The Best Travel Shoes of 2024

The right travel shoes can speed up the slog through security and make sprinting to make your flight feel much less harrowing. But finding the best travel shoes isn’t easy. There are tons of options on the market, and there’s not one perfect shoe for every traveler. But don’t give up because our buyer’s guide to the best travel shoes won’t leave you stranded at the gate.

Over the course of a few months, we tested a series of different travel shoes. Each shoe offered a different type of utility, but overall, each one was comfortable, easy to slip on and off, and stylish (more or less). Whether you’re looking for a shoe that slips on and off in a pinch, will pull double-duty as a city and off-road shoe, or just something comfortable that looks good, we’ve got a travel shoe for you.

Find out what you should look for in our comprehensive buyer’s guide and comparison chart at the bottom of the article. Also, our price & value section can help see what kind of shoes are in your price range. Otherwise, read our complete gear guide below.

Editor’s note: For our November 8, 2024 update, we added the extremely comfortable Municipal Origin Shoes as well as a price & value section to our buyer’s guide content.

The Best Travel Shoes of 2024

Best Overall Travel Shoes: OluKai Mio Li
Best Bargain Travel Shoes: Combat Flip Flops LT-22
Best Off-Road Travel Shoes: Salewa Puez Knit
Best Travel Shoes for Athletes: Municipal Origin Shoes
Most Comfortable Travel Shoes: ON Cloud 5 Coast

Specs

Shoe Type: Running/casual shoe
Kick-down Heel: Yes
Upper Material: Ultra-breathable mesh, embossed leather accents
Best For: Everything

Pros

Good for running/working out
Very comfortable
Easy to slip on and off
Pairs well with casual clothes
Packs almost flat in luggage

Cons

Flat outsole doesn’t grip well in gravelly terrain
White midsole gets dirty easily

Ideally, the best travel shoe will be the only one you need to pack, and the OluKai Mio Li ($130) fits the bill. This breezy sneaker puts casual styling on a sporty chassis. You can run in it, bang out a quick workout, then pair them with a nice outfit for dinner.

OluKai first came on our radar for their ultra-comfortable flip-flops and shoes, and the Mio Li follows that trend. The company states that the insole is “inspired by the feeling of bare feet in wet sand,” and after weeks of use, our tester agrees.

During testing, the slight arch and smooth material were extremely comfortable for walking from hotels to nearby coffee shops. When we cranked down the laces, they were even wearable for light bodyweight workouts and 20-minute morning runs. Plus, their mesh styling and leather accents made them ideal for a night out with a nice pair of khaki joggers.

For jet-setting, the kickdown heel made sliding through security a breeze, and the Wet Grip Rubber outsole had us trekking through everything from airport spills to creek beds with confidence. It also has a washable footbed, so you can get away with wearing these barefoot without getting them too stinky.

It’s not the best hiking shoe, running shoe, or workout shoe, but the OluKai Mio Li does all of them very well. Plus, it’s stylish, comfortable, and easy to slip on and off. If you’re looking for just one shoe to pack on a trip, we’d start right here.

Specs

Shoe Type: Casual Shoe
Kick-down Heel: No
Upper Material: Canvas
Best For: Casual wear

Pros

Very Durable
Looks good anywhere
Extremely sticky outsole
Soft, comfortable insole

Cons

Not ideal for running
Canvas styling not for everyone
Not ideal for people who need arch support

If you’re shopping on a budget, you’ll likely be wanting a shoe that will last a while. The Combat Flip Flops LT-22 ($65) is that shoe. Built with a blended synthetic canvas upper, nylon laces, metal eyelets, and a Cordura lace holder, the LT-22 is like your favorite pair of Vans wearing body armor.

And, like a good pair of canvas shoes, these have a flat, flip-flop feel with a bit of cush to it. The attached insole has a comfortable squish, and the lining is soft and silky. That silky lining wasn’t just comfortable — it also made it easier to slip the shoes on and off at security checkpoints. This was a pleasant surprise since the heel is stationary.

As you’d expect from this style of shoe, there’s not a ton of support here. If you need a beefy midsole for walking longer distances, you may want to look elsewhere. But if you want a comfy shoe with casual styling that won’t drain your bank account, the Combat Flip Flops LT-22 is a solid choice.

Specs

Shoe Type: Hiking Shoe
Kick-down Heel: No
Upper Material: High-resistance ripstop polyurethane, PFC-free waterproof-breathable membrane
Best For: Off-road adventures

Pros

Aggressive lugs
Waterproof upper
Elastic gaiter keeps scree out
Easy to slip off at security checkpoints

Cons

Still need two hands to put them on
Not ideal for wider feet

Trips with a higher dirt-to-pavement ratio require a different kind of shoe. After our time with the Salewa Puez Knit ($239), we’re convinced that this is that shoe. It’s clearly meant for off-road work, but it’s just as comfortable on the way to the trailhead as it is on your hike.

Salewa crammed this hiking shoe with a slew of features built for trails. The outsole has aggressive lugs with a heel brake and a protective toe cap. The upper is lined with a PFC-free waterproof membrane. The shoe’s exterior is made up of abrasion-resistant knitted nylon. There’s even an elastic ankle gaiter to keep debris from falling into your shoe. All of these features added up to comfort and security during weeks of scrambling and hiking in Northern California.

And while they may seem overbuilt for pavement, they never felt clunky on sidewalks, asphalt, and airport tile floors. The outsole provides a smooth rolling gait that may lead you to forget that you’re wearing hiking shoes. That elastic gaiter also made it easier to slip the shoes off at security checkpoints as well. We still needed two hands to put them back on, but it was a lot quicker than any other boots we’ve traveled with.

If you’re not doing any serious hiking on your trip, the Salewa Puez Knit is probably overkill. And Salewas tend to run a bit narrow, so these won’t be ideal for wider feet. But if you plan on spending your trip off the beaten path, these could be the perfect choice.

Specs

Shoe Type: Sport/casual shoe
Kick-down Heel: No
Upper Material: Suede/nylon/mesh
Best For: High-volume walking, casual wear

Pros

Extremely soft midsole cushioning
Nearly universal styling
Easy to kick on and off

Cons

Suede can be a pain to clean

When we first saw our test pair of Municipal Origin Shoes ($180), we were worried that the company valued style over substance. To be fair, these shoes look cool as hell — the classic suede upper and slightly chunky profile make them look like a cross between classic Reebok low tops and a pair of Jordans. In short, their sporty yet high-end style means they looked just as good with a pair of sweats and a white tee as they did with a dressy casual look for evenings out.

More importantly, the substance matches the style. The cushy padded upper snugged the foot and felt supportive, while the mesh toe box prevented the shoe from overheating on hot days. But the real star of the show here is the M.FLOAT midsole, which layers four different densities of foam, which facilitated an extremely cushioned yet supportive ride that kept our feet comfortable after miles of walking.

There is no kick-down heel, which is usually a ding when it comes to airport security checkpoints, but were pleasantly surprised with the Origin. The upper is just stiff enough to wear securely with the laces untied, which makes them simple to kick on and off when it’s time to get them x-rayed. In fact, we’re mostly wearing them untied just for the convenience.

The only real ding we could find is that, while it looks great, suede is a pain to clean if you get it dirty. And these shoes look so sweet, you’re going to want to keep them clean. You may need to invest in a suede brush when you pick these up. Or be really careful not to spill your drinks.

Thanks to its all-day comfort and extremely versatile style, the Municipal Origin could easily be a one-quiver shoe for most trips. Thanks to its athletic origins, it even makes a decent gym shoe if your hotel has a weight room. Just be sure not to scuff up that suede.

Specs

Shoe Type: Walking Shoe
Kick-down Heel: Yes
Upper Material: Polyester mesh
Best For: High-volume walking, casual wear

Pros

Absurdly comfortable
Takes up minimal pack space
Easy to slip on and off

Cons

You can’t really tighten them

After a few trips with the ON Cloud 5 Coast ($150), we figured out why you always see people wearing ONs at the airport — they’re really damn comfortable. These lightweight (7-ounce) shoes are airy, have a slipper-like interior, and are surprisingly supportive for long days on your feet.

The shoes have a rubber-reinforced outsole with that distinctive ON design. It’s bouncy, light, and supportive. We had no trouble wearing these through long days at theme parks or trekking through airport terminals.

A speed-lacing system and kick-down heel mean you can slip these on and off without a second thought. This made them our favorite for whipping through security. Also, the airy mesh upper and sweat-wicking sock liner were comfortable when wearing without socks at the beach.

The mesh is anti-microbial, as a phrase that we always take that with a grain of salt. However, after a few weeks of warm-weather wear without socks, our tester’s partner has yet to complain about the odor.

While the speed lacing on the ON Cloud 5 Coast is helpful for taking these shoes on and off, it also means you can’t ratchet down on the laces and, say, go for a run. But if you’re planning on maintaining a walking tempo for your trip, you’ll be hard-pressed to find a more comfortable shoe.

Specs

Shoe Type: Mid-height sneaker/boot
Kick-down Heel: No
Upper Material: Suede and nylon
Best For: Off-roading

Pros

Heavy duty
Build for mixed terrain
Casual style

Cons

Heavy
Not very breathable
Ankle cuff placement can cause irritation

A stealthy boot that looks like a skate shoe, the 5.11 McClane Mid ($100) is built for anyone who wants a hiking boot that you can wear out to dinner. The heavy-duty suede and nylon upper is extremely tough, the Vibram outsole is grippy, and there’s even built-in toe protection (it’s not steel-toe, but it feels like it) for extra “oomph.”

What makes the 5.11 McClane Mid really stand out is that it doesn’t look like a heavy-duty boot. The exterior styling give it more of a sneaker vibe. So after a day of tromping through the woods, you can get to your hotel, swap clothes, and hit the town in them.

Luckily, they also feel like sneakers, for the most part. This is thanks in part to the soft Ortholite Drop-in foam insole, which felt pleasantly squishy underfoot. And if squishy isn’t your thing, you can easily swap the insoles out for a firmer pair.

One thing to note, however, there is potential for the mid-height ankle cuff to create a hotspot on the Achilles. We didn’t experience this during testing, but we did find reports of this in our research. 5.11 does have a 90-day return policy in case this happens.

Specs

Shoe Type: Casual Shoe
Kick-down Heel: Yes
Upper Material: Stretch knit upper
Best For: Watersports, casual wear

Pros

Slipper-like feel
Soft Memory Foam sockliner
Airy mesh upper
Casual styling

Cons

Not ideal for hiking or running
Could use more support for high-mileage days

The Reef SWELLsole Neptune ($75) nails the casual beach vacation vibe, thanks to its airy mesh upper, super-flexible EVA outsole, and extremely soft and comfortable Memory Foam sock liner. They feel like a well-worn pair of slippers, but they have a casual styling that will go with just about anything short of a black-tie event.

A kick-down heel not only made it easy for us to get through security checkpoints but was also perfect for groggy morning trips to the hotel cafe after a long night out. The Memory Foam insole felt pillow-like yet offered just enough arch support for longer treks through town.

The heel cuff can often be the…Achilles heel for many shoes designed to be worn barefoot. Without a sock on, that area can cause irritation and hotspots as the foot slides around. We’re happy to report that wasn’t the case here, thanks to the soft suede liner in the back of the shoe. We put miles on these shoes without socks and felt zero irritation.

The one ding with this shoe is that it’s not terribly versatile. If you’re planning on hiking, running, or working out, you’ll have to bring another pair with you. But if you’re looking for an extremely comfortable beach cruiser, the Reef SWELLsole Neptune is your huckleberry.

Travel Shoes Comparison Chart

Travel Shoes	Shoe Type	Kick-Down Heel	Upper Material	Best For	Price
OluKai Mio Li	Running/casual shoe	Yes	Ultra-breathable mesh, embossed leather accents	Everything	$130
Combat Flip Flops LT-22	Casual shoe	No	Canvas	Casual wear	$65
Salewa Puez Knit	Hiking Shoe	No	High-resistance ripstop polyurethane, PFC-free waterproof-breathable membrane	Off-road adventures	$239
Municipal Origin Shoes	Athletic/casual shoe	No	Suede, nylon, and mesh	High-volume walking, casual wear, light workouts	$180
ON Cloud 5 Coast	Walking shoe	Yes	Polyester mesh	High-volume walking, casual wear	$150
5.11 McClane Mid	Mid-height sneaker/boot	No	Suede and nylon	Mixed terrain	$100
Reef SWELLsole Neptune	Casual shoe	Yes	Stretch knit upper	Watersports, casual wear	$75

gj-bg-travel-shoes-olukai-mio-li — A kick-down heel can speed up your trip through airport security; (photo/Billy Brown)

How We Tested Travel Shoes

Our Expert Tester

Lead tester Billy Brown has been traveling regularly for the last decade and a half for both work and play. During this time, he has developed a sense of what to look for in a travel shoe (and, unfortunately, what doesn’t).

Some of his test trips during this test period included flights to Texas and Oregon, road trips to the California coast, and a weekend trip to the Happiest Place on Earth™, where he walked 32 miles in 3 days.

Our Testing Process

Nomadic by nature, GearJunkie writers and editors have traveled to all corners of the globe, racking up countless miles. During those trips, we’ve accumulated insight on what to wear (and what NOT to wear) to make those trips more comfortable.

To test these travel shoes, we packed various ones with us on flights around the country, long road trips, and ten-mile-plus slogs through theme parks. During these runs, we paid careful attention to comfort, how easy they were to get through security, and the intended use of each one.

Any shoe that took more than a few seconds to get on and off was omitted from this list, as was any shoe that we wouldn’t want to spend hours in.

gj-bg-travel-shoes-on-cloud-5-coast — The ON Cloud 5 Coast shoes are so airy you can practically see through them; (photo/Billy Brown)

Buyer’s Guide: How to Choose a Travel Shoe

Choosing the right travel shoe can be the difference between enjoying your trip and spending your vacation looking for a place to get off your feet. But there are tons of shoes out there and many different types of travel. That’s why we’re here to give you a few ideas of what to look for. This article focuses on the best travel shoes. In separate guides, we have also outlined the best travel backpacks and the best carry-on luggage.

Easy On/Off

One of the most irritating parts of travel is wrestling off a pair of shoes while a line of people waits behind you. Which is immediately followed by hauling your bags and shoes in your arms while you walk to a bench in your socks so you can put them back on.

That said, be sure to choose a pair of shoes that you can slip on and off easily. Often, a good pair of travel shoes, like the ON Cloud 5 Coast, will have a kick-down heel so you can ease in and out of them like slippers.

Other shoes, like the 5.11 McClane Mid, are built sturdily enough to wear with the laces undone, so you can kick them off and on in an instant.

gj-bg-travel-shoes-511-mcclain-detail — The 5.11 McClain shoes can be worn unlaced without falling off; (photo/Billy Brown)

Intended Use

Consider how you are going to use your shoes when you get to your destination. Planning on spending a week in the woods? You’ll probably want something durable good support and traction like the Salewa Puez Knit or 5.11 McClane Mid.

If you’ll be on less aggressive terrain, a more casual shoe like the Reef SWELLsole Neptune or Combat Flip Flops LT-22 will do just fine, thanks to their low profiles and soft cushioning. For travelers who are planning on working out, a more supportive and responsive shoe like the OluKai Mio Li would be ideal.

gj-bg-travel-shoes-salewa-puez-knit — The Salewa Puez Knit has an integrated gaiter that keeps debris out on rough trails; (photo/Billy Brown)

Also, if you’re packing light, you’ll want shoes that can also act as casual shoes for when you’re going out on the town. That will vary based on an individual’s style and preferences.

Cushion

Travel usually entails a good amount of time spent on your feet. So it pays to find a pair that you know you can stand and walk in for hours on end. Again, this will depend on personal preference.

If you like extra plushness, look for a shoe with an EVA or Memory Foam insole, like the Reef SWELLsole Neptune or the Combat Flip Flops LT-22. Are you an overpronator? Look for a shoe with more arch support, like the OluKai Mio Li.

Not sure what you want? Not a problem. If that’s the case, look for a shoe with a removable insole. This will allow you to swap them out for whatever cushioning you prefer.

Stability

For travelers who plan on walking tours, or hiking, or those with flat feet or overpronation, a more stable shoe can offer additional support in the midsole or arch. This extra support can help to stabilize your foot and keep it in a more neutral position.

If you plan on spending time on uneven surfaces like trails or cobblestones, a more stable shoe like the 5.11 McClane Mid can also help protect your feet and minimize foot fatigue.

gj-bg-reef-swellsole-neptune — The Reef SWELLSole Neptune has an extremely soft insole; (photo/Billy Brown)

Breathability

A breathable upper is ideal for preventing your feet from getting clammy during training. It’s also useful when spending time in warmer climates. We appreciated the breathable mesh uppers on the ON Cloud 5 Coast and Reef SWELLsole Neptune, which allowed air to flow freely and kept our feet cool and dry.

Packability

We tried to pick shoes that could act as the only shoes you’d bring on a trip, but sometimes that’s just not possible. When you need to bring more than one pair of shoes, it’s ideal that the pair you put in your luggage takes up as little space as possible.

For your second pair, try to pick a shoe that packs down flat, like the Combat Flip Flops LT-22, or the Reef SWELLsole Neptune. These will take up much less space than more burly shoes like the Salewa Puez Knit and the 5.11 McClane Mid.

Also, weight can be a factor when considering what shoes to pack. You don’t want to add an extra 2 pounds to your carry-on or risk going over the limit with your checked luggage. The 7-ounce ON Cloud 5 Coast would be a solid choice if you think you might be approaching your weight limit.

Price & Value

Bargain

Technically, you can travel in any shoe — we’ve been guilty of hopping on planes in flip-flops before. So, really, the floor’s the limit if you don’t want to spend a lot of money on travel shoes. But if you’re looking to step up your travel game and buy a pair of shoes that’d be comfortable for long days on your feet and won’t be a pain at security checkpoints, we’d recommend starting with something like our bargain pick, the Combat Flip Flops LT-22 ($65) a sharp-looking casual canvas shoe with a soft, pillowy insole, or the light, breezy Reef SWELLsole Neptune ($75).

Mid-tier

The middle tier of the price range here is a large one. You can find solid travel shoes anywhere from $100 to $150. The ON Cloud 5 Coast ($150) is a lightweight shoe with a kick-down heel and bouncy outsole. If you want something beefier, the 5.11 McClane Mid ($100) offers a more supportive feel underfoot and solid protection if your treks take you off the beaten path.

Premium

If you’re looking for a specialty pair of shoes, you can expect to spend up to $200 or more. Our priciest travel shoe on this list, the Salewa Puez Knit ($239), is an excellent hiking shoe that easily doubles as a solid walkaround shoe. But again, $239 might be a bit much to shell out for a shoe that you’re staying on the pavement with, so unless you’re looking for kicks with a specific travel goal in mind, the mid-tier might be the better bet.

Frequently Asked Questions

There are so many variations to traveling that it’s difficult to choose just one shoe. You need to consider how you plan to travel, what you plan to do when you reach your destination, and your specific needs to keep your feet comfortable. For our money, the OluKai Mio Li is our favorite for its versatility, style, and comfort.

If you’re flying to your destination, there are a few things you should consider. First, you’ll want a shoe that’s easy to take off and put on when you go through security. Second, a breathable shoe that prevents your feet from getting clammy on long flights is a plus. Third, make sure the shoe has the cushioning and support you need to stay comfortable while standing in line at your gate and trekking from terminal to terminal.

That really depends on the individual. Some people prefer a lot of support, while others prefer a more barefoot feel. Our testers were somewhere in the middle, preferring a shoe with some flexibility, but enough support to minimize foot soreness after a long day of walking.

During our test period, the ON Cloud 5 Coast and OluKai Mio Li provided an excellent mix of support, cushioning, and flexibility during our test period.