News

Jun 03, 2023

10 Best Travel Shoes in 2023, Reviewed by Gear Experts

Our product picks are editor-tested, expert-approved. We may earn a commission

Our product picks are editor-tested, expert-approved. We may earn a commission through links on our site. Why Trust Us?

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?

Best Carry-On Luggage | Best Travel Backpacks | Best Over-Ear Headphones | Best AirTag Wallets

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

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.

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

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.

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.

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?

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

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

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.

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.

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

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.

These Great-Looking Sandals Will Fire up Your Fits

How to Clean White Sneakers

12 Best Swim Trunks You Can Unearth on Amazon

Save Up to 54% at Outdoor Voices' OV Extra Sale

The 17 Toughest Outdoor Clothing Brands

23 Loafers for Every Occasion, Style, and Budget

17 Editor-Approved Watches Under $100

26 Essential Clothing Brands Every Man Should Know

15 Breezy Linen Pants That Are Better Than Shorts

Shop Patagonia's Summer Sale Now

The Saucony Triumph 20 Running Shoes Are on Sale

18 Snazzy Swim Trunks for the Beach and Beyond