As someone who doesn’t quite hit 5 feet tall, I have mostly been known to wear shoes with a bit of a high heel. But when traveling, heels aren’t always practical.
Ballet flats can be a good option because they are available in different styles and different colors, are very easy to pack, and can offer all-day comfort. These classic ballet flats can be casual and dressy and can work with any type of clothing including skinny jeans, leggings, shorts, and dresses, as well as for special occasions.
I’ve found that when my travel includes walking long distances all day long, I like to have several different types of shoes available for me to wear. That way, if my feet are uncomfortable after long days with lots of walking, I switch the type and style of shoe that I wear the next day and it will be a little more comfortable.
Bringing different brands and styles of ballet shoes gives you several options to change into, and you can match the colors to your outfits. It can be one of the best ways to change up your look on vacation, and the compact size makes it easy to pack in your suitcase.
If you are wondering which comfortable ballet shoes to pack on your next vacation, I have several favorites that I’ve loved wearing at home and on vacation. Here are some of the best ballet flats and shoes for travel.
Remember to try out all of your shoes before going on vacation. You don’t want to break in new shoes on your trip – they should already be comfortable before you go. Be sure to purchase shoes that can be returned, and try them on indoors before committing to them.
One person’s comfortable flats can be someone else’s least favorite – so make sure the shoes work well for you and your feet. Ballet flats typically don’t offer a lot of arch support, so you’ll want to take that into account. If your trip includes mostly walking, you may want more support.
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The Most Comfortable and Best Ballet Flats for Travel
Rothy’s
Rothy’s is a washable, eco-friendly shoe brand that offers women’s, men’s, and kids’ shoes as well as bags. They are made from a special knit created from single-use plastic water bottles.
Rothy’s can be washed in a washing machine, which makes them convenient to keep clean. But in addition to being practical, they also have some really cute flats.
If you are specifically searching for women’s ballet flats, there are several options available. Their most unique style, in my opinion, is the pointed-toe style, called the point. These cute ballet flats are available in several colors and can be purchased in whole and half sizes for a perfect fit.
I have found that these shoes are best for those with narrow or regular widths, and aren’t as good for wide feet. Despite the woven appearance of these shoes, they don’t stretch. I have purchased them in my regular size and they seem to run true to size (although the company does recommend sizing up if your feet are wider than a B).
Rothy’s are also available in a more traditional rounded-toe style, as well as a loafer and a sneaker style. They are always adding new styles. The ballet flats are generally worn without socks, although you can wear them with no-show socks.
If your feet sweat, you may find that these shoes don’t smell great after a few wearings. It can be tough to wash them on the road, so you may consider using something like Gekks for the interior. I usually pack them with a dryer sheet in them.
Rothy’s are expensive, but they do seem to last a long time and are some of the best flats I’ve owned. I’ve had a few pairs for several years and there is no sign of wear on them. Be sure to keep them out of the dryer because they can shrink. You can get $20 off your first purchase with our affiliate link.
Tieks
Tieks leather flats are some of the most popular, stylish, and Instagram-worthy shoes around. These are a nice, comfy flat, but they are also available in some really beautiful colors. Tieks have a leather upper with teal non-skid pads on the bottom. This helps prevent slipping and makes them even more comfortable to walk in.
These are the type of shoes that you’ll want to try as walking shoes before going on vacation. They do have a cushioned back making them one of the best flats for travel.
Tieks are only available in full sizes, however, so you’ll want to make sure you get the fit just right before packing them for vacation. Since I wear a half-size, I sized up for my pairs.
As you browse the Tieks website, you are likely to find lots of colors that you’ll want to buy. They have so many different options, including seasonal and limited edition colors. These do sell out so if there’s something you want, buy it when it’s available.
Tieks are expensive and are somewhat of an investment. I’ve owned several pairs and they do hold up well. The soles especially stay in great shape. There are different types of leather – both patent and matte leather.
The packaging of Tieks is just as fun as the actual shoes. Each pair comes folded in a little shoe pouch that is great to use while traveling. They also come with a signature teal reusable bag.
I’ve found that they do need to break in a bit, so wear them around the house before packing them for your trip. Tieks can be purchased through their website. They have a great return/exchange program on unused shoes if you find that you’ve ordered the wrong size.
Tory Burch
Tory Burch’s flip flops are probably more famous, but the Tory Burch Minnie Travel Ballet Flats with the iconic logo on top are still very popular. These leather ballet flats are offered in various colors, with matching or complementary colors/metals for the logo.
In my opinion, the Tory Burch ballet flats look a little more dressy and elegant, so they are great to bring along for dinners and evenings out. They are comfortable, but I probably wouldn’t wear them when touring around, because they may be overly dressy. They are probably the best flats if you are going to dress up a lot on your trip.
They seem to fit true to size – my pair is 5 1/2, which is the size I usually wear. There’s an elasticized back, so they don’t slip off when walking and don’t pinch. They are available in lots of colors, and you can often find retired/discontinued colors on sale.
They are also easy to pack and wear well. The pair I own was purchased many years ago and is still in great condition. While you are shopping for Tory Burch shoes, you may also consider purchasing their flip-flops, which are also very comfortable and last a while.
You can find Tory Burch online, in their boutiques, at Nordstrom, and at Zappos.
Sam Edelman Ballet Flats
If you are looking for stylish flats that are also the most versatile for travel, Sam Edelman offers a great option. These leather ballet flats are offered in many different colors, with a little tie on top. They are casual enough for everyday wear, but can also look nice with a dressier outfit.
I’ve found that these shoes are very comfortable and that they run true to size. They are very easy to pack and do need a little bit of time to break in. These are some of the best shoes for travel, because of their versatility.
Sam Edelman flats can be purchased at Nordstrom or online at Zappos. Just like the Tory Burch flats, you may be able to find discontinued colors/styles on sale.
