If your family vacation includes a lot of walking, you’ll want to make sure that you have comfortable walking shoes for traveling. Everyone has different walking styles – so you’ll want to try out various shoes before embarking on your family vacation. Otherwise, you may find that those “comfortable” shoes aren’t when they are in use.
And while some people love wearing sneakers on vacation, I don’t always find them comfortable when it’s hot outside. The best shoes for walking all day may vary for you.
Don’t despair if you don’t like a specific pair of shoes, especially if others love them. There are so many different options to try out. A good rule of thumb is to stick with the type of shoe that you typically like.
So, if you prefer to wear flats, you’ll want to choose flat walking shoes. Here are some of my favorite comfortable walking shoes for travel. Remember to check the weather at your destination before leaving on your vacation so that you have the most appropriate shoes.
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Comfortable Walking Shoes for Travel
When I travel on a family vacation, I look to bring various shoes on my trip. Not only will you want different styles, but you’ll also want to change things daily. I find that my feet get more if I wear the same pair of shoes two days in a row.
In general, for a warm-weather vacation, I pack a pair of beach/pool shoes, two pairs of walking shoes, a pair of fun sandals (not for walking), and a pair of more durable shoes. Always ensure you have at least one pair of closed-toed shoes for activities that require them.
FitFlops
These are my absolute favorite shoes for travel, as well as for hanging around town. They are the best walking sandals, in my opinion. They are comfortable and stylish and work with stylish pants, jeans, skirts, and shorts.
Depending on your travel plans, flip-flops may not be appropriate. You can get dressy styles, but they are open-toed and are still a flip-flop style. I do find that the soles are sometimes a bit slippery, so they can be tough to wear on some surfaces, especially on European streets with slippery cobblestones.
Josef Seibel
These shoes aren’t the cheapest but are super comfortable and well-made. Various styles are offered, including boots, loafers, and sandals. I like the loafers as a comfortable closed-toe shoe for travel. I also have several pairs of Josef Seibel boots.
They can be great, comfortable, stylish walking shoes. The high-heeled shoes are beautiful and look great with long pants, but they aren’t as comfortable for longer walks.
Sanuk
I love my Sanuk yoga sandals, although they don’t offer much support. The soles are so soft and cushioned. I wear a pair of Sanuk flip-flops on the beach and by the pool. They are pretty inexpensive and are offered in different colors.
You may wonder, especially with the soft sole – are Sanuks comfortable for walking? The yoga sandals are, but I find that they are only good for short distances. Other Sanuk styles are closed-toe and more comfortable for longer walks.
Dansko
Not everyone loves Dansko shoes, but I find them so comfortable. They offer sandals, boots, and the popular clog you are probably most familiar with. I recommend walking around in them for short distances before your family vacation to make sure you like them. The strong arch can take a little time to get used to.
KEENs
Keen sandals are my go-to for traveling. They are comfortable walking shoes for travel, and have a rugged sole that is great for slippery surfaces.
When we visited the Acropolis last summer, these were the perfect shoe to wear because the ground there is both rugged and slick. I wear them so much when I travel overseas in the summer. Style options include the Astoria, the Rose, and the Newport.
Skechers
These shoes are similar to sneakers but are a little more dressy. They are a great option if you prefer a shoe that’s more similar to a sneaker.
Rothy’s
Rothy’s are one of my favorite new shoes. The ballet flats are comfortable and look great with various outfits. They are also machine washable and made from recycled water bottles. They don’t have a ton of support but are so easy to pack for a casual day.
On Cloud 5
These sneakers are my new favorite all-around travel shoes when walking around cities or theme parks. They are incredibly comfortable and do feel like you are walking “on clouds”. They come in various styles and colors, but I especially like the ones that don’t have to be tied.
Sorel
My Sorel Kinetic Impact sandals get the most attention of all my shoes. They are extremely comfortable, with a small platform heel and a comfortable sole.
Tips for Wearing Comfortable Shoes on Vacation
- Be sure to break your shoes in well before your vacation
- Bring along blister protection in case you do end up with a blister. It’s also a good idea to pack some bandages in your purse or toiletry bag
- Ensure that your shoes fit properly, and that you have appropriate socks
- For longer trips, or trip with lots of walking, bring several types of pairs so you’ll have options
