I’ve mentioned before that we pack pretty minimally when we travel – typically only one large suitcase for our entire family of 7, along with a couple backpacks. Shoes add a lot of weight AND take up room, so we … Read More
Fall 2020 is definitely looking a bit different from other years. Halloween will undoubtedly be different, as will all the prep that goes into it. Still, I’m determined to make this season super fun still and wanted to share our … Read More
This post is sponsored by Visit Virginia. We recently enjoyed a wonderful visit back to what still feels like our “home” state of Virginia. While we lived in Northern Virginia for 7 years, we didn’t spend a ton of time … Read More
How many of you grew up celebrating Columbus Day? I definitely did. While it wasn’t a big celebration, I recall learning about Christopher Columbus in school, and his legacy in the Americas. Or so I thought. It turns out that … Read More
As we were starting to consider RVing with kids, we were wondering which was the best family RV. There are so many options out there! Our biggest consideration was a class A vs class C RV, but we also considered … Read More
We love reading books as a family while taking road trips. It’s such a great way to pass the time, and way better than having everyone staring at a screen. And while I love quiet books to peruse, nonfiction to … Read More
I visited my first National Park when I was 17. I didn’t really have any idea what they were before that, nor did my family. When we did visit a couple of National Parks the summer before my senior year … Read More
It’s crazy to me that it’s the last full week of September. Which means it’s almost Halloween season! I strictly celebrate apples in September, then move to pumpkins in Halloween in October, and I’m delighted for it. Plus, this means … Read More
My husband did a lot of family RV trips while growing up. His family loved exploring the country and National Parks and other outdoor spaces with an RV, and he has fond memories of those times. My family, on the … Read More
I didn’t grow up in a hiking family. In fact, I took my first-ever hike at the age of 17 with a group of friends. I remember feeling nervous and excited and confused about what to bring and what a … Read More
I’m a big believer that less is more when it comes to toddler road trip activities. We’ve logged tens of thousands of road trip miles across 49 US states and around the world with 5 kids. And through that, I’ve … Read More
My oldest daughter is turning EIGHT today! Eight somehow seems so much older than seven, doesn’t it? It’s like they’re suddenly an older kid and in upper elementary. She’s always been a bit of an old soul, though, so I’m … Read More
I’ve mentioned before that we pack pretty minimally when we travel – typically only one large suitcase for our entire family of 7, along with a couple backpacks. Shoes add a lot of weight AND take up room, so we typically only travel with 2 pairs each (1 if we can get away with it). So the best shoes for travel for me need to work in a variety of circumstances, hold up well, and be super comfortable.
After traveling to 62 countries and 49 US states, I’ve tried plenty of different styles and configurations. And I’ve finally nailed down my favorite women’s travel shoes for a variety of climates/situations! I’ll also be sharing my husband’s favorite men’s travel shoes. Hint – one of his favorites is the men’s version of some of my favorites.
Read on for the best shoes for travel for men and women!
This post on learning about the best shoes for travel for women and men contains affiliate links, but all opinions are 100% my own. That means I earn a small commission if you purchase through my link, but doesn’t change your price.
My VERY favorite travel walking shoes for women just so happen to be the best everyday women’s shoes that I wear constantly at home, as well. I love these shoes because they’re super comfortable and go with everything. I’ve logged miles and miles in them and my feet are never sore. They’re the best walking shoes for Europe when you’re on cobblestone streets and on your feet all day long. I also LOVE them for other long walking days – they were the best shoes for Disneyland because they’re supportive and feel like you’re walking on a cloud.
They’re also so cute! I have (and love) the white pair, which literally go with everything. I was worried about the white getting dirty at first, but since they’re leather, they actually clean up like a dream. They’re cut low around the ankle, which makes them really flattering. I wear them with everything from jeans to my favorite travel pants to skirts and dresses. They’re so versatile!
Finally, they last for forever. I’ve had my current pair for nearly a year and after near-constant use, they’re still in almost perfect condition.
Once I found these travel walking shoes, I never went back. I always bring them because they’re comfortable, durable, and go with everything.
Available at Nordstrom, Ecco, and Nordstrom Rack
I absolutely LOVE these socks to go along with the shoes above!! They don’t show at all but actually stay put on my feet and don’t bunch up. There’s a reason they have 14,000+ fantastic reviews!
I also super love these lightweight wool socks. They’re not quite as “no show” but pretty close, and they’re sooo comfortable. I also love that because they’re wool, they’re sustainable and can be worn multiple times without washing. Plus, it’s a family-owned business that is incredible in the community!
I personally prefer a pretty low-profile sandal for everyday and for travel. These are my favorites that I’ve worn constantly for years (and that I’ve purchased for all my children). They’re not supportive, so don’t buy them if you need that. But if you love a thin, cute, comfortable, go-with-absolutely-everything sandal, like I do, these are perfect.
I love wearing them with skirts and dresses or pants or shorts. I wear them to church or to the beach. They are the most versatile shoe I own, and I like that they strap on for travel (so they won’t fly off if I’m walking quickly). They’re neutral and can go in the water but you can also wear them with a nicer outfit.
I’ve gone through several pairs over the last decade plus, and I usually get 2-3 years out of each. They’re my favorite everyday sandal and women’s travel sandal!
If I know we’re going to be doing a lot of water hiking, I prefer something with more support and traction. These women’s hiking sandals are perfect for that! They’re great at gripping slippery surfaces and tromping through water.
I will say they’re not the cutest sandals in the world and definitely are heavy. So I don’t take them unless I know we’ll be doing a good bit of hiking and/or we’re driving so weight doesn’t matter as much. They’re great shoes for travel if you’re going to be doing a lot of water hiking and are not concerned about regularly moving locations with your stuff.
I purchased these boots after moving to London for the fall and winter (and honestly, 80% of the year), and they’ve been absolutely fantastic. They’re waterproof, super comfortable, go with everything (can dress up or dress down!), and have been fantastic for every trip we’ve taken.
Here’s more about all my favorite women’s winter travel shoes.
I got these waterproof women’s hiking boots a few years ago and am convinced they’re the very best, bar none. They’re so comfortable, supportive, have great grip, and are cute (for hiking boots. I’ve done many miles on them and have even worn them for just winter weather and they’ve been fully waterproof and held up fantastically. For normal travel, I’d always chose my favorite leather Chelsea boots above, but these are perfect if we’re doing more intense hiking.
Surprise – my favorite women’s travel shoes are also my husband’s favorite men’s travel shoes! There’s just something so great about the aesthetic, comfort, versatility, and durability of these. He has a gray pair, but I also love the mahogany. This color is currently on sale. They really are the very best shoes for travel for women and men!
While Dan used to wear these open-toed hiking sandals when we traveled, he switched to these closed-toed men’s hiking sandals about a year and a half ago and he loves them SO much more. He brought a second pair of shoes on our 2-month summer travels this year and says he honestly should’ve left the second pair home. He wore these 95% of the time and absolutely loved how comfortable and versatile they were.
That said, he did also really like these men’s walking sandals (I wear and love the women’s version) and they’re an excellent choice if you prefer an open-toed sandal. Dan broke his toe on our extended RV trip, and he wore these hiking sandals for men almost exclusively for a few weeks. They provided enough support to his toe without putting pressure on it, and enabled him to continue to walk around and explore with the rest of the family.
If we are doing a good bit of hiking, or even if we’re walking in different kinds of weather (including wet weather), these men’s hiking boots are terrific. Dan has been wearing them almost exclusively since we moved to wet and rainy London and they look good with normal clothing, while still being waterproof and providing lots of grip. They’re excellent on the road or on the trail, and look nice enough to wear with jeans or other pants, or even to a religious service if needed. He’s worn them on hundreds of miles and they’re wildly comfortable. I wear and love the women’s version!
If we’re not doing tons of hiking, my husband will just bring along his favorite athletic sneakers. They work great, are comfortable, and are fairly lightweight.
Those are all our favorite shoes for travel! As I mentioned, we typically only carry 1-2 pairs with us (or perhaps 3 if we’re in the RV) and they cover most of our needs. I love having versatile and comfortable shoes when traveling!
Now it’s your turn – what shoes do you always pack when traveling?
