Comfortable Travel Shoes That Won't Sacrifice Style on Your Next Trip

If you want retro vibes with real comfort, the New Balance 530 delivers, thanks to a plush ABZORB midsole and breathable mesh that kept our feet happier on long travel days. We found the built-in arch support and rubber outsole give reliable stability, though sizing can be inconsistent and the mesh may show wear sooner than expected. Since there’s no water resistance, we recommend packing a backup option for rainy forecasts and reserving these for dry sightseeing and airport sprints.

These Veja Campo sneakers deliver a clean, travel-ready look that elevates jeans and dresses alike, using chrome-free tanned leather for a premium, eco-minded finish. In our testing, the rubber sole handled everyday city wandering, but cushioning and arch support are minimal, so long itineraries may require supportive insoles. Keep them dry to protect the leather and maximize longevity, as some users report wear at the sole over time; we reserve them for short excursions, cafés, and evenings out.

For city breaks where style is paramount, the Samba OG pairs effortlessly with everything, thanks to its timeless leather-and-suede upper and durable gum rubber outsole. During our review, traction and longevity were solid, but the fit runs narrow and there’s minimal cushioning or arch support, so long walking tours can feel taxing without aftermarket insoles. Our experience shows suede can scuff and soak easily, so keep these out of heavy rain and save them for fair-weather museum hops and dinners.

In our testing, the 550 brought a versatile retro look that works from plane to casual dinners, and the sturdy leather upper shrugged off scuffs. The rubber outsole with EVA midsole provides basic cushioning, but there’s little arch support and the leather runs warm in hot weather. It’s fine for short city strolls, not ideal for all-day walks unless you add insoles. Versus the Adidas Samba OG, you get a bit more cushioning and durability, but still limited support.

For flights and office-to-dinner itineraries, Rothy’s pointed flats are easy to keep fresh—the knit upper is made from recycled plastic bottles and can be tossed in the washing machine. During our review, the pillow-like insoles felt surprisingly cushy and the breathable knit kept heat in check, but arch support is limited and the pointed toe runs narrow. If you’re sensitive in the forefoot, size accordingly or add slim insoles, and expect knit hotspots with heavy mileage on rough sidewalks.

We found Tieks shine for minimalist packers: the foldable design and included pouch slip easily into a tote, while the soft Italian leather molds to your foot. The cushioned, springy insole and non-skid rubber patches offer more padding and grip than typical ballet flats. That said, the $210 price, lack of built-in arch support, and reports of long-term wear issues mean they’re best for short sightseeing and dinners. Compared with the Samba OG, Tieks are dressier and more packable, but similarly low on support.

During our review, the Hurricane XLT2 Revive proved a beach-to-cobblestone workhorse: the quick-dry recycled straps and Durabrasion Rubber outsole gripped confidently, while the EVA midsole and built-in arch support kept feet cushioned on long walks. Expect a short break-in—new straps can rub and the heel rise may cause toe rubbing for some. A few users also reported premature failures, so inspect yours before a big trip. For hot, humid itineraries, these breathe better than leather sneakers like the New Balance 550.

For all-day sightseeing in warm, wet climates, the Z/Cloud 2 brings serious support from its podiatrist-certified LUVSEAT midsole and a noticeably softer ride than old-school Chacos. Adjustable straps help you fine-tune fit as feet swell, and the ChacoGrip outsole bites on slick paths. The toe loop can feel snug at first, there are no half sizes, and the lighter webbing isn’t as rugged as past versions. Versus the Teva Hurricane XLT2, you get firmer arch support but a longer break-in.

On warm-weather trips, the Arizona Soft Footbed is a reliable companion—its contoured cork footbed provides genuine arch support, and the added foam layer offers immediate cushioning right out of the box. During our review, we loved the breathable feel for all-day strolling, but leather uppers can scuff and the cork doesn’t appreciate repeated soaking. If your itinerary includes beaches or downpours, pack a water-friendly backup and reserve these for dry promenades, markets, and laid-back afternoons at the café.

Hands-free travel is where Nike's Go FlyEase shines: the clever hinge lets you step in and out without touching a thing, and in our testing the thick foam midsole kept long airport lines and city strolls cushioned. The tensioner band holds the foot securely and the breathable upper helps manage heat, but there's no arch support and the fit can feel snug across the top. The chunky profile may feel bulky in a carry-on, and with limited releases, StockX pricing around $94 can fluctuate - keep them for dry itineraries.

If your travels include icy sidewalks, the Jungle Moc Ice+ is a confidence booster—the Vibram Arctic Grip outsole provided impressive traction on wet ice in our testing. The waterproof pig suede upper, removable contoured insole, and molded arch shank offer dry, supported strides, though breathability is limited and the arch can feel high at first. Be mindful indoors: Arctic Grip can scuff delicate floors, so swap to another pair for museums and hardwood hotels, and expect a snug fit until it breaks in.

In our testing, the Cityscape Classic kept feet bone-dry through downpours and puddles, and the sleek knit design pairs effortlessly with jeans or a travel dress. The rubber outsole and soft cushioning handle long airport days, but minimal built-in arch support means frequent walkers may want an insole. We did notice feet run warm in hot, humid climates, and some heavy users reported durability concerns after months of wear. Compared with leather classics like the Samba OG, these excel in wet weather but can feel toastier.

Rainy itineraries are where the Cloud 5 Waterproof shines: the sealed membrane kept us dry, while the springy CloudTec EVA midsole delivered cushioned comfort from breakfast to bedtime. In our testing, the easy slip-on elastic laces were a gift at airport security, but sizing ran a bit small and the toe box can feel snug for wider feet. Some users report outsole wear over months, so if you’re hard on shoes, rotate pairs for daily commuting or urban hikes.

On wet, slushy travel days, our experience shows the Out N About IV keeps feet dry and supported, with many wearers praising the arch support and the rubber sole’s grip. The waterproof rubber-and-leather build isn’t very breathable and can feel cold, but it’s confidence-inspiring around puddles. Note that sizing runs small—consider a half size up—and occasional quality-control issues like cracking or seam separation have been reported. Compared with the Vessi Cityscape, these handle harsher puddles but trade away sleekness.

If you need something office-ready for rainy travel days, we found this waterproof wingtip kept slush and drizzle at bay while the ZERØGRAND midsole and GRANDFØAM footbed delivered comfortable, supportive cushioning. The arch support helps reduce fatigue during conferences or long commutes, though the shoe can feel stiff until it breaks in. Several users mention a snug, narrow fit and the lined build isn’t breathable in heat. Compared with the New Balance 550, you gain weather protection and underfoot support, though the lined build feels stiffer and less casual.

Packing a dressy option? The Vera earns its spot with Contour+ cushioning and a padded footbed that, in our experience, stays comfortable through receptions and city dinners, plus widths from narrow to wide help dial in fit. Arch support is better than most heels, but some straps can rub at first and a few users report durability issues with repeated wear. Since breathability and water resistance are limited, keep these for dry, temperate evenings and give them a short break-in at home.

In our testing, The Zilker was a carry-on champ: lightweight, packable, and comfy enough to wear sockless thanks to its breathable knit and removable, washable foam insole. The flexible gum rubber sole feels great for casual city strolls, but there’s minimal arch support and it isn’t suited to rugged trails. Durability can be a concern with heavy use, and there’s no water protection. Versus the New Balance 550, it’s cooler and lighter, but less structured and protective.

Minimalist travelers will love how the Z-Trail EV disappears in a carry-on—it's extremely lightweight, highly packable, and water-resistant for unexpected splashes. In our testing, the FeelLite foam with a TrailFoam layer preserved ground feel while encouraging natural movement, but there’s virtually no arch support or cushioning, so plan accordingly on long, hard pavements. We also found the recycled nylon straps can show wear and the outsole loses grip on muck or wet rock, making them best for dry, mixed terrain.

During our review, the Bondi 9 was a mile-eater: its ultra-plush EVA cushioning and wide, stable base made long airport hauls and walking tours noticeably easier on joints. The perforated upper keeps airflow moving, though there’s no water protection and the silhouette is undeniably chunky. Many travelers should size down, and the ungusseted tongue can bunch if you don’t smooth it. Compared to the Vessi Cityscape, you’re trading weatherproofing for maximum shock absorption and support.

For travelers who log serious miles, the 990v6 brings exceptional arch support and a responsive FuelCell plus ENCAP setup that kept our steps lively over long city walks. We found the breathable mesh upper helps manage heat, though it starts stiff and the thin toebox mesh can abrade if you’re rough on gear. It’s a premium price, but if stability and comfort are top priorities, this is a dependable all-day sneaker—just allow a short break-in and avoid rainy forecasts.