It’s that time of the year again, when everyone is planning their big trips and vacations! I find that out of all wardrobe staples, it’s the SHOES that are often the hardest to find! They need to be stylish AND comfortable–something you can log lots of miles in. I figured now was a great time to round up my favorite shoes for travel during the spring, summer, and fall. (You know, bare ankle weather. Winter travel is a whole different beast we’ll save for another day. 😉 Thankfully, that’s behind us at the moment!)
Whether you’re looking for sneakers, loafers, sandals or flats–I’ve got you covered with my favorites listed below! I have walked many, many miles in each and every pair listed here. Note that almost all shoes will require a “break-in” period no matter how comfortable they are–it just takes time for your feet to get used to a new pair of shoes! Make sure to read my “how to break in new shoes” post with all my best tips.
Most comfortable sneakers for travel:
1. Everlane Trainer: (Most supportive!)
I have been wearing these trainers for years now and they are the most supportive “non athletic” sneakers that I own. Honestly, they’re more supportive than most of my workout sneakers! If you’re looking for cute, sporty-ish, but not TOO sporty sneakers, these are them! I once had a reader say she ran an entire marathon and then put these shoes on after and walked all over the city to explore afterward. They are a really durable leather so they stay clean as they’re easy to wipe off. They are the real deal!
Sizing: Run TTS.
2. Everlane Court Sneaker: (Medium support)
I would say these are my most worn all-weather sneakers. They’re made with the same kind of leather as the above sneakers, so they stay clean and wipe off easily, so I often wear them in the rain with no problems–for that reason, I wear them year-round! I’d say they have a medium level of support–I wore them all over Paris on my last trip and they kept me comfy all day!
Sizing: Run TTS.
3. Freda Salvador Eda Sneaker: (Little support, but still very comfy!)
My warm-weather sneakers of choice. When the weather is nice, these are the shoes I’m wearing 99% of the time. They are the softest leather (so comfortable) and I love the d’Orsay style–so your feet stay cooler in hot weather, unlike other sneakers! I have logged so many miles in these. They were also amazing when I was pregnant because they’re slip-on and I didn’t have to bend down to get them on my feet.
Sizing: I took my regular size (I’m always a size 8) but most of the reviews say to go down half a size.
Most comfortable sandals for travel:
These are my most worn sandals of the summer–I have logged SO many miles in them–both at home and for travel. I wear them everywhere from a day of exploring to the pool to the beach. I love the way they look and I love their nostalgic feel–they did require a break-in process (read my tips here) but now I could not live without them. Note: The color I got was “natural vechetta,” and customer service told me that this color is the hardest to break in because it’s natural and not dyed (which softens the leather, apparently). I would go with the “almond” color instead because it’s closer and my guess is that it’s not as hard to break in because most of the reviews say they don’t require much break-in at all!
Sizing: I got my regular size, but some reviews say to size down. I would use your best judgement!
If you’re looking for a cute, comfy, wear-anywhere sandal with a stylish shape, these are them! I love that they make a subtle statement with their Grecian-inspired design–making them an easy “dress up sandal” to wear out to dinner, that’s really comfortable to walk in, too! I have these in a couple different colors, they always come out with new colors and textures.
Sizing: TTS
Most comfortable loafers for travel:
Absolutely an investment, and I’m not huge on most designer things, but these are one of my favorite pairs of shoes that I own! They’re also a very classic shape so they will always be in style! The leather is SO so soft, they feel like butter, and I always feel put-together when I put them on! I own them in black.
Sizing: Size down
These are a newer addition to my wardrobe, and I love them! I wore them all over Napa and I love the little dose of prep they add to your outfit! Like all Rothy’s, they’re machine washable and sustainable–made of 100% recycled plastic bottles! They will last you a long time! Right now through the weekend, first time Rothy’s customers can get a $20 discount on orders over $100 with code JESSKEYS.
Sizing: True to size, I took my normal size in these (but I size up in their point flats for reference!) Most reviews say for wider feet, size up!
8. Sam Edelman Lorraine Loafers:
A similar look to the Gucci loafer but a whole lot less! (Plus, they come in a lot more colors!) I love these loafers and have been a fan for many years–they typically come out with new colors each year and I recently just purchased this pretty caramel color (after waffling over which color to choose FOREVER. I was between this, the white, the nude, and the woven rattan version!) They’re super comfortable and I even wore them right out of the box with zero blisters!
Sizing: True to size
Most comfortable flats for travel:
I am so picky with ballet flats, I think so many of them are so uncomfortable! This pair is like butter though! They feel like actual ballet slippers–that soft, and a very thin (but in a good way) material, so they feel like they’re barely there at all! I love the delicate bow and the square toe, too!
Sizing: True to size
As soon as I saw these square-toed flats in the cap-toe design at the Chicago Rothy’s store, I knew they MUST be mine. I took them to Paris with me and wore them around all day! I think they dress up every outfit you pair them with, and even make a tee and jeans look chic and sophisticated! Again, like all Rothy’s, they’re machine washable and sustainable, too! Right now through the weekend, first time Rothy’s customers can get a $20 discount on orders over $100 with code JESSKEYS.
Sizing: I took my normal size in these (but I size up in their point flats for reference!) Most reviews say for wider feet, size up!
