Best Fashionable Walking Shoes for Europe
Picking the correct travel shoes is ane of the most of import (and almost frustrating) parts of traveling to Europe. I still struggle with it — But don't worry because in this guide I help you lot choose the best shoes for traveling.
UPDATE: I've also included my travel footwear recommendations for both women and men.
Quick Tips For Picking Comfy Shoes For Travel
Between living in NYC and spending a lot of time exploring Europe, I know first-paw that comfy shoes make traveling much more than enjoyable. Y'all'll easily walk 5-ten miles a day when exploring a urban center… even spending a few hours at a museum can be killer on your feet.
So treat your feet well.
Here are a few things to consider when evaluating your shoes:
- Condolement Beats Style (E'er): Information technology doesn't matter how cute your shoes are — if they're uncomfortable, they're staying at dwelling. One bad cicatrice or aching feet tin can truly ruin your day.
- Quality Socks: People spend a lot of money on shoes simply then throw on a pair of cheap socks — we've establish that quality socks are just as important as the shoes.
- Quality socks will assist foreclose blisters, stop aroma, and proceed your feet comfortable. For more information most socks, be sure to read about our favorite socks for travel.
- Support & Insoles: Every foot is different so nosotros've found that adding a overnice pair of insoles tin make shoes, flats, and boots much more comfortable.
- Friction match Shoes To Destination: Matching shoes to your destination is an important consideration — specially when y'all're traveling in rainy, snowy, or non-city destinations.
- For example — A pair of flats isn't appropriate for trekking through Iceland, and a pair of heavy-duty mountaineering boots probably is overkill for walking the streets of Paris.
- Break In Your Shoes: BREAK IN YOUR SHOES! A lot of people forget this critical stride because even the near comfy shoes can cause blisters during the first couple wearings. Nosotros recommend wearing your shoes for a couple weeks before your trip.
- Versatile Shoes: Depending on your travel fashion, you'll desire to limit the number of shoes you lot bring. We rarely travel with more than than two pairs so brand sure your shoes look proficient in a diverseness of settings.
Tips for Buying Shoes Online
Ownership shoes online can exist a bit tricky since all brands seem to fit a niggling differently. I almost exclusively order shoes from Zappos if I'm buying online. They give you lot go complimentary delivery (which is oft one or two-24-hour interval shipping) and free returns.
If yous're not sure which size to buy, we advise ownership two sizes and so returning the pair that doesn't fit. Zappos gives yous a pre-paid return label and will refund your money within about 7 days — they make the process super easy.
The Best Travel Shoes By Category
To make things easier, we've divided this guide into sneakers, walking shoes, boots, sandals, flats, etc. — each section has footwear recommendations for both men and women. Experience free to jump effectually every bit needed.
- The All-time Sporty Casual Travel Sneakers
- The All-time Athletic Walking Shoes
- The Best Waterproof Hiking and Trekking Travel Shoes
- The Best Hiking Boots For Travel
- The All-time Casual Boots For Travel
- The Best Flats For Travel
- The Best Travel Sandals
- The All-time Insoles
- The Best Travel Shoe Brands
The Best Sporty Casual Sneakers For Travel
Yes, you can habiliment sneakers when you lot travel without looking like a "tourist". In fact, a cool-looking pair of sneakers is our preferred travel shoe in most cases. Luckily, there are a ton of stylish options bachelor these days but here are a few of our favorites.
Annotation: Some of the more than "minimalist" shoes might benefit from insoles.
Women's Coincidental Sneakers
Ecco also makes a lot of cute, sturdy, & comfortable sneakers. The Soft 7 shoes is a groovy city shoe.
We were recently in Madrid and we saw a ton of European men and women wearing Adidas Superstars. They were seriously everywhere. Zappos has multiple styles and colors — plus they're fairly affordable.
We've likewise noticed a huge rising in the popularity of New Balance shoes throughout Europe — nosotros've seen everything from neutral to super bright colors. We've loved New Rest shoes for a long time and then nosotros're happy they're popular in Europe as well. Bank check out Zappos to meet the various color options (there are a lot!).
As of course at that place is Nike — which is always a popular shoe option for existence stylish and comfortable.
We're really excavation Allbirds shoes for travel. They're sneakers but they're fabricated of wool — which sounds kind of weird simply it actually works well. These shoes are super comfortable and you can wear them without socks (ane of the benefits of wool is scent prevention). They are crazy lightweight so they're easy to pack away. They come in multiple colors and price $95. Available via Allbirds.
Allbirds multiple new shoe lines — I'grand a fan of the Tree Runners and Tree Dashers because are made of eucalyptus pulp instead of wool so they're a bit breezier than the Wool Runners.
Read our Allbirds Review if yous want more than information.
BENSIMON sneakers are a very pop and fashionable casual sneaker in France. You'll see tons of trendy Parisians wearing them during the summer. They are bachelor in dozens of colors and styles, just it tin be a little difficult to find the total range of styles and colors in the United states.
We don't call up you tin accept them shipped outside French republic from their website, just in that location are a few retailers who conduct them in the United states.
However, Superga and Keds both make shoes in a very like fashion (pictured in a higher place) — so they're a corking alternative that'south also easy to notice.
Sperry Top-Siders look great with shorts, capris, skirts, and jeans, making them super versatile. They are a good option for the leap or summer.
Puma produces a number of sporty, all the same fashionable, sneakers that are great for travel. Their styles are always changing, then y'all'll want to bank check out all the different styles they have on Zappos.
Converse Chuck Taylor'southward are ultra trendy in Europe right now and they make a cheap and shabby chic pick. The Chucks 2 have good curvation support but the normal Chucks are known for existence pretty flat.
If yous don't like Chuck Taylor'southward, there are many other similar style shoes available — for example, Onitsuka Tiger by Asics and Vans.
Everyone knows almost TOMS shoes, and they are slap-up shoes for travel because they are comfortable, lightweight, and cute. These are a keen pick for urban travel during the spring and summer. They're not the most rugged shoes then they're better suited for shorter periods of wear.
Men'due south Coincidental Sneakers
Just near every athletic shoe brand has a line of coincidental sneakers — specially leather shoes which wait good during the twenty-four hours and at dark. Check out Nike, New Balance, Puma, Adidas, and Creative Recreation.
We have likewise seen multiple Europeans wearing Adidas Ultra Boost — these seem to exist the "it" shoes right now. A ton of people sing the praises of Adidas Ultra Boost for being the nearly comfy shoes they've even worn.
We're also loving their classic Adidas Originals and Superstar sneakers as they'll never become out of style.
Nosotros're really digging Allbirds shoes for travel. They're sneakers only they're made of wool — which sounds kind of weird just it actually works well. These shoes are super comfortable and you tin can habiliment them without socks (one of the benefits of wool is odor prevention). And they are crazy lightweight so they're easy to pack away. They come up in multiple colors and price $95. Available via Allbirds.
Allbirds has profoundly expanded their shoe offerings to include shoes made of eucalyptus pulp instead of wool so they're a bit breezier than their wool shoes — cheque them out hither.
We've written a more than in-depth Allbirds Review if yous want to acquire more.
New Balance is another very keen make that y'all'll run across all over Europe. Nosotros've been wearing them for years then it'south nice to encounter Europeans discovering them likewise.
We're big fans of the New Balance Classics because they have great retro style, but nevertheless offering the condolement of a running shoe. I've seen similar shoes in many stores and boutiques in Paris and Barcelona then you'll run into plenty of Europeans wearing these.
Able-bodied Walking & Running Shoes For Travel
Full-on athletic running/walking shoes will likely be the nigh comfy option for exploring the streets of Europe. These might non be the most fashionable option but nosotros've started noticing a lot more than Europeans starting to clothing them.
Women's Able-bodied Shoes
One of the best-rated running shoes is the Brooks Ghost. These will not win whatsoever points for way, but they will keep your anxiety happy. In fact, all Brooks shoes get excellent comfort ratings.
If you're looking for a comfortable athletic shoe that has a bit of a lower profile, check out the Nike Flex, Nike Free, New Residual Arishi, Adidas Running and Adidas Originals series. All of these are sporty and stylish.
Men's Able-bodied Shoes
When it comes to squeamish-looking athletic shoes, Nike is hard to beat. We recommend the Nike Air Pegasus, Nike Flex, Nike Air Max, and the Nike Free.
Brooks is known for making crazy comfortable shoes and their Ghosts are universally loved for their comfort.
Waterproof Trekking/Hiking Shoes For Travel
Trekking/hiking shoes await a scrap similar beefed-up athletic running shoes and they're designed for long hikes. This way of hiking shoe is a popular choice for many travelers because they offer a lot of support, they are by and large lightweight, and most are waterproof/weather condition resistant — which is a huge plus.
Unfortunately, it is pretty tough to find a "fashionable" pair, just these are probably your best all-around pick if you travel during the snowy/rainy months or if you plan on spending a lot of fourth dimension in the countryside.
NOTE: Conditions-resistant shoes (equally opposed to "waterproof") should be sufficient for nearly travelers.
Women's Waterproof/Weather Resistant Hiking Shoes
Ok, these Fresh Foam Gobi V2 – Protect Pack from New Balance are technically "trail runners" but they're highly water-resistant and nice looking. We could totally rock these in Europe.
Great is another brand known for being comfortable. These Keen Presidio shoes get rave reviews for their mix of hiking shoe immovability and sneaker looks. Plus, they are waterproof, so this is a good choice if you want a rugged shoe that is suitable for metropolis travel. I also like the Not bad Utility Detroit and Swell Approach Two because they get splendid reviews for condolement, just they do have a more than utilitarian look.
Merrell is a bang-up brand and well. Their Moab line of shoes and boots come up in multiple styles — including many waterproof options. Nosotros also similar the Merrell Siren Hex Q2 Waterproof, and the Merrell All Out Bonfire two Waterproof. Merrell makes a ton of shoes then check out their page on Zappos to see them all.
Men's Waterproof/Weather Resistant Hiking Shoes
We've always been big fans of New Balance. We retrieve they make some of the near fashionable rugged and waterproof hiking shoes — so you won't look out of identify while exploring the urban center. The910v3 GORE-TEX is a waterproof able-bodied trail running shoe that we are digging. Nosotros also like the Fresh Foam Gobi V2 – Protect Pack (which is technically just "h2o-resistant" but information technology should handle rainy days without much issue).
These Nike Gratuitous RN Shield shoes are water-resistant so they're a nice option if you want sneakers that can be worn in the rain but still look cool.
Merrell makes a wide range of comfortable hiking shoes, and many of them are waterproof — which is dainty if you lot travel to rainy climates. The Merrell Moab Waterproof and the Moab Vent (a great summertime option) become elevation marks for condolement and back up. The Merrell Chameleon 4 is a depression-profile option that is comfortable and sturdy merely even so looks decent in an urban environs.
Keen makes some of the about comfortable and durable hiking shoes. The Dandy Austin is waterproof, supportive and information technology has good looks. The Keen Arroyo II, Targhee 2, and the Not bad Voyageur are 3 other comfortable options that are a bit more utilitarian.
Hiking Boots For Travel
Hiking boots will offer good support and will proceed your anxiety comfortable on long walks, but they might be overkill for most urban center travel since they are heavy and bulky. About travelers would exist better off using lightweight hiking shoes but boots might exist a good idea if you're traveling in the winter or if yous like the boot artful.
Women'southward Hiking Boots
The Vasque Sundowner GTX and the Danner Jag both combine former-schoolhouse mode and comfort.
These Columbia Newton Ridge Plus Waterproof Amped boots go a lot of love and they're affordable.
Men's Hiking Boots
Timberland White Ledge Mid Waterproof is a squeamish-looking boot that volition serve you well in the winter. The Merrell Moab Mid GORE-TEX® XCR is a little more "outdoorsy" but it gets proficient reviews for comfort. The Danner Jags and the Danner Mountain 600 are ii archetype hiking boots with former-school style.
The Adidas Terrex Gratis Hiker is a cantankerous between a running shoe and a hiking kick. Loving all these new hybrids. We really discovered these from an Instagram ad… and we might buy a pair (engineering is scary!). Bank check them out on Zappos.
We're digging these Teva Arrowood ii Mid WP boots. They accept sneaker styling and condolement but the functionality of waterproof boots. Check them out on Zappos.
Casual Boots For Travel
Casual boots are nice because they are more than fashionable than sneakers/athletic shoes, but they are often nonetheless comfy. We prefer dark leather (since it will hide dirt stains well — especially in the winter), but suede tin exist perfectly fine in the summertime.
Make sure you break in your boots for 2-3 weeks before your trip since boots crave a longer burglary period.
Women's Casual Boots
The Clarks Desert Boots are a prissy lightweight and fashionable option that work well for the summer and look neat with skinny jeans. These are best suited for the summertime since they're non waterproof. I'd also recommend using an insole.
Chelsea boots are another great fashion of boot for travel because they are super like shooting fish in a barrel to take off — which is great at airports. And they look cool, too. We recall these Blunderstone BL585 and Frye Chelsea boots await great and they get expert reviews, just in that location are plenty of other styles/brands available.
Blondo receives rave reviews for their boots — and many of them are waterproof so they're great for rainy weather. They're too stylish if you're trying to dress upwards your outfit. We're digging their Villa Waterproof Bootie.
Men's Coincidental Boots
Clarks Desert Boots have been a classic kick for over forty years and they're still just as absurd as ever — plus they come up in multiple colors. We like these Cole Haan Chukka boots andTimberland Davis Foursquare Manifestly Toe Chukkaconsidering they're both stylish and comfy. Borne also makes these slightly "dressy" Nigel Boots which are super comfy.
Another squeamish travel kicking is the Blundstone BL550. These leather boots are comfy, stylish, and rugged. The BL550 doesn't have laces, and so they are super piece of cake to put on/remove, which is incredibly squeamish if you're going to exist flight a lot. Blundstone makes a lot of different models, so I suggest searching for other styles.
Best Travel Flats
Flats are a great option for city travel because they are lightweight, comfortable, and tin be casual or dressy. Blackness or brownish is the most practical color choice. Many flats don't provide a lot of support, so it is advisable to add an insole to help improve comfort.
Clarks is known for being well-fabricated, comfortable, and cute. They have a ton of dissimilar styles and colors
Born makes a lot of cute and conformable flats. The Born Julianne is one of their most popular models because they look dandy, provide decent curvation back up, and come in multiple colors. Born also has many other styles of flats that come in cool metallic or snakeskin finishes.
If way is a top priority, these Cole Haan flats might be the perfect flat since they're known for providing a lot of extra cushioning. They accept multiple colors available, just we would stick with the patent leather options.
Merrell is known for making great hiking shoes, merely they do make a few more stylish flats.
Travel Sandals
Sandals are great in warm weather and in that location are multiple styles available — from dressy to sporty. Unsurprisingly, the "fancier" sandals tend to have less support than the sporty versions — then go along that in mind.
Chaco is known for making some of the best hiking sandals. Yous won't find these on the runway, simply if y'all want excellent back up these might be your all-time bet — whether yous're doing off-road hiking or exploring Europe's cobblestone streets.
Information technology might audio strange, merely Crocs actually makes a few pairs of squeamish-looking sandals. The Crocs Sexi Flip is chic, minimalist, and comfortable and the Isabella T-Strap also gets a lot of love. Plus, they weigh merely a few ounces then they will hardly add any weight to your bag.
Birkenstocks are the quintessential "comfortable" sandal. They make multiple models so expect around to see if any expect practiced to you.
Naot is another brand that'due south famous for making super comfortable sandals.
Insoles for Travel
Insoles are a great way to brand your shoes much more comfy. Some of the best are from Superfeet, Sorbothane, Spenco, and Sole, simply there are plenty of other brands.
The All-time Travel Footwear Brands
Not seeing any shoes on this list that await interesting? Here'due south a listing of our favorite brands that are known for making excellent and comfortable shoes.
Mephisto
Mephisto Footwear: Known for its super comfy flats, sandals, and coincidental sneakers. They have footwear options for both men and women. See their full catalog on Zappos.
Ecco
ECCO: ECCO makes a range of high-quality and comfortable shoes, boots, sandals, sneakers, wearing apparel shoes for both men and women. About of their shoes are leather so there are a lot of solid casual withal fashionable options. See their full catalog on Zappos.
Clarks
Clarks: Founded in 1825, Clarks is an English shoe brand that is known for making quality shoes, boots, and sandals. They became famous for their archetype dessert boots (I own two pairs, myself) only they make a wide range of footwear options — especially casual leather sneakers, boots, and flats. See their total catalog on Zappos.
Naot
Naot: Naot has made a proper noun for themselves for their extremely comfortable sandals — which get tons of rave reviews. View their full catalog on Zappos.
Superga
Superga: Based in Italy since 1913, Superga has get famous for its classic low-profile and super sturdy sneakers that come in dozens of unlike colors. Cheque out their full itemize on Zappos.
Built-in
Born: Born is another make that receives a lot of dear for its condolement and craftsmanship. They make a wide range of footwear merely they're most known for their women's flats and sandals. View their full catalog on Zappos.
Blondo
Blondo: Blondo'southward biggest claim to fame is for their fashionable waterproof leather boots — which is something that'due south actually fairly hard to find. Take a await at their full catalog on Zappos.
Blundstone
Blundstone: Blundstone is known for making super comfortable and durable waterproof boots for both men and women. Check out their full catalog on Zappos.
Keen
Keen: Slap-up has traditionally been an outdoors footwear company that made quality only kinda ugly footwear… but they've started to make more casual and stylish options (without losing their outdoorsy operation). View their full catalog on Zappos.
Allbirds
Allbirds: Allbirds have exploded in popularity and they've been dubbed the "world's most comfy shoes." While we're non so sure about that claim, we can confirm that these are comfy. Plus, they're super lightweight and then they make a cracking "second pair" of shoes that tin you hands pack into your handbag.
Uggs
UGGS: We were pleasantly surprised to notice that UGGS actually makes some very comfortable and fashionable footwear. They're worth checking out. Meet their full catalog on Zappos.
Adidas
Adidas: Adidas volition never become out of style and you'll see people of all ages rocking them all over Europe. We adopt sticking to their classic/retro options since they're the near versatile but you do you lot. Run into their full catalogue on Zappos.
Nike
Nike: Y'all'll also see people rocking their Nikes all across Europe. I know that I exercise. That said, we recommend sticking with their retro or fashion-frontward sneakers instead of their overly "able-bodied" shoes. See their full catalogue on Zappos.
New Balance: New Balance substantially makes 2 types of shoes — dorky dad/grandfather shoes and ultra-cool colorful shoes. Stick with the cool ones and yous'll fit right in with the other manner-forward Europeans. See their full catalog on Zappos.
Human foot Care Advice
Sometimes, fifty-fifty with the all-time shoes, your feet will get a chip sore and banged up after walking for hours on end. So here are a few things you might want to pack in case your tootsies need a little extra TLC.
- Blister Bandages: Nosotros always throw in a few blister bandages into our toiletry kit. These things can exist a lifesaver. Cheque out Amazon for various options.
- Quality Socks: We motioned it before but nice socks make a earth of difference. We prefer wool or wool/synthetic blends. SmartWool Run Ultralight are great for summer and their taller socks are keen for libation atmospheric condition.
- Foot Powder: Putting on a petty foot powder before y'all head out each day volition drastically reduce sweat and odor. Check Amazon as there are multiple options out at that place.
- O'Keeffe's Foot Cream: Pamper your feet — especially if y'all wearable sandals frequently. O'Keeffe's is the best-rated selection on Amazon.
- Keep Nails Trimmed: Long nails tin can cause a lot of toe hurting so pack a pair of nail clippers.
- Switch Upward Shoes: We prefer to take a mean solar day-on-day-off wearing schedule with our shoes when nosotros're putting a lot of miles on shoes.
More Packing Tips
But look… in that location's more! We have other articles to aid yous cull what to pack when yous travel.
- Travel Packing Listing for Women
- Travel Packing List for Men
- The All-time Travel Backpacks
- The Best Travel Underwear
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