5 Best Shoes For Travel (The Ones I've Traveled With For 2 Years!)

I’ve been traveling full-time for many years now, and if there’s one thing I’ve mastered, it’s finding the best travel shoes! The shoes you will learn about today are comfortable, stylish, and actually hold up through miles of walking, airport sprints, and all kinds of adventures.

Believe it or not, I used to own almost 100 pairs of shoes. Now? I rotate between just five. Turns out, you don’t need a closet full of shoes—you just need the right ones. And in this post, I’ll not only share the exact five pairs I’ve been wearing on repeat, but also:

✅ Other top-rated options so you can find the perfect fit for your style and needs

✅ Styling tips to make the most of each pair while traveling

✅ Where to shop these shoes so you can easily grab them for your next trip

Every recommendation comes from real-life experience—these shoes have carried me through three+ years of full-time travel, and the photos you’re about to see? All from my adventures around the world.

So, let’s find the perfect travel shoes for your upcoming adventures!

Ready To Learn About The Best Shoes For Travel? Let’s Go Then :)

Estimated reading time: 18 minutes

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Living out of a 20′ carry-on bag has taught me many lessons, and the most important one has been that I definitely need a lot less than I think. Less really means more. I don’t own anything that I don’t appreciate, and if I’m being completely honest, I am too emotionally attached to some of the pieces in my little suitcase LOL.

The following photos are snaps of my real life and were taken in between September 2021 and December 2023. I have been wearing the same 5 pairs of shoes on repeat for over 3 years. I always travel with 2, 3 or 4 of the 5 shoes I’ll share below. (it really depends on the kind of trip)

Best Shoes For Travel – #1 White Leather Sneakers:

If you’ve read any of my other articles, you probably saw this one coming!

You’re about to understand why I am emotionally attached to most of these pieces. These white leather sneakers have been with me to Mayan ruins, paragliding, while exploring new cities, on endless travel days and some of the most beautiful hikes of my life. Just to name a few.

I have so many pictures with them, but I picked the ones I haven’t used on other blog posts, and the ones that showcase how versatile these shoes are!

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Simply answer these 2 questions about your trip and I’ll send you a customized packing list! It’s that easy. The best part? I’ve tried and tested these packing lists 👇🏼

As you can see, you can style white sneakers with pretty much ANYTHING! And that’s exactly why I love them so much. Also, they are super comfortable! I’ve walked many many miles with these shoes.

I wear them in moderately cold weather or hot weather. It doesn’t matter. They truly work for any kind of trip.

However, you don’t have to stick to white leather sneakers. I also brought printed sneakers for one of our trips (instead of the white ones, never both at the same time).

My advice: If you’re going for a printed option make sure the colors match most of the pieces you’re packing. I would choose black & white OR leopard.

🛍️ Where to shop for comfy sneakers?

Cariuma: Super comfortable, sustainably made, and great for all-day walking. I’ve had mine for over five years!
Quince: Affordable, high-quality leather sneakers that look stylish and feel supportive.

Koio: Luxurious Italian leather with a sleek, minimalist design that molds to your feet over time.

Best Shoes For Travel – #2 Waterproof Birkenstocks:

I can’t state this enough… travel with comfortable shoes that are easy to take off and easy to put on.

You will find yourself rushed to leave your hotel or apartment, going in and out of religious sites where you have to take your shoes off, walking around pebble beaches, etc. You will be rushed from time to time, it just happens while traveling.

In general, it’s just nice and comfortable to travel with sandals like these.

You can wear these sandals on easy hikes, to the beach, to walk around cities, etc. Pretty much for any occasion. Obviously these are only great if where you’re going is warm :)

Other Great Options for this type of sandals:

Teva: The Hurricane Drift Sandal is another excellent option, known for its waterproof material and excellent traction, making it suitable for various terrains.

Reef: The Water Vista Sandals are perfect for beach trips and water-related activities, crafted from materials that allow easy cleaning.

Best Shoes For Travel – #3 Hiking/Gym Shoes AKA Trailrunners:

I actually don’t have a ton of photos with these shoes. Sorry.

Why?

I wear them for the gym and on harder hikes. And for some reason I rarely take photos.

Why you ask again?

Well, at the gym for obvious reasons… I’m focused on my workout.

And at hikes… well, I’m not really much of a hiker. I always feel tired, sweaty, and slightly grumpy until I reach the view. So taking photos is not really my priority. Look closely at these 2 photos and you’ll notice the shoes hahaha – sorry about that one, but you get the point.

Here are some similar options. These shoes will only work out for you if you like to exercise during your vacation and if you’re planning to go on hikes. Talk about 2 for 1!

Best Shoes For Travel – #4 Going Out Sandals

I’ve had several of these sandals over the past 2.5 years. But I only bring one per trip.

I’ve had a few different ones because out of all my shoes for traveling, these are the ones that get ugly and worn out the fastest… so naturally, I have to replace them.

For the most part, I always follow the same rules when getting new ones:

They have to be flat.

Ideally leather (so they look slightly dressier).
They have to be a neutral color.

Here are my top picks for easy-to-pack “going out” sandals: (other colors are available for most of these. Just have to click on them)

🎯 I recently shopped here and was impressed by the quality!

Even though these are super cute, they’re not useful everywhere you go. Leave them at home if where you’re going is hilly and has cobblestone streets. They can be pretty slippery.

🛍️ My top recs for flat leather sandals:

Quince: High-quality leather sandals at an affordable price, designed for comfort and versatility.

Nisolo: Sustainably made with cushioned insoles and durable craftsmanship.
Farm Rio: Ethically produced leather sandals that balance fashion and function beautifully.

Best Shoes For Traveling – #5 Everyday Birkenstocks:

And last but not least… again with the trusty Birkenstocks! But these are different. Sort of.

I never travel with my two pairs of Birkenstocks on the same trip for space-related reasons. I travel with carry-on only, and in my opinion these 2 pairs of sandals serve the same purpose.

I honestly prefer the green ones mentioned above. However, these are slightly more stylish and because you can tie them around your ankle, they are better to bring on easier hikes.

Here are some similar options. I would consider any kind of leather Birkenstocks. It depends on your personal style:

Here’s a direct link to Nordstrom. They have so many cute Birkenstocks right now 😍

If you’re on a budget, and still want high quality, comfortable travel shoes, check these out:

🎯 White leather sneakers

🎯 Flat leather sandals

🎯 Similar version of Birkenstocks (not the waterproof kind, though)

🎯 Cool loafers (can replace sneakers, depending on the kind of trip)

Final Thoughts About The Best Shoes For Travel:

That’s a wrap, my friends! Hopefully, by now, you can see that you really don’t need a suitcase full of shoes to travel in style—just a few solid pairs that go the distance (literally).

I know choosing the best shoes for travel can feel overwhelming with so many options out there, but I hope this post helped you narrow it down. Whether you’re packing for a weekend getaway or a months-long adventure, the key is finding shoes that fit your personal style, your comfort needs, and of course, the purpose of your trip.

At the end of the day, these are just my tried-and-true picks—the shoes that have worked for me after years of full-time travel. But the best travel shoes for you? Those will be the ones that make you feel comfortable, confident, and ready to explore the world.

Thanks so much for reading all the way down here! I appreciate you hanging out with me. If you have any favorites or go-to travel shoes, let me know—I’d love to hear what works for you!

See you in the next one! 👋🏼

XO,

Aimara

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If you’re ready to pack smarter and travel with confidence, check it out the workshop here! I’m excited to see you inside 💛

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Hi, my name is Aimara and I am the voice behind Ways of Style. I was born and raised in Venezuela until the age of 27 when I moved to Chicago, and 2 years later I met my best friend and husband. We now travel full time and live out of a carry-on bag, so believe me, I know a thing or two about how to maximize every single piece I own.

I love creating new looks, and looking cute while I’m traveling. And in this blog, I try to share all my looks, even if I don’t have the best photos ;) My goal is to help you maximize every piece you have in your closet and to encourage you to live with less things.

The 5 Best Shoes For Travel! (Cute, Comfy & Stylish!)

Ready To Learn About The Best Shoes For Travel? Let’s Go Then :)

Best Shoes For Travel – #1 White Leather Sneakers: