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10 Best Travel Shoes in 2023, Reviewed by Gear Experts
Here's one more way to optimize your travel setup.
IF YOU are a frequent traveler, you know you can't always guarantee a smooth transition from your departure to arrival. You can, however, be prepared to limit the damage that comes when you've got anything from a flight delay to a less-than-ideal seating situation on a long flight. Yes, your travel checklist should have the proper luggage, as well as your favorite travel pillow and travel gadgets. But an area that often gets overlooked in creating the perfect travel arsenal? Footwear. We're talking about travel shoes here.
The best travel shoes are a lot like walking shoes: built with a level of comfort to help with hours of standing and walking. But unlike most walking shoes, a solid pair of travel shoes is going to ramp up that comfort (and bring down those maximum walking distances). Travel shoes will also promise some level of packability and versatility, as they will have some sort of special role outside of just being worn en route, no matter if it's for lounging around the hotel or going straight from the plane to a business meeting.
Below, we rounded up the best travel shoes for all types of jet-setting needs. The picks might not all look like they belong in the same boat, but when you see how they all fit, you'll find each travel shoe we selected serves a unique purpose. Ready to see what's in store?
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OOFOS OOmg eeZee Low Shoe
OOFOS OOmg eeZee Low Shoe
Pros
- Incredible comfort
- Canvas upper is stretchy and lightweight
- Easy to pack
Cons
- Not ideal for heavy outdoor use
OOFOS is most known for its out-of-this-world recovery slides, but the the brand has since expanded into other footwear designs. This slip-on shoe style packs top-tier cushioning with a breathable upper that can be taken on and off with ease. We like sliding these bad boys on for long flights as well as for general lounging shoes for wherever your accommodations might be (hopefully a resort somewhere exotic).
Read more: Best Travel Pants
| Upper | 4-way stretch woven canvas |
|---|---|
| Midsole | OOfoam |
| Machine Washable? | Yes |
Lusso Cloud Nomad Slipper
Lusso Cloud Nomad Slipper
Pros
- Great for long flights or car rides
- Breathable waffle knit upper
- Stylish, tons of colors available
Cons
- Not ideal for outside wear
These Nomad Slippers from Lusso Cloud have it all: breathability, a lightweight build, and a high level of cushioning. And thanks to the durable outsole and heel support, you can wear the slip-ons with confidence through the airport all the way to the hotel.
| Upper | Recycled bamboo |
|---|---|
| Midsole | IP-EVA foam |
| Machine Washable? | Yes |
Hey Dude Men's Wally Stretch
Pros
- High level of comfort
- Generous price point
- Tons of colors and patterns available
- Easy to get on and off
Cons
- Not as long as a lifespan as other shoes on this list
Hey Dude has taken men's footwear by storm over the past couple of years. (The Wall Street Journal even wrote a trend piece on these interesting kicks.) Whether you're for it or not, it's impossible to ignore Hey Dude's are incredibly comfortable. The shoes are also super easy to throw on, making them a pair of great summer shoes. Best of all is the fact they are insanely affordable too. Simply put, don't knock 'em until you try 'em.
Read more: Best Swim Trunks
| Upper | Cotton |
|---|---|
| Midsole | Foam |
| Machine Washable? | Yes |
Amberjack The Original
Amberjack The Original
Pros
- Heat-activated arch support
- Good for those with wide feet
- Several colors available
Cons
- Can feel a bit heavy to some
It's not the most fun having to wear dress shoes when traveling, but in the times that you have to we recommend this pair of oxfords from Amberjack. Named The Original, these shoes are built with heat-activated arch support, durable outsoles, and breathable upper materials (especially suede). Best of all is the fact they can be worn with business casual fits and with more formal business attire.
| Upper | Water repellant Italian suede |
|---|---|
| Midsole | Foam |
| Machine Washable? | No |
Hoka Clifton 9 Sneakers
Hoka Clifton 9 Sneakers
Pros
- Trusted comfort
- Can be worn as a walking shoe and workout shoe on trips
- Tons of colors available
- Breathable upper
Cons
- Thick outsoles make the shoe not very packable
If you're going for cushioning, then a pair of Hoka's latest Clifton 9 running shoes will serve you right. The running shoe has been a staple in everyday footwear use for years thanks to its lightweight build and supreme level of comfort. They won't necessarily pack well in a travel backpack or personal item, but if you wear these from point A to point B you can also double up and have them as a walking shoe or workout shoe on your trip. In fact, it's entirely possible you could go on an entire trip with just this pair of shoes if you really wanted to one-bag-travel the whole thing.
| Upper | Recycled content mesh |
|---|---|
| Midsole | Compression molded EVA foam |
| Machine Washable? | No |
Rothys The City Slip On Sneaker
Pros
- Sleek modern style
- Made with sustainable materials
- Easy to get on and off
- Padded collar
Cons
- Comfortable to walk in, but not ideal for long distances
Rothys' City Slip On is not just any slip-on shoe. For starters, it's made with the brand's signature sustainable thread that's woven from plastic bottles. The shoes also have padding n the heel and in the insole, so you won't feel like you're walking on planks like other slip-on shoes can feel. What makes this shoe great for travel though is its elevated style: casual enough to wear with sweats and a tee, and nice enough to wear with a pair of jeans and a polo. Oh, and did we mention the shoes are machine washable?
| Upper | Recycled material that comes from plastic bottles |
|---|---|
| Machine Washable? | Yes |
Blundstone Blundstone #585
Blundstone Blundstone #585
Pros
- Trusted comfort and durability
- Timeless rugged style
- Long lifespan
- Easy to get on and off
- Saves space in suitcase when wearing during travel
Cons
- Not very packable
- Expensive
Wearing your favorite boots while you travel is a simple hack to free up space in your suitcase. So which pair of boots are best? We're big on Blundstones. They're tough as nails, comfortable as heck (with little to no break-in period), and easy to slip on and off. Need we say more?
Read more: Best Chelsea Boots
| Upper | Leather |
|---|---|
| Midsole | Polyurethane |
| Machine Washable? | No |
Greys The Outdoor Slipper
Pros
- Easy to pack down
- Naturally moisture-wicking and odor resistant
- Can be worn with or without socks
- Made with recycled materials
Cons
- Sizes can run a bit big
If you have yet to try a pair of Greys' Outdoor Slippers, you need to know they're a game-changer. The do-it-all house shoe is high on comfort and versatile enough to go outside when needed. Thanks to their minimalist design, the single piece of the wool upper can be packed down with ease (the sole is also flexible if you need to really do some maneuvering in your bag).
Read more: Best Dopp Kits
| Upper | Wool blend |
|---|---|
| Machine Washable? | No |
Vivobarefoot Gobi III Mens
Vivobarefoot Gobi III Mens
Pros
- Classic dessert boot design
- Super flexible
- Thin material that's breathable
- Barefoot design encourages natural movements
Cons
- Expensive
As the name suggests, Vivobarefoot shoes do in fact where like you're walking on your bare feet. The shoes are flat to the ground and flexible, allowing your feet to do their natural movements. The shoes are also wide, which allows your toes to spread out in a more natural position. This pair of Gobi III boots are like a classic pair of dessert suede boots, only more packable and lightweight.
| Upper | Made with natural materials, according to the brand |
|---|---|
| Midsole | Lightweight EVA |
| Machine Washable | No |
Teva ReEmber
Teva ReEmber
Pros
- Solid price point
- Insulated upper helps keep warm and toasty
- Strong sneaker outsole
- Collapsible heel and pull tab top
Cons
- Snug fit might not be ideal for those with wide feet
If you're on your way to colder climates, or you like to simply keep your feet toasty at all times, these Teva insulated shoes will do the trick. These are really part slipper and part sneaker: they feature a cozy and snug fit like your best slipper and a durable hard outsole that's ready for anything like your best sneaker. The shoe also has subtle features like a collapsible heel and pull tab on top for the foot for an elevated wearing experience.
| Upper | 100% recycled ripstop |
|---|---|
| Midsole | 50% recycled EVA |
| Machine Washable? | No |
What to Consider When Buying Travel Shoes
Although travel shoes have a wide range of what they can look like, there are a few key characteristics you can look for to determine if they're really up for a journey.
Comfort and Support
The most important factor is a combination of comfort and support. You don't want to wear toasty slippers if you're driving in the car or trekking through the airport, and you don't need to wear some lace-up hiking boots to get the best support possible (hiking boots aren't fun to take off through security either).
Some travel shoes can lean more on comfort (OOFOS, Hoka), while others can lean more towards support (Amberjack, Blundstone). The key is to find a happy medium here and get what suits you and the travel situation at hand the best. For example, if you're taking a long flight to another country, it's probably best to aim for more comfort-leaning travel. But if you're making a drive to a weekend getaway, a shoe with more support (and a tougher build) will likely serve as a better choice.
Versatility
Regardless of where your personal needs lie, your travel shoes must be versatile. You don't want to wear them once on the plane and then never again on your trip. That's just dead weight. Hence the reason why our travel shoes above can feel a bit like a mixed bag. Some of our travel shoe picks are great for lounging once you get to your destination, while others are made to power through your entire trip, whether it be a formal dinner event or a day full of walking.
Packability and Weight
Unless you plan on wearing a bigger shoe en route to your destination, your travel shoes should be packable. You can store your travel shoes in a checked bag, but really if you're bringing them with we recommend storing in a carry-on or personal item. That way you can slide them on during the flight if you please (like the Lusso Clouds we named, for example).
Travel shoes should also be lightweight, and yes, boots can be lightweight too. Dodge any shoe that's got heavy outsoles and avoid materials that are thick and trap heat. Instead, opt for shoes with foam builds and breathable construction.
Read more: How to Pack Like a Pro
How We Selected
We consulted with Men's Health writers and editors on the best travel shoes for men in 2023. Experts, including our gear and commerce editor, John Thompson, reviewed a number of travel shoes and evaluated their comfort, weight, and packability. We also considered price point, as some travel shoes promise a better overall value than others.
John Thompson is the Gear and Commerce Editor at Men’s Health, where he covers fashion, grooming, gear, and technology. He was previously the Style & Gear Editor at BroBible.com, and a commerce writer for TheManual.com. His interests include shopping for rare vintage clothes and following his favorite baseball team, the Kansas City Royals.
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