There’s a quiet ritual I look forward to every time I pack for a trip: choosing the right shoes. It’s a deceptively difficult task. The perfect travel shoe needs to strike a fine balance between comfort and style, utility and aesthetics. It has to look polished enough to wear straight off a plane but feel like something I could walk five miles in. That’s not asking too much… right?
Over the years, I’ve tested dozens of pairs on red-eye flights, cobbled European streets, tropical islands, and everything in between. And through trial, error, and a few lost toenails (RIP), I’ve narrowed down my list to 10 truly unbeatable options. Whether you’re catching a 6 a.m. flight to Miami or strolling through Tokyo in spring, these shoes deliver.
Each one has earned its spot—not because it’s trendy, but because it’s functional, stylish, and travel-tested. Let’s dive in.
1. Nike Cortez Leather Sneakers – \$120
There’s a reason the Nike Cortez has been an icon since the ’70s. It’s sleek. It’s versatile. And above all, it’s incredibly comfortable. The leather version is my go-to flight shoe.
Why I Love It:
The design is retro yet minimalist, making it incredibly easy to pair with anything from wide-leg trousers to a silk slip dress. The EVA midsole offers lightweight cushioning that makes long walks in airports feel less punishing. The leather is durable, easy to clean, and molds beautifully to your feet after a few wears.
Style Tip:
Wear it with ruffle socks or a pop-color crew sock peeking above the ankle—it adds a bit of flair to even the most basic outfits.
Where to Buy:
Available at Nike.com, Nordstrom, and Zappos.
2. Adidas SL 72 Sneakers – \$100
These are the shoes I wear when I want something fun, nostalgic, and surprisingly supportive. There’s something effortlessly cool about the slim silhouette and vibrant colorways.
Key Features:
Inspired by the classic 1972 design, the SL 72’s nylon-suede mix is both breathable and lightweight. The low-profile sole makes them ideal for warm weather travel, and the traction holds up on slick pavement.
Personal Favorite:
The royal blue with white stripes—instant retro vacation vibes.
Styling Idea:
Pair with a midi skirt or linen jumpsuit. Add oversized sunnies and a mini crossbody bag for an elevated, casual look.
Where to Buy:
Nordstrom, Adidas.com, SSENSE, and Amazon (be sure to buy from Adidas’ official store).
3. Maison Margiela Tabi Ballerina Flats – \$995
I was hesitant the first time I wore Tabis through TSA. Would I be that person with “weird” shoes holding up the line? But once I slipped into them, there was no going back.
Why They Work:
The split-toe design provides surprising comfort and keeps your foot grounded while walking. The buttery-soft leather upper molds to your foot, and despite their delicate appearance, they hold up well over time.
Comfort Rating:
Surprisingly high. I’ve worn them on five-hour city walking tours without blisters. The fit is snug but breathable.
Pro Styling Tip:
They’re perfect with cropped trousers, airy culottes, or even a sharp mini dress. I often pair mine with sheer socks when I want to play with texture.
Where to Buy:
Net-a-Porter, Nordstrom, and SSENSE carry multiple colors and finishes.
4. Birkenstock Gizeh Sandals – \$109
These are my beach-to-bar shoes. They’re breezy, effortless, and built for walking. Once they break in, they feel custom-molded to your feet.
Standout Detail:
The cork-latex footbed conforms to your arches and supports your stride. The thong style is sleek compared to traditional Birks, making it easier to dress up.
Ideal Use:
I wear them around tropical resorts, walking the city boardwalk, or even paired with a breezy maxi dress for a casual dinner.
Where to Buy:
Available at Free People, Nordstrom, and the official Birkenstock.com U.S. site.
5. A.Emery Kinto Leather Thong Sandals – \$170
The ultimate minimalist sandal. I pack these for every summer trip and often wear them straight from the airport to dinner.
Materials:
Crafted from structured leather with a slightly padded sole, these sandals are refined and durable. The toe post never irritates, and the clean lines elevate every outfit.
Best Styling Use:
These pair beautifully with linen suiting, cotton sets, or even a swimsuit under a sarong. I wear mine with neutral tones—taupe, ivory, sage—for a monochrome, luxe vacation look.
Where to Buy:
Net-a-Porter, Shopbop, and MatchesFashion.
6. Wales Bonner x Adidas Originals Samba – \$113
These sneakers are the epitome of form meets function. I’ve walked across airports and through museums in these and still gotten compliments at the baggage carousel.
Why They Stand Out:
A collab that actually delivers: vintage lines, premium suede and leather finishes, and a color palette that’s dynamic but wearable.
Fit & Feel:
They slip on easily and feel broken-in from day one. The arch support is subtle, but it’s there. I like to wear these when I need to walk a lot but still want to look like I know what I’m doing.
Where to Buy:
SSENSE, StockX for rarer colorways, and Adidas Confirmed App.
7. Jones Distillé Classic White Leather Sneakers – \$385
Think of these as the white Oxford shirt of travel shoes: clean, timeless, and endlessly versatile.
Features:
Italian leather, minimalist design, hand-stitched detail. They slide on and off easily at security but elevate any travel look instantly.
Pair With:
Everything. A white tank and khaki pants at JFK? Yes. A black silk slip and sunglasses in Milan? Also yes.
Where to Buy:
Directly from distille.nyc or at select department stores like Bergdorf Goodman.
8. Veronica Beard Maris Jelly Slide – \$195
If you’ve ever tried to wear heavy leather sandals to the pool and regretted it, let me introduce you to the jelly slide that’s actually chic.
Material:
Rubberized jelly with a molded footbed that dries quickly and packs easily. No risk of water damage, and you can hose them off after the beach.
When to Wear:
Great for spa runs, poolside lounging, or quick breakfast runs in a kaftan. I also love them with high-waisted shorts and an oversized button-down.
Where to Buy:
Net-a-Porter, VeronicaBeard.com, and Saks.
9. Onitsuka Tiger Mexico 66 – \$185
These are the quiet MVPs in my travel wardrobe. If I need to look like I’ve made an effort—without actually making one—these do the job.
What’s Special:
The low-profile sole hugs your foot and provides great flexibility. The shape feels sleek and the metallic or bright colorways add an unexpected twist to standard travel attire.
Versatile Styling:
They look amazing with athletic joggers and even better with a tea-length dress. I sometimes wear mine with silver jewelry to play off the shoes’ sheen.
Where to Buy:
Farfetch, OnitsukaTiger.com, and Urban Outfitters.
10. Margaux The Woven Paz Flats – \$355
Soft, woven elegance in a slipper-like silhouette. These flats are for when you want to glide through your day with zero friction.
Fabric & Fit:
Woven leather stretches gently with wear. The padded insole supports the heel, and the almond-shaped toe keeps them looking structured but feminine.
Perfect Travel Moments:
Museum days, long brunches, or even train travel through Europe. I wore them across Florence and forgot I was even wearing shoes.
Where to Buy:
MargauxNY.com and Shopbop.
Platforms I Trust in the U.S. for Travel Shoe Shopping
- Nordstrom – Consistently reliable with free returns and extensive size availability.
- Net-a-Porter – Ideal for luxury sandals and minimalist slides.
- SSENSE – Great for collabs and unique sneaker drops.
- Zappos – For comfort-first options and lightning-fast delivery.
- Amazon – Only from official brand stores or authorized sellers. Great for last-minute buys.
- Brand websites – Often the first to release new colors, sizes, or limited drops.
The Right Shoe Makes the Journey
Every pair of shoes I’ve listed above has seen me through a different kind of trip—romantic weekends, chaotic work travel, spontaneous girls’ getaways. And I remember the journeys not just by where I went, but how I felt in those shoes: confident, free, excited, grounded.
That’s the thing with travel shoes. They’re not just functional. They’re emotional companions. They carry you into the unknown, step after step.
So here’s to good soles. And even better stories.
