Nobody wants to spend their vacation fussing over blisters and foot cramps caused by uncomfortable shoes. At the same time, none of us want to wear frumpy sneakers just for the sake of comfort.
Lucky for you, we’ve created a guide to help you find the best travel shoes for your next trip. Below, discover the key qualities of great travel shoes and keep scrolling to see our top picks.
VERSATILITY & COMFORT
Shoes take up a lot of room in your suitcase, so the general rule of thumb is that you should pack no more than three pairs of shoes in your suitcase. But to save precious space, we recommend cutting back to two highly versatile pairs that you’ll wear every day.
You should always pack a pair of travel sneakers no matter where you’re going. We recommend the Capri in ‘Triple White’ or the Portofino in ‘Oat.’ Their neutral hues will complement every look, so you can always rely on these stylish walking shoes. The former is made from smooth, LWG-certified sustainable leather, while the latter is made from breathable recycled and organic cotton canvas that feels really nice in warm weather. Both are fitted with cushioned insoles to keep you comfortable while you’re exploring the locale or walking to dinner, too. If white sneakers aren’t your thing, opt for a pair of black or brown leather sneakers like the Capri in ‘Onyx’ or ‘Mocha.’
If you’re headed to a warm-weather destination, your second footwear option should be a pair of slides. We recommend opting for our Elba slides. Simply detailed with embossed logos, they have smooth leather straps (which are also certified sustainable) and rest on bouncy rubber soles. Plus, they take up minimal space in your suitcase.
But if you’re jetting off to a cooler climate, pack a pair of boots. For women we recommend the Novara—it’s a sleek, low leather boot with a chunky lug sole. It looks chic with midi dresses and skirts, and works just as well with denim. For men, go for the Trento. They’re easy to style with jeans and cuffed chinos alike.
QUALITY MATERIALS & QUALITY CRAFTSMANSHIP
You don’t want to end up in a situation where your shoe rips or breaks apart while you’re walking around, so it’s important to consider what your travel shoes are made from and whether they’re well-made.
Faux leathers are vulnerable to rips and tears, which is why the best travel shoes tend to be leather sneakers or canvas sneakers. Ours are made from high-end Italian hides and tightly-woven canvases, both of which are sturdy and resistant to breakage.
The best travel shoes are also constructed to withstand plenty of wear and provide long lasting durability. Koios are handcrafted with care by masterfully trained artisans in Italy. Every shoe passes through the hands of 42 artisans before it’s deemed complete, so you can really trust that they’re built to last.
GET READY TO TRAVEL
Once you find your perfect pair, be sure to prep your travel shoes by breaking them in at home. Wear them around the house a few times and you’ll be good to go.
