Our Reviews of the Best Travel Shoes for Women 2018

We spent hours reading reviews from experts and users searching for the best travel shoes for women.

Finding a travel shoe that is comfortable, fashionable, practical and longlasting is like asking for the holy grail of footwear. We are pretty sure this exact shoe doesn’t exist in all our travels we have looked high and low bought dozens of the different shoe styles. We have, however, through trial and error, found several shoes that we deem to be the best travel shoes for women. They even check off some of our requirement boxes, so that’s something. Right?

Important Checks For Comfortable Feet

Quality Socks: A lot of people spend a lot of money on shoes then throw on a pair of cheap socks, but quality socks are just as important as the shoes.  A good pair of socks will help prevent blisters, fight odour, and keep your feet comfortable.

Support & Insoles: Make sure your shoes have the proper support for your feet.  A quality pair of insoles can make shoes and boots much more comfortable, and they add extra support to flats.

Bring extra shoe liners: This is an excellent sock free solution, to keep your feet clean and fresh.  It will keep these shoes clean after running around in sand barefoot and are easily replaced after a big holiday get-away.

Match Shoes To Destination: This seems like a no-brainer, but you must match your shoes to the environment and weather conditions you will encounter, sandal for the beach, runners for your morning fitness regime, you get the idea.

Break In Your Shoes: BREAK IN YOUR SHOES! Ensure you purchase your shoes a few weeks, to a month, before your trip and ensure you wear them lots before you leave.

Comparison Chart

Our Prefered Styles For Travel

Loafers

Loafers are known for being the most comfortable travel shoe.

Pros:  Loafers can be easily slipped on and off for passing through airport security. They will also dress up just about any outfit to make it more “evening attire” friendly (within reason, of course).

Cons:  The arch support is not always the greatest if it even exists. I wouldn’t recommend walking weeks on end with just a pair of loafers on your feet.

Sneakers

Finding the best travel sneaker can be a little daunting, considering just how many different sneakers are in this world. Don’t be confused with runners or trainers, sneakers are not meant to be used for cross-country marathons. They are designed for endurance, long walks every day, not to be beaten into the pavement.

Pros:  Sneakers are sold just about everywhere and by every decent shoe company, so there are plenty of styles to choose from once you have found the perfect brand.

Cons:  Not all sneakers are created equally. Some have the staying power to last you a good year or two, while others will barely make it to the end of your vacation before calling it quits. Do your research and find a quality sneaker that has longevity. Every brand has that one budget option so don’t be fooled by price or name brands.

Hiking Shoes Waterproof Wonders!

The ultimate waterproof walking shoes for travel. Hiking shoes that are waterproof pretty much own my closet; they cover every possible destination and I wear them on a daily basis anyway so I don’t need to have a million pairs of different shoes ( I mean, I do, but I don’t NEED to).

Pros:  A neutral colour shoe will go with just about any outfit you can think, making it the best shoe for sightseeing. Being waterproof, you no longer need to fear the weatherman, just head out into that rain and let the others cower in their hotels while you experience half empty attractions (you think I’m joking, but people will not leave where ever they are once the rain starts. You will have the run of the town for any outside attractions or events).

Cons:  They are a little heavier than your standard shoe because of the waterproofing, so they will take time for legs to adjust to the extra weight.

Get Your Shoes Ready For Travel

AEROSOLES Women’s Solitaire Slip-On Loafer – Most Comfortable Walking Shoes For Travel

You will feel light on your feet in this versatile loafer from AEROSOLES. braided rope trim secured with bold whipstitch gives this trendy loafer a soft and friendly look. A perfect travel shoe for its light weight and easily packed form factor.

“They are the most comfortable shoes I’ve ever owned AND they are cute! They fit perfectly and there wasn’t a break in period, they were comfy from the getgo”.

• Synthetic sole
• Heel measures approximately 0.5″
• Espadrille-inspired slip-on featuring jute-covered midsole and square toe

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KEEN Women’s Elsa Sneaker- Best Travel Sneaker

KEEN Woman’s Elsa Sneakers like most tennis shoes have rubber soles, giving them a low slip bottom surface. If the surface you are walking on is wet you should still be careful as no shoe is slip proof.

They are, however, not your typical Keen, as they have little arch support compared to other KEEN offering such as hiking shoes, and boots.

• Canvas/Synthetic
• Rubber sole
• Outdoor Shoe
• Care Instructions: Gently brush the shoe with a soft, damp sponge to remove loose dirt. Stains should be treated immediately with a gentle cleaner

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KEEN Women’s Oakridge WP Shoe- Best Shoes For Europe

Best shoes for walking around Europe? That’s a bit of a bold statement. No, actually, it’s not.

Keens tend to be the most popular travel shoe, and for good reason. They run true to size, which means fewer people are annoyed with them and forced to make returns or exchanges (online shopping can kinda suck for this), and they can also start breaking in their shoes that much faster, in preparation for their next big adventure. Keen is also lightweight, waterproof and about as stylish as “practical” comes (without spending the big bucks of course). I have tried many brands and always seem to find my way back to Keen for my hiking sandals, boots, and shoes, while we travel Europe.

• Leather and Synthetic
• Waterproof, lightweight leather and mesh upper
• KEEN dry waterproof, breathable membrane
• Hydrophobic mesh lining for dry comfort
• Removable, metatomical eva foot bed
• Compression-molded eva midsole

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The First Outdoor Women’s – Lightweight Sneakers For Travel

These shoes are definitely waterproof. They have good grips. They didn’t need any breaking in-flexible and comfortable right from the start.

My new favorite shoe!

• The air cushion feels great. The super bonus is that they are also waterproof.
• Low lace,flexible nylon mesh uppers offer ample durability
• Mesh linings wick moisture away from feet
• Compression-molded EVA sole for all-day comfort
• FIRST-GRIP rubber outsoles keep you moving across rough surfaces terrain
• FIRST-COMFERT air-circulation shoe pads provide users with extra pleasant air exchange experience

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Merrell Moab Ventilator – Most Comfortable Travel (and Hiking) Shoe

As with most Merrel, they fit true to size; they are roomy enough in the toe area for thicker socks but fit fine with regular socks. I had to do a lot of walking just after purchase so there was no break in period but after walking miles in downtown Hamburg including walking from the hotel to Hafencity, twice,  I had no blisters but the balls of my feet did get a little hot but probably would have no matter what shoes I was wearing.

I will be getting another pair in a different color (the green in the shoe doesn’t match my green pants #firstworldproblems). I would definitely recommend these shoes bought at your regular size. I have a wide foot and they fit perfectly.

• Vibram sole
• Low hiking shoe featuring breathable mesh panels and plush cushioning at tongue and collar
• Ortholite footbed

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Merrell Womens Barrado- Comfortable fashionable Walking Shoe

The Merrell Women’s Barrado is very flexible and comfortable. I had to put in an insole for better arch support but it still fit just right. 

Perfect, and very comfortable. Don’t wear them in the rain, because, while light, they really absorb water in a way that can be more uncomfortable than a heartier athletic shoe.

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Salomon Women’s Ellipse – Best Hiking Shoes

These Solomon were true to fit, and are comfortable all day every day; they don’t rub anywhere on my toes or heel ever.  They offer great arch support and are waterproof.

We have been purchasing Salomon shoes to hubby’s work for a few years and they have never disappointed. With his heavy use, they have about a 6 month life-span which is 3 months longer than anything else we have every purchased so if these women’s shoes are anything like their men’s line, I may have to add Salomon to my personal favorites  list after all.

• Upper: Water Resistant Textile
• Asymmetrical Sensiflex
• Asymmetrical Sensifit
• Women’s Specific Last
• Mud Guard

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Toms Classics – Best Lightweight Walking Shoe For Travel

We thought we knew the meaning of comfort, but TOMS’ Canvas slip-on schooled us. Its cool, casual upper has an elastic inset at the vamp and darts at the toe to add wearing ease to its padded footbed and cushioning rubber outsole. It’ll be your new favorite.

They go well with any outfit and don’t make anything look like I am dressing down. I wear them with jeans, dress pants, skirts, dresses, pretty much everything. I bought them as shoes for work, but I actually love them so much that I wear them on weekends too. I don’t like wearing heels at all, so I wear these when I go out and have to dress up a little.

The color does tend to dull and get worn at the toe and at the heel, but I don’t think anyone could expect anything else if the shoe is worn frequently. I wear these with black slacks and a polo to work most days. No one even notices that my shoes are super casual since they’re all black.

• Rubber sole
• Shaft measures approximately 2.25″ from arch
• Heel measures approximately 1/2″
• Platform measures approximately 1/2

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Merrell Women’s Rant- Best City Walking Shoe

Style wise they remind me to converse but are more comfortable. Shortly after my purchase I wore them on a family trip with a lot of walking and had no issues breaking them in.

I have worn these a few times to work and the work well. I stand all day at my desk and my shoes need to be comfortable. There is also plenty of room for the toes.

• Canvas and leather upper
• Traditional lace closure
• Breathable mesh lining
• EVA removable footbed
• Molded nylon arch shank

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Hopefully, I have helped you find the best travel shoes for woman for your needs! If you are looking for more baby products for travel, check out our other reviews here. Good luck!

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