The Top 10 Best Travel Shoes — On The Styled Side

I truly believe that one of the hardest parts of packing for a trip is finding the perfect travel shoes. Even more difficult is finding the perfect group of travel shoes! You want to look cute, but you don’t want to suffer! And you definitely don’t want to look touristy!

On our last trip to Europe we walked an average of 20,000 steps a day…that would absolutely SUCK in uncomfortable footwear!

My feet are especially sensitive ever since I over-hiked with my over-packed backpack while hiking the Sentier Littoral in the south of France. (SO many lessons learned on that trek!) So I don’t have much of a choice anymore than to wear comfortable shoes. But I also can’t go around looking like I’m wearing orthopedics either! So I had to find a happy compromise.

I tried on lots and lots of shoes. I mean lots. Luckily for me, the “ugly shoe trend” (read: Birks, etc.) came back in right before I left for my trip.

So ladies, here’s what I found! These are my picks for the best travel shoes out there right now!

*Some links in this post are affiliate links that help pay the bills, but all opinions are, as always, my very own. I won't steer you wrong just to make a buck, I promise!

Birkenstock Arizona Soft Footbed in Suede

Yes, these are my top pick. There is a reason Birkenstocks keep coming back time and time again. This time, I may just keep wearing them even when they go out of style, knowing that in about 15 years, they’ll come back again. I’m specifically naming the sueded versions with the soft footbed because right out of the box these will feel like they were made for your feet. I got the charcoal grey, and they go with everything. I really wanted silver, but they don’t come in the suede! If you have lots of time to break the oiled leather in, they’ll work too, but you can order the suede right before your trip and you’ll safely be comfy!

Grab them here!

Naot Dorith

I absolutely ADORE these shoes! These rivaled the Birks as the comfiest right out of the gate, and they can be a bit dressier, even with the cork footbed. I especially like the way they look with leggings and sundresses. I found myself reaching for these constantly, and my feet never hurt at all, even after miles of walking!

Grab them here!

Ecco Flash Huarache

I needed a brown pair of sandals, and I love the Huarache style - especially with sundresses, denim shorts and jeans. I almost got a second pair of Naot’s in brown, but I wanted something different. These took a little breaking in, so get them early! I have pretty fat feet with short toes (I do!), and the side straps hit my little toe funny at first. I did the hair dryer trick, and that really helped! I didn’t choose these for any of the heavy walking days, only because I was nervous about the toe rubbing. But I have since broken them in and they are super comfy!

Grab them here!

Born Emmy

Well, a girl can’t really travel without one pair of heels, can she? I decided to go the platform route so I could get the most height and the most comfort. Instead of going with the typical black, I went with a nice neutral - a little more unexpected, still goes with absolutely everything AND extends the leg! I definitely can’t walk all day in these, but it’s the most comfort you can get while still getting a lot of height.

Grab them here!

Adidas Women's Grand Court Base Suede Tennis Shoes

Sneakers are always good to take on a trip, I mean you ARE planning on working out, right? ? I always plan to, but it rarely happens! Even if you don’t work out, these sneakers can soothe your feet all day long during miles and miles of walking AND they look supercute and are so on-trend.

Grab them here!

Born McMillian

A short moto boot is a no-brainer when you’re traveling during cooler weather! Wear them with leggings, skinny jeans, skirts and dresses. These by Born are ridiculously comfy, and super stylish. I got mine a half size big so that I could put in even more cushion with an insole, but if your feet aren’t as broken down as mine, you’ll be fine without!

Grab them here!

Uggs

Just like Birks, I can’t ignore Uggs on this list. They are just too damn comfy, and so easy to throw on when the weather gets cold. For traveling, I like the Classic Short to save a little room in my luggage. But they are so pliable you’d be surprised at how little room even the tall ones take up! My favorite color is the grey - they go with everything and not everyone and their dog has them. (omg now I think i need Uggs for the pups!!) *Little secret - If you wear a size 7 1/2 or under, get the kids’ version to save some money. Since they are so flexible, they’ll fit! I wear a 7 1/2 or an 8 normally, and I can easily wear the Classic Ugg styles in a kids’ 6!

Grab them here!

Frye Melissa Button Riding Boot

OK, don’t get mad at me. Yes, these are expensive. But they are comfy AND great quality - so you’ll have them for a very long time! For travel, I suggest the suede version since suede folds more easily to create room in your luggage. Remember to order up a half size if you want extra cushion from an insole.

Grab them here!

Born Flats

Ballet flats may just be the most convenient travel shoe, but if you’re like me, you want a little more support. The lug sole on these Born flats gives a little more spring than normal, and Born always has a nice, comfy insole.

Get them here!

Dansko Mavis Mule

Last but not least is the super comfy but not-so-fashionable Dansko clog’s cousin - the Mavis Mule. The sole looks like wood, but it’s actually not, and it’s flexible! Which makes these pretty comfy shoes! Dansko’s signature room in the heel takes a bit of getting used to, so remember it’s designed to slip up and down. Definitely get these a bit before your trip to break in! Pair with jeans and leggings or spice it up and wear with a skirt or dress and colorful tights!

Get yours here!

So there you have it! You can't go wrong with any of these options, but I know you might have your faves too - so tell me in the comments!