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Whether your tootsies are so perfect you’ve been asked if you’re a foot model or they’re riddled with bunions, collapsing arches or plantar fasciitis, one thing’s for certain: you need comfortable shoes for travel.
From cute sneakers that can handle Europe’s cobblestones by day and a dinner outfit by night to shoes built for long walks along the Caribbean’s white-sand beaches, these are the best walking shoes for women — tested on real feet.
Here are the best walking shoes for women who travel
Before we dive in, keep in mind that the best walking shoes for women are the ones that you’ll actually wear on your travels. Shoes take up a lot of valuable space in luggage, after all, so you want to make every pair count. Consider planning your outfits around just two to three pairs and wear the bulkiest shoes while in transit. Oh, and remember — a great pair of socks that hug your feet in all the right places can make great shoes even better.
1. KURU FLEX Via
BEST FOR: long walks; standing all day; full-day tours
- Cushioning: maximum
- Arch support: yes
- Removable insole: yes (but you probably won’t want to)
Even a metatarsal neuroma didn’t stop Kuru’s FLEX Via sneaker from snatching top honors right out of the box. With a wide version to accommodate bunions or wider-than-average feet, these win points on both style and comfort. This brand’s heel-hugging technology is designed to protect the plantar fascia. The best parts? There’s no break-in period required and they might make your custom orthotics obsolete.
If you prefer something without laces, check out KURU’s ATOM Slip-On. While there’s no wide option, the regular width is on the generous side and the fabric is forgiving.
2. On CLOUDECLIPSE
BEST FOR: running; power walking; light hiking
- Cushioning: maximum
- Arch support: yes
- Removable insole: yes
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Dreamed up in the Zurich-based On Lab with a team of scientists, technicians, and athletes, CLOUDECLIPSE is a runner’s shoe; they’re ultra-light and breathable, have exceptional shock absorption, and offer the ultimate in forward momentum. It’s those characteristics that make them one of the best walking shoes for women on-the-move, too — from the airport to your final destination. They’re also made with recycled content, part of On’s commitment to sustainability.
Although the CLOUDECLIPSE is true-to-size and accommodates a slightly wider-than-average foot, not all On styles fit the same so be sure to read plenty of reviews if you’re ordering online.
3. lululemon cityverse Women's Sneaker
BEST FOR: bicycle tours; cafés and lunch dates; leisurely strolls
- Cushioning: moderate
- Arch support: moderate
- Removable insole: yes
Cute enough to pair with a sundress to sip lattés alongside the Champs-Élysées yet comfortable enough for a guided bicycle tour on city streets, lululemon’s entry into the casual shoe category is tailored to the unique structure of a woman’s foot — and they might just be the best travel sneaker out there thanks to their versatility. While you won’t be tossing out your orthotics in favor of these insoles, they do provide good cushioning and flexion. Just pack another pair of shoes for longer walks if you generally experience foot pain.
Need some ankle support or simply prefer a more athletic sneaker? We also tested and loved the chargefeel 2 Mid Women's Workout Shoe. The brand gets bonus points for its 30-day trial window; wear your new shoes here, there, and everywhere for a month and return them for a full refund if you don’t like them.
4. ASICS Gel-Nimbus
BEST FOR: long walks; fitness classes; running
- Cushioning: maximum
- Arch support: yes
- Removable insole: yes
ASICS took “nimbus” to heart and designed a shoe with so much cushiony goodness you really will feel like you’re walking on a cloud. It doesn’t matter if you’re spending 12 hours at a theme park, doing a HIIT class on a cruise or joining a daily running group at your all-inclusive resort, the latest iteration of the Gel-Nimbus — which is also available in a wide version — will serve your feet well.
5. Vionic Malibu Slip On III
BEST FOR: beach days; poolside lounging; casual dining
- Cushioning: minimal
- Arch support: yes
- Removable insole: yes
Leave the socks at home and take on any beach with ease while protecting your feet from broken glass, twigs, and rocks thanks to Vionic’s vegan-certified, machine-washable Malibu Slip On. The third generation of this model features the brand’s podiatrist-designed insole that’s so comfortable even bunioned feet will love sliding into them. The terry cloth-lined slip-ons welcome wet feet, too.
If you prefer extra cushioning or need more support but still want Vionic’s insole technology at your toe-tips, the Max Slip On Sneaker — which comes in both regular and wide widths — provides serious stability for such a lightweight shoe.
6. Skechers GO WALK Max Walker
BEST FOR: long walks; tennis; slippery surfaces
- Cushioning: maximum
- Arch support: yes
- Removable insole: yes
With their Goodyear anti-slip rubber outsole — yes, like the tires — these machine-washable slip-ons hug your foot from front to back. They feature Skechers’ signature air-cooled Goga Mat insole, which has an energetic feel underfoot, making these ideal for women who love to walk. The GO WALK Max Walker is also crafted with 100 percent vegan materials. Note that these are best suited for narrow- to regular-width feet; they have a bit too much squeeze for a wider foot.
If you need an even narrower fit, prefer a memory foam insole or have mobility issues that make bending over and tying laces challenging, take a closer look at the hands-free Skechers Slip-ins GO WALK 7.
7. VIVAIA Almond-Toe Knotted Flats
BEST FOR: easy day-to-night transitions; conferences; dancing
- Cushioning: minimal to moderate
- Arch support: moderate
- Removable insole: no
Made using six plastic bottles, the Almond-Toe Knotted “Bibi” flats are machine-washable and have a surprising amount of cushion for a dress shoe. Thanks to the built-in heel pad, you can walk for miles blister-free and the rubber soles will give you plenty of grip — even in the rain. Plus, the insoles are mold-proof and moisture-wicking, so you can ditch the pantyhose and dance the night away without worrying about stinky shoes.
These are also bunion-approved! However, if you’re not accustomed to European sizing, be sure to use VIVAIA’s size guide before ordering. Don’t worry if the fit isn’t right, because you have a 30-day free return window.
8. KEEN Women’s WK400 Walking Shoes
BEST FOR: long walks; hiking; athleisure
- Cushioning: moderate to maximum
- Arch support: yes
- Removable insole: yes
Those with narrow feet, rejoice — because KEEN’s WK400 Walking Shoes have a contoured fit that are made just for you. The outsole’s shape creates a beautiful heel-to-toe rocking motion that’ll give you a little extra spring in your step, whether you’re grocery shopping for your vacation home or hiking to a spectacular lookout.
9. Tieks by Gavrieli
BEST FOR: easy day-to-night transitions; galleries and museums; dining out
- Cushioning: minimal
- Arch support: no
- Removable insole: no
You’ll need to spend a few weeks breaking these in ahead of your trip, but Tieks’ ballet flats feel like butter once you do. If you have wider feet or bunions, stick with the classic leather options and skip the fabric and patent leather, which won’t stretch the way you need them to. Women with problem-free feet will probably find they can walk all day in a pair of Tieks, while those of us living with foot pain should save these for shorter strolls and evenings out. As an added bonus, these stylish walking shoes for travel boast a tiny footprint once they’re folded up in their carry case — tiny enough to fit into your personal item onboard just about any airline.
It’s time to book that trip now — because your feet are ready for any adventure. Happy travels!
Photo credits: Andrea Traynor
