Travel has a funny way of exposing weak links in your wardrobe, and shoes are always the first to betray you. It doesn’t matter how stylish they are or how well they look in your carry-on—cute shoes mean nothing if they can’t survive a full day on your feet. After one too many trips spent hobbling through airports and cutting sightseeing short, I decided this was the year to get serious about my travel shoes. So I did what any travel writer would do and went straight to a podiatrist.
I spoke with Dr. Anne Sharkey to get her expert take on which sneakers and walkable styles are actually designed for long travel days, from airport marathons to museum hopping. Her recommendations range from cushioned classics and slip-on favorites to recovery shoes your feet will appreciate after hours of exploring. Every pair on the list is available on Amazon, and most are on sale, making now the best time to upgrade your shoe rotation ahead of upcoming trips. Think of it as a comfort-first reset for your travel wardrobe.
- Oprah-loved travel shoes: Vionic Uptown Loafers, $65 (originally $130)
- Best for wide feet: Hoka Clifton 10 Sneakers, $151
- Best for flat feet: Asics Gel-Nimbus 27 Running Shoes, $125 (originally $165)
- Podiatrist’s pick: Revitalign Gaia Sneakers, $83 (originally $120)
- Best for plantar fasciitis: Brooks Glycerin 22 Neutral Running Shoes, $115 (originally $165)
- Best for overpronators: Allswifit Slip-on Stability Walking Shoes, $55 (originally $68)
- “Can comfortably walk for hours and miles”: On Cloud 5 Sneakers, $145
- Best for reducing joint pain and soreness: Oofos Oomy Stride Sneakers, $120 (originally $150)
- Best sneaker-flat hybrid: Vionic Uptown Skimmer Knit Slip-ons, $47 (originally $130)
- Sporty with support: Municipal M.OG Shoes, $140
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Vionic Uptown Loafers
Amazon
If you want a shoe that looks polished but still feels like a walking shoe, this is the unicorn. Dr. Sharkey loves these Vionic Uptown loafers because they deliver real support and comfort without reading “sneaker,” making them ideal for travel days that turn into dinner plans. “I personally own these shoes, and they are so comfortable. They are lightweight and flexible,” she shared. They’re the kind of shoes you can wear straight from the airport to exploring a new city.
Hoka Clifton 10 Sneakers
Amazon
Hoka’s Clifton line has long been a favorite among comfort enthusiasts, and travelers have been wearing them everywhere for years. Dr. Sharkey recently spotted them all over Disney World—a destination that practically requires all-day foot stamina. “Known for their plush cushioning, these are a great choice for travelers as well,” she said. If you’re logging serious steps from pictures in front of Cinderella’s castle to nighttime fireworks, these are built for it, especially if you have wide feet; the shoes are available in wide and extra-wide sizing.
Asics Gel-Nimbus 27 Running Shoes
Amazon
This is the shoe Dr. Sharkey recommends when travel plans involve lots of walking and even more standing. “Asics Gel Nimbus is the perfect all-around cushioning shoe,” she shared, especially for neutral foot types and long days on hard surfaces. Think museums with marble floors, historic buildings, and hours spent wandering galleries. It’s a joint-saving option when your itinerary is packed, and your feet don’t get many breaks. According to reviewers, the shoe’s high arch support also makes it great for flat feet and fallen arches.
Revitalign Gaia Sneakers
Amazon
Affordable comfort doesn’t have to feel like a compromise, and these Gaia sneakers are proof. Dr. Sharkey owns these herself and regularly wears them around the office, which says a lot coming from a podiatrist. They offer arch support and cushioning designed to absorb shock—exactly what you want when travel days turn into sightseeing marathons. For the price, they punch well above their weight.
Brooks Glycerin 22 Neutral Running Shoes
Amazon
Brooks is a longtime favorite in the comfortable sneaker world, and the Glycerin 22 is especially well-suited for travel-heavy days. Dr. Sharkey regularly wears these herself, citing the cushioned support and roomy toe box. That extra space matters after hours of walking, when feet tend to swell. Durable, supportive, and reliable, they’re a smart pick for trips that involve serious mileage. Several reviewers also shared that the Amazon best-sellers are “great” for anyone dealing with plantar fasciitis.
Allswifit Slip-on Stability Walking Shoes
Amazon
Slip-on shoes can be hit or miss, but this pair from Allswifit made a strong impression on Dr. Sharkey. After testing multiple styles from the brand, this one stood out as her favorite. “The slip-on style makes this a great shoe for travel. I was impressed with the support and the cushioning,” she explained (and reviewers noted that they’re comfortable for overpronation). It’s an easy, airport-friendly option that doesn’t compromise on stability and comes in several on-trend colors.
On Cloud 5 Sneakers
Amazon
On sneakers are everywhere right now and for good reason. “This brand is super popular and holds up well to the test of travel,” Dr. Sharkey highlighted, especially for travelers who want comfort without a fully athletic look. These sneakers provide cushioning and support while still feeling casual enough for everyday outfits. They’re ideal when you want one shoe that works for sightseeing, transit days, and grabbing coffee in a new city. In fact, Amazon shoppers raved that they can “comfortably walk for hours and miles all day long” without tired or sore feet.
Vionic Walk Max Sneakers
Amazon
This is another strong travel pick from Vionic, especially if traditional sneakers are a staple in your travel wardrobe. Dr. Sharkey loves the cushioning and noted how lightweight and flexible they are, making them easy to pack. They’re a great option for travelers who want support but prefer a slightly sleeker silhouette and a more toned-down color palette. Over in the review section, Amazon buyers called them “incredibly comfortable” for having “good arch support and great cushioning without having overly thick-looking soles.”
Kizik Athens 2 Slip-on Sneakers
Amazon
Designed for ease without sacrificing comfort, these slip-on sneakers are built for travelers constantly on the move. Dr. Sharkey was impressed after testing the brand, noting that the hands-free design is especially helpful for anyone with mobility concerns or for those with tired hands juggling luggage. “In addition to easy on/off, they offer arch support, stability, and cushioning for all-day comfort,” she explained. They’re a thoughtful choice for seamless airport connections and busy itineraries.
Oofos Oomy Stride Sneakers
Amazon
Dr. Sharkey always recommends packing a recovery shoe for trips that involve long days on your feet, and this pair from Oofos fits the bill. “Putting on a recovery shoe is like a breath of fresh air for your feet and joints,” she said. The foam is designed to absorb shock, helping reduce stress on your body after hours of exploring. These are especially helpful for evenings when your feet need a break, but you’re not ready to stop moving.
Vionic Uptown Skimmer Knit Slip-ons
Amazon
Lightweight, supportive, and easy to pack, these knit slip-ons are another Vionic favorite for travel. Dr. Sharkey likes the arch support, deep heel cup, and cushioning that help keep feet stable throughout the day. The knit construction keeps them flexible and comfortable, even when worn for hours. They’re an easy win for travelers who want something compact but podiatrist-approved.
Municipal M.OG Shoes
Amazon
This is a newer discovery for Dr. Sharkey, and it has managed to leave quite a strong impression on the podiatrist. “Aesthetically, I loved the look of this shoe. Functionally, I was so impressed with the support and the cushioning,” she pointed out. That combination makes it especially appealing for travel, when you want a shoe that looks good but can still handle long days. It’s a stylish option that doesn’t skimp on comfort.
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