I don’t know what kind of traveler you are, but I’m the kind that packs every day full to the brim. My itineraries are detailed practically to the minute, and there’s nothing worse than realizing that your feet are already tired, and you still have another museum to visit that day. I’m sharing some of my favorite comfortable, cute, and packable travel shoes with you so that you can visit all the sites you want to see without worrying that you’ll be suffering the second half of the day.

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Hiking Shoes

I’ve spent a lot of time hiking around in heavy, clunky beasts because I thought that was the best shoe for hiking. That’s what comes up when you search for hiking shoes after all. (You can picture them, right? Tan and ugly, with tall ankles). Well, I learned recently that experts actually recommend trail running shoes for most hikes. They are lightweight and have great traction. After all, if they are built to run in, they must also be good for walking.

La Sportiva Bushido II Running Shoes

I love the fit of these shoes—they truly feel like they are one with my feet. They are so lightweight and are really snug on my feet so they don’t rub anywhere, and when I’m on uneven surfaces I’m not worried about my feet slipping around inside. The only downside is that my feet did hurt a little after a longer half-day hike, but a cushy insert may help with that. Buy here >>

Saucony Trail Running Shoe

If you need a little more cushion, these shoes are perfect. They are recommended all over the internet, and though they aren’t as cute as the La Sportiva’s (in my opinion), they are more comfortable on longer hikes, which is why they are my go-to hiking shoes. Buy here >>

Sandals

Sandals: the best travel shoe because they don’t take up much space in a suitcase, and you don’t need to wear socks with them (unless you’re my dad and that’s just your #style).

Teva Original Universal Sandal

I’ve never used these myself but a lot of my friends recommended them when I was looking for a sandal to wear to Disney World (Twelve. Mile. Days.), and 2,000+ reviewers on Amazon agree! I think these look so cute in white. Buy here >>

 

Teva ALP Premier Sandal

I ended up going with these Teva’s because they seemed sturdier. The sole is not as squishy as the more basic version which I think is likely to better protect toes from being stubbed, and it has a little more traction which made me feel more confident walking through water. I also like that the heel strap is cushioned. They’ve treated me well.

Bonus: Unique tan lines! Buy here >>

Other Favorites

If you’ve got a pair of good hiking shoes and sandals, you’re covered for just about anything (except snow, which I have very little experience dealing with as a traveler. I want to be warm when I’m traveling!) Here are a few other shoes that often find their way into my suitcase.

Converse

I just bought these for non-travel wear, but I was so surprised by how comfortable they were walking around NYC for a day. The insoles are completely flat, but I guess they have enough cushion that my feet weren’t aching even though I have pretty high arches. I bet they’d be even better with an insert.

Bonus: They fit so easily in a suitcase because the canvas is flexible. Buy here >>

Asgard Waterproof Chelsea Boot

Perfect for romping around a place like moody Ireland where it’s likely to rain often. These are a great deal—better quality than you’d expect for the price—but if you want a shoe that will last a long time, you might want to invest in a 100% leather counterpart, like these: Thursday Boot Company Duchess Chelsea Boot.

Bonus: They dress up an outfit nicely! A good option to wear to a museum, performance, or a nice dinner. Buy here >>