The Best Travel Shoes: My Tried-and-True Favourites
When it comes to travel, shoes can make or break your trip. Pack the wrong pair and you’ll either be uncomfortable or left unprepared for the weather. Pack too many, and your suitcase quickly fills with bulky, heavy footwear.
After years of trial and error, I’ve narrowed my travel shoe list down to just a few versatile favourites. These pairs cover everything from Arctic snow to beach holidays, and most importantly, they’re practical, stylish, and built to last.
White Sneakers: Cariuma
A classic white sneaker is one of the most versatile shoes you can pack. I love Cariuma sneakers because they’re not only comfortable for long walking days, but also eco-friendly and stylish enough to wear with dresses or jeans.
Perfect for city trips, sightseeing, and casual dinners
Pairs well with almost any outfit
Lightweight and easy to pack
Birkenstocks: EVA or Arizona
If you’re heading somewhere warm, you’ll want a reliable pair of sandals. My go-to are Birkenstocks, and I recommend two options depending on your trip:
Birkenstock EVA – super lightweight, waterproof, and ideal for the pool, beach, or as a flip-flop alternative.
Birkenstock Arizona (Birk-Flor or Leather) – more supportive and hard-wearing, these are excellent if you’ll be doing a lot of walking in hot weather.
Either way, Birkenstocks are worth the suitcase space.
Dressy Sandals – Bared Footwear
For evenings out, nice dinners, or city trips where you want something a bit smarter, Bared Footwear sandals are a fantastic option. They’re podiatrist-designed, so they’re actually comfortable, and come in dressier styles that elevate your outfits.
💡 Great for: dinners, cruises, warm-weather evenings.
Black Leather Ankle Boots
For colder destinations, a sturdy pair of boots is essential. A black leather ankle boot with a rubber sole is my go-to because it balances practicality with style. You can wear them sightseeing during the day and then out to dinner at night.
If you need something tougher, Timberland boots are a great option for destinations with light snow, slush, or unpredictable weather.
Snow Boots for the Arctic
If you’re heading somewhere extreme — like Tromsø, Lapland, or Iceland in winter — a pair of insulated snow boots is non-negotiable. Look for boots that are:
Waterproof (a must in snow and slush)
Insulated for sub-zero conditions
Comfortable enough to wear all day
I recommend Sorel boots or Columbia winter boots for reliable warmth and durability in Arctic conditions.
Running / Walking Shoes: Asics Gel
Sometimes travel means walking tens of thousands of steps a day — think Tokyo, New York, or European city breaks. For that, I rely on Asics Gel sneakers. They’re designed for runners, but they make excellent travel shoes thanks to their cushioning and support.
Tip: If you’re travelling somewhere wet, invest in the Gore-Tex version. It’ll keep your feet dry without sacrificing comfort.
How Many Pairs of Shoes Should You Pack?
For most trips, three pairs are plenty:
- Everyday shoes (white sneakers or ankle boots, depending on climate)
- Sandals or lighter shoes (Birkenstocks or EVA slides)
- Destination-specific pair (snow boots for Arctic, Asics for high walking days)
With this shoe capsule, you’ll be ready for just about any destination.
Time to Step Out
The best travel shoes are the ones that work hard for you — versatile, comfortable, and suited to your destination. For me, these favourites tick all the boxes: Cariuma sneakers, Birkenstocks, leather ankle boots, snow boots, and Asics Gel trainers. With the right combination, you’ll be able to explore in comfort without overpacking.
