The Best Travel Shoes for Spring & Summer (+ How to Choose the Right Pair)
Spring and summer trips are right around the corner — and if you’re already thinking about what to pack, start with your shoes. As I shared in Spring Travel Made Simple: A 12-Piece Capsule Wardrobe, footwear is always my first consideration when planning a travel wardrobe. The right pair can make your trip; the wrong ones can truly ruin it. Here’s how I think about choosing travel shoes — and the styles I keep coming back to.
There’s no other component of a travel wardrobe that has as much power to make or break a trip as your footwear. If your feet hurt, or your shoes aren’t appropriate for your activities, it will (at best) diminish your experience. At worst, you’ll be miserable. And I speak from experience 😉.
How to choose spring and summer travel shoes
So how do you know what to look for in travel shoes? Here are a few of my guidelines:
Comfort & Stability: What to Look for (Yes, Even on Cobblestones!)
If your travel plans include walking tours or other sightseeing, you’ll probably spend more time on your feet each day than you would at home. And you may be walking on a variety of surfaces. (Hello, cobblestones!)
- Your shoes or sandals should have plenty of support and cushioning in the sole and insole. We tend to lose the natural padding on the bottom of our feet as we age, and may need additional cushioning. If arch support is a requirement for you, be sure there’s enough, or that you can add a custom insert if needed.
- The shoes should not rub or pinch anywhere. They should be well broken-in, and you should “road test” for several hours on your feet if possible before packing.
- They should be secure on your feet. If your shoes are too loose, your legs and feet will have to work harder, and you may tire more quickly. If they are too snug, they can be uncomfortable if your feet swell up over the course of a day. (You may find shoes that lace or have adjustable straps are your best option.)
- Rubber soles will provide better traction and more cushioning than leather or other slicker materials. You can ask your cobbler to add a rubber half sole (and heels) to a favorite pair. This also extends the life of the shoes.
- I find a low heel/wedge is more comfortable and easier to walk in than a completely flat shoe. But everyone’s feet are different, so go with what works for you.
- Materials: some people find fabric or canvas shoes more comfortable in warmer weather. If leather shoes are your preference, look for tumbled or softer leathers, or be sure the shoes have been well broken-in. There are a lot of perforated leather styles offered this season, which allow for more air flow while still providing coverage.
Style Tips for Versatile Travel Shoes
- Look for versatile styles that can go from day to evening. Loafers, oxfords, classic sneakers and many sandals will be able to make this transition.
- Dark colored shoes will be less inclined to show dirt, but may look and feel too heavy with a warmer season wardrobe. If you choose lighter colored shoes, you can always treat with a waterproofing spray, which may help them stay cleaner.
- Neutral colors will be more versatile, but a classic color such as red can add a nice pop. I also find muted metallics are extremely versatile.
- Unless you have a fancy dress event (e.g. a wedding) on your itinerary, leave the heels at home. “Smart casual” is as dressed up as you usually need to be (yes, even for a nice dinner in Rome, a play in London, or the opera in Paris).
- If you’ll be traveling somewhere that tends to be cooler and wetter, you may want to include at least one pair of water-resistant shoes or even ankle boots.
Here are the styles of shoes I’ve found work best for spring and summer travel.
Sneakers: A Stylish (and Practical) Travel Staple
It wasn’t that many years ago that wearing sneakers—especially white sneakers—immediately flagged you as a tourist. But sneakers are ubiquitous now, and if this is your preferred type of walking shoe, no need to leave them at home!
It’s hard to go wrong with sleek & classic styles like these.
Clean, classic sneaker styles will be the most versatile. (To keep white sneakers looking sharp, use a Mr. Clean Magic Eraser. For travel, just snip off a small piece and pack with your clothing care items.)
I also find metallic sneakers can be quite stylish and versatile.
Classic Appeal
Cole Haan | Vionic | Paul Green | ECCO | Taos | Josef Seibel
Slip-On Styles
Naturalizer | ECCO | Olu-Kai | Vionic | Ilse Jacobsen | Paul Green
Zip closure
Clarks | Paul Green | Taos | Mephisto | ara | Sole Bliss*
*Specially designed to comfortably accommodate wide feet and bunions. Save 15% with code SUSANFEMME15
Loafers & Oxfords: Easy to Dress Up or Down
These styles will generally be easiest to dress up or down. Again, look for soft leather, a well-padded insole, arch support, and a secure fit. Styles with thicker platform or lug soles may provide extra cushioning, but be careful that the platform is stable on irregular surfaces.
Loafers and Flats
Vionic | L’Amour des Pieds | Pikolinos | Ara | Paul Green |
Børn | Johnston & Murphy | Naturalizer | Eileen Fisher | Sole Bliss*
*Specially designed to comfortably accommodate wide feet and bunions. Save 15% with code SUSANFEMME15
Oxfords and Boat Shoes
Miz Mooz | Cole Haan | Spring Step | Cole Haan** |
Sperry | Earth | G.H. Bass
** I own these and love them!
Sandals: For Those Who Love Them
Not everyone is comfortable traveling with sandals, but I find them a necessity on warmer days. (Though I wouldn’t advise wearing them on flight or travel days…better to have the protection of a closed-toe shoe.)
Styles with adjustable straps over the toes as well as around the ankle will provide the most secure fit. Though I often wear backless sandals at home, they’re not the best for travel. I’d also be wary of “strappy” styles with just a few, skinny straps. For travel sandals, sturdy carries the day.
I’ve worn the style shown above all over Paris during two of our summer visits, and found them extremely comfortable.
More Sandals
Taos | ECCO | Clarks | Vionic | Teva | Naot | Mephisto |
Naot | Pikolinos | Sofft | L’Amour des Pieds | Børn
👉 Sandals not an option for you? Come see my picks for Stylish Closed-Toe Shoes for Spring & Summer (That Won’t Overheat Your Feet)
What are your favorite shoes for warm weather travel?
Frequently Asked Questions About Spring & Summer Travel Shoes
What are the best shoes for walking on cobblestones? Look for shoes with rubber soles for traction, a cushioned insole, good arch support, and a secure fit — lace-ups or adjustable straps are ideal. Low block heels or thick-soled loafers tend to work better than completely flat shoes on uneven surfaces. Avoid stilettos or narrow heels entirely.
How many pairs of shoes should I pack for a spring or summer trip? For most trips, two to three pairs is a good rule of thumb: a comfortable walking shoe or sneaker, a versatile loafer or oxford, and optionally a sandal for warmer days. The key is choosing styles that can transition from daytime sightseeing to a casual dinner out.
Are sandals practical for European travel? They can be, with the right style. Look for sandals with adjustable straps over the toes and around the ankle for a secure fit, and a sturdy sole with good cushioning. Avoid backless sandals or styles with thin straps and soles for heavy walking days.
Should I break in new shoes before a trip? Absolutely. Road-test any new shoes for several hours before packing them — blisters on day one of a trip are no fun! If possible, wear them on longer outings at home to make sure they’re truly comfortable.
Can I wear sneakers to a nice restaurant or the opera in Europe? For most “smart casual” occasions — including nice dinners, a play, or even the opera in some cities — a clean, classic sneaker is perfectly acceptable today. Leave the formal heels at home unless you have a specific dressy event on your itinerary.
This article was previously published in March 2024, and has since been updated to provide more relevant product suggestions.
Thanks for reading! If you found this article helpful, please follow me and share on Pinterest or other social media. And be sure to visit my Travel Wardrobe Hub for more packing articles, tips, and travel outfit ideas.
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I adore your superstar sneakers by Sole Bliss. Only they say on their site that they are for wide feet. And mine are small.
Greetje
Not everything on their site is made for wide feet. Check the details of the shoe and there is details on the fit.
Good morning! I was wondering what you would pack for Scotland … 2 week trip in mid June. Touring from Glasgow up the coast to Orkney Islands and then down to Edinburgh.
Hi Diana, I’d definitely bring lightweight layers, good walking shoes, and something water-proof or water-resistant. Check out my spring travel capsule ideas here: Smart Travel: Build Your 12-Piece Capsule Wardrobe
Dianna, if I may suggest Hokas. Just before our trip to Scotland last year, they came out with a light weight waterproof style. They also came with the option of a corded lace. So easy to slip on.
I have worn my Sole Bliss star sneakers so much, I had to have them resoled. I don’t have wide feet but the laces are adjustable. I wore them almost everyday on a 2 week trip to Italy.
Last summer while taking our teenaged nephew on a trip to DC and NYC, my feet revolted. Shoes that had always worked for me no longer did, and I was eventually diagnosed with hallux limitus (a type of big toe arthritis). I stopped into a comfort shoe store in DC and came out with two pairs of shoes that saved my trip — cork sandals from Josef Seibel (the Tongo 25) and perforated white sneakers from OluKai (Pehuea Lī). Both have great support and have been in regular rotation since. And neither, miraculously, required any break-in time.
Thank you, Vive. I have put the Josef Seibel Tongo 25 sandals in my shopping cart after developing some foot issues over the winter.
That’s great. I really like those sandals.
Glad that’s helpful, MJ. They’re great sandals.
Hi Vive – do you recall the name of the DC “comfort shoe store?” Where you got the shoes? When I’m in NYC, I often shop at TIP TOP Shoes at 155 W. 72nd Street. The BEST!!
I love TIP TOP shoes — everyone has worked there for decades! I went to Comfort One in DC and was happy with it. I honestly just googled, got in a taxi, and showed up to buy new shoes. https://comfortoneshoes.com/
Susan, does your capsule travel wardrobe fit in a carry-on, or do you take an additional/larger suitcase when you go to Europe?
Hi Dianne, the capsules should fit in a carry-on sized suitcase. I packed in a carry-on sized spinner last spring What I’m Packing for 2 Weeks in Europe & the UK: My Spring Travel Capsule but I will sometimes take a medium-sized checked bag if I’m planning to do more shopping while I’m there. (My travel capsule takes up 1/2 the space in the checked bag.)
Thanks, Susan. I’m impressed with your packing skill! Regarding comfortable shoes, I discovered the Hoff sneaker brand in Spain last year and now own several pairs. Their City line has stiffer soles and is good for narrow feet and arthritic toes.
Dianne, I second your recommendation of the “HOFF” brand from Spain, I got my first pair during a Nordstrom Anniversary Sale years ago and my feet have loved them. Funny though , my feet are small and wide ! I now find the brands own website to have the best selection and pricing. I have also seen this Brand mentioned on the Blog, “That’s not my Age” .
Definitely seconding the magic eraser if you travel with white tennis shoes. I cut one in half, and then put it in a soap box together with a small nail brush. The brush is handy if you get mud (or other yucky things) on your shoes or soles. This has saved me more than once! Buy a bright colored soap box so it’s easy to find in your suitcase. Happy travels!
Great suggestion, including the brightly colored soap box! (It’s so frustrating when you tuck those ‘just in case’ things in a pocket in your suitcase and can’t find them when you need them – the bright color would help so much!)
Thanks so much for this article. Heading to Salzburg early May & wanted a 2nd pair of comfy shoes that weren’t sneakers. I’m a Vionic fan for sneakers but didn’t realize they made anything else! Just bought their uptown loafer that you pictured in this post. They might be the most comfortable shoes I’ve ever owned and a tad dressier than a sneaker.
Just recently found you & love your style & brand choices. 🙂
I love Sole Bliss shoes and wanted a new pair for my cruise in August. Is the discount code still active? My other question is do you change the number of items in the capsule wardrobe if the trip is 15 days? Thanks.
Hi Kasey, I believe the code is still active. If it doesn’t work for you, let me know, and I can try to contact them to see if it can be activated. I usually pack the same number of items whether the trip is 2 weeks or 3 weeks.
You are absolutely right about all things travel shoes! I travel a lot and always take 2 pairs of comfortable shoes and 1 pair of ballet flats. The flats take up no space in my suitcase; I use them for any dressy occasion that doesn’t require much walking, and as bedroom slippers. They are really helpful on cruises to wear for dinner when I am sick of my walking shoes. Susan you have helped me immeasurably in refining my travel wardrobe and lowering stress- many thanks.
You’re right, thr wrong shoes cn just ruin a vacation. I’ve been to Europe twice in the last year and Vionic uptown loafers and sneakers have worked perfectly for my plantar fasciitis prone feet. I easily average 13k steps and although my feet hurt, since I’m not normally on my feet for so many hours a day, they recover for another day. A tip, I always take Megababe thigh rescue that I use on my feet if I have bare feet in shoes too as well as some blister bandaids just in case.
I agree with our assessment of backless shoes, but in the summer my absolute go-to are my metallic silver Birkenstock Arizonas. I can walk for hours in them, and they dress up & down easily.
Let me add to this amazing list – Rieker, Fit Flops, Alegria, and ON Cloud make a waterproof sneaker! Headed to PARIS on the 7th and will keep my eye out for more! Plantar Fasciitis is my challenge, and a NON – negotiable are arch support and cushioned heel…
Living in Paris and suffering from difficulties with balance, cobblestones are a perennial challenge. For me the key is shoes where the sole of the heel is not separated from the sole of the rest of the foot, if that makes any sense. If I have a single sole over the whole shoe, I can keep myself stable. In terms of style, my metallic silver leather Fit Flop sneakers have been workhorses – the shiny silver looks a little nicer, they’re water-resistant, and I can put orthotics in them. Winner!
Susan, you finally convinced me to get a pair of sneakers. I went to my “go to”, Taos, and found exactly what I wanted. Every pair of Taos shoes are “walk all day” shoes for me. Have you ever tried them?