Shoes take up valuable suitcase space, so every pair you pack needs to earn its place. Experienced travellers quickly learn that packing too many creates clutter, while packing the wrong ones leads to sore feet.
Instead of packing your entire shoe wardrobe, focus on a few pairs that can handle different scenarios, from long city walks to nature trails. Aim for comfort, durability, and practicality.
Here are a few shoe styles I never leave home without when travelling.
Comfortable walking trainers
If you only pack one pair of shoes, make them comfortable walking trainers.
City trips often mean full days exploring museums, historic neighbourhoods, markets, and public transport networks. Pavements, stairs, and uneven sidewalks quickly add up to thousands of steps.
Cushioned everyday trainers from brands like New Balance or Nike benefit from their supportive design and breathable materials, leaving you free to focus the destination rather than your feet.
According to Harvard Health Publishing, walking long distances places repeated stress on the feet and joints, which makes supportive footwear especially important when travelling. This is a big concern for me as I was born with clubfeet, so my feet can become very painful after walking or standing for long periods of time.
Trail running shoes for outdoor adventures
Many trips involve adventuring outdoors, whether that’s visiting national parks, walking nature trails, or heading out on scenic hikes.
Trail running shoes are a smart choice for any keen hikers or ramblers. They offer better grip, stability, and durability than standard city trainers, performing well on dirt paths, rocky terrain, and uneven ground.
Altra trail running models like the Lone Peak series are especially popular with travellers who like to mix city exploration with outdoor activities. The roomy toe box and balanced cushioning make them comfortable for longer walks.
Other brands like Salomon and HOKA also offer reliable trail running options designed for stability and comfort.
Casual trainers for everyday style
While performance trainers prioritise comfort, casual trainers offer a bit more flexibility when it comes to style.
Simple designs from Adidas or skate-inspired models from Vans pair easily with jeans, relaxed trousers, or casual dresses. They also transition well from daytime sightseeing to casual dinners or evening walks, which is why they often become the most worn pair in a suitcase.
Lightweight sandals for warm destinations
For warm climates or beach destinations, lightweight sandals are often worth packing.
Supportive sandals from Birkenstock or outdoor styles from Teva allow feet to breathe in hot weather while still offering enough support for short walks. They’re also useful for hotel stays, pool areas, and relaxed evenings.
That said, unless they have proper arch support, sandals aren’t usually ideal for long sightseeing days.
Why fit matters more than brand
Whatever style you choose, fit matters more than the brand.
Shoes should allow enough room for your toes while keeping the heel secure. During travel, feet often swell slightly after long periods of walking or flying.
The American Podiatric Medical Association notes that properly fitting shoes can help prevent blisters, fatigue, and foot pain.
And, if you plan on shopping for shoes to wear when you’re away, trying shoes on later in the day often gives a more realistic sense of comfort and fit.
How many pairs of shoes should you pack?
For most trips, two or three pairs of shoes is enough.
I always aim to pack a pair of comfortable walking trainers for exploring, lightweight sandals for warm days or trips to the beach, and a pair of heeled or wedge sandals to wear during the evening.
This combination covers most activities, without taking up too much suitcase space. If you plan on taking part in adventure sports while travelling, however, you may wish to pack a pair of running shoes too.
Choosing shoes based on your itinerary
The best travel shoes ultimately depend on your plans. Urban sightseeing, nature hikes, beach visits, and evenings out all call for slightly different footwear.
Matching your shoes to your itinerary means every pair you pack actually deserves its space in your suitcase.
What shoes do you always travel with? Share your go-to pairs in the comments below – I’d love to hear your recommendations.