Digital nomads share 6 of their go-to shoes for travel

One of the most important things on your packing list to get right? The shoes you bring with you. Often we’re relying on just a couple pairs to get through a variety of events and experiences. Plus, with the amount of walking done exploring a new city and potentially different terrain, shoes that we thought were comfy at home might prove to be otherwise. There’s nothing worse than wincing each step of the trip you looked forward to all year.   

If you’re getting ready for your next vacation, embracing the remote work travel life, or a dedicated personal-item- or carry-on-only packer, you need the right shoes. And who knows travel footwear better than seasoned digital nomads who are experts at living out of suitcases? Below, you’ll find seven of their recommendations for the best shoes for travel.

Digital nomads’ top picks for travel shoes

Best versatile shoes for travel: Adidas Samba OG Shoes, $100. Effortlessly stylish sneakers that look great with most outfits and are built for long days on your feet

Best running shoes for travel:Flux Footwear Adapt Runner, $145. Natural-movement running shoes with zero-drop design and wide toe box

Best sustainable shoes for travel: Allbirds Women’s Tree Runner, $133. Eco-friendly sneakers with cloud-like comfort and breathable design

Best stylish shoes for travel: Autry Medalist Low Sneaker (Women), $200. A true travel staple that blends street style with all-day comfort

Best everyday sneakers for travel: New Balance 530, $110. Cushioned sneaker that keeps up with high step count days

Best structured shoes for travel: Allbirds Women’s Tree Runner NZ, $100. Tree Runners with slightly more structure than originals, plus plush cushioning

Best shoes for high-intensity travel activities: Saucony Women's Guide 18, $150. Supportive sneakers ideal for walking, light hiking, workouts, and running

Expert Spotlight

Born and raised in Derby, England, Samantha Kuhr developed the travel bug early on in life. At just sixteen, she left home to solo travel through Thailand, Bahrain, New York, California, and Australia. Now, Kuhr is the writer behind My Travelling Circus where she shares blogs about her travel experiences, lifestyle advice (as a mother of two, she sure has some), and health journey as a breast cancer survivor.

In 2021, Giselle Langley became a full-time professional travel photographer and videographer with her partner Stephen and The Lovers Passport Instagram profile they created began to take off. As traveling can be intimidating for some, Langley’s goal was to help others plan their trips so they can spend less time on the details and focus on exploring. They review hiking, camping, roadtrips, international travel experiences, hotels, accommodations and more so you don’t have to.

No one believes that what you pack can shape the course of your trip more than Moira Dennis of Style Pack Go. After a disastrous trip from London to New York City, Dennis realized her overpacked suitcase was overwhelming and ruining her trip, so she created her blog Style Pack Go. She shares travel outfit ideas, destination-specific packing strategies, and curated ShopMy collections so you can take the stress out of packing and feel great in what you’re wearing at your destination.

Nikki Tomlin is a solo traveling expert and Instagram influencer. Through her content, she shares her experiences and advice to help others gain confidence and tips for their solo journeys. Tomlin also shared honest reviews of travel essentials she relies on, along with her travel outfits on LTK.

FAQ

When shopping for travel shoes, look for features like:

  • Arch and midsole support
  • Lightweight design
  • Breathable materials
  • Slip-resistant outsoles
  • Packability and versatility

The best travel shoes should feel comfortable right away, work with multiple outfits, and be easy to pack.

The best shoes for long days on your feet mean you need comfortable cushioning, arch support, and shock absorption without the extra bulk. Look for lightweight sneakers or walking shoes that check these boxes and have breathable material so your feet don’t end up aggressively sweaty by lunchtime.

Sneakers are the MVP when it comes to the best shoes for travel. And now that they’ve gone fully mainstream and more stylish, you can easily dress them up or down depending on your plans. No, we’re not talking black tie, but you can absolutely get away with wearing them to a nice dinner or cocktail bar with the right styling.

Most travelers pack two to three pairs of shoes for a trip: a primary walking shoe, a dressier option, and a weather- or activity-specific pair.

For cobblestone streets, choose shoes with cushioned soles and flexible yet supportive outsoles. Skip thin flats or stiff shoes.

Sneakers with shock absorption or supportive walking shoes help reduce fatigue on uneven terrain so you can keep going strong for days.

No, not all travel shoes need to be waterproof, but they ideally flex with the forecast. Waterproof travel shoes are ideal for rainy destinations or outdoor-heavy trips. If you’re traveling somewhere with unpredictable weather, consider water-resistant materials or treated leather. 

Just keep in mind where you’re going and give some thought to other places you’d like to visit in the future because it may make sense for you to invest in a waterproof option right off the bat.

  • We only spoke to digital nomads who travel often to recommend products for this article. 
  • All recommendations from the featured expert digital nomads are independently chosen. They don’t have any brand affiliation with featured brands or products.
  • We never pay experts for their recommendations.

If These Walls Could Talk” operates independently and exercises sole editorial discretion in all content decisions. While certain brands, products, or services referenced may have current or prior relationships with our affiliated marketing agency, such relationships do not influence our editorial content. We disclaim any liability for conflicts of interest, omissions, or outcomes arising from reliance on our content. All information is provided for general informational purposes only and should not be relied upon as professional or individualized advice.

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