Vacations and traveling should be fun — not ruined by uncomfortable shoes that leave your heels blistered, toes squished or just plain sore after a long day of walking around.
That's why we've taken the time to try dozens of pairs that prove to remain waterproof when hiking, have wide toe boxes that provide ample space, yield cushion with every step and more. Ultimately, your shoes will be the last thing on your mind while vacationing (unless if you're raving to your social circle about how comfortable your feet feel while sightseeing and exploring).
From shoes that were so good they earned Shop TODAY Travel Gear Awards multiple years in a row to new launches that wowed our team of editors, shop your next go-to travel shoe below.
Shop TODAY 2025 Travel Gear Award Winners to shop
Dream Pairs Chunky Fashion Sneaker
Award: Best fashion walking sneaker | Category: Sneakers/dressy shoes
The versatility of these sneakers helped them rank high with reviewers, earning them a four out of five in terms of durability, value and overall satisfaction.
They feature a 2.2-inch platform that senior social media editor Kate McCarthy was "pleasantly surprised" by. "They were comfortable enough to walk around in all day and not worry about my feet getting a blister or being sore," she says.
Birkenstock Arizona Essentials EVA Sandal
Award: Best overall sandal | Category: Sandals
These rubber version of Birkenstocks' well-known Arizona style is a repeat winner from 2023 — proving they've become a go-to travel shoe for warmer destinations.
“I thought they were as comfortable as my mom’s leather Birks that she’s owned since the '80s,” says deputy editorial director Alexandra Deabler. “They really mold to your foot and feel supportive without slipping up or down as you walk.”
Merrell Moab Speed 2 Hiking Shoe
Award: Best sneaker for hiking | Category: Sneakers/dressy shoes
"While these are designed for hiking, I recently wore these on a rainy day walking over 10,000 steps in New York and can’t recommend them more for active days," says production associate Audrey Ekman. "I stomped through puddles with no problem or leaks into the shoe, thanks to the innovative Gore-tex waterproof material. There was no break-in period for me and I can’t wait to take these on hikes this spring, summer and fall and see what they can do!"
Brooks Ghost Max 2
Award: Best overall travel sneaker | Category: Sneakers/dressy shoes
We're big fans of Brooks at Shop TODAY. Multiple editors have run hundreds of miles in these running sneakers, whether they're running half marathons in Central Park or walking around their neighborhood.
"They're so comfortable, provide great cushion/shock absorption, and even though they lace up, I found them easy to slip on and off," raves associate editor Shannon Garlin.
The best part about these shoes is that they can be worn for both walking or running, with the brand promising maximum cushion and comfort with each step.
Diadora Nucleo 2 Running Shoe
Award: Best new launch travel sneaker | Category: Sneakers/dressy shoes
This sneaker is available in both women and men's sizes, and the brand hopes it'll provide a stable, lightweight run for those days you want to go for distance, rather than speed. It weighs less than 10 ounces and a less-contoured shape compared to previous models, lending to that aforementioned stability.
Salomon ACS+ Climasalomon Waterproof Sneaker
Award: Best overall waterproof shoe | Category: Water/waterproof shoes
A waterproof shoe for any hiking trail or beach vacation is important, but a good water shoe is even more so. These shoes exceeded reviewers expectations, noting that their feet "remained warm, dry, supported and comfortable" in an assortment of weather.
Shop TODAY 2024 Travel Gear Award Winners to shop
Nortiv 8 Cloud Harmony Athleisure Sneakers
Award: Best budget walking shoe | Category: TSA/walking Shoe
This lightweight pair of sneakers required no breaking-in period, according to former Shop TODAY page, Laura Millar. While they look like an alternative to a more popular sneaker, they might not be as cushioned, reviewers said.
Vans Slip-On Mule TRK Shoe
Award: Best overall | Category: Water shoe
"They are super comfortable and easy to slip on/off," says associate editor Allie Wise. "I wore them to the pool and dipped them in the water — they were completely dry 20 minutes later, thanks, in large part, to the holes."
These slip-ons feature the silhouette most associate with Vans, even down to the classic checkerboard pattern.
Dr. Scholl's Jetset Loafer
Award: Best dressy option | Category: TSA/walking shoe
Judging by the name of these shoes alone, you’d expect them to deliver comfort while you’re on the move — and our staffers found they did just that. From the anti-microbial foam footbed to the built-in arch support and molded heel cup, they check off all of the boxes when it comes to travel shoes. Plus, the slip-on style makes them easier to pop on and off on airport security lines.
These slip-ons were so well-loved, they earned awards in both 2023 and 2024.
Reef Cushion Vista Hi
Award: Best budget | Category: Sandals
"As someone with a wider foot, I was worried the double straps would feel too restrictive, but I was pleasantly surprised by their comfy feel," admits commerce writer Danielle Murphy. "My favorite feature has to be the different textures featured throughout. I also think it provides great arch support."
Rothy's The Original Slip-On Sneaker
Award: Best splurge | Category: TSA/walking shoe
Wise "immediately fell in love," with these slip-ons. "Not only are they super stylish and trendy, but they are uber comfortable as well. Often times, you sacrifice function for fashion, but not in this case."
Other editors also noted that while other slip-ons tend to cause some damage or blistering to their heels, these shoes helped them remain "intact" after an active office day.
Birkenstock Arizona Birkibuc
Award: Best splurge | Category: Sandals
"This is my first time trying Birkenstocks and I can honestly say I’m a convert," says editor and producer Julie Ricevuto. "They took a bit to break in, but once I did, they felt comfortable and most importantly, durable. I wear them all the time!"
Podiatrists love the brand too, praising the footbed that's made out of cork and latex designed to support arches, give wearers a roomy toe box and a spot for heels to truly sink into the sandal.
Shop TODAY 2023 Travel Gear Award Winners to shop
Teva Flatform Universal Sandal
Award: Best budget | Category: Sandals
You don’t have to break your budget to find walking sandals that are actually comfortable and stylish. Shop TODAY staffers loved this platform sandal because it checks all three boxes: It’s affordable, comfortable and you can wear it with practically anything.
“I have very narrow feet and usually struggle to find sandals that my feet don’t slip out of,” associate social media editor Dani Muscacchio said. “The two adjustable straps on these shoes allow me to create the perfect fit. My feet feel so secure in them!
Vionic Miles II Sneaker
Award: Best splurge | Category: Walking shoes
Need a walking shoe you can clock miles in? Writer Jannely Espinal says these are her favorite pair.
“I used the Vionic Miles II Sneaker at the airport, the beach, the mall and restaurants," she says. "These shoes have become my all-time favorite everyday shoes. They are so comfortable and have reduced the pain in my knees while walking for miles. I love the all-white color and the overall aesthetic of the design.”
Skechers Men’s Slip-ins: Ultra Flex 3.0 (Smooth Step)
Award: Best overall | Category: Walking shoes
Skechers is known for its comfortable footwear for a range of activities, but this slip-on style for men in particular earned the approval of our staffers for commuting. “These are very economical and look sleek for the price point,” said commerce art director Andrew Ward.
Plus they’re easy to get on and off for airport security.
Merrell Women’s Moab 3 Mid Waterproof
Award: Best overall | Category: Hiking shoe
Hitting the trails? Both amateur and experienced hikers on the Shop TODAY team praised these boots for their grip, support and overall style.
“I knew these would be perfect for any outdoor activity because they were instantly comfortable, didn’t need to be broken in and were true to size,” commerce editor Vivien Moon said. “I am obsessed with these boots.”
Meet the experts
- Brady Schrock is a flight attendant for a commercial airline and also served on our panel of 2024 Travel Awards experts.
- Katie Jackson is a travel writer and expert, who also served on our panel of 2023 and 2024 Travel Awards experts.
- Jonathan Alder is a luxury travel planner and adviser, and also served on our panel of 2024 Travel Awards experts.
- Stephen Sabato is a United Airlines Captain and has flown with them for the past 20 years. He’s been a pilot for 30 years.
- Shop TODAY is a team of shopping editors and writers who spend hours every day finding the best new products, tried-and-true favorites and more finds that are worth shopping, according to our high standards.
How we chose
We sorted through hundreds of new launches, editor recommendations, trending products flooding our social media pages and tried and true products to curate a list of must-have travel items worth reviewing for our awards. Our team of editors and writers signed up to try out apparel and shoes, putting them to the test in New York City and on our travels across the country as well as overseas. Finally, our panel of experts reviewed some of our winners and gave feedback based on their expertise.
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