The sneakers you choose now could impact the health of your feet down the line. Unfortunately, all sneakers aren’t made the same. While we won’t call out any names or brands, some of the most popular shoes you may see during your travels don’t always equate to the most comfortable. A good sneaker will have various functions. Above all else, you should be able to walk or stand in them for hours.
You don’t have to sacrifice good style for function, comfort, and foot health. You also don’t have to spend $500 or more on quality and supportive sneakers. Whether you’re running, hiking, or trekking through tourist sites on your next trip, here are 23 styles of sneakers you should pack for your travels.
Our Top 23 Sneaker Picks For Travel
- Nike Zoom Vomero 5
- New Balance 990v5
- HOKA Mafate Speed 2
- Veja Women Venturi Sneakers
- On Cloud Roger Advantage
- Merrell Kids Trail Chaser Sneakers
- Adidas Retropy E5
- Asics Gel-Lyte III OG
- Bungee Oblečení Ventura for Women
- Salomon ACS + Heritage Pack
- Birkenstock Bend Low Sneakers
- Air Jordan 3 Retro
- Golden Goose Super-Star
- Palladium Pampa Hi Supply RS
- Y-3 Rivalry
- New Balance 990v3
- Reebok Club C 85 Vintage Shoes
- Cole Haan Men’s GrandPro Breakaway Sneakers
- PUMA X TMC Ralph Sampson All-Star Sneakers
- Nike Airmax 270
- Carter Active Play Sneakers
- Alohas’s Tb. 490 Rife
- Elan Women’s Gola Classics
Nike Zoom Vomero 5
The Nike Zoom Vomero 5 is an early sneaker from the 2000s that has been reimagined for modern lifestyle wear. Nike has taken the running sneaker and made it something that’s both stylish and practical for all-day wear. This is a shoe suitable for men and women. The shoes are designed with a mixed material and mesh for a lightweight feel, ultimate breathability, and a stylish structure. While the plastic caging on the side makes the shoe stand out from other sneakers on the market, the cage provides added support and depth. The rubber on the outsole gives walkers some durable traction.
The best part is that there are dozens of colors for men, women, and children.
New Balance 990v5
Not only is the New Balance 990v5 an iconic sneaker for its classic running silhouette design, allowing you to look stylish in between the gym or going out, but it’s one of the most comfortable shoes on the market. This shoe provides all-day comfort when you need it the most (i.e. when traveling by foot in a city or theme park). What’s great about this shoe is that it’s designed with a supportive fit. The designer also ensured to protect the ankles by offering support and comfort.
HOKA Mafate Speed 2
Take a minute to observe people the next time you travel in the airport, walk on a trail, or visit Walt Disney World. You will easily find someone wearing a pair of HOKAs. There’s a reason for that. HOKA has some of the best quality sneakers on the market. These sneakers are known for being lightweight, breathable, and, most importantly, healthy for your feet. HOKAs are also made of top-tier fabric, so they don’t disintegrate after a few wears.
Some people will argue that a pair of HOKAs are not easy on the eye but the good news is there are a ton of options to choose from depending on your taste. The HOKA Mafate Speed 2 is a lifestyle shoe, which is a plus for sneakerheads. It was built with support and cushioning in mind for the toughest terrains over distance. This updated design features a deep active foot frame for support and more.
Veja Women Venturi Sneakers
Thanks to Veja’s Venturi Sneakers, women without sacrificing style for comfort can have the best of both worlds. It’s a sleek and chic design with the iconic “V” long on the side and a round toe. Women who want a shoe they can pack easily and matches everything in their suticases should invest in Veja’s Venturi Sneakers. You can dress these up or down all year round. While most sneakers have that awkward “break-in” phase that requires your foot to get used to the shoe for maximum comfort, most people rave that this version of Veja’s doesn’t require it.
On Cloud Roger Advantage
There’s nothing more appealing than a brand that prides itself on developing shoes that make you feel like you’re walking among the clouds with each step. On Cloud – or as some may have seen, “OC” – does just that. On Cloud is one of the most sought-after walking and running sneakers, and it also caters to people who want to do it all. From traveling to every day exploring in the city while being comfortable, On Cloud has managed to do that with its tennis-inspired sneaker – The Roger Advantage.
On Cloud is notoriously known for its CloudTec cushioning, which creates a comfortable step every time. The Roger Advantage comes with this iconic design feature, creating the perfect balance of stability, flexibility, and energy return.
Merrell Kids Trail Chaser Sneakers
Children deserve to be comfortable, too—not just for their enjoyment but also for their parent’s sake. For kids between the ages of eight and twelve, the Merrell Kids Trail Chaser Sneakers are a great choice for hiking and when children have to be on their feet for a long period of time. This design comes with a hook-and-loop closure for a precise and secure fit. There’s a removable footbed and a gripped outsole.
Adidas Retropy E5
One of Adidas’s most comfortable shoe designs is the least expensive. The Adidas Originals Retropy E5 has the dual-zone design of the Adidas Boost midsole, allowing the shoe to return the energy you imprint in every moment. This means it supports your muscles during physical activity, such as walking and running. The design also has superior cushioning on your feet, which is great for uneven surfaces. Another benefit of this design is the soft rounded tip and the rubber sole with grooves that provide excellent grip.
Asics Gel-Lyte III OG
Another shoe that has made a comeback from the past is Asics’ GEL-LYTE III OG. These beauties are from the early 1990s, and Asics designed them with their original shape and construction. The shoe design is more on the minimalist side, but it’s a versatile shoe for both the outdoors and when it’s time to dress up.
These Asics are a vintage classic. The key elements are still there, with the split tongue and retro cage design for that heritage look. Asics’ iconic GEL technology is in the heel for a wonderful feel.
Bungee Oblečení Ventura For Women
For a stylish sneaker option, consider the Bungee Oblečení’s line of luxury sneakers. The brand’s CEO and lead designer, Darrell Alston, founded the brand in Philadelphia as a fashion-conscious company. He designs each shoe with high-quality materials that are clean and made with classic lines.
The Obleceni Ventura is lined in white leather, with a tongue and toe made of light grey suede and a body to match. The shoes are then finished with a suede ivory back heel that Alston says adds a subtle touch of style to this luxurious sneaker.
Salomon ACS + Hertitage Pack
Salomon is another brand that has gotten some buzz within the last few years. It’s quickly become a shoe for people in the know. While the brand is widely known for top-of-the-line quality for some of the most challenging conditions, Salomon has what it calls a “sport style” brand with fun colors and practicality.
Case and point are the ACS+ Heritage Pack. These sneakers celebrate the brand’s winter sports with a colorful homage of iconic pieces from skis and ski boots.
Birkenstock Bend Low Sneakers
Since Birkenstock sandals are well-known for being versatile and providing all-day comfort, there’s no question that Birkenstock’s Bend Low sneakers are nothing short of amazing.
The Bend is the brand’s only sneaker with premium Birkenstock support. It’s an original design made with a contoured footbed that creates custom comfort, shaping your feet with wear to give you all-day support. It’s a classic lace-up style that can go for miles in fashion. The natural rubber sole adds more traction.
Air Jordan 3 Retro
There is nothing more iconic than a pair of Air Jordan 3s. Surprisingly, this shoe works well when traveling for both women and men.
This particular pair is more comfortable than any other retro Jordan shoe (aside from the Jordan 13), thanks to the padded collar and Air unit beneath the heel. These sneakers are also suitable for various activities, which means that you have one less pair of shoes to pack if you want something versatile and want to keep space in your luggage.
Golden Goose Super-Star
From personal experience, Golden Goose has gotten me through the best and worst of times while traveling through Europe. I tend to city and country hop when I visit and during one summer, I experienced multiple climates, including rain and chilly temperatures.
That said, my Golden Goose has stood the test of time, and we’re comfortable walking and climbing up the stairs in places where elevators weren’t available. They’re worth every penny. I’ve had them for seven years now, and they go well with every outfit, including skirts. If the white and silver Super-Star shoes—Golden Goose’s iconic skateboard design—aren’t for you, there are dozens of styles and colors to choose from.
Palladium Pampa Hi Supply RS
Technically, these are boots, but they have bottoms that will keep even the most active part of you comfortable yet fashionable.
The Pampa style is part of Palladium’s supply collection, featuring a unique twist to its iconic boot. The boots are designed with an organic ripstop and moleskin canvas on the upper portion, giving the boots a touch of rugged sophistication. The boots are also designed with a die-cut EVA footbed, delivering both cushion and support as you rip and run the streets.
Y-3 Rivalry
Y-3s is a beautiful collaboration between Paris-based Japanese designer Yohji Yamamoto and German sportswear brand Adidas. The collaboration has redefined some of the most influential sneakers. Case in point is the Y-3 Rivalry, which puts a modern twist on one of Adidas’s most influential basketball shoes from the ‘80s.
This creates both a cozy shoe to walk in as an ode to athleticism and a fashionable shoe that you can dress up or down with your vacation outfits. Pick your style; the Y-3 Rivalry comes in multiple black-and-white color schemes.
New Balance 990v3
When New Balance created the 990v3 in the early ‘80s, the creators were tasked with creating the most comfortable shoe on the market. Little did New Balance know that the original grey silhouette they designed more than 30 years ago would still be relevant today. The shoe is just that good. New Balance has continued designing it in different colorways.
What stands out about the 990v3s is the ENCAP midsole cushioning. So, not only do these shoes look good, but they also feel good.
Reebok Club C 85 Vintage Shoes
You can never go wrong with a low white sneaker. It goes with everything, and that’s why Reebok’s Club C 85 Vintage Shoes are on the list. The sneakers are designed with EVA cushioning on the foam sock liner, which is also removable. They’re also equipped with die-cut EVA midsoles, giving you optimal comfort.
These ‘80s court classics are simple, fashionable, and don’t take effort to style. They’re timeless and easy to pair with a variety of styles.
Cole Haan Men’s GrandPro Breakaway Sneakers
Men looking for a business casual sneaker while traveling should consider Cole Haan’s GrandPro Breakaway Sneakers. Inspired by the trend of soccer shoes turned streetwear, the sneakers wear well for summer events, requiring you to be in more than flip-flops. When it comes to comfort, the shoes are designed with a rolled collar, quilted quarters, and a removable footbed with fantastic cushioning for extra support.
There are more than six colorways to choose shoes from and options for people with wider feet.
PUMA X TMC Ralph Sampson All-Star Sneakers
One of the best gifts Nipsey Hussle left us before his untimely death was his style, aside from his music and philosophies. Weeks before his death, Nipsey announced a collaboration with PUMA, known widely as PUMA X TMC. PUMA is continuing the marathon with the Ralph Sampson All-Star Sneakers to honor the former professional basketball player.
What’s great about this option is PUMA gives you the blueprint on how to style this version. There are more than a dozen ways to style these sneakers, which means this is a solid option for traveling since they pair well with so much. The shoes are designed with a soft leather upper and the NP signature printed on the back.
Nike Airmax 270
One of the most comfortable shoes in Nike’s lifestyle collection is the Air Max. With the Nike Air Max 270, Nike drew designs from its Air Max icons that showcase its greatest innovations.
It’s another well-designed shoe that caters to travelers who plan to do a lot of walking as they give you comfort and support. It provides a lot of foot support that makes you feel like you’re walking on air. Beyond its functionality, these are another shoe that’s easy to pair with your vacation fits.
Carter Active Play Sneakers
Parents rave about Carter’s Active Play Sneakers for traveling children. For starters, children will love them since Carter made them in a standout color scheme. The hook-and-loop closure allows both you and your child to slip them on and off.
It’s a breathable sandal with a sneaker-like bottom for optimal comfort and protection, along with a covered-toe silhouette. The flexible construction supports multi-directional movement for your moving child.
Alohas Tb. 490 Rife
Aloha’s Tb. 490 Ride are fun sneakers to wear because they come in a variety of vibrant colors. This is a shoe popular in Europe as it’s made in Portugal and designed in Spain. Each sneaker in this line is designed with sustainable cow leather.
The sneakers are designed in a low-top silhouette and sit on rubber soles. They’re complete with classic features such as exposed stitching and logo stamps. There are more than 22 colors to choose from, and each colorway may come with a different price.
Elan Women’s Gola Classics
Elan has roots as a multi-purpose training shoe. It gives a vintage yet modern feel, as it’s made with an old-school gum sole in beautiful color combinations. The various color pop makes it a standout shoe, selling out as quickly as they become available. What’s also great is that these stylish and vibrant shoes are perfect to pair with dresses and skirts as you walk 10 miles in Europe, the Caribbean, or Africa. These shoes are also available for men and children.
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