoe. These shoes are stylish and comfortable, and they work all year round. “The shoes don’t merely survive such 30,000 step days—they improve, becoming softer, easier to wear, and never staining with the dust of the Tiergarten,” says Hobbs.
Earlier this year, Lululemon introduced its first casual sneaker—and Traveler contributor Rachel Chang I was not disappointed. She put them to the test, wearing them all around the city and even during some runs for her Boston Marathon training—despite them not being billed as a running shoe. The verdict? They held up. “From the 3D-molded support and cushioning, to the high-abrasion traction rubber, this everyday shoe is designed to keep you comfortable while on your feet,” Chang says. They look stylish and polished with any outfit. I’ve paired them with business casual dresses, jeans and dress slacks. It’s worked well with all of them—after all, nothing is as versatile as a white sneaker.”
Read the a full review here.
The elevated sneaker
Adidas Samba, a shoe that was once reserved for soccer is now a trending shoe and is better than ever. These low-top sports shoes will complete any street look while offering comfort. Editorial assistant Kat Chen They are the only shoes she wears. This pair was purchased last summer. My previous pairs I wore for a decade before they finally broke down.
Vejas is a slightly elevated version of the casual everyday sneaker. The Campo’s minimal design looks good with everything, from jeans to dresses. Global digital director Arati Menon The Campo shoe requires less break-in than other Veja styles. Menon says, “I have worn my Campos to rugged national parks and European city holidays and as staples for workwear.” Pack these if you want something that matches everything in your suitcase.
Adidas Stan Smiths might just become your most-worn sneaker—if they aren’t already. These timeless classics are easy to slip on, versatile, and sleek. They can be your only pair of sneakers to pack for your next trip. Associate editor Matt Ortile Since 2008, he has been using these. You might be wondering where he took them. “Paris is always the destination; exploring Hegra’s ancient sites.” AlUlaWalking through Angaur’s jungles, the southernmost of all states in Saudi Arabia Palau.”
Gazelle has a platform shoe that adds a bit of style to a plain outfit. This one comes highly recommended by several of our editors for its fun look and even comfier feel—associate commerce director Madison Flager has been putting these to use regularly lately, including during an hours-long concert, and has had no complaints about how comfortable they are.
Athletic sneaker
You can also find out more about My in-flight uniform Hola Cliftons for me are my go-to supportive sneakers. I fly in them, I work out in them, I go on walks in them—I trust these shoes with my life. These are the only sneakers that I bring on any trip. The shoe has what appears to be a thick platform. This extra cushioning and shock absorption adds to its comfort. The EVA midsole gives your feet a lot of support, and they feel like their on a cushion.
These blue runners are the go-to choice for Senior Destinations Editor Shannon McMahon. The shoes have built-in, flexible nylon plates which act as a springboard to help you advance your stride. They also offer a lot of support. These stylish and lightweight running shoes have a cushioned sole, are breathable and offer a lot of support.
Jessica Sulima is a Commerce Writer and has been wearing her Salomon XT-6s now for more than three years. “I wear them to the airport so I don’t worry about untying laces while going through security. Quicklace allows you to easily slip them on or off,” says Jessica Sulima. I’ve taken them on all kinds of trips, from hiking (ankle supports) to city romps (“gorp-core”) and they perform equally well everywhere.
The Bondi 9 is another pair of Hokas that deserves a place on our list. Marathoner Traveler contributor Rachel Chang After hearing about their extreme cushioning, I bought them. Chang says that despite the ultra-cushioning, which is soft and lightweight upon first step. There’s still a feeling of stability and support I don’t get with other cushioned footwear. She also loves the 3D molded neck, which makes the sneakers easy to slip into and out of when at the airport. “I’ve run in them on the sunny streets of the Bahamas and snowy ones in New Jersey, as well as walked in them in New York City on long days on my feet—and they’ve always held me up and kept me going,” says Chang.
The associate articles director Megan Spurrell She chooses this pair of versatile Sauconys to help save space in her suitcase. She says they are comfortable and practical for long walking days. They’re comfortable and stylish, which is something I do a lot at home. You can bring this shoe if you want to travel light, but only one sneaker (or shoe) is allowed for a multiday trip. The following are some examples of how to get started: supportive.”
If you are a serious runner, then you have probably heard of Brooks. Chang’s favorite is the Ghost Max 2: built-in arch support “It’s on its own,” says she. The way these shoes are made is perhaps my favorite part. The Ghost Max 2 is carbon neutral because it uses recycled materials and plastic bottles. Brooks offers a 90-day guarantee—if you don’t love its products after nearly three months of testing them for any reason, the brand will gladly accept returns.
Read a full review here.