Best Men's Travel Shoes
One of the most important items to have during your travels is a pair of comfortable and trustworthy shoes. The last thing you want, after a long flight and trip planning, is sore feet ruining all the fun!
I’ve tested and tried out all sorts of shoes, sandals, and boots during my travels around the world. (Also, check out my guide for Best Carry-On Luggage)
Everyone has their own preferences for how they like to travel, so I’ve broken down my best recommendations for travel shoes into categories with pros and cons for each shoe.
Here are my best recommendations for men’s travel shoes in 2022:
My Pick: Allbirds Tree Runners
If you are looking for a lightweight pair of shoes that are both comfortable and good-looking - the Allbirds Tree Runners are my top recommendation. They come in many colors, have a clean design without any logos, and can be worn without socks.
Another reason to buy Allbirds is their focus on sustainability. The Tree Runners and many of their shoes are carbon-neutral due to the earth-friendly materials and production methods.
Upper: eucalyptus tree fiber responsibly sourced from FSC® Certified forests
Midsole: Brazilian sugarcane midsole is called SweetFoam™, which is made with the world’s first carbon-negative green EVA.
Insole: castor bean oil, which emits less carbon than petroleum-based foam, and ZQ Merino wool for a cushiony, moisture-wicking, and odor reducing insole.
Laces: made from 100% post-consumer recycled polyester. One old plastic bottle becomes one pair of shoelaces.
On top of it all, Allbirds sneakers are well known for how easy they are to clean. You can literally throw these into a washing machine and they’ll come out sparkling clean!
Pros:
Very comfortable
Lightweight
Easy to clean
Stylish
Cons:
Not great for days when lugging a heavy pack
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My Pick: Vessi Weekend
Have you been looking for a stylish sneaker that is also waterproof? Vessi is a new brand that created a patented knit weave that is both waterproof and breathable. I’ve tried them out in total downpours and can confirm they kept my feet dry and comfy!
What I like about them is that they are very stylish, yet don’t look like your typical waterproof sneaker.
The insoles are also very comfortable - many people wear Vessi’s without socks actually. For this reason, they also have a built-in anti-odor layer. I still wear mine with socks though. :)
Like the Allbirds, you can toss Vessi’s into a washing machine for easy cleaning.
Pros:
Waterproof
Stylish
Comfy
Cons:
Pricey
Second Place: Allbirds Mizzles
A close second is the Allbirds Mizzles. There are two types - the Wool Dasher Mizzles, which are a bit more sporty looking, and the Wool Runner Mizzles, which have a more casual look to them. Both have a water-resistant coating and are more cushy and comfy than your typical Allbirds, but they don’t have the fully waterproof design like the Vessi’s.
Like many of their other shoes, the Allbirds Mizzles are carbon neutral due to the sustainably sourced materials such as the carbon neutral Sweetfoam midsole, castor bean sock liner, and merino wool upper.
Pros:
Comfortable
Sustainable
Water Resistant
Cons:
Not completely waterproof
My Pick: Merrell Moab Waterproof Boots
I’ve brought these with me on both city and outdoor adventures where I didn’t know if I would be encountering wet and wild conditions. The best part of the Merrell Moab Waterproof boots are that they have an ultra comfortable insole that feels like a sneaker. You won’t have to break these in because on day one they feel super cushy and supportive.
Additionally, due to the clean design and full grain leather upper - these boots look good and will match most outfits without looking like your typical ‘overly sporty’ hiking boot.
The bottom of the boot has a Vibram Megagrip for sure footing in any condition and a Merrell Air Cushion in the heel for supreme comfort.
Pros:
Waterproof
Comfortable, sneaker like feel
Stylish
Cons:
Larger & heavier than sneakers
Cold Weather Pick: Teva Ember Commute WP
For a colder weather option, the Teva Ember Commute Boots offer a cushy, waterproof boot that’s stylish and ready for whatever adventure you’re going to throw at it.
They have a microfiber lining and offer additional warmth and the typical comfortable Teva midsole for extra cushioning.
In addition, these boots are made with sustainable leather and recycled plastic.
Pros:
Waterproof
Made for colder weather
Stylish
Cons:
Not for warmer weather
My Pick: Teva Hurricane XLT2
Sometimes your whole trip will be in a tropical, warm environment without the need for actual shoes. In that case, I totally recommend a dependable pair of sandals like the Teva Hurricane XLT2 Sandals.
They are extra durable with a sole that grips well on both wet and dry surfaces. The Velcro straps mean that you’ll be able to slip them off easily but gives you the security of keeping the sandals on your foot securely.
Also, since they’re Tevas they’ll be outrageously comfortable while giving good support to your feet.
Pros:
Stylish
Durable
Grips both wet and dry surfaces
Cons:
Pricier than basic sandals
My Pick: Adidas Ultraboost
I’ve always found running shoes to be the most comfortable option for anything from all-day urban explorations, nature day hikes, long plane rides, and general purpose travel.
After testing many running shoes out, I found the Adidas Ultraboost 20 to be the most comfortable and stylish.
The cushioning in the shoe is exceptional with a nice spring to each step while absorbing the shock of each step. I liked the generous wiggle room in the toe box as well.
On top of it all, they look great and go with most outfits. You can double down and use them for quick workouts as well!
Pros:
Super comfortable
Stylish
Can use for exercise also
Cons:
On the pricey side
My Pick: Madewell Sneakers
I like to look good when I’m traveling, so these Madewell Kickoff Trainers are a really great choice if you want to combine good looks and comfort in one great package.
They come in two designs: one that is more neutral and the other a bit more splashy.
You’ll love the ultra comfy Cloudlift soles while getting all the compliments thrown your way. The hardest part will be choosing which one to get!
Pros:
Stylish
Comfortable
Cons:
Not a well known shoe brand
Second Place Pick: Ecco
Ecco’s is famous for its comfortable walking shoes and these are no slouch in the travel shoe category.
I like the timeless look of these leather sneakers, which pair well with many outfits. The upper is made from full grain leather and suede for a comfy fit that will shape to your foot over time.
Pros:
Stylish
Comfortable
Cons:
Pricey