good travel sandals

14 Best Sandals for Traveling, All Podiatrist-Approved

Now that summer is (finally) here, it’s time to think about all the places you’ll go during the next few months. From amusement parks to the Amalfi Coast, it’s important to consider which shoes, mainly, which travel sandals, will accompany you on your journeys. There’s nothing worse than spending a long day sightseeing and coming back to the hotel to discover aching arches, pinched toes, and unsightly blisters . While we may look to sneakers first as a source of comfort, it’s summertime—and who wants to stuff their feet into sneakers on a hot and humid day, anyway? Speaking as someone who lives for a strappy sandal or a flip-flop year round (okay, living in Los Angeles may have something to do with that, but still), comfortable sandals are the way to go when the temperatures reach 80 and up.

• Ernest Isaacson, DPM , board-certified podiatrist at Paragon Podiatry
• Hillary Brenner, DPM

Whenever I travel, I like to get out and do a lot . Yes, a day or two at the beach or pool is nice, but I’m a sightseer. Museums, city walking tours, bar and restaurant crawls—you name it, I’m probably doing it. So I’m always on the lookout not only for fashionable, comfortable sandals, but the best sandals for walking long distances, too.

• 01 Things to consider in a travel sandal
• 02 How to choose a comfortable pair of travel sandals
• 03 The best sandals for travel

When it comes to choosing the best sandals for travel, sizing is everything. “Make sure the width and length of the sandals fit your feet,” says Dr. Hillary Brenner, DPM . “Choose a sandal that is the correct size—go shoe shopping midday [or] towards the end of the day, that’s when your feet are true to size.”

The best sandals for travel, at a glance:

• Best overall sandal: Teva, Midform Universal , $65
• Best wedge sandal: Ecco, Flowt Wedge Cork , $106
• Best flip-flop: Reef, Cushion Breeze , $28
• Best sporty: Dansko, Krystal , $80
• Best quick-drying:   Forsake, Rogue, $85
• Best slide sandal: Vionic, Mayla , $110
• Best casual sandal: Birkenstock, Kyoto , $150
• Best lightweight sandal: Oofos, Oolala Luxe , $75
• Best supportive sandal: Bobs for Skechers, Pop Ups 3.0 , $55
• Best stylish sandal: Aerosoles, Greta , $99
• Best versatile sandal: Native Shoes, Ellis Sugarlite , $55
• Best affordable sandal: Cushionaire, Feather , $25
• Best sustainable sandal: Sanuk, Cosmic Sutra Sling LX, $85
• Best clog: Crocs, Zen Garden Sensory Classic Terry Cloth , $60

Things to consider before buying sandals for summer travel

Whether you’re looking for the best walking sandals, supportive sandals for women, or comfortable sandals, there are a host of factors to keep in mind when planning your summer travels. Maybe you’re hiking. Maybe you’re laying out on a tropical beach. Here’s what to think about when packing your sandals, wherever your summer plans may take you.

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Comfort is key

We’ve all bought that pair of shoes that didn’t necessarily feel the best right away, but we figured they’d loosen up. But that’s not the case, according to Paragon Podiatry’s Dr. Ernest Isaacson, DPM.  “Summer sandals, like all shoes, should be selected with an emphasis on comfort,” he says. “If it doesn’t feel good in the store or the first time it’s worn, it’s probably not going to improve over time.”

Arch support

Considering your arches is important, especially when you’re walking far distances or standing for long periods of time. “Sandals should have an arched contour, helping support your arch,” says Dr. Brenner. Flats are typically preferable to heels, and “should ideally have good arch support,” Dr. Isaacson says.

When choosing the right pair of sandals for summer travel, look for pairs that offer stability throughout a variety of activities. “Look for adjustable straps, preferably around the ankle,” recommends Dr. Brenner.

How to choose a comfortable pair of summer sandals

Whether you opt for flat sandals, wedges, espadrilles, or heels, make sure they’re comfortable and supportive.

“A 1-2-inch heel feels good as it provides stability for the ankle and structures toward the heel,” says Dr. Isaacson. “It relieves pressure on the arch and heel without exerting pressure on the ball of the foot.”

Flat sandals

For flat sandals, Dr. Isaacson recommends a thick flip-flop or sandal with a solid cork and leather insole.

“I personally like wedges made of raffia, which aids in shock absorption,” says Dr. Brenner. Plus, they have a wide, chunky heel.”

Now that you’ve thought through all the reasons to choose comfortable sandals, here are our 13 favorites to take you around the globe in comfort and style.

13 best sandals for summer travel

Best overall sandal:.

Simply put? I’m obsessed with this style from Teva. I’ve been wearing them on and off since high school (which is [redacted] amount of years ago), and they haven’t steered me wrong yet. Whether I’m spending a long day at Disneyland or trekking around a new city, this is the sandal that gets me through the day with tons of comfort by my side (or on my feet, as it were). With double adjustable Velcro straps, a treaded rubber outsole, and a cushioned EVA footbed, it’s hard to go wrong. The webbing is also crafted from quick-dry fabric, which comes in handy in freak rainstorms or even if you want to wear them into the water.

I’ve found that the Midform style offers more support and comfort than the Original Universal style, which is lower to the ground and causes the straps to dig into the skin more easily. They’re also extremely durable and long-lasting—they’re basically non-destructible, even after years of walking thousands of steps daily. With an almost staggering array of colors and prints (at last count, Amazon offered 54 different ones), it’s near impossible not to find at least one you want to wear.

Out of the more than 4,000 five-star reviews on Amazon , many point to these sandals’ ability to travel . “I have trekked through the forests of Costa Rica in these and will forever be a Tevas fan!” raves one Amazon shopper, while another says, “I was able to wear them all day without pain. I wore them in the ocean, hiking, to dinner, everywhere!”

Available sizes: 5-13

• Supportive and lightweight    
• Many colors to choose from
• Relatively affordable
• Available in a wide variety of sizes
• Fits true to size
• Colors aren’t always restocked  
• No half sizes or other width options
• More rugged look might not appeal to everyone

Best wedge sandal:

Even when we’re aiming for comfort, we still have days when we want to dress up, too. These wedge sandals from Ecco easily toe the line (pun intended) between comfort and style. The strap across the ankle is adjustable, and the upper is made from brushed nubuck leather. The footbed is crafted from Ecco’s signature CORKSPHERE™, which adheres to the shape of your foot, and the sole features their FLUIDFORM™ Direct Comfort Technology for added support and comfort.

I’m partial to the Pure White Gold/Powder hue, which features a pebbled gold upper that looks ultra-chic while offering up tons of comfort. Plus, they’re washable! I love that the sole is rubber, which means they’re easier to wipe off after a long day of walking outside. “It’s like they were made for my feet and I was able to walk for a long period of time in them right out of the box,” says one reviewer. I tend to agree.

Available sizes: 4-11.5

• Adjustable ankle straps  
• Some colors include a size 4
• Easy to walk in
• Sizing is a whole and a half together, so figuring out what fits best can be tricky
• May take some time to break them in

Best flip-flop:

I’m a Cali girl at heart, so I always love a good pair of flip-flops. This style by Reef features a pillowy, cushioned footbed and treaded rubber outsole that encourage me to walk right out of my hotel room and not come back ’til sundown. Our editorial commerce director recently took these with her on a trip to Mexico where there was a lot of beach walking involved, and she was surprised by how soft and supportive these felt—and she didn’t need to break them in at all.

While some flip-flops can feel uncomfortable between the toes right out of the box, that’s definitely not the case with this pair. Since I’m always looking for ways to become more sustainable in my clothing and footwear choices, I also love that the lining and toe post are made from 100 percent recycled PET derived from post consumer plastic bottles. All four colors are versatile, but the white is especially sleek. This is a great style for more casual days, especially at the beach and pool.

With over 10,000 five-star ratings on Amazon , I’m definitely not alone in singing their praises. “These are perfect for walking long distances and no blisters,” says one reviewer . I agree.

Available sizes: 5-12

• No break-in required  
• Pretty affordable
• Not available in half sizes or other widths  
• Some reviewers say they run small (we didn’t experience this, though)

Best sporty:

I first heard about Dansko when I worked for a scrubs company and interviewed nurses about the shoes they preferred for long shifts. Over and over, they mentioned Dansko. So it stands to reason that I immediately checked them out for myself! While I don’t love the clogs (sorry, Dansko!), this modified flip-flop style appeals to my aforementioned love of flip-flops while also being undeniably easy to wear day in and day out.

I don’t typically have issues with my arches—but for people who do, this style is designed with the brand’s Natural Arch technology to offer extra comfort and support. I also love the interesting take on a classic flip-flop design, with a toe loop and wider vamp strap for added security. Plus, they’re designed with over 50 percent bio-based EVA—so they’re durable while also being good for the planet. Whether you want a more neutral hue like grey or black, or opt for a colorful color like the baby blue or lavender, this is one sandal that offers up must-have comfort.

Colors: 4 Available sizes: 5-12

• Made from durable rubber  
• No break-in needed
• A bit pricy
• Combined whole and half sizes can make sizing difficult

Best quick-drying:

If you’re planning any outdoor adventures that involved getting wet this summer, pack Forsake’s water-friendly Rogue sandals in your bag. These durable, open-toe sandals are made for wading through rivers, paddling lakes, and staying protected from sea critters.

Nearly every feature in these supportive sandals are made with sustainable materials, including a shock-absorbing midsole made from recycled EVA foam and algae (yes, really). The outsole provides serious traction for navigating slippery rocks or slick docks, while the recycled polyester straps keep your feet in place. They dry so quickly. All the materials are water-resistant, especially the straps which don’t stay soggy long after they get wet. The best part? They float!

Available sizes: 6-15

• Sustainable materials
• Water-resistant and quick-drying
• Super durable
• No half sizes available
• The top straps slip a bit after long hours of wear

Best slide sandal:

It seems I’ve been searching my whole life for the perfect pair of comfortable yet stylish slides. I seem to have found that in spades with this Vionic style. The puffy faux nappa leather is pillowy soft, while they’re also biomechanically designed to hug your arches and support natural body alignment. This style also received the APMA Seal of Acceptance , which is granted to products that promote good foot health. Dr. Brenner likes Vionic, too, and says they focus on arch support, shock absorption and minimizing blisters. “Most importantly, they take biomechanics into consideration when designing,” she says.

The 1.5-inch platform also lends added comfort and support while walking longer distances. They feel more secure than other slides I’ve tried, which just, well, slide right off my feet as soon as I take a step. I will caution that the midsole is raised a bit, which gives the slides the feeling of a little ball you’re rocking back and forth on as you take steps forward. This can feel a bit off-putting at first. They’re like “walking on a cloud,” says one reviewer, and I wholeheartedly agree.

Colors: 4 Available sizes: 5-11

• Whole and half sizes available  
• Super cushiony feel
• Curved midsole can feel strange  
• Run a bit large
• No other width options

Best casual sandal:

It’s taken me an almost embarrassingly long time to hop on board the Birkenstock train. My friend Cari has been telling me how comfortable they are for years, but I’d tried a couple pairs without success. Then the Kyoto walked into my life—and the rest was history. While the brand’s signature two-strap Arizona style has just never fit me correctly, this style fits so well that I never want to take them off. I love the double Velcro strap design, with one slender strap encompassed within the wider outer strap.

Birkenstock’s iconic footbed encourages proper foot wellbeing and health and the longitudinal arch support runs along both sides of the footbed, while the deep heel cup cradles the heel and keeps natural cushioning right under the heel bone. There’s even a raised toe bar, which helps encourage the natural gripping motion of your feet and stimulate circulation. (I never knew I actually wanted my shoes to give me a workout until I tried these.) The result? Stable, comfortable, supportive sandals that easily stand up to long days of walking, walking, and more walking.

The Kyoto comes in a whopping 28 different colors , with multiple different fabrications available, so finding at least one to covet is pretty easy. I love the Nubuck/Suede in Candy Pink for a subtle pop of color.

Available sizes: 4-12.5

• No break-in needed  
• Designed for comfort
• Long-lasting materials
• Might run a bit large  
• No other widths available
• Suede might be too warm for some

Best lightweight sandal:

I’ve already told you how much I love flip-flops, so it should come as no surprise that I’m including another pair on the list. This style by Oofos is equal parts comfortable and lightweight, the latter of which is always nice when trying to figure out what to cram in an already overstuffed suitcase. They’re made with the brand’s trademark OOfoam™ technology to absorb a high percentage of impact.

The footbed also helps reduce stress on knees, ankles, and other joints—although it’s also so soft and cushy that it can take a bit of getting used to, though I’m of the opinion that it feels like you’re walking on clouds. I also love the wider thong straps.. “I’m extremely flat footed and these are so comfortable to wear,” says one reviewer, including, “They also feel great after a long day on your feet.”

Colors: 14 Available sizes: 5-11

• Many color options
• Durable, water-resistant materials
• Straps take a while to get used to  
• No half sizes

Best supportive sandal:

True story: As soon as I slipped these sandals on my feet, I texted my mom a photo and said, “I’m in love with these Skechers sandals.” They’re cushy, they’re comfortable, they’re a bold mint green, and they’re a dupe for Tevas. Seriously, what’s not to love? Skechers is definitely having a style renaissance as of late, and these sandals from their Bobs line are an example of that. The woven strap upper features an adjustable ankle strap and the brand’s signature Plush Foam® footbed for added support. The treaded outsole makes it easy to, ahem, tread long distances.

One reviewer writes, “I have fallen arches and damaged muscles from prior injuries but walking in them has been stabilizing and comforting. This is the most I’ve been able to walk.”

Colors: 3 Available sizes: 6-10

• More affordable option to Teva sandals    
• Machine-washable
• No break-in period
• Skechers donates a portion of the proceeds to help an animal in need
• Footbed is a bit bulky  
• Limited size options

Best stylish sandal:

For days and nights when you want to be comfortable yet stylish, this option from Aerosoles is a good stand-by. I love the more elevated take on a classic flip-flop, and the gleaming gold interlocking buckle detail adds a polished touch. Not to mention the wide thong strap that effortlessly shows off your summer pedicure.

These sandals are also designed with a supportive ortholite insole, diamond flex outsole, and flat heel that lend themselves easily to long days and nights of walking. I will caution that the upper feels a bit stiff right out of the box, so they might take a bit of breaking in before popping them into your suitcase.

• Both full and half sizes available  
• Super stylish
• Only available in one width  
• Can take some time to break in

Best versatile sandal:

Looking for that one easy, casual, lightweight, supportive, comfortable, goes-with-everything summer sandal? The Ellis Sugarlite does it all. This modern take on a classic Grecian sandal slips on with ease, adjusts to your foot with a Velcro back strap, holds up to miles and miles of walking … really, what can’t these sandals do? The soles are crafted from Sugarlite™, which is Native Shoes’ sugarcane-based EVA that uses less greenhouse gas emissions than traditional EVA. I’m always looking for flat sandals that are equal parts comfortable and stylish, and these ones absolutely deliver.

Colors: 3 Available sizes: 5-11

• Comfortable right out of the box  
• Extremely lightweight
• No half sizes available  
• Only three color options

Best affordable sandal:

With a staggering 30 different colors to choose from and a desirable price tag, these Cushionaire slides are a summer comfort must. The spongy molded footbed confirms effortlessly to your foot, and the waterproof material makes them ideal for the beach. Plus, the non-slip bottom keeps you from—you guessed it—slipping when you walk. I was pleasantly surprised when I first slipped these out of the box and onto my feet; the subtle 1.75-inch platform heel lends a bit of height and a lot of support.

These slides have over 20,000 five-star ratings on Amazon , so I’m definitely in good company. Multiple reviewers point to how comfortable and cushiony they are in dealing with issues like sore heels or plantar fasciitis. “These are more than comfortable, they’re miracle workers, states one reviewer . “I had been having heel pain for months. I was considering going to the podiatrist to see if I needed surgery. In days, I felt my heel pain ease up. They’re super cushioned. Super comfortable. They must have corrected whatever poor walking habits I had. I can’t say enough about how much these slides have eased my foot pain.” With raves like that, you’ll be hard pressed not to find at least one shade that appeals to you.

• Many color and size options  
• Very affordable

Best sustainable sandal:

I’ve long been a fan of Sanuk—the brand’s signature yoga mat footbeds make every pair of shoes they offer supremely comfortable. I already owned three pairs of the Yoga Sling 2 , so it stood to reason that I’d need to try the Cosmic Sutra Sling LX, too. Walking in these is somehow pillowy and supportive all at once. The ankle strap and double top straps make them secure yet comfortable, and the previously mentioned Yoga Mat footbed offers resiliency and support. Better yet, the sandals are designed with an impressive variety of sustainable materials.

I’m partial to the tan color, especially for summer, though they also come in basic black. Reviewers say they’re “so comfortable and not slippery,” “versatile and very cute,” and one hopes for even more shades to be released, saying, “I would like this shoe in every color.” I tend to agree.

Available sizes: 5-11

• Versatile style
• Sustainable
• No half sizes or other width options  
• Takes a bit of breaking in

Say what you want about Crocs, but they aren’t going anywhere anytime soon. These clogs give most shoes a run for their money when it comes to comfort, because the treaded rubber footbed molds to your feet and they’re made for miles and miles of walking. Plus, the movable strap lets you choose whether to wear it around your ankle or more like a modified Mary Jane.

I held off on buying Crocs for years, no matter how many friends of mine told me I was making a mistake. But as soon as I finally bought my first pair, I knew just what I’d been missing. Now I own two pairs, including this fun ’70s-inspired floral print with accompanying flower Jibbitz charm, and I have to admit—I don’t really want to take them off! I also love that the strap on this specific pair is terry cloth for added visual interest. I’ve worn them on long plane rides, during a day at Disneyland, walking around the French Quarter in New Orleans, all without a hint of pain or discomfort. Crocs may not be the most attractive shoes out there, but when it comes to comfort, they’re pretty much unparalleled!

Colors: 1 Available sizes: 4-15

• Wide variety of sizes
• Style can be polarizing

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31 Best Travel Sandals for Men and Women: Style, Walking, Comfort, Minimalist, Hiking, Beach Life, and More

Wander Southeast Asia for more than 5 minutes and you’ll notice something funny – everyone handles business in sandals.  And by “business” I mean everything from hard work in rice fields, hiking up mountains with loads on their back, and every other kind of hard labor you can imagine.  All in sandals.

So what does this have to do with you? Picking up the best travel sandals you can find before your trip will add comfort, add convenience, and lighten your pack more than you think.

Take a lesson from the Southeast Asians that work harder than most ever will, and make bringing a good pair of adventure-ready sandals a priority for your travels.

This article contains affiliate links

• Why You Need a Pair of Travel Sandals
• Out List of the Best sandals for travel, adventuring, relaxing, and styling
• Xero Z-Trails
• Luna Leadville Trail , Oso, and Mono
• Best Walking Sandals
• Chacos Z-Cloud
• Indosoles ESSENTLS
• Havaianas Brazil Flip Flop

Sandals with Ankle Straps

Waterproof Sandals

• OluKai Ohana
• Rainbow Sandals

Travel Sandals for Women

Why you need a good pair of travel sandals for your adventures : to handle the heat and stay adventure ready.

The three main reasons I always carry a solid pair of sandals are:

• In hot and tropical climates, adventure sandals are always better than boots or shoes
• Having a pair of strap up, adventure ready sandals is invaluable for wet adventures like snorkeling trips, canyoning, and anything else
• Always , have a pair of sandals for hostel showers

1. In hot and tropical climates, adventure sandals are always better than boots or shoes

2. having a pair of strap up, adventure ready sandals is invaluable for wet adventures like snorkeling trips, canyoning, and anything else.

For some of the best adventures in Southeast Asia, you need a solid pair of adventure sandals like Xeros , Tevas , or Chacos .  When I was motorbiking through Laos and Vietnam in the humid heat, or hiking up mountains in the free time, my trusty boots were comfy but couldn’t vent well enough to keep my feet dry, and pooled up water during downpours. 

After a whole two days of riding in the humid heat, I switched to riding my motorbike the next few thousand kilometers in my Xero Trails.  I hiked in these sandals, rappelled down waterfalls in the sandals, and even worked out in them.

If you’re traveling to the hot humid of Southeast Asia, adventure sandals are lighter and more comfier than boots, so don’t forget them.

Not sure where to start?  Jump to these sandals for your adventure travels:

Always, have a pair of sandals for hostel showers

I’ve seen (and heard) some pretty grimy things go down in hostel showers, and also seen the athlete’s foot travelers have gotten for going barefoot.  This one goes nearly without saying, but if you want to avoid infections on your feet, especially if you have scratches and cuts, bring a pair quick drying flip flops with you that are durable enough to wear around during the day. 

Though most any flip flops will work, even the $3 ones from your local minimart in Southeast Asia, I can personally recommend these three:

All rubber, durable, and lightweight, these two options are guaranteed good investments

And though these sandals tend to be a bit beefier and slower drying, they’re so comfortable, durable, and stylish that if you want an all around sandal that’ll last a lifetime, they’re worth the tradeoff. 

Beefy soles with lots of grip adventures on the trail, leather or synthetic leather footbeds that mold to your feet, and beefy straps make these long lasting, practical, and stylish investments.

Now, let’s look a little closer at each of these great options to see which one is best for your tastes and adventures

OUR LIST OF THE BEST TRAVEL SANDALS FOR RELAXING, ADVENTURING, AND STYLING

• Luna Leadville Trail

BEST MINIMALIST SANDALS

If you’re traveling lightweight, aiming to travel with only a carry on bag or reduce your bag, minimalist sandals for travel are a must – without sacrificing comfort. These minimalist sandals are lightweight and packable but well built enough to walk all day, run, hike, workout, swim, and more.

XERO Z-TRAILS

These minimalist sandals are modeled after the Huarache running sandals that fueled the original barefoot running crazy.  Car tires for soles, a solid webbing system that keeps the sandal strapped to your foot even when running, and a 5,000 mile warranty (literally) make these a great option for adventures.  The thin profile and roll-up, easy to pack sole also make them super convenient for travel.

All of these reasons are exactly why I wore these sandals as much as I wore boots during my first year of travel.  Motorbiking Vietnam, Laos, Cambodia, and Thailand, short stints through the Himalayas while hiking to Everest Base Camp.  In between the adventures I always worked out and ran in these sandals too.

Keep in mind that the low profile on these sandals does take a little adjustment, so follow a normal “barefoot shoe” transition plan before doing any running in these – but if you do plan start running in these, expect some amazing results.

Click here to read our full Xero Z-Trail Review

Click here to see more styles, colors, and the latest discounts

LUNA LEADVILLE TRAIL

A counterpart to the Xero Z-Trails, Luna’s deliver the same lightweight, packable, adventure ready show but with a “between the toe” design instead of an the “over the toe” design that the Xero’s have – so choosing Xeros vs. Lunas just depends on personal preference.

Lunas come in a handful of variants with the Mono , Oso , Leadville Trail , and Origen 2.0 with varying tread aggressiveness and sole thickness (and cushioning) to suit your level of comfort and offroad adventures.

Click here to check out the full Luna Sandals Line

BEST WALKING SANDALS

A pair of good walking sandals is an excellent addition to find, test, and pack well before your travels. These sandals, the most comfortable walking sandals available according to other travelers, combine arch support, contoured footbed designs, and a design that complements foot shape to ensure comfort through miles of walking through city and light trail alike.

CHACOS LOWDOWN SANDAL

Or Checkout the more lightweight, minimalist version, the Chaco’s Lowdown Sandal

Click here to see the Chacos Lowdown Sandal

More Comfortable Walking Sandals:

• Ecco Yucatan Sandal **
• Birkenstock Arizona **
• Teva Original Universal **

BEST HIKING SANDALS

If you plan to adventure into the outdoors and back country, a pair of solid hiking sandals are a must. If you plan on adventuring near water, or in the hot heat of summer that can make non-breathing hiking boots miserable, then consider these hiking boots. Durable rubber outsoles (so you don’t feel sharp, jagged rocks underfoot on rocky terrain), comfy footbeds, and quick dry foot straps made of thick and comfy materials essentially take the soles of of hiking boots and the function of a beefy sandal to create the best of both worlds.

CHACOS Z-CLOUD

Chacos are a classic and a staple as adventure and hiking ready sandals.  Chacos are a bit beefier than the Xero Z-trails mean you don’t have to worry about adjusting to barefoot shoes – just strap them up and go.

Originally created for whitewater rafting guides that have to trek and hike between river runs.  Chacos are essentially the sole of a hiking shoe with a comfortable and quick strap up system making these perfect for hiking and adventuring in hot and wet climates for long distances without getting tired feet.

The Chacos Z/Cloud is a classic, well suited to adventure with the Chacos Banded Z/Cloud offering a slightly more secure fit

Click here to see available styles of the Chacos Z/Cloud

Other Great Hiking Sandals**

• Keen Newport H2: Water friendly and comfortable sandals beefy enough to hike hard terrain and rocky trails
• Teva Hurricane

Best Flip Flops

Flip flops are the undisputed king of foot wear for those who love to wear sandals. These flip flops tech the cheap, rubber “foot thongs” and level up with better quality, design, and comfort, for a packable pair of footwear that excels on the beach, in the city, and everywhere else in between that you can get away with wearing them.

INDOSOLES ESSENTLS

Indonesian born and produced by a fellow Californian, Indosoles were inspired by the Indo practice of taking old car tires, stripping the tread, and cutting them into sandals that last nearly forever.  The Indosoles founder and team recognized that upcycling flip flops from car tires is not only an eco-friendly practice but creates tough sandals with a fairly long life – and I love them.

The sole of Indosoles is made of reconstituted car tires with a hefty tread pattern that’s good enough for light hiking – if you’re used to hiking in flip flops.  The foot bed is made of a softer rubber that’s durable but molds to the shape of your foot, hugging it more over time.

If you’re in the market for flip flops, I highly recommend the Indosole ESSENTLS Flip Flops as they look great, and are a great value for the money. Both the flip flops, and the slides if that’s your style

For the ladies looking for something a little different, the Indosole ESSNTLS Slides are solidly comfortable and just as great.

Click here to check out the Indosoles collection

HAVAIANAS BRAZIL FLIP FLOP

Brazilian made Havaiana’s are a classic staple among flip flops.  Designed in a country that has pro level beach culture, sleek enough to wear in most circumstances, and durable enough to last through your travels.  The simple Havaiana’s are an excellent travel choice.

Click here to see the best of Havaiana’s sandals

REEF SANDALS – FANNING, PHANTOM, AND ROVER

Reef sandals are another staple piece of footwear when it comes to flip flops for an active lifestyle.  Great quality, good fit and feel, and all at a great price.  To be honest, Reef has so many styles that I can barely recommend just a couple.

If you want a beer bottle opener, opt for the Reef Fanning – rubber and man made leather in a contoured, durable sandal.

The Reef Phantom sandal is another solid option

The Reef Rover is another durable, waterproof option with great tread and solid enough for lots of walking.

For many people, sandals are almost perfect for relaxing, but the slippy sliding nature can get annoying. If you need a little more of a secure fit, consider getting comfortable sandals with an ankle strap.

• Birkenstock Milano ** – https://www.birkenstock.com/us/men/sandals/thong/back-strap/
• Xero Z-Trails**
• Luna Sandals**
• Hiking Sandals**

Whether you’re preparing for boat rides between islands in Thailand and Indonesia, or simply getting shoes that can double as shower shoes, picking a good pair of fully waterproof sandals can keep your feet comfy and clean. These fully waterproof sandals all dry quickly, making them easy to pack, and are nonporous, making them less prone to funky smells after months of wear.

Other waterproof sandals:

• Birkenstock Arizona Essentials (Waterproof Sandal) ** – https://www.birkenstock.com/us/men/sandals/water-friendly/
• Birkenstock Gizeh Essentials (Waterproof) **
• Birkenstock Honolulu (waterproof, beefy, flip flop, perfect for narrow feet) **
• Havainas Brazil Flip Flops

STYLISH SANDALS

Just because your feet are comfy and free doesn’t mean you can’t look good. These stylish sandals, that combine design, leather accents, and time proven bits and pieces to make a pair of sandals that look great.

Throughout Southeast Asia, the Middle East, and Hawaii, sandals are so much a part of the culture that they make up some of our best options for good looking sandals.

OLUKAI OHANA

“We fill a niche by providing premium leather sandals that can be worn in place of dress shoes, to support a laid-back island lifestyle,” that’s how Hawaii born Bill Worthington, founder of OluKai, describes his sandals.

Durably built with great foot support and designed for the demands of Hawaiian waterman, these sandals are filled with function and practicality while still looking great. 

This style backed with durability and tons of function makes for a versatile sandal that you can wear exploring or just look good in the evenings.

The OluKai Ohana and Welo are my favorites as adventure ready travel sandals, but I highly recommend checking out the full line as they have plenty of great, classy, leather sandal options.

Click here to see all styles of the Olukai Ohana at REI OR Head to Amazon for free shipping on your order

Head to Amazon for free shipping on your order

Or click here see the full Olukai Line

RAINBOW SANDALS

California made Rainbow sandals are some of my favorite leather sandals.  These sandals are simple in look, durable in design, and mold to your feet like no other in addition to being guaranteed for the life of the sole .

If you want a more casual look, the array of leather sandals from Rainbow look great, mold to your feet, and develop a lot of character over time.

Click here to check out the various colors and styles of the Rainbow leather sandal

Click here to see the selection on Amazon (with free shipping)

If you want the same style of sandal but have a higher arch or require more foot support, check out the double layer sandal that has even more cushioning that molds to your foot (and higher arches) over time

Click here to check out the various colors and styles of the double layered Rainbow leather sandal

For a cheaper option that is just as great and does soak up as much water, opt for the rubber Rainbow sandals

Click here to check out the various colors and styles of the Rainbow rubber sandal

Still curious what makes Rainbow sandals so great?  Check out this video that details how Rainbow sandals are made.

When it comes to travel sandals, women have it much better than men, with countless dressy sandals, gladiator sandals, comfortable walking sandals that still look good, and countless other options. These options combine the best of women’s sandals for looking good while still prioritizing comfort and function.

Other Great Travel Sandals for Women: **

• Taos Sandals: Comfortable and cute walking sandals for women, perfect for travel ( available here **). Tough, comfy, withstand odor, and female travelers report wearing them everyday happily
• Sam Edelman Sandals: A “dressy” travel dandal, durable, and great for round the world travels ( available here **)
• Sam Edelman: Gigi Thong sandals
• Jambu Sandals
• Crocs Serena : Waterproof and comfy with a dressy sandal design and snug fit**
• Merrel Backstrap Sandal
• Birkenstocks Gizeh **
• Keen – Mary Janes: Mary Janes , and Mary Janes Sienna **
• Vionic Islander **
• Born Shoes Sandals : Great insoles and padding, and perfect for standing all day while still looking good**

GREAT RELATED CONTENT

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Carlos is a nomad, slow traveler, and writer dedicated to helping others live abroad and travel better by using his 7+ years of experience living abroad and background as a management consultant and financial advisor to help other nomad and expats plot better paths for an international lifestyle. Click here to learn more about Carlos's story.

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• Travel Shop

The Best Travel Sandals | 100% Comfort, Durability Guarantee

Hey there, fearless solo female traveler! We all know that when it comes to exploring the world, a good pair of sandals is worth its weight in gold. Seriously, who wants to trek through exotic landscapes, wander bustling markets, or conquer ancient ruins with sweaty, uncomfortable feet? Not you, my adventurous friend! That’s why your travel escapades must choose the best travel sandals.

Now, you might be thinking, “Wait a minute, aren’t all sandals created equal?” Oh honey, if that were the case, we wouldn’t have countless options cluttering shoe stores, filling up online retailers, and confusing the heck out of women like you. Choosing the perfect travel sandals is an art, my friend, and let me tell you why it’s oh-so-important.

Table of Contents

Benefits of Choosing the Best Travel Sandals

Comfort to Conquer the Unknown : Picture this: you’re wandering through ancient ruins, exploring cobblestone alleyways, or strolling along sun-kissed beaches. The last thing you want is a pair of flimsy, blister-inducing sandals cramping your style. The right and best travel sandals will offer heavenly comfort and support, allowing you to conquer your adventures without a single sore step.

A style that Turns Heads (for the Right Reasons) : As a bold, fearless traveler, you’re not one to rock those questionable fashion choices just for the sake of comfort. No way! The right pair of  travel sandals combines both practicality and style, making you the envy of fellow wanderers. Get ready to turn heads for all the right reasons and say goodbye to those frumpy, “I’m-just-here-for-comfort” sandals.

Durability for Long-lasting Adventures : Traveling means putting your sandals through the ultimate test of durability. From rugged hiking trails to dusty city streets, your feet need a trusty companion that can withstand the elements. The best travel sandals will be your steadfast partner, enduring the wear and tear of your globe-trotting escapades and still keeping you comfortable and stylish.

Teva Tirra Sandals – The Adventure Companion

Ah, the Teva Tirra Sandals – the trusty sidekick for your daring solo adventures. These bad boys come with a price tag of $85 (because nothing great in life comes cheap, right?), but fear not, my fearless friend, for these sandals are worth every penny.

In the color department, the Teva Tirra Sandals offer an array of options that will make your fashion-loving heart skip a beat. With a tempting selection of colors, you can rock these sandals in a way that perfectly matches your adventurous spirit.

Now, let’s talk pros. The Teva Tirra Sandals are like a dream for your feet. Their comfortable cushioned footbed and adjustable straps provide a customized fit that will have your feet thanking you after a long day of exploring .

Price : $85

Colors : 8 Total Colors Available

• Super comfortable and decent arch support (because who needs sore feet when you’re conquering the world?)
• Fully adjustable, so it’s easy to find the most comfortable fit (no more sacrificing comfort for style, ladies!)
• Great grip on the soles, so I feel confident wearing them in pretty much any terrain (no slipping and sliding around like a Bambi on ice, thank you very much!)
• True to size fit (because, let’s be honest, nobody’s got time for blisters)
• The classic walking sandal styling means they should appeal to most (because who says you can’t look fabulous while exploring?)
• The heel webbing loop makes it easy to pull the sandals on (less time wrestling with your shoes means more time conquering the world)
• I’d love to see some funkier color options available or even just the detailing and stitching in a bright, daring color (because the world is your runway, and why settle for boring?)
• They aren’t as water-friendly as Teva sandals with classic webbing straps

Vionic Tide II Toe Post Sandal: The Arch Support Queen

First things first, let’s dive into the pros. The Vionic Women’s Tide II boasts a minimalistic design, so you can rock them with any outfit without sacrificing your sense of style. And did I mention they’re lightweight?

Now, let’s talk about arch support. These travel sandals take it to a whole new level. They provide great arch support, even for those with problem feet. We’re talking about stability and natural alignment here, keeping your foot feeling as neutral as possible. It’s like having a personal foot therapist in shoe form. To top it all off, the flexible EVA midsole and Orthaheel Technology make every step a comfy dream.

Price : $75

Colors : Take your pick from 6 options

• Minimalistic design for maximum versatility
• Lightweight for easy strutting
• Special non-slip construction for fearless exploration
• Soft upper straps and multiple color options for coziness and style
• Flexible EVA midsole and Orthaheel Technology for top-notch arch support
• Padded insoles for all-day comfort
• Not recommended to get wet
• Straps between toes can cause blisters

Birkenstock Gizeh Sandals

Now, I know what you’re thinking – “Are these Gizehs really worth it?” Well, let me lay it out for you. These travel sandals may feel a bit stiff at first, but after a few wears, they’ll mold to your feet like a true companion on this wild journey we call life. And let me tell you, the more you wear them, the more you’ll become addicted. You might end up never wanting to take them off!

Now, let’s talk size, ladies. Fit is everything, and the Gizeh embraces your feet like a long-lost lover. Get the right size, and these babies will cuddle your feet with the most delicious comfort. But if you feel like the Gizeh is too high-maintenance for you, no worries. Other flip-flops out there require less attention, like the Olukai Ohana . They’re comfy and require no breaking-in for most people. So, options, ladies, options.

Price : Range from $90 to $200

Colors : You’ve got plenty of options when it comes to 30 + colors

• Super-duper comfortable . These sandals will have your feet singing a sweet lullaby.
• Great arch support.
• Durable . These bad boys are built to last, so you can keep rocking them on all your adventures.
• Lightweight . No heavy lifting here.
• Adjustable straps . Because let’s face it, our feet don’t all conform to the same mold.
• Requires a break-in period . Yeah, we’ve all been there. But trust me, it’s worth the extra effort. Once you get through the “getting-to-know-you” phase, these sandals will love your feet like no other.
• They run large . So maybe size down.

ECCO Yucatan Sandals

The ECCO Yucatan is loved by hordes of happy customers, and it’s no wonder why. These sandals are the perfect companions for your daily adventures, whether you’re strutting around town or conquering your yard work. However, if you’re looking for a technical sandal to tackle the great outdoors, the Yucatan might not be your best bet. Its thick and inflexible sole doesn’t quite cut it on the trail and can be a slippery slope on uneven surfaces. And water sports? Yeah, not this sandal’s forte.

Now, let’s talk performance. On granite and steep trails, the Yucatan’s durable rubber sole holds its ground, providing stability and support. But here’s the thing, the rigid sole makes it a bit challenging to flex the toe box downward, making it harder to grip uneven surfaces. So, if you’re planning an intense rock-climbing adventure, you might want to consider a sandal with a more flexible sole.

Price : $140

Colors : 10 color variations to choose from

• Durable . These sandals are built to last, so you can kick some serious butt without worrying about them falling apart.
• Receptor sole technology . Providing support and stability like no other.
• Soft padding . Your feet deserve a fluffy cloud of comfort, and these sandals deliver just that.
• Open-toe design . Let those piggies breathe, ladies. No cramped toes here!
• Three anchor points . These sandals will hold onto your feet like your best friend.
• Versatile design . From urban exploring to backyard shenanigans.
• Good traction .
• Slightly expensive . Yeah, we all know being fabulous comes at a price. But hey, think of it as an investment in your foot comfort and overall awesomeness.
• Heavy . These sandals aren’t feather-light, so be prepared to work those leg muscles a bit.
• Moderate arch support . Hey, not everyone has high arches, right?

KEEN Whisper Sandals

These babies are all about comfort, durability, and adventure. Imagine lightweight footgear with a fast-drying upper and a grippy outsole. Sounds like a match made in hiking heaven, right? They’re specifically designed for women who want sturdy, lightweight and the best travel sandals.

The KEEN Whisper Sandals are perfect for all your adventurous needs. Need ample traction? Check. Good stability? Check. Lightweight cushioning? Double check. Plus, they’re breathable and fast-drying, ideal for those summer hikes that get you all hot and bothered. And let’s not forget about extreme paddling, including whitewater kayaking and rafting. These sandals can handle it all, so you can go out there and conquer the water like the badass adventurer you are.

Price : $115

Colors : 10 Color Variations

• Lightweight and super comfortable : These sandals will make you feel like you’re walking on clouds.
• True to size fit : No need to play the guessing game with these babies.
• Easily adjustable : Need to make some quick tweaks on the go?
• Stays securely on the foot , even in the water: Say goodbye to those embarrassing slip-ups while taking a dip.
• Perfect for watersports and adventures : Want to conquer the waves or hike like a boss? These sandals have got your back (or, again, your feet).
• Lots of different colors to choose from : Your feet deserve to be as vibrant and fabulous as you are. Take your pick from a rainbow of options.
• Comfortable to walk in , even when wet: No more squishy, uncomfortable walks after a water adventure.
• Fast drying : Ain’t nobody got time to sit around waiting for their sandals to dry.
• Some users have reported an issue with their feet sliding out the back.
• Arch Support could be better

Choosing the right and best travel sandal is more than just a fashion statement or a matter of comfort. It’s about embracing your fearless spirit and empowering yourself to take on the world, one comfortable stride at a time. So, my wanderlust friend, get ready to kick off those old, worn-out sandals and step into a new realm of travel footwear excellence. With the perfect pair of travel sandals on your feet, there’s no adventure too big, no destination too far, and no barrier too daunting. And as always, Travel Till You Drop!

• jill charpia
• October 9, 2023
• No Comments

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18 Best Womens Sandals for Travel in Summer: Reinventing How Comfort Looks

Travel Sandals , Travel Shoes

Support TFG by using the links in our articles to shop. We receive a small commission (at no extra cost to you) so we can continue to create helpful free content. We earn from qualifying purchases made to the featured retailers. Thank you, we appreciate your support!

Gone are the days when comfort equals hideous fashion. These shoes are reinventing how good comfort looks! Here are the best sandals for women that love to explore at home or abroad !

Best Travel Sandals for Women

Travel Fashion Girl help! A reader asks:

I would like your feedback on these travel sandals . I am currently trying them out in black and they are really comfy. I am 30 years old and having a hard time finding sandals that work for me for while traveling all over Italy. I hope I can get your feedback. Thanks. Amazing website, BTW. Just spend 2 hours reading post after post!

The first thing to keep in mind when it comes to comfortable sandal brands is this: finding the best option depends on your comfort needs, planned travel activities, your foot shape, and your personal style.  

Scroll to the end of the article for a full explanation on how to choose the best summer sandals for women on the go!

Naot Sabrina Sandals in Jet Black/Brown Nubuck

What are the cutest comfortable sandals for travel?

This is our tried and tested list of the best traveling sandals that offer a mix of fashion and function:

• Naot Sabrina Sandals
• Blowfish Granola Sandals
• Vionic Lupe Flat Sandal
• Vionic Rest Wanda Toe Post Sandal
• Ecco T Flash Strappy Sandal

Ecco Flowt 2 Flat Sandal

Sorel Ella II Sandals

• Teva Inifnity Sandals
• Teva Mahonia 3 Point Strap Sandals
• Vionic Lizbeth Sandal
• Birkenstock Madrid Sanda l
• Chaco Wayfarer Sandal
• Taos Trulie Open Toe Sandal

Aerosoft Comfortable Flat Sandal

Sanuk Yoga Sling 2 Sandals

• Aerosoles Avea Gladiator Sandal
• Avarca Pons Classic Style
• Skechers Dessert Kiss Comfortable Sandals

Every season we continually update this post with our readers’ top choices along with our own new finds. Learn more about each style below:

Naot Sabrina Flat Sandals

Naot Stylish Walking Sandals for Europe

I wore the Naot Sabrina sandals non-stop for an exhausting 12-day trip to Europe and they were the BEST SHOES EVER for long hours on my feet.

Over the years, I’ve traveled with them through North America, Central America, Southeast Asia, and Europe and found them to be the most comfortable sandals! Buy it here !

Read my full Naot Sabrina review !

Blowfish Granola Sandal

Blowfish Granola Comfortable Sandals for Summer

One of the main reasons readers love Blowfish Granola is because it offers a comfortable footbed, yet looks more like a regular sandal, rather than a sport sandal.

These popular summer sandals have the added benefit of offering breezy, feminine designs, which isn’t always easy to find from a “casual” shoe brand. I now have my eye on the above Blowfish Granola sandal – so cute!If you’re looking for comfy sandals that are versatile and have adequate support, give Blowfish a try! Buy it here !

Note that this brand is best for narrow to medium width feet. For wide sizes, check out the Vionics mentioned below.

Vionic Copal Kirra Strappy Flat Sandals

Vionic Womens Walking Sandals With Arch Support

When we ask our readers to vote for the most comfortable travel shoe brands, Vionic always wins hands down, especially for women that suffer from foot issues! 

Vionic actually has the world’s first and only true orthotic available without a doctor’s prescription. Because the shoes are made to provide adequate support for serious foot pain sufferers, they’re actually amazingly practical for travel!

Their shoes and sandals hug your arches like a natural footprint, giving you all-day support while making you look and feel great. Buy it here !

Vionic Women’s Brea Ankle Straps Heeled Sandal

Readers highly recommend Vionics for having some of the best sandals for travel. They particularly love the Rest Kirra Backstrap style the most, but we thought we’d share a couple of their newer styles above. 

I was a bit hesitant at first but I ended up buying the Karina thongs and was pleasantly surprised that these comfort shoes looked flattering once I was actually wearing them.

This is definitely the most stylish brand for “comfort” footwear! As a major plus, most styles are available in wide sizes, too. Buy it here !

Read this post for the most recommended wide shoes for travel !

  Ecco T Flash Strappy Sandal

Ecco Cute Comfy Sandals With Support

Niki Landry, one of TFG’s writers, swoons over the Ecco “Flash” saying they’re some of the best walking sandals for travel. “The leather is so soft, and the footbed is crazy comfortable. I happily forked over the money, and without looking back we spent four lovely months traveling together.” Buy it here ! Other color available here .

Over the years, our readers have recommended just about all of the cute supportive sandals in Ecco’s “Ecco “ Flash ”” and the “Damara” collections. The most loved Ecco sandal of all time is the Flash T-Strap Gladiator , but since sizes are limited in that style, we’ve gone ahead and featured additional options above.

Ease of wear is something to consider when choosing shoes, and Ecco offers many women’s sandals with velcro straps, which are convenient both for travel and everyday use, too. Buy it here !

Sorel Cute Sandals for Women 

Sorel makes cute and comfortable summer sandals for women who don’t have fussy feet. Wear them all day shorts , capris, or jeans , or dress them up with a skirt or dress for dinner out. One of the best features is the rubber-grip sole to help prevent slips – essential for travel! Many travelers feel these comfy sandals offer adequate support unless you are medically required to wear arch support.

We love the look of the  Ella II Sandals shown above but we’re equally enamored with the slingback and slides version and this wedge style . Buy it here !

Teva Midform Inifinity Sandals

Teva Casual and Comfy Sandals for Travel

Teva is one of the most well-known brands for comfortable sport sandals such as the Original Universal , which has taken over the fashion world over the past decade.

One of their popular travel sandal styles is the casual but oh-so popular Teva Olowahu sandals . Shannon Healey from Camera & Carry On has traveled all over the world with hers and absolutely adores them!

“They’re more stylish than the basic flip-flop sandal and keep my food from sliding around like they sometimes do in others. The straps are a durable fabric that does not rub, the foot bed is cushy and supportive, and the bottom has a slight tread to prevent slipping.” Buy it here !

Teva Madera Slingback Sandal

Teva’s comfortable womens sandals for travel are made with a cushy, contoured footbed and mold to your foot offering light arch support. 

They also boast a range of non-sport sandal styles including the strap and slide Mahonia including this Madera slingback sandals, which are as equally comfortable for exploring Ecuador as they are in Greece. Talk about versatility! Buy it here !

Vionic Rest Lizbeth Sandal

Vionic Strappy Sandals for Summer Vacation

Whether you’re traveling to Italy or Honolulu, channel your inner boho babe with these cute walking sandals from Vionic ! They’ll look just as good with a romper, sundress, or your fave denim look.

Adjustable leather straps provide a secure fit while a soft microfiber lining and anatomical poured PU footbed keeps you comfortable for all-day excursions. These pretty sandals are surprisingly supportive, just make sure to choose the style that’s best suited for your comfort needs. Buy it here !

Birkenstocks Madrid Sandal

Birkenstock Makes the Best Walking Sandals for Travel

Birkenstock sandals are a favorite among female wanderers! The cork footbed allows your feet to feel cushioned with firm arch support, making them comfortable walking sandals for travel for long periods of time. 

A slip on style such as the Mayari Birko-Flor or Gizeh Thong is a favorite of mine for travel to Southeast Asia, where the blistering heat swells your feet making breathable shoes an absolute must. I also like them for this particular part of the globe because their slide design makes them easy to slip on and off when entering temples. 

For a more feminine option, check out, the Madrid sandal shown above. Buy it here !

Chaco Townes Sandal

Chaco Makes Good Sandals To Explore the Great Outdoors

Chaco specializes in making good walking sandals for travel such as the Zx2 that are all about functionality. Ranging from trendy straps to sleek, modern silhouettes like the Townes shown above, these are definitely a step up from utilitarian sport sandals!

Chaco sandals are often equipped with features such as shock absorption, non-marking rubber outsoles, adjustability and a comfortable footbed. These selections will easily get you through the day in comfort!

Because of their quality, support, and durability we had to include them on our list of the best sandals for travel! Buy it here !

Taos Trulie Heels Open Toe Sandals

Taos Comfortable Dress Sandals With Wedge 

Dressy women’s sandals with arch support are not the easiest to find but many female travelers think that Taos is as good as it gets.

One reader says that she wore hers to walk in Barcelona and climb the Acropolis in Athens while another wore them traveling through the cobblestone streets of London and Germany over the summer with no problems.

“I have two pairs of Taos sandals and I love them,” says another reader. “I also have bunions so finding the most comfortable walking sandals is huge for me.”

From cruises to European vacations, get ready to walk in these beauties for miles! Buy it here !

Aerosoft Supportive Slide Sandals for Summer

We’re super impressed with the Aerosoft Comfortable Walk slide sandal . With over 1,000 5-star ratings, we’ve added this unlikely candidate to our list of the best sandals for travel because it looks as easy to wear as a flip-flop but offers so much arch support according to reviewers. 

The orthotic insole provides relief for plantar fasciitis sufferers and the supportive structure acts as a bunion corrector. Travelers love them and say they’re even comfortable enough for daily use. We’re sold! Buy it here !

Sanuk Comfortable and Stylish Sandals for the Beach

The Sanuk Yoga Sling 2 feels like you’re walking on clouds! It boasts a yoga mat cushioned footbed, which molds to your feet. The soft knit printed fabric makes for a snug and secure but cozy fit. 

They’re the ideal replacement for a standard flip flop and are recommended for women that don’t require extensive arch support. They’re good for narrow feet and make a good addition to a casual wardrobe. 

Bring them on your next beach side vacay, road trip, or a wellness retreat – they’re sure to make your list of the best sandals for travel in no time at all! Buy it here !

TFG readers also voted them as one of their favorite  beach sandals !

Aerosoles Isa Gladiator Sandal

Aerosoles Fashionable Comfortable Sandals

Aerosoles comfort fashion sandals feature a cushion-like, double padded memory foam insole, which is oh-so-soft and the thong style is always a bonus in my book. 

From the top sandals on the list, this one gets our vote for having the best balance of comfort, function, fashion, and VALUE, too. Averaging at around $69 on Amazon, they’re seriously less expensive than other comfort shoe brands, which is a major plus.

For years, the Conchlusion Gladiator Sandal was a best seller rated as our readers’ favorite travel sandal! If you’re on the hunt for cute and comfortable sandals for walking, Aerosoles has some awesome options.   Buy it here !

Avarca Pons 510 Classic Style Sandals

Avarca Pons Comfortable Stylish Sandals

Avarca (also known as “Abarcas o Menorquinas”) is the traditional leather footwear of Menorca, Spain and is designed to be incredibly easy on the feet. They feature a comfy and versatile slingback design with breathable leather and a wide variety of colors to match every personality.

Locals and travelers share a love for this brand. Reader Penny loves the ones with the leather sole but suggests that ones with the rubber bottom would be better for walking.

This is definitely the best sandal for women who want a chic, versatile shoe to take them from day to night!   Buy it here !

 Skechers Desert Kiss-Stretch Quarter Strap Memory Foam Sandals  

Skechers Supportive Comfortable Sandals

Readers love Skechers shoes and that includes their best sandals for travel, which have patented cushioning and responsive insoles that keep tootsies feeling heavenly as you lightly hike or explore your surroundings.

These cute Skechers Desert Kiss-Stretch Quarter Strap Flat Sandals    have enough arch support for lots of walking and the straps won’t rub against the delicate skin of your feet. Also available in wide widths. Buy it here!

Choosing the Best Summer Sandals for Your Next Trip:

Here’s a quick overview for each of these travel sandals:

What are your comfort needs?

What you have to realize about travel is that you’re going to be spending hours on your feet walking and sightseeing, much more than you might be used to.

This is why it’s absolutely important that you choose your travel shoes wisely. Do not prioritize fashion over comfort – trust me, I’ve been there and you don’t want to ruin the trip of a lifetime because you wore the wrong shoes.

Instead, the goal should be to find the most comfortable sandals that also suit your personal style.

Different travelers will find certain shoes better suited for them simply because not everyone has the same comfort requirements.

Some women have high arches and require travel sandals with arch support while others have more natural padding and can walk for miles with regular insoles relatively pain-free.

What one traveler thinks are the best walking sandals may not work for another. Our list features a wide variety of sandal styles suitable for a range of style and comfort needs. Review each one to find the right option for you.

What are your planned travel activities?

Not all trips require the same support because you might have different activity levels. Not all trips are super active and your aim for your trip might be just to chill out by a pool and relax, in which case you’ll probably be fine with the shoes that you already own.

On the other hand, if your trip consists of non-stop sightseeing then make sure to choose a proper walking sandal with comfort and support features.

Packing cubes make the perfect shoe bags to protect your luggage from dirty shoes. Take a look here for other shoe bag ideas!  

What’s the best sandal style for your foot shape?

Whenever I wear a style with a strap that goes across my foot, like the one mentioned in the reader question, it makes me look clunky and ages me, and I’m in my 30s.

No matter how trendy Arizona Birkenstocks and traditional Tevas became over the past years, I can’t wear these types of shoes because I don’t have the foot shape to go with them. I’ve found that thong-style sandals flatter my narrow foot best.

What style do you think most flatter yours? This is a good place to start your search as it will help you eliminate some options.

What are the best travel sandals to suit your personal style?

When traveling, creating the perfect interchangeable capsule wardrobe is the key to simplified packing. Use this same principle with your shoes. Choose neutral shoes that will go with all of your outfits and above all stay true to your personal style. 

Some comfort sandal styles can be quite unattractive but there are many that do offer a good balance of fashion and function. That’s one of our main goals, in fact! You can view a summary of our top travel fashion shoe picks here .

Don’t forget about the heat when choosing womens summer shoes.

One more thing to note is that when it’s hot outside, sandals allow your feet to breathe! In some cases, you might even find your feet swelling from the heat and also from exhaustion so wearing closed toe shoes might not be the most comfortable choice for a summer trip.

Sandals can get disgusting while traveling; cleaning them is an absolute must. Nikwax is a cleaning product meant specifically to care for your sandals. Even if you don’t travel with it, you can use it once you return home to ensure your shoes are ready for your next adventure!

Watch the last ten minutes of my first episode of Travel Fashion Talk to see the first four sandals up close as I review each one.

Okay ladies, now it’s your turn: what do you think are the best sandals for travel this summer? Comment below!

To find the best travel sandals, please read:

• 10 Steps to Packing the Best Travel Shoes for Any Trip
• 11 Beach Sandals for Hot Weather Vacations
• 13 Comfortable Walking Sandals that Don’t Sacrifice Style
• Cute Summer Sandals for Women

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We hope you liked this post on our top picks for the best sandals for travel this summer. Please share with your friends on Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest. Thanks for reading!

383 comments.

It looks like this article goes back to 2015. You just featured it in your blog this week in May, 2023. Are these shoes really still available?

Hi Mary, yes they are. We update this article regularly!

Appreciate the recommendations for all trips involve a lot of walking .

Can you recommend a good, all-purpose sandal? I’m going to Bali for a week in May 2022 and want to get something that’ll be good for whatever I do (shopping, hiking, temples, Komodo Island, etc). I’ve got some arthritis in my hips so I need super comfy shoes (while still stylish).

Hi there, have a look at this roundup for our readers favorite walking sandals, all recommended for their comfort: https://www.travelfashiongirl.com/comfortable-walking-sandals/

If you need any tips to help you pack for Bali, check out this guide: https://www.travelfashiongirl.com/bali-style-what-to-wear-in-bali/

Hope this helps you in your search. Have an incredible time in Bali next year! ?

The Olukai Upena’s are my favs! They are super comfy and a good style fit for almost anything in my closet. They go everywhere with me!

Thank you for sharing your love of your Olukai sandals with us!! They are definitely a readers favorite ?

I’m even more shoe-obsessed subscribing to this website and always read the comfortable shoe recommendations as if you’re feet aren’t comfortable, your trip isn’t going to be fun! I was pleasantly surprised about the comfort of the Birkinstock Miyari sandal! I have never been a Birkie fan, but after wearing these all day around a college campus at a reunion weekend, I’m sold! Also love the FLY London brand, the comfort level is amazing. Sadly, the popularity of the FLY wedge you recommend means I can’t find the black ones anywhere! But found some comparable FLYs wedges that will be fine.

Hi Carol, hope you enjoy your new shoes on many fun and exciting adventures!

A lot of these sandals look nice but they’re really expensive. I’ve found Clark’s have lots of lovely comfortable sandals at much cheaper prices

I bought the Avarca Pons in saffron (yellow) and they go with everything. I have been wearing them at home. Zero break in time.

Hi Dawn, thank you for sharing your recommendation for comfy sandals with us, always love hearing about our readers’ favorite products! ?

Hi there! Great article! Wondering if you could give links for the all black outfit in the gift picture? Thank!!!

Hi Elizabeth, so pleased you enjoyed the article, thank you! ?❤️ The top is the Michael Stars Drape Neck Jersey Top: https://bit.ly/2WiYaMa and the pants are the Anatomie Skyler Pants: https://bit.ly/2UX5XyU You can read this review to find out why the readers and I think they’re the best travel pants: https://www.travelfashiongirl.com/best-travel-pants-for-women-function-and-fashion/ Hope this answers your question. Happy travels! ?

Just bought the Naot Sabrina sandal. Wow! So comfortable! Was curious if you wore them with an insert? If not, how can you clean them? Are they ok in wet conditions?

Awesome glad you love them Christie! I don’t wear them with an insert and they’re not good for wet conditions unfortunately. (Perhaps with a waterproof spray but I haven’t tried it. Now I will!)

I do struggle to clean them I try to use a dry towel to wipe off the dust. I found this post online, which might also work with the Sabrinas: https://www.wikihow.com/Clean-Birkenstocks Hope this helps!

I wore Keen Rose sandals for 18 days in Italy. Extremely comfortable and looked fine with skirts or pants.

This post was really helpful! Thank you!

Yay, so pleased you found the post helpful Fiona!! Happy travels!

I’ve read all your articles on sandals for travel. I have a medium to wide foot. I know you have a narrow foot. Suggestions for us medium to wide shoe people? I need a sandal for the cobblestone streets of Italy that are cute AND comfortable. Thank you b

Hi Jill, thank you for your question! To get you the best feedback, I’ve posted your question on TFG’s facebook page. TFG readers have the best tips, keep you eye out for their replies from Thursday: https://www.facebook.com/TravelFashionGirl/ . Also have a look at this TFG article for some suggestions for shoes for wide feet: https://www.travelfashiongirl.com/cute-shoes-for-wide-feet/ hope this helps! Have a fantastic trip to Italy! 🙂

I’ve been wearing the Clarks wave coast sandals. They are part of the Clark’s walking shoe collection and have amazing support. They come in white, brown, red, and black. No brake in needed. Very secure on your foot due to Velcro straps.

I highly recommend the Yuu brand sandals for travel. I used them for 10+ mile walking days in San Francisco and other U.S. cities up and down hills and during my three week honeymoon for 10+ mile walking days on cobblestone no problem. They also come in a variety of colors and styles and look fairly stylish in photos. I got mine online from JCPenney. I got my first pair on a whim and have gotten four more since.

Hi Rachel, thank you so much for sharing your review of the Yuu brand sandals! Hope you had a fantastic trip to San Francisco!! 🙂

I’ll be traveling to Israel this summer and need sandles with arch support. I’m interested in the Naot Sabrina sandles. Do you think these would shoes have enough arch support for my high arches?

Thanks for all the information. I’ve enjoyed reading your site.

Hi, I also have very high arches ( and a narrow heel). I’ve had a tough time finding sandals that fit well, until I found Teva’s! There are several that might work for you. I find the “ aerofloat” styles to be the best, as they bend easily, and provide plenty of support and comfort. Good luck, Connie Q

These are hot sandals.

Tried a pair of Vionic sandals for 2 recent trips to Italy and Morroco. Wore them almost every day for sightseeing, No breaking in needed. Great arch support and adjustable straps. Love them! Great looking plus comfort!

Vionic sandals are awesome!

Hi! Looking for sandals that will be comfortable to do day trips to Cinque Terre and walk around in Florence. Any of you have personal experience with ECCO (damara, etc.), VIONIC, and/or FLY LONDON? On another TFG blog I commented that the Earth Origins brand sandal I tried started making squeaky noises during walking (in a store) and that was a disappointment. Wondering if the brands I mentioned above will have the same problem? Thoughts? TYI

Hi Xandee! It seems Vionic is a reader favorite! Ours, too!

Great post!

Thank you Janice!

Hi there I’m going to. Croatia this sept and totally not ready and can’t find shoes for the dinners wig my very casual sundresses and having trouble finding shoes with black casual skorts. All places say to take max 4 shoes. I have a pair of colourful asics for my long hikes. But they won’t go with daily touring. So I’m trying to find a pair of all black runners or cute walking runners that I can wear daily as my go to shoe. Then I need sandal and maybe a flat? I’d prefer to wear sandal something open as sept is still warm there. What I would like is. That you post pictures of some outfits you wear with the avarca pons, naot Sabrina , dammar a sandal. I live in Ontario and can’t seem to find these shoes I can only see the on Amazon. Prefer to try them on. But would love posts with outfits so we can see how they look. Tnx. If you can email me I have some questions if you don’t mind 🙂

I actually have found some cute sandals by Crocs that I love to travel with. They are comfortable to walk in, are really light weight, and I don’t have to worry about them getting ruined by some rain!

Crocs is a much loved brand by female travelers, good choice!

Those Naot shoes look aweesome! Thanks for the tip – I love the comfort of Birkenstocks but always end up leaving them behind as they look a bit daggy.

Glad you like them Sam!

I have several of the sandals mentioned here & love them all. I just recently purchased the Born Aswan and Arica styles. They are so comfortable and stylish! Love all your recommendations.

Thanks Nona ☺️

Great recommendations! I got a pair of Naot and Fly London this summer at http://www.SimonsShoes.com They are both so comfy!

glad you like them!

thx to you my ecco flash huaraches just arrived and they feel fantastic. hopefully they carry me thru spain and portugal in complete comfort! yay!!!

Yay! Enjoy your trip Beth ? Have fun

Hi Beth – where did you find the Ecco Huaraches? They seem to be unavailable on every site I see! Would love to find a pair for this summer!

How do you feel about Bernie Mevs for Paris and London? They are very comfortable at home but not sure how they will feel on cobblestone and during lots of walking. Also want to wear something stylish and I can’t decide if they are or not! Pls advise!!

Hi Ruby, I know that many female travelers love them but I haven’t personally used them. I’d say if you want to wear a heel a wedge or block heel is your best bet: https://travelfashiongirl.com/best-walking-shoes-for-europe/

I just bought a pair of Sanuks for my trip to Israel next month! Glad to see them recommended!

These all look so cute! I’m a big fan of crocs huarache flats also. Sadly they’ve been discontinued 🙁

I wish there was a warning announcement before favorite styles get discontinued 🙁

I love these – all of them! Especially the Fly Londons!

Thanks Bridget!

The Naot Sabrina looks stylish and I think it would suit my feet .

They’re great!

I have three of these sandals – the Naots, the Eccos, and the Pons. They are all super comfortable and stylish, perfect for travel. If I had to pick one, it would be the Naots. They are the most comfortable for walking long hours. I just spent a few days in Rome and my feet ached after a day of walking in the Eccos, but not the Naots.

Good to know, thanks Susan!

I did not relize that Keen were available in such fun designs.

They’re definitely improving their designs 🙂

I also love the Huarache Crocs sandals – super comfy and they don’t look like regular crocs

great style!

Love this article on travel sandals – the Naots are great travel shoes : so comfortable!

thanks Helen!

I love those Borns and Naots! I will add, I had multiple pairs of Birkenstocks in the 90’s and did not do the socks with them, yuck! But they were comfy!

Haha, thanks Samantha!

The Avarca Pons are my favorites; I’d actually wear those at home also!

I love the Born Tegal! I have to have these for my next trip to Europe.

Same here! I love the born sandals!

thanks for the recommendations. Comfort for walking is the highest priority.

Thanks Donna!

Always looking for comfortable walking sandals.. thanks for the great review of options.

Thanks Debbie!

Love this! Planning a trip to Europe this summer and looking for the best comfortable sandals for walking around all day.

You might also like this post, too: https://travelfashiongirl.com/best-walking-shoes-for-europe/

I’d love to try the Naot Sabrina!

They’re awesome!

Love my birks!

They’re super comfy!

Love the Naot, and the Avarcas. Wish I could find a store where I could try ALL of them on, and decide on what fits me best!

That’s why I like Amazon Prime, order them all, try them on, return what you don’t like 😉

Those Fly London sandals are super cute!

They’re a popular option!

I’m always on the search for comfy sandals that I can travel with. Looks like there are quite a few new things coming to my shoe closet soon 🙂

Glad you like our round up Rachel 🙂

I’m really liking the bionics!

They’re one of the brands our readers love!

Avarca Pons for me! Stylish and comfy!! Win, win as they say!

I love Sanuk sandals! They are very comfortable and I have worn them all day long on heavy walking days with no problem. Including at Universal Studios and Disneyland. However, they no longer sell my favorite sandal style so I may purchase a pair that has been recommended on this post.

They’re so comfy!

I’m going on a month long trip and have been looking for a comfortable travel sandal that will suit the 2 countries and 5 cities I’ll be visiting. This blog post was super helpful! I just wish all the sandals weren’t so expensive! But I realize you have to invest more for comfort! I’ve found Clarks shoes to be really comfortable and affordable too, thoughts on any of those?

I have flat feet, and honestly, a whole host of other problems with my feet. Finding comfortable shoes for everyday use is hard enough… finding good ones to travel with is so much harder! These shoe posts are just the best! They help so much.

Thanks Lyra!

Love the gentle souls, but may have to go with the Vionic flip flop. Good selections for a variety of tastes and options!

Glad you like then Kristina!

I can already attest that the Pons Avarca (wedge) is a fantastic travel sandal; for me they are a two in one that can go from day to evening and I love how light and comfortable they are! But I’m dying to try a couple of these other styles like the Naot Sabrina, and the Gentle Souls wedge is pretty cute too. I don’t have a tough time justifying the cost but it’s hard to commit the money when you’re not sure how a new brand will work on your foot.

I just purchased the leather chaco sandals, and they were so uncomfortable for my flat feet! Probably should not have walked 9 miles in them out of the box, but I ended up with a lot of blisters. I would love to try to Naot sandals. I have narrow, pretty flat feet! Thank you for the review on these brands! Comfortable shoes makes a huge difference while traveling!

Sounds like they need a little break in time…ouch!

I have a narrow foot. Thanks for this post. Now I know what to look for. Love the not Sabrina and the Sanuk Dress Sandal.

Thanks Bonita!

Thank you for great info–stylish and comfortable is what we all want!!

It’s always my mission in life haha ?

I have a pair of tevas from three years ago that I love. At first I was not sold on them because of the price tag but I am soooo glad I bought. Still going strong after multiple cross states road trips and hikes. Love them!!

It’s good to invest in quality items that will stand the test of time

Same here! Love my Tevas…Just got back from two weeks in Hawaii with only two pairs- Terra Float Active Lace, Great for hiking, and gets me to and from airport with Smartwool socks and leotards! And the Teva ” Tirra” with multicolor straps! They go with anything and everything…plus light as a feather. Wear one-pack one, works well in my Tortuga Air backpack suitcase.

I have a pair of Tevas from three years ago that are still going strong. I love them!

So many cute options! Taking my Birkenstock Arizonas but also looking for a nice pair to dress up outfits in Italy. Born and Fly Londons look promising.

Vionic is very new in our country. friends and I got our sandals and we love them! We are very hard core walkers when we do our errands everyday. thank you for this article. HOping to soon take my sandals on a tour!

The Born and Echo are very cute! I have a pair of croc sandals that I find very cute and are super comfie; they’re made from rubber so I they’re water proof but also have great traction.

Crocs is a popular brand for travelers, too 🙂

I wear “travel” sandals all the time! I love my Clarks, but the sandals you have chosen are pretty awesome. I have ALWAYS wanted a pair of Avarcas! They are next on my list!

Thanks Barbara!

I think I’d like to try the Fly London because I have super high arches, sometimes the flats hurt no matter how much I spend on the shoe. The Fly Lindon look like they would give grest foot support.

They’re a popular choice 🙂

I love my Aerosoles and my born sandals. I traveled over most of South Africa with them and a pair of Merrells for hiking and safari. I’m really looking forwsrd to yrying something new. I have used the Ipanema’s for the beach and will neverhove them up. I own 2 pair, love them both.

They sound perfect!

Comfort travelling is SO important. I’d like to see more sandals that accommdate swollen feet though. Many of these do not adjust when feet swell.

I love the eccos. I’m super thankful that nordstroms has a great return policy. My husband and I did a Europe trip, and three months before, I started buying shoes. I went through about 6 pairs before finding the Eccos. 1 pair I tried even left blisters on my arches. That trip was 7 years ago, and I still have the Eccos, and they are amazingly still in great shape!

Born sandals are my “go to” flats. I have a favorite pair that’s about 10 years old and you would never know it. They are always in my suitcase when I travel during the summer.

What great shoe ideas! I’m always in need of comfy, strong, good-looking sandals for my work travel, so very helpful post. Thanks!

Thanks Mari!

I love all these recommendations on best shoes, sandals, etc for travel. I walked all of Italy and France for 16 days in some FitFlops. It was my first FitFlop purchase and have to admit was the best! Mind you I have 7 surgeries on my right foot and had pending surgeries when I went to Europe, so comfort was on the top of my list. I just purchased 3 different styles for my upcoming trip to Morocco. Can’t wait. Highly recommend FitFlops!

That’s incredible Jeannette!

been looking at sabrina from naot! the pewter!

Just love, love, love the Born Marcia sandals!

great choice!

A great read, with so many wonderful options to fit any style! I love the Keens and Teva styles, as I’m looking for a cute and versatile shoe for a trip to Costa Rica this summer.

Thanks Marcie!

Love this article, thanks so much! I am traveling to Thailand this summer and am on the hunt for a good sandal to wear for most of the trip! You have given so many good options! Have you ever heard of or tried the Chaco Maya leather sandal? It looks pretty stylish for Chacos, haha!

Thanks Lauren! Love that the comfort brands are making nicer looking shoes 🙂 I haven’t tried on the Chaco Maya though.

I live in Santa Monica and live in my Sanuks. They are so comfortable and I walk everywhere here. I’d love to take them with me to Europe, I’m just not sure they’ll do well on the cobblestones. The FB group thinks I should pick another pair. Thanks for this list!

Not sure they’ll offer enough ankle support for cobblestones but they’re perfect for LA!

Alex~ Great information here and from many of the other comments above. It has given me better insight in my search for the perfect sole to walk all around Venice, Italy. Our souls are helped from the “sole’s” we wear. 😉

Thanks Jane! 🙂

I just bought the Naot Sabrinas for my upcoming trip. They instantly feel comfortable. Thanks for the recommendation!

Yay! Glad you like them Shannon 🙂

I bought the Fly London Oney off this articles recommendation, and I love them! They have just a little height but not too much, and can be dressed up or down. They look good with jeans, shorts, or dresses. Thanks TFG!

Yay! Glad you like them Amy 🙂

Thanks for a great article on best summer sandals. I have learned so much from your blogs and Facebook group! I have purchased several pairs of shoes based on your tips, including Ecco sandals, which are so comfortable for walking!

I love my Chacos! I have high arches which can make sandal shopping extra challenging. I don’t necessarily like all their styles, but I did find a few that were cute and durable and supportive for my feet!

Its good that you were able to find a few styles that worked for you 🙂

I had some Naot sandals like 10 years ago and loved them. Thanks for the reminder! I’d love to try them again. Or the Ecco Gladiator. When I travel, I usually bring Chacos, and one style of Born ballet flats (that is only at Macy’s) for dressier occasions. I should upgrade my sandals.

Hope you liked one of these options 😉

I am looking for great sandals for a 2-week trip to China so this article is EXTREMELY helpful. Definitely keeping an eye out for the Naot sandal, as it looks perfect for the business casual dress code we have to keep. Thank you!

Yay! Happy to help Jenna 🙂

I found a great pair of Merrell’s last year with a cork middle layer, and around the ankle and arch support. And I always pack my light weight crocs slip on flip flops to wear around a pool, beach, public shower areas. They are ulti-purpose.

Crocs are a good choice, too. I should add them in the next round up 🙂 Thanks Jane!

Gotta tell you, having just traveled to London and Paris, comfortable shoes are an ABSOLUTE must. I brought what I *thought* were comfortable shoes (flats and booties) only to find out that there was not enough support which made my tendonitis flare like never before! I ended up buying a pair of Nikes (on sale, thankfully) in Paris which saved my feet. Luckily they were cute and almost completely black so they didn’t clash with everything I wore. 🙂

The same thing happened to me…glad you found a solution!

The new Keens look a lot more stylish than in the past and I bet they are comfortable. Going to have to try them. Thanks for such a great article with a wide selection of choices!

Thanks Becki 🙂

Avarca Pons

If I had to choose from this list I’d choose the Fly London Wedge in black but my all time fav travel shoe is still the fit flop sandal with toe thong. I can walk in these for hours and hours everyday and my feet do not hurt. They are my go to for sure and come in various styles and colours. I can’t recommend them enough!!

Readers love the fit flop! We featured it here in the best Beach Sandals post: https://travelfashiongirl.com/beach-sandals/

I’m a believer in FitFlops! I’ve worn a pair throughout Morocco and Cuba, Yucatan, Nepal and India. Well, I did switch pairs halfway through that list. They work well most of the time, though in some of the areas the streets were quite uneven. If you know you’ll be doing lots of walking on cobbled streets or uneven surfaces, it’s better to go flatter- but I love the little bit of height I get with FitFlops due to my own height- under 5 ft!

so many great and stylish choices!

glad you like them Lucia!

This is a great article with tons of options! I wish the brands were more accessible in Canada to try sizing and fit. Lots of wishful looks from the great white north 🙂

Now that I live in England, I try to shop when I go to the US – so much selection!

Vionics look cute. Loved your espadrilles.

Thanks Lisa!

I need to up my travel sandal game and the Vionic’s look pretty comfortable and stylish.

Everyone loves them!

I also love the Ecco Flash Huarache — I have them in a muted red — and was thinking about getting another pair in a more neutral color so I’m happy they are still around! But then I saw those Naots and maybe those are the way to go — might even get one of their styles that I can put my own inserts into as that’s incredibly rare for a sandal. Thanks for all the great ideas!

Glad you like them Nadja!

Love those Avorca Pons

They’re super cute!

I absolutely love my Vionic flip flops and my Birkenstock Gizeh sandals.

I’ve got to get those Vionic flip flops!

Great sandals. Like the Keenes City of Palms

Thanks Linda!

I love my Sanuk and I’d get the teal for beach trips

Sanuk’s are cute and comfy!

I can only wear Birkenstocks/sandals all year round as I had an accident and have numbness in my feet. Therefore enclosed footwear gives me blisters and bruises and any advice you could give me on ‘warmer types of sandal would be handy. Love this site, thank you for sharing your experiences

Hi Angela, I’ll keep my eye out for a warmer sandal option for you 🙂

Angela, you might want to try the Teva Terra Floats. They are very lightweight, plus easy on and off for airport. I too have foot isues and found them to be very comfortable everywhere! Even used as ” slippers” and water shoes. Good Luck…..

I am a “Born” girl! They are very comfortable to walk all over Vietnam, Italy and South Africa. Must have leather soles to absorb the moisture from your feet. I tried Teva, Keen and Sanuk but they just don’t work for my feet. Love ALL your articles! Thanks for all your advise.

Thanks Linda 🙂

I loves me some Teva Olowahu’s and the Sanuk yoga sandals!

This round-up is so appreciated! Especially when trying to pack light and find shoes that you can dress up and down (so you don’t have to bring so many different pairs of shoes!), and ones that are both fashionable and functional! In terms of a walking sandal, I really like the Columbia brand. The only downside is that they are not very versatile if you’re looking for that and are really more of a casual outdoorsy sandal. But they are really great for long distance walking and exploring! 🙂

Columbia is a great brand, love their outdoor gear!

The Vionic Flip Flop looks really cute, and like it would be supportive and comfortable. I have not worn this brand before but I’ve been reading all the great comments on here about this brand so I think I’d like to give these a try.

Hi Martha, the readers love this brand and so far I’m loving the new espadrilles I got from them 🙂

I really like the way the Fly London’s look. I wonder how supportive they are, and if they would work for someone with plantar fasciitis? Really cute!!!

Hi Linda, we’re planning a post specifically about the best shoes for plantar fasciitis – stay tuned for that 🙂

I have come back to this article several times to pick out travel shoes. I have very high arches, so I purchased Vionic Padens for our trip last week to Key West. So happy I did! Thank you Alex!

Yay! Hope they work well on your trip 🙂

Living in Australia, it’s hard to source most of these sandals, and when I CAN find them they are extraordinarily expensive……. :-/

The sandals I buy here for travel are called Baretraps-not as cute as those you’ve written about, but OK>

Good tip Aless, thank you!

I love the vionic flip flop! Do you think it’s too casual for Rome/Florence/Venice/Paris?

Also, I can confirm that the Sanuks are awesome for everyday summer wear, but not hardcore walking in Europe’s cities!

Hi Princess, would definitely say any flip flops are too casual for Europe unless you’re spending time at the beach. Plus, they’ll be difficult to walk on on the cobblestone streets: https://travelfashiongirl.com/best-walking-shoes-for-europe/ Try these instead: https://travelfashiongirl.com/comfortable-walking-sandals/

Fly London ones look like they’d be comfy and cute on the feet. Also the Born Tegal!! Love ankle straps!

Hope you like them!

I had a pair of Naot sandals that I purchased in 1995 for my first trip to Paris. I wore them all over France and kept them for nearly 20 years. They were awesome in so many situations. I even did some low-key hiking in them.

Everyone loves that brand, I’ve sure enjoyed mine 🙂

Thanks so much for sharing your wealth of knowledge with us! I love all of the above options. You may also want to try some sandals from the Earth Brands company. They are so comfortable right out of the box and through extended walking and wear.

Great suggestion Jacqui, thank you!

Hi Jacqui, congratulations! YOU WON MAY’S GIVEAWAY!!!!!! We’ll be sending you an email right now so you can claim your prize 🙂

I can attest to Teva comfort for sure. I have Vionic sneakers and flats – the sneakers are some of the only shoes I can wear for dayssss with no paid! I’m obsessed with them and am planning on buying some Vionic sandals so I don’t have to wear clunky birkenstocks all summer

Thanks Gabby!

Love these suggestions! Will follow them up to see if I score any new ideas! With size 12 feet and needing arch support, finding cute sandals is a challenge.

Good luck Susan, hope you find something that works!

I’ve always loved ECCOs and am looking to replace a pair I’ve had for more than 20 years.

Wow, they’re built to last 🙂

Oooh, so many intriguing choices! Fly London Wege is on my list for next special treat for me!

I love you post! I’ve gotten lots of packing ideas from them. I like both the Born and Aerosols

Thanks Maralena 🙂

I usually wear sneakers when travelling and when sightseeing, although I am looking to buy a pair of sandals like the Born sandal in the post or the Huaracche, as well as the Keen City of Palms shoe, since they carry less weight on the luggage and goes with plenty of outfits.

I think the Naot Sabrina is a great sandal. The two-tones makes it versatile – could wear with black, navy, green etc….I love that!

Love those sandals!

I had plantar fasciitis in both feet. I could only wear the Arizona Birkinstocks. Now I only wear Vivobarefoit boots and shoes. I cannot tolerate thongs. My dress sandals are worn maybe twice a year so they’re generic and given away after two uses

Great suggestions! We’ll add them to our upcoming post on the best shoes for plantar fasciitis 🙂

I have a terrible time finding comfortable attractive walking sandals. I have actually tried on most of these! I think I have picky feet. ?

It’s a good thing for Amazon Prime’s free returns 🙂 You can also try this search from Nordstrom: https://travelfashiongirl.com/comfort-shoes/

After researching many shoes that would work well for travel and foot issues, I have found Vionic. They are my go to sandals and shoes for travel as well as work. The arch and deep heel cup provide comfort for lots of walking and being on your feet. I have tried some of the other brands above, but my vote would be Vionic. I had both sandals and a slip on type shoe that worked great last year on my trip to England and France. These sandals and shoes are well worth the price.

Everyone loves Vionic! Great choice 🙂

Oh the Fly London style (how appropriate for where you live) is my fav – especially the Yost. To think I was just out your way a few weeks ago (Stockbridge). I’m thinking of moving back to the UK as well – luckily I’m British – but Canadian weather – and politics across the border – are making me home sick for returning back. Even my Canadian hubby is game! I’m looking at Wales though, a wee bit cheaper to make our Canadian dollar go further (both the pound and our dollar suck against the American dollar). Now, to dream of owning a pair of these sandals (I wore my Blundstones for the whole month I was away … so comfortable … afraid to go into open shoes now with warmer weather!). Have to be uber careful with what I wear on my tootsies due to Type 1 diabetes (autoimmune disease – not due to eating wrong, putting on weight (a big myth for Type 2 – you can be skinny and get diagnosed with T2D) 🙂

I swear by my Ecco’s. I have several pair and have never been let down. They are super comfortable and supportive enough for all-day walking. The Fly London’s look really cute and comfy…I will try them next!

A great brand for sure!

I have actually had bad luck with Chacos. They are always tighening up on me throughout the day. I wear Dansko shoes everyday whether at home or traveling and never have tired feet. If you have good shoes why take different ones on vacation?

Dansko has great reviews by the readers on this site, good choice!

Narrowing down my shoes for travel is always the biggest stress in packing! Love the gentle souls–much more like a shoe I would wear after the trip

Exactly 😉 That’s when you know it’s the right pair of shoes!

Currently trying to pick out my first Vionics! I’ve been a Born girl for years, but the feet need more heel love these days. Thanks for the recommendations!

Hope you find the perfect one Virginia!

I have lived in my Gizeh Birks for years now and love them, but I’m up for trying something new. The Vionics all look like something that can transition from day to night well.

They have many good looking styles!

Lots of great options here!

Thanks Cindy!

I have loved seeing the Avarcas this season….they just scream warm, European travel!

Yes they do 🙂

I am saving up for the Naot Sabrinas. They are so darn cute! In the meantime, I found a pair of Teva Tirras for more active vacays. Thanks for the tip Alex! 🙂

Thanks Lindsey 🙂 Hope you like them as much as I have!

Clarks make a few really comfortable sandals that I use.

They have great shoes, and wedges too 🙂

I love the Born styles and color options!

Born has super cute shoes!

Travel sandals that are both supportive AND CUTE?! How helpful that you post such an informative compilation. Thanks for the tips!

Glad you like them Staci, thanks!

Love the Pons metallic, seem versatile but not giving off that “these are my travel sandals” vibe:)

Yes they’re super cute!

Struggling to find cute + arch support + summer + versatile (dressy to casual) . I keep trying to keep my shoe count down when traveling, but can’t seem to find that multi-tasking shoe I need/want. Also CANNOT do ballet flats.

Hopefully you found a few you liked here 🙂

These are great! Live the huarache style. I’m very pleased with my leather Chacos. Nothing like their webbed river sandals. That brand has amazing arch support!

Good tip Kerri, thanks!

OMG! I’m a little embarrassed to say I have a few of these sandals! LOL! So I love my Keen City of Palms Posted and my Birkie Gizeh sandals. I NEVER thought I’d be wearing Birks but wow are they comfy! I can literally walk forever in them. If my feet are not happy, then yeah, I’m toast! I have an old school pair of leather Teva’s I refuse to get rid of & Chaco’s are always a winner for walking & hiking. Love any Born sandal, they’re so cushy! I can safely be called a sandal junkie! In South TX, when I’m not in my boots, I live in my sandals! Thanks for your posts Alex, I learn SO much!!

love it Melissa, great taste in sandals 😉

Vionic and Birkenstock are my go-to brands for summer sandals due to their amazing arch support. As someone dealing with Plantar Fasciitis, I’ve no choice but to make comfort my #1 priority. But I hate to sacrifice style, which is why I love my Vionic Paden and the Birkonstock Gizeh sandals! Cute meets comfy. 🙂

Awesome! We’ll add them to our upcoming post on shoes for Plantar Fasciitis 🙂

I am always looking for a cute sandal but I need some support too. While reading your article the Avarca classic design in French blue has caught my eye. Looks cute, comfortable and seems to offer support.

Hope you like them 🙂

I love my Birkenstocks Arizona or Florida, comfortable to wear all day. Another great sandal is Mephisto Harmony.

Great choices Christine!

I love keens and had not seen the KEEN Women’s City Of Palms Posted Sandal! These look amazing. I am loving your posts!

Thanks Stephanie!

I have some Ecco sandals that I love!

Ecco is a popular brand!

Thanks for such a great article! There is NOTHING worse than traveling with uncomfortable shoes. I will be referring to this article often!

Thanks Rhonda!

I love my Gentle Souls, Fly London, and Aerosoles! You had lots of adorable shoe styles and I’m itching to check them out! Thanks!

Glad you like them 🙂

The Gentle Souls Luci Wedge are calling my name but I always worry about open toe shoes because sometimes they rub in the wrong spot. So I’d have to choose the Vionic flip flop. Love those coin like accessories.

They’re definitely cute and comfy but not the easiest fit. Love them though 😉

I’m always on the hunt for the perfect travel sandal. My feet ore long and slim and I need a good arch support. Several of the styles mentioned in this post look like great choices!

You might also find this post helpful for a narrow foot: https://travelfashiongirl.com/comfort-shoes/

Back when I was selling shoes, I would always push Clark’s for the women who were on their feet all day. Not only did I sell them, I wore them myself. Being on my feet all day, I could vouch for their comfort and support (I have a high arch). when a fried spent a month in Italy, she took 2 pairs of Ckarks slip-on sandals and LOVED them. From being able to wear them all day walking around, they easily converted from capri pants during the day to maxi skirts at night.

I should have heeded my own advice when I went to London last year. My Keen boots did NOT have the support needed for walking on concrete and cobblestones all day. Three days into my trip I ended up purchasing an emergency pair of Clark’s.

I learned from that mistake, and now I’m taking Clark’s with me to Boston in June. I picked up a pair of Leisa Annuals in black (a simple, strappy sandal) and a pair of Sillian Storks (closed-toe woven style shoe). Both pairs are SO comfortablr. And what’s great about Clark’s is that they require very little–if any–break in time. You can wear them right out of the box if you want.

Wow, I’m sorry to hear that happened. It’s easy to forget out own advice sometimes…guilty as charged!

Ecco for boots and sandals!

Good choice Blair!

I LOVE the styles by Fly London! Particularly the Wedge and Oney. Fun but not too crazy. Young but not too young. 🙂 Thanks for the great list, Alex!

I appreciate this blog so much. Finding the right shoes for travel can be a trial and error nightmare. I’ll be using this guide for my future buying needs. Thank you!

Thanks Patty! You might like these as well: https://travelfashiongirl.com/comfortable-walking-sandals/

I’ve been looking for good sandals that are durable!! Lots of options I did t know existed. Thanks! ??

Glad you like them Megan!

I have a 2 pair of Fly London wedges and love them! I have bunions and wear orthotics so finding a cute pair of shoes is a real scavenger hunt!

Everyone seems to love Fly London 🙂

This post is so helpful-thanks!

Happy to help 🙂

I’ve been eyeballing both the Naot and Ecco sandals for months, but I find it so hard to justify buying more sandals when it’s usually so dreary here in England. I guess I need to grab some sandals AND a sunny holiday!

I like the Ecco sandals. I have a pair of Eccos in black that are wonderful, and have lasted a few years, which is the best part, aside from being comfortable. I’m glad to see they made the list.

Someone commented they’ve had their Eccos for 20 years! A good brand 🙂

Thanks for such a timely post. I too have a narrow foot and find it difficult to find comfortable shoes that fit that I want to live in.

You’ll also like this post for narrow feet: https://travelfashiongirl.com/comfort-shoes/

The Naot Sabrina sandals are so cute, love all the different colors!

Still very happy with them so I bought a second pair!

Testing out some Naots on an upcoming trip, but I’d love to try out those Oney’s.

I love Naot’s for traveling; the only problem is my dogs love the shoes too… My dogs my eaten at least one of each pair of Naots (ouch). Heading to England this fall for a wedding so will need to save up to buy a new pair, which will be placed high above a dog’s reach. Thanks for the info. Love Travel Fashion Girl

The Gentle Souls Women’s Luci Wedge Pump in Cognac would be a perfect take anywhere travel shoe – easy way to take an outfit from casual to dressy, daytime exploring to evening dinner date – my perfect Europe in September/October shoe ?

YES I am sooo in love with it!

My thoughts exactly, this would be a perfect shoe for my travels in .Italy.

I have been looking for travel sandals for months and have not found the right ones. My criteria are: 1-2 inch wedge, adjustable straps across foot and ankle, lightweight, leather, padded insole.

I must replace my all-time favorite Clarks because they have worn out. The new Clarks are too heavy in appearance. The top choice so far is Naot Kayla but the front straps do not adjust and there is no padding. If I find the perfect sandal before my trip to Europe in July, I will let you know!

My favorite travel boots are Dansko. Lee.

Hope you find the perfect ones! Here are a few more choices: https://travelfashiongirl.com/comfortable-walking-sandals/

Loving the looks of the Vionix. Similar to another sandal I’ve used for years when traveling, but with more support. The Ipanema that I love is closer to a fancy flip flop and packs well.

Great brands!

Hi. Love reading your blog! My current travel sandals are an ECCO gladiator style but I don’t know their name. I also have Vionic flip flops and my trusty Cole Haan ballet flats.

Hi Diane, sounds like you have three great she choices!

I also love camper right sandals. they’re so comfortable and also, in my opinion, very stylish

Great choice and very popular in Europe, too!

I love Fly London Sandaks. They are stylish & comfortable! Thsnks for the recommendations of the other brands!

Thanks Dawn!

OMG, I love those Teva sandals! I’ve had a terrible time finding something that’s fashionable.

Thanks Mary! Hope you like them 🙂

Well, this is a great post! I tend to get blisters very easily, so I need sandals with perfect fit and very good insoles, preferably leather and not synthetic. And this is very difficult to find… How about the Ecco? Seems great, but I am still having worries about the material they are made. Need to check on the dedicated post! Thanks for your advice!

Thanks Patricia, glad you like it 🙂

I usually use my Teva’s for travel and a pair of LL Bean sandals. I do like the looks for the Eccos.

The Eccos are very popular!

Love the Teva Universal Capri!!

It’s cute!

Love shoes in general, and always have trouble picking just a few pairs for travel!! Are the Vionic Flipflop better suited for narrow feet or ‘normal’, as i find these types of sandals tend to run narrow. Still they are my favs, with the ecco Flash. For our trip RTW back in 2010, keen sandals did not disappoint!

The Vionic FlipFlop is better suited for a regular width. They make some comfortable shoe options for sure!

Great suggestions! I really love my Dansko sandals. Super cute, comfy, and lots of great arch support.

thanks Christina!

My Ecco Flash sandals have been with me for a couple of years now. I do like the look of the Gentle Souls Luci Wedge Pump for more dressy occasions.

Thanks Anna!

This article is a great find and it is exactly what I needed to help me prepare for my up coming trip to England! So excited! Thanks for the share!!!xx

Thanks Janelle! You might also find this helpful, too: https://travelfashiongirl.com/moving-to-uk-from-us/ https://travelfashiongirl.com/what-to-pack-for-london-on-your-trip-to-the-united-kingdom/

Make sure to bring some closed toe shoes as the weather may not be very warm.

Having high arches Chacos work best for long walks but for cute going out I love the Sanuk Yoga but mine worn down quickly after one summer 🙁 The Ecco Damara sandal I purchased last summer and they worked for while but then they became to loose and my feet were wobbling in them 🙁 Still looking for the perfect sandal but there are a lot of good options here

Thanks Tamara!

I’ve been looking for sandals for a trip to Peru this summer. The Keens look super comfy!

Lots of great choices in this post. For tips on Peru, try this: https://travelfashiongirl.com/inca-trail-and-machu-picchu-tours-packing-list/

Really loved these ideas. I’m def a shoe woman and I like to have choices. I’ve seen some possible contenders for new spring shoes! Thank you!

Thanks Suzanne!

I love both the Naot and Born. I’d have a hard time choosing!!

Two of my faves!

Thank you so much! I have a couple styles on the list and love them, but there were several more that were new to me. Thanks for all you do!

Thanks Noel 🙂

I love that you featured the Teva Olowahu and the Teva ankle strap styles! For me, Teva is my ultimate travel sandal. They must be as I own four pairs! Two of the Olowahu Mush sandal, in black and brown. One of the braided ankle style pictured in black and a smooth brown leather ankle strap one that is currently my favorite. Tevas are usually light, have great arch support, are well cushioned under the heel and ball of your foot and hold up well. I have never been able to wear the super flat stylish sandals a lot of girls can because of my high arches and I fell in love with the brand quickly. Thanks for sharing such a great collection of options Alex!!

I bought the Teva Capri sandal a while back and I was OBSESSED. I literally wore them until they fell apart. I definitely need to buy a new pair when I’m home next.

I like Teva Verra. Very strong and comfortable yet light and feminine.

Thanks for the feedback Ruth!

I just unboxed and put on my Fly London Oney sandals I purchased after reading this article. Wearing them around the house to break them in. So far I love them! The ankle straps are adjustable in case like me you get swollen ankles & feet sometimes when flying. Small wedge gives a bit of height but not too much. Can dress up or down. I’ll report back after walking in them more.

Awesome, let us know how they work out on your travels 🙂

Alex, could you also feature sandals and travel shoes that are available in the UK please? I absolutely adore Fitflop shoes/sandals/boots! They’re super soft and come with good support, you should feature them one day!

Hi Ekay! We’ve got them featured in our post on the best beach sandals 😉 https://travelfashiongirl.com/beach-sandals/

Alex, you should absolutely try Fitflop sandals and shoes too. They’re the most comfortable shoes and sandals on earth. They have designs for narrow and also broad feet. Could you also do a review on other sandals avaialable in the U.K.? Thanks in advance.

Lots of good recommendations 🙂 We’ve featured them in out best beach sandals post here: https://travelfashiongirl.com/beach-sandals/

Don’t have access to too many shop near me but I’ll try to do a round up of UK brands in the near future 🙂

Great suggestions!

I wish I would have found this article sooner! I can’t tell you how long I have been searching for cute AND comfy shoes for travel. So glad I finally found you….

Thanks! You might also like this guide on how to choose the best travel shoes: https://travelfashiongirl.com/10-step-packing-guides/10-steps-to-packing-the-best-travel-shoes-for-any-trip/ Enjoy 🙂

What sandals are on the model in the travel looks section with the vest, blue shirt, skirt and crossbows bag?

Great list! I am always on the search for comfort shoes that travel well and look great. I would like to add Mephisto Helens to the list. While they are very expensive, they are infinitely more comfortable than Birks. I recently wore them on a trip to Greece and plan to take them to Croatia next week as well. They come in so many colors, too! Give them a try!

Glad you like it Laurel 🙂 Thanks for sharing your tips too! It’s always great to hear what our readers like!

Do you know how the Mephisto’s fit for wide feet?

I have read this article so many times. It is so nice to see acknowledgement for the need of decent shoes for the health and happiness of our tootsies but without having to abandon any attempt at style! This year my feet will be most happy and I won’t be trying to hide my walking sandals at every opportunity. Thank you so much. Loving reading all these articles! Much love from the UK

This is awesome to hear Ruth 🙂 Comfort and style are important and there is no point wearing something that causes you pain!

Living in Florida, sandals are an everyday must-have, not just for travel. I have tried so many, and am now a diehard fan of Orthoheel/Vionic! They saved me from plantar fasciitis too! Love your site!

Thanks for sharing this Terri 🙂 Vionics are super popular for so many female travelers!

I have sanuck pickpocket shoes that I love and wear around for errands but I recently wore them to summerfest in Milwaukee and got the worst blisters under both big toes by the crease! Wore Tom’s the next day and my blisters were still killing me! Any ideas on shoes that don’t give blisters? I tend to get them on big toes or ball of foot! Need something comfy for upcoming trips to nyc.

Hi Erin. I’m sorry to hear about your troubles with shoes. Comfort is the most important thing when looking for the right travel shoes! Take a look at this post, which has 40 shoes chosen by other travelers http://bit.ly/29htL8u . Also try some insoles for extra comfort 🙂

Brilliant article and exactly what I needed. After a cutting my feet to ribbons in a pair of Swedish Has Beens in NYC 2 summer ago, husband has tasked me with finding a suitable pair of sandals for our upcoming trip back there. I dont fancy pounding the pavements in sports sandals so this article is great. Most of these are available in the UK too.

Yay! So glad you like the article 🙂 Good luck with your hunt!

Hi there, Loving all your advice! Curious about your feedback on the sandals linked in the original question – the Taos (as I did not see those mentioned in your list of reviews). I just bought a pair for myself but I’m undecided if I’ll keep them. I normally need to wear orthotics to stave off plantar fasciitis so I’m concerned about what sandal going to work for 4 weeks. I’ve had success in the past with a brand called Aetrex but now when I tried them on, one foot felt great, the other felt like the arch hit in the wrong spot (interestingly, the friend I was shopping with experienced the exact same problem and thus also did not purchase them).

Thanks for any additional advice you have to offer.

Hi Leanne! We haven’t worn the Taos sandals so we weren’t able to provide additional feedback. However, we did include a list of sandals we do enjoy and wear regularly 🙂 I’ve heard that Naot and Vionic sandals are a great choice for women that suffer from plantar fasciitis. It might be a good idea to alternate between a comfort sandal and another shoe where you can insert your orthotics. Can you remove the soles from the Aetrex to insert your custom orthotics?

I think shoes are the toughest part about travel wardrobes. I’m excited to (hopefully) see a new post coming based on the survey you sent out! I’m going to be scouring your website for ideas for shoes, etc. for an upcoming trip to France! Your site makes it so much easier!

We have tons of shoe articles coming up. Here are two we’ve already published:

https://travelfashiongirl.com/shoes-for-spring-travels/ https://travelfashiongirl.com/travel-shoes-shopping-guide/

Ever since this post came out, the Naot Sabrina has been on my Amazon wish list!! someday…. 🙂

They are so worth it! A rare find 😉

Not sure if this topic is still current but it is for me. My faves are these elastic backed sandals from Spain. I have fussy feet and legs and these keep me comfortable and stylish. $139.00 Wonders C-1127 Ankle Strap Sandal – Pietra Print/Black Wonders C-1127 Ankle Strap Sandal – Red/Taupe Wonders C-1127 Ankle Strap Sandal – Toffee Print/Black

Spain has incredible footwear!

I absolutely love the Sanuk Yoga Sling 2 sandals. I have a pair in solid black and solid brown. I spent two weeks all over Italy this past summer and these are all I wore (with the exception of a pair of flats on what we thought would be a rainy day- the flats gave me blisters!). I have a pretty low arch and my feet tend to be always clammy, so it’s really hard for me to find a shoe that doesn’t rub in some weird way. The fact that the parts of this shoe touching your feet are fabric and yoga mat make it amazing! The only drawback is if they get wet, they foam up as you walk. I also have the Teva Olowahu from many years ago that are my most favorite broken in flip flop. I’ve bought new pairs since and they rub between the toes. I’m trying to wear them around the house to get that broken in feel as well. Great quality shoe, though!

Great feedback! Love that you wore them for two weeks straight! The footbed is very comfy indeed and I can’t wait to see future styles from Sanuk 🙂

The advertising photo for this article (the white sandal with a cupped heel next to the black and white luggage) is also very cute. Can you tell me the brand?

Sorry it’s a stock photo so I don’t know where it’s from 🙁

I actually like the Taos in the metallic, the embossed, and the pearlized white. I like these Borns: zappos.com/born-eryka-antique-gold-metallic

Borns, Thinks, and a few others have better arches and are wider through the forefoot. Naots, Riekers, and Eccos run more narrow. I don’t like thongs or toe rings, I find them uncomfortable, especially in a patent leather. I also like a strap behind, in order to keep the shoe on when doing a lot of walking in cities. I’m a travel shoe fanatic!

Hi Lori, it definitely sounds like you’re a travel shoe fanatic. Would you be interested in sharing some tips on TFG? If so, send me an email! [email protected]

Hope to hear from you!

Glad to see the Chacos mentioned. I had to wear my Chaco hikers to handle the cobblestones in Europe while castle cruising and the terrazzo floors in aiports. Still searching for a pair of light weight sandals that would have the structure of a hiker sole to ward off the dreaded plantar fasciitis.

Travelers love Chacos! Let us know if you find a good pair for plantar fasciitis 🙂

Love the Ecco Flash Hurache sandals, but Born Concept has always been a favorite brand. Nearly all of my sandals are that brand! It’s great to see so many more options that are comfortable and stylish for travel.

Born is pretty awesome!

I love my Sseko sandals for travelling – they take some getting used to, especially tying the straps so they’re tight enough to stay on, but not uncomfortable, but they offer a versatility that no other shoe offers!

I’ll definitely check them out, thanks!

If you have arches like I do none of those work. I live in my Chacos. They come in cute colors and are very comfortable. Sometimes you have to go with what works for your feet. No pain means everything to gain when it comes to comfy feet and travel.

yes 100% agreed! pain when you’re traveling = game over

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The Best Sandals for Travel: 15+ Styles Guaranteed to Keep Your Feet Happy

Summertime is the perfect time to travel. The sun is shining, the birds are singing, and the breeze is blowing. What could be better? One of the best things about summer travel is being able to wear sandals! Not only are they stylish and comfortable, but they’re also versatile and can be worn for a variety of occasions. Finding a good pair of walking sandals can be difficult, but do not fear. In this blog post, we will discuss 10 different styles of the best sandals for travel.

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Sandals or Jandals are honestly my favorite travel shoes, but finding good walking sandals or flip flops are difficult. There are so many different styles of sandals for travel available on the market today that it can be hard to know which ones are the best for travel. Finding comfortable summer sandals for travel can be a difficult task, but don’t worry, we’re here to help! In this blog post, we will discuss ten different styles of the best sandals for travel that are perfect for summer travel.

Things to consider when looking for the best sandals for travel

• How versatile are these travel sandals?
• Are these travel sandals comfortable for long walks?
• Do they provide good support?
• How easy are they to clean?
• Do the travel sandals provide arch support?
• Are they high-quality sandals?
• Types of Travel Sandals: Wedge, flip flop, sports sandals, adjustable ankle straps, contoured footbed, cork footbed, and more.

Travel Sandals Quick Overview

These are the shoe brands and all the best sandals for travel we will be discussing in this post.

The best walking travel sandals

• Saltwater Sandals
• Birkenstocks

Beach Sandals & Flip Flops for Travel

Adidas slides, the best walking sandals for travel.

The best walking sandals for travel are those that have a sturdy sole and are made from durable materials. These travel sandals should have arch support, adjustable straps, and be some comfortable sandals to wear for an extended period of time without having sore feet. You want to make sure these comfy sandals are able to withstand a long day. Walking sandals are quite different than walking shoes when it comes to design and comfort.

Saltwater Sandals – The best beach sandals for women

Saltwater sandals are some of the most versatile and durable sandals for travel on the market. They are cute sandals with leather straps. These comfortable walking sandals are made from high-quality leather and are designed to last for years. Saltwater sandals can be worn in the water, on the beach, or for everyday wear as stylish walking sandals. These were the best sandals for Italy travel and the best sandals for traveling Europe, they were lightweight for my trips all over Europe.

I love these because they are perfect for people with wide feet and they have an adjustable ankle strap and I am able to go swimming or take this in the water with me. These are the best women’s sandals that I’ve ever owned and I know they fit every time.

I don’t recommend these for people who need arch support or people with flat feet, I absolutely love these women’s sandals and they work really well for long-distance, but there is no arch support.

If you’re looking for comfy sandals that can be worn for a variety of occasions, the Taos Women’s Trulie Sandal is a great option. This sandal has a stylish design and is made from high-quality materials. It also features an adjustable heel strap for a perfect fit.

Birkenstock Sandals – The best travel sandals for women

Birkenstock sandals are a classic footwear style that has been around for centuries and one of the comfortable sandals for travel. Many people will tell you that these are the best travel sandals for women. They are made from natural materials and are perfect for hot weather climates. Birkenstocks have the most supportive cork footbeds, and they do wonders for plantar fasciitis feet. Some people may say they are not stylish sandals, however, these are built to fit your feet. They say it will take time to break in these sandal’s contoured footbed.

Birkenstocks come in a variety of styles, including sandals, clogs, and boots including ones with an adjustable ankle strap. These are probably the most popular sandals and are made with a high-quality cork footbed that contours to your foot shape. These are typically the best walking sandals for Europe because they are made in Europe. Many Germans and Europeans wear these sandals everyday.

Teva Sandals – Best walking sandals for travel

Teva sandals are some of the most popular and best sandals for travel on the market today. They are made from high-quality materials and are perfect for both indoor and outdoor use. Teva sandals come in a variety of styles, including clogs, sandals, and boots. They are supportive sandals that have arch support to help with foot pain and are some of the most comfortable walking sandals out there.

Not only are these comfortable walking sandals, but they are also durable enough to be used as hiking sandals and can be used as sports sandals. They usually come with velcro straps, making sure they are secure for any adventure. They haven’t been known to be cute sandals, however, they have been improving their designs to change that.

Chacos – Comparable travel sandals to Teva

Chaco sandals are the best walking sandals for the outdoor enthusiast. They are made from high-quality materials and feature a variety of straps that can be adjusted for a perfect fit. Chacos sandals come in a variety of styles, including clogs, sandals, and boots. They also come in so many different colors that makes it perfect for everyone.

One thing to note about these is that they usually run a little small, so it is best to order a size up.

Keens Sandals

Keens sandals are the best sandals for travel for active women. They are made from high-quality materials and feature a variety of straps that can be adjusted for a perfect fit. Keens sandals come in a variety of styles, including clogs, sandals, and boots. These are perfect hiking sandals and are comfortable walking sandals.

Vionics – Best Vacation Sandal for those who need arch support

Vionics sandals for travel are designed to provide you with the best possible support and comfort. They are one. of the best walking sandals for women. They are made of some of the best sandals and made from high-quality materials with an orthotic footbed that helps to align your feet and reduce pain. These sandals are perfect for people who suffer from plantar fasciitis, heel spurs, or other foot conditions.

While Vionics sandals brand has arch support, they are not the most stylish sandals on the market. They are some of the most comfortable sandals and make for great walking sandals. If you’re looking for a supportive and comfortable sandal, Vionics is a great option.

Are Crocs really the best sandals for travel? Crocs are some of the most popular comfort sandals on the market today. They are made from durable materials and are perfect for both indoor and outdoor use. Crocs come in a variety of styles, including sandals, clogs, and boots. Unfortunately, these are not necessarily cute walking sandals and many will say they are ugly shoes. However, it all depends on you.

Naot Kayla Wedge Sandals

The Naot Kayla Wedge Sandal is a stylish and comfortable sandal that is perfect for both indoor and outdoor use. This sandal is made from high-quality materials and features an orthotic footbed that helps to align your feet and reduce pain – perfect for those with plantar fasciitis. Naot sandals also comes in a variety of colors, making it a great choice for any outfit. These are some stylish walking sandals for travel.

Kork-Ease Sandals

Kork-Ease sandals are the most comfortable sandals for the woman on the go. They are made from high-quality materials and feature a variety of straps that can be adjusted for a perfect fit. Kork-Ease sandals come in a variety of styles, including clogs, sandals, and boots. They are made with a cork footbed and some with upper leather straps.

These are perfect hiking sandals and are comfortable walking sandals. They are actually quite cute for dates or a night out on the town as well.

Born Sandals

Born are a popular sandals for travel because they are cute sandals that can go with any outfit. They are made from high-quality materials and the orthotic footbed that helps to align your feet and reduce pain which makes them of the most comfortable sandals. Born sandals come in a variety of colors, making them a great choice for any outfit.

Sanuks are a popular and stylish brand of sandal for travel. They are made from high-quality materials and feature an orthotic footbed that helps to align your feet and reduce pain. Sanuks come in a variety of colors, making them a great choice for any outfit.

Merrell Sandals – The best hiking sandals for women

Merrell sandals are a popular and stylish brand of sandal that is perfect for summer travel. They are made from high-quality materials and feature an orthotic footbed that helps to align your feet and reduce pain. Merrell sandals come in a variety of colors, making them a great choice for any outfit. Some even come with a memory foam footbed. If you want a hiking sandal that is one of the best sandals for walking long distances, Merrell is the one you should try.

Best Beach Sandals & Flip Flops for Travel

When looking for the best beach sandals, it’s important to find a pair that is both durable and comfortable. Flip flops are a necessity for travel shoes during the summer. They are typically the best option because they have a durable rubber outsole that is durable and can handle wet environments. Additionally, they are typically lightweight and easy to slip on and off, making them perfect for quick trips to the beach or go on a cruise.

Havaianas are some of the most popular and stylish sandals for travel on the market today. These are one of the best sandals for travel to take on the beach. They are made from high-quality rubber and are waterproof sandals that are perfect for the beach or pool. Havaianas are typically a toe thong sandal and the perfect vacation sandals and come in a variety of colors and styles, including thong sandals, flip flops, and slides.

Slides are a popular style of travel sandal that is perfect for summer. They are made from high-quality materials and are designed to be comfortable and stylish. These are great for people that have wide feet. Slides come in a variety of styles, including sandals, clogs, and boots. Some include a memory foam insole. Unfortunately, these do not come with ankle straps, but they are perfect for easy access.

Ipanema sandals are a popular and stylish brand of sandals that is perfect for summer travel. These sands help prevent sore feet and are the perfect travel sandals for women. Ipanema sandals come in a variety of colors, making them a great choice for any outfit.

Skechers Women’s On-The-go 600-Sunny Flip-Flop

The Skechers Women’s On-The-go 600-Sunny Flip-Flop is a highly regarded sandal choice from the Skechers brand. These flip-flops are designed to prioritize comfort, with a cushioned footbed that ensures a soft and supportive feel throughout the day. The lightweight construction makes them perfect for casual walking and everyday wear, while the versatile style allows them to effortlessly complement various casual outfits.

The responsive outsole provides reliable traction and grip on different surfaces, while the adjustable straps offer a customizable fit to accommodate individual foot shapes and preferences. Overall, the On-The-go 600-Sunny Flip-Flop combines comfort, style, and functionality, making them a popular choice for those seeking a comfortable and versatile sandal option.

Reef Flip Flops

Men’s sandals.

Women’s Sandals

Reef is a well-established brand known for its high-quality and stylish footwear, particularly its sandals. They are some of the best sandals for travel with a focus on comfort and durability, Reef has gained a loyal following. Their sandals often feature innovative technologies such as Cushion Bounce, offering superior cushioning and support.

Reef sandals come in a variety of designs, ranging from classic flip-flops to more fashion-forward styles, catering to different preferences and occasions. The brand also emphasizes environmental sustainability by using eco-friendly materials and implementing responsible manufacturing practices. Whether you’re looking for a reliable beach companion or a comfortable everyday sandal, Reef offers a diverse range of options that combine style, comfort, and eco-consciousness.

Which ones are the best sandals for travel? That depends on you!

The best sandals for travel are ones that are versatile and can be worn for a variety of occasions. The sandals listed above are all perfect for travel and will keep your feet happy on your next trip. So, which one will you choose?

Did you like this post on the best sandals for travel? Feel free to support this blog by donating a small cup of coffee.

Best Sandals for Travel FAQs

What are the best sandals for walking.

When it comes to the best sandals for walking, several factors should be considered, such as comfort, support, durability, and traction. This ultimately depends on you. There are several great brands like Birkenstock, Chaco, Teva, Keen, and Merrell.

what are the most comfortable sandals?

Comfort is subjective, and what may be comfortable for one person may not be the same for another. However, there are some sandal brands and models that are often praised for their comfort.

What is the best brand of sandals?

When it comes to the best sandals for travel, the best brands for sandals are Vionics, Birkenstock, Chaco, Teva, Keen, and Merrell.

What are the best walking sandals for women?

The best sandals for travel when it comes to walking ultimately depends on you. These are some of the tried and trusted brands and types you should be looking at. For arch support, I highly recommend Vionic as they will be comfortable and should last a long time.

• Vionic: Vionic sandals are designed with orthotic support to provide comfort and promote proper alignment. The Tide model, in particular, offers cushioning and arch support for all-day comfort. These are some of the best sandals for travel.
• Skechers On-The-Go 600: Skechers offers a range of comfortable sandals, and the On-The-Go 600 series is popular for its cushioned footbed and lightweight design.
• Merrell: Merrell sandals are known for their comfortable fit, supportive features, and reliable traction, making them a popular choice for outdoor activities and walking.

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Hey, I'm NieNie, also known as Stephanie – a California native of hapa heritage (an American with a mix of Korean and German) with an enduring love for travel. Transitioning from my expat life in South Korea to embracing the experience of living in Germany, while also frequenting visits to my family in the Philippines, I'm documenting my adventure as a plus-size woman immersing herself in diverse cultures. Join me on Adventures with NieNie for travel tips, cultural insights, and inspiring stories from South Korea, the Philippines, and Germany. Let's embark on this adventure together!

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31 Best Walking Shoes for Travel: The Sneakers, Boots, and Slip-Ons Our Editors Always Pack

By Madison Flager

All products featured on Condé Nast Traveler are independently selected by our editors. However, when you buy something through our retail links, we may earn an affiliate commission.

Finding the best walking shoes for travel can be tough. You want something comfortable enough to get you through a full day of wandering around, but not so comfortable that it screams “I'm a tourist!” And since nobody wants to tote around a bag (checked or otherwise) filled with shoes, the ones that do make the packing list cut need to be versatile enough to wear with multiple outfits.

Knowing that a bad pair of shoes can ruin an otherwise lovely travel day, we asked Condé Nast Traveler writers and editors (as well as shopping writers from other Condé Nast titles) to share their tried-and-true kicks, so you don't have to take a gamble on whether they'll actually be comfortable or not. Whether you're looking for sneakers , boots , flats , or sandals , we have recommendations for you. Below, more than 30 of our favorite high-quality, easy-to-pack walking shoes for travel—all cushy, supportive, and versatile—that will take you just about anywhere. Scroll through to see all of our favorite walking shoes, or jump straight to the category you're looking for below.

Athletic shoes

Slip-ons and loafers.

This article has been updated with new information since its original publish date. Additional reporting by Elaheh Nozari.

Susie Plotkin, who works on Condé Nast's global email team, calls these platform boots “the perfect shoe.” She's had them for about three years, and has taken them everywhere. “My boyfriend lives in Switzerland, and they’re the shoe I wear to sightsee around Zurich. I've spent 12 hours walking around Venice in them, and regularly stomp all around Brooklyn in them. They’re a little heavy but super comfortable and can slide on and off so easily.”

A cold-weather favorite of senior commerce editor Madison Flager , these Blundstone boots required no break-in time, and are a great all-purpose boot for fall or winter trips. The pull tabs make them easy to get back on, the shock absorption keeps your feet feeling good even after a few hours on the move, and the double stitching, durable leather, and tough outsole mean you won't be replacing them a few trips later.

Former Traveler editor Meredith Carey wears these waterproof Blondo boots almost all winter long, and brings them along on any fall and winter trips. “They look and feel like leather but I can wear them in snow and rain—I don't have to worry about my shoes surviving when I'm tromping around day-to-day in New York or a new city,” she says. They come in a host of color options, from black to brown leather to snakeskin.

Senior editor Megan Spurrell is a fan of Vagabond's lug sole boots, and recommends a style with a wider toe for maximum comfort on long days of walking. Best for city trips, these Chelsea boots are on the bulkier side, so wear them through security to cut down on suitcase weight.

Spurrell has waxed poetic about Frye's Melissa Chelsea boots before: They're her go-to for any city trip. They look good with jeans, leggings , or dresses, pack down well, and over time, have become as comfortable as sneakers. Plus, they last for years and are sturdy enough to navigate cobblestone streets. What more could you want?

New Balance sneakers have made a major comeback. This style of the cool dad shoes are frequently worn by associate commerce editor Meaghan Kenny , who says this: “These sneakers are just as comfortable as they are cool. I’ve had them for about two years now and they’ve come with me on a weekend trip spent walking around Boston , to the airport for a few flights, and on my very long commutes to the office. They’re a perfect balance of sporty and stylish—they don’t hurt my feet after hours of walking and the neutral shade always matches a variety of outfits in my carry-on. Besides my classic white sneakers , these are my most worn shoe. Bonus: I’m not very cautious about getting my sneakers dirty, but these have somehow stayed clean and in excellent condition—so don’t worry too much about its light hue.”

Hop on the New York City subway and you're bound to see a pair of Vejas or two on your fellow passengers' feet. Global digital director Arati Menon was first drawn to Veja because of the sleek, minimalist design and the company’s commitment to responsible sourcing. She landed on the Campo because of its chunkier sole—both an aesthetic preference and a practical one, as it offers more support. “The biggest criticism with Vejas are that they’re stiff when you first buy them, and this is somewhat true—but I’m generally cautious not to overuse new shoes for the first few times, breaking into them little by little,” she says, noting that the Campo is more comfortable out of the box than other Veja styles. “I’ve taken my Campos on rugged national park adventures and European city breaks, and use them as workwear staples. I just retired mine after years of use, but I’m sure I’ll buy another at some point.” To clean, Menon recommends a combination of mild dishwashing liquid on a damp cloth and a Mr. Clean Magic Eraser .

The Adonis is a newer style for Naot—a podiatrist-approved footwear brand —that dropped earlier this year. The sock-style slip-on is made with a removable cork and latex footbed that promises all-day comfort. Flager is a fan of the easy-to-match white and light pink style, and recommends them for city trips. (Pro tip: Bombas's cushioned no-show socks are just the right size to wear underneath.)

There's a reason why the Adidas Stan Smith has evolved from a tennis shoe to a streetwear classic (and can be found on multiple Traveler editors' shoe racks): They're too comfortable to ever want to take off. If you're going on a short trip and only have room for one pair of shoes, wear these—they can handle anything from a day of sightseeing to an impromptu hike, are easy to slide on and off at airport security, and will make you look chic, without sacrificing an ounce of comfort.

Allbirds are a great pick for most every vacation thanks to their versatility and true all-day comfort. These Tree Runners come highly recommended by contributor Lauren Dana Ellman and are available in a half dozen colorways and just as many limited-edition hues. Like all of the brand's shoes, they are machine washable, which means lighter colors are easy to keep looking new.

Read a full review here .

Recommended by Glamour and Teen Vogue commerce director Brie Schwartz , this playful spin on the classic Converse low-top will add a bit of fun to your travel day. The sneakers are relatively lightweight thanks to the canvas upper, and the vulcanized rubber sole helps with traction.

Look down in an exercise class or marathon and you're bound to see, at minimum, a few pairs of Hokas around you. Glamour 's senior commerce editor, Jenifer Calle , is partial to the brand's Kawana style: “I wore these sneakers when I was in San Antonio last year and they were a lifesaver for my feet,” Calle says. “I did a lot of walking during this trip and was not prepared for the Texas heat. (At one point my partner and I had to step into an H&M to cool off.) Luckily, my sneaks were very bouncy and breathable, so my feet never felt tired or sweaty.”

For those who live in Lululemon athleticwear, the brand's running shoes are a natural extension to your travel wardrobe. Traveler contributor and runner Rachel Chang tested these out when they launched in 2022, and was immediately impressed by the fit (designed specifically for a woman's foot), breathability, and smart features, like a reflective backing.

Editorial assistant Charlie Hobbs wears these shoes everywhere: “To the gym, to the park, to the rave—I sometimes have to remind myself that I own other shoes. You don't have to tie them, just pull a cord [to secure them]. They are so comfortable and easy.”

Former Traveler editor Scott Bay is a fan of this Arc'teryx hiker : “To me, it's technical enough to tackle any moderate hike, while being super comfortable all day, and I have been known to wear them to nice restaurants or shows.” Other perks: They last forever and you can throw them in the wash when they're in need of a polish.

Recommended by Calle, these On sneakers boast the brand's biggest layer of CloudTec ever for top-tier cushioning and energy return, as well as reduced muscle fatigue. “I’m not a runner by any means but I like to do a steady three-mile jog around Liberty State Park when the mood strikes,” Calle says. “I’ve been using old Nike sneakers for the last few years, but gave On shoes a try last year, and let me tell you, I didn’t know my feet could feel so much relief while running. I love that the rocker bottoms feel like they give me an extra push during my jog. I’m never going back to regular minimalist sneakers.”

Allbirds' sneakers are known for being comfortable, but the Tree Dashers—the brand's first pair made specifically for runners—ups the ante. The thick sole will cushion your feet on the longest of days spent exploring, and if you are someone who jogs on vacation, you can pack one less pair of shoes to do so.

Known as the most popular hiking shoe in the world—more than 25 million pairs have been sold since it debuted 15 years ago—Flager was excited to put the new third generation model of the Merrell Moab to the test. “I brought them along on a recent trip to Iceland, which involved some moderate hikes and city walks on wet roads; the shoe held up nicely on both occasions. The shoes have great traction, fit comfortably, and didn't take up tons of room in my carry-on—I can see why they're so beloved.” Jake Smith , a commerce writer for Glamour , is a big fan of the shoe, too: “I've worn them for three years, and while they're nice for hiking, I really love them as walking shoes,” he says.

Emma McDonald, who works on the digital marketing team for Condé Nast, recommends these recovery shoes from Kane. “I have had them for about six months and use them at my standing desk all day long, and while running errands.” The cushiony shoe is made out of Brazilian sugarcane, with raised footbed nodes that are designed to activate blood flow in key pressure points on the sole of your foot.

Malia Griggs , Glamour 's commerce editor, is a big fan of these SeaeVees clogs. “I thought they’d just be rain boots , but I end up wearing them all the time because they’re so easy to slip on, are comfy, and perfect for any sort of drizzly days when I’m out and about in the city,” she says. “This summer, I spent a week in the North Carolina mountains and brought them with me since they’re good plane shoes (easy on and off at security!) and also durable and waterproof enough for walks on little trails. I appreciate that they have enough of a backing to not slide all the way off when I’m walking.”

Another favorite of Schwartz, these leather lug loafers are fairly light at just half a pound each, with a comfortably low heel height of 1.1 inches. Basic black goes with everything, but for a pop of color, order them in red or emerald green.

These colorful Sabah slip-ons come highly recommended by articles director Lale Arikoglu , who calls them “a permanent fixture on my packing list.” They come in dozens of colors, in either a butter soft leather or suede, and are hand stitched by one of the 10 shoemakers who comprise the Sabah Workshop in Gaziantep. “The more I wear them, the better they fit, molding to my feet like a glove—almost as if they were designed just for me,” she says.

This black and white Cole Hahn shoe toes the line between loafer and sneaker perfectly—it's nice enough to wear into the office after hopping off a plane, but casual (and comfortable) enough to wear during a day of sightseeing. If you own enough basic black, you can get the pair with an off-white, gold, or silver leather top, too. Either way, the shoe is made for long days: There's traction on the bottom to keep you from slipping on smooth museum floors, footbeds meant to mold to your feet, and cushioned padding on the heel to prevent rubbing.

Kenny has slipped on these loafers to head to work, go out to dinner—in general, any situation where she wants to look polished but doesn't necessarily want to put on a heel. Made with a soft, merino wool upper, they come in onyx black, teak herringbone, or ivory, shown above, and have a chunky 1.5-inch sole. Best of all, they are fully machine washable.

Wearing sandals for an extended period of time can be tricky, but former Traveler editor Sarah Ratner swears by good ol' fashioned Birks, with their suede-covered cork-latex footbed that practically molds to your feet over time. The Arizona slides come in every color under the sun and can be purchased in regular or narrow sizes to better fit your feet. Plus, they're easy to match with almost any outfit.

Tevas are the kind of shoe that once you own a pair, you're a fan for life. They'll come in handy on so many occasions—light hikes through Arizona (find more intense hiking shoes here ), sightseeing through dusty roads in Israel, swimming in rocky reservoirs in Austin . The trail sandals, which Flager recommends, have a bit more arch support than the classic style, meaning they'll be even more comfortable both in cities and on trails.

A second Birkenstock option with a ringing endorsement: The Arizona Big Buckle style. “I am very loyal to my Birkenstocks,” says Arikoglu. “I walked 10 miles in one day in Barcelona in them and they never rubbed.”

Another favorite of Kenny's, these Rothy's slides are a welcome update to some of the brand's previous iterations of sandals, which, while cute, offered little when it came to support. “When I put these new slides on from Rothy’s, I immediately knew they will be my go-to summer sandal for beach excursions and vacation days that require a decent amount of walking while also looking put together,” Kenny says. “A durable yet comfortable sandal is always tricky to find, but these have a pretty thick sole and give a lot more support than the flat pair of flip flops I’m always tempted to pack. I went for the neutral beige color that I know will match any midi dress or linen pants I pack this summer.”

Another one of Spurrell's go-to's , these Tevas are slightly less grippy than the Trail sandals, but are still plenty comfortable for all-day wear. Spurrell has worn them on bike rides, long walks, beach days, and out to dinner in New York—proof of their range, and value on your packing list.

It can be nice to have a good pair of flats tucked away in your suitcase for a fancy dinner or evening stroll after a long day in sneakers, especially given how easy they are to pack. We like Birdies' The Starling flats, meant to be a modern take on the classic smoking slipper. They're built to last, and to keep your feet comfortable: Inside, there's seven-layer cushioned footbed with elevated arch support, plus a little extra cushion in the heel to prevent it from rubbing. Order them in suede, faux fur, or velvet fabrics.

While Rothy's makes a classic ballet flat , too, we love the more sophisticated look of the Point Flat. Available in more than a dozen colors from lollipop red to boysenberry and dark emerald, there's a hue for every kind of traveler and outfit. All of Rothy's shoes are made out of recycled plastic, and cut using the same technology as Suav, meaning there's less waste throughout production. The shoes were recently redesigned to be even more comfortable thanks to a cushier insole and more spacious toebox.

29 Trendy Nordstrom Shoes That Are Perfect For Travel

I'm a big shoe person and honestly don't have too many criteria when shopping for them. I just go with what I like, but travel shoes are a whole different story. With every single pair of shoes I add to my shopping cart, I ask myself if they'd be good for travel. It's not always a dealbreaker if they're not, but I am more inclined to order a pair of shoes if I can see myself packing them for a future trip (or wearing them to the airport).

My ideal travel shoe isn't bulky or too heavy, it isn't made of a material that could easily be damaged (sorry, satin and light-colored suede), and it's a bit trendy. (I live in the South and work from home, so I like to pack my most trend-forward outfits when I travel.) With spring and summer travel season coming up, I took it upon myself to scroll through Nordstrom's vast shoe inventory with these bullet points in mind. Scroll on to shop the travel-friendly fruits of my labor.

Will we ever grow tired of Mary Janes? Not on my watch.

A trendy pair of sneakers is a must-pack for me.

These would be perfect for nights out, year-round.

These aren't a want—they're a need.

I might even look forward to my next flight if I get to wear these.

It's the little bow for me.

Another lovely pair of Mary Janes for your consideration.

How these haven't sold out yet is beyond me.

Rumor has it that these are super comfortable.

To wear with all of your cute tennis-y travel looks.

Kitten heels are pretty much the only heels I travel with.

I suddenly feel the need to book a vacation.

This color is so versatile.

These might be the most elegant silver shoes I've ever seen.

The raffia makes these even more perfect.

A great option for a chic beach trip.

You can thank me later when you find yourself wearing these constantly.

So elegant.

Not your average slingbacks.

Great for a day of walking around the city.

They come in black too, and I might need both.

Mansur Gavriel ballet flats are supreme.

This heel height is perfect.

Just add denim shorts.

These are incredibly lightweight and comfortable.

These will go with every summer outfit.

Vacation is a great opportunity to pack a pair of red shoes.

Lash but not least...

Allyson is a senior editor for Who What Wear. She joined the company in 2014 as co-founder Katherine Power's executive assistant and over the years has written hundreds of stories for Who What Wear. Prior to her career in fashion, Allyson worked in the entertainment industry at companies such as Sony Pictures Television. Allyson is now based in Raleigh, North Carolina, and is originally from Baton Rouge, Louisiana. She holds a BFA in theater. Her path to fashion may not have been linear, but based on the number of fashion magazines she collected as a child and young adult, it was meant to be.

They really are that chic.

By Maxine Eggenberger

Not all styles are created equal.

By Florrie Alexander

From Jasmine Tookes to Mary-Kate Olsen.

By Eliza Huber

The perfect footwear capsule.

Timeless and trendy all in one.

By Avalon Afriyie

Summer can't get here soon enough.

By Sierra Mayhew

They're onto something.

By Natalie Munro

Fashion hearts are racing.

I'm going to join her.

Colourful kicks ahead.

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The 8 Best Nike Shoes for Travel, No Matter Your Destination

Buying guide.

Whether exploring a new city, walking the beach or embarking on a hike, you’ll want these must-have Nike shoes for any type of travel.

When packing for a trip, shoes can take up a lot of real estate in luggage . Practicality, versatility and comfort are important factors to consider in any packing strategy — without sacrificing your personal style. Check out this guide to find the best Nike shoes for travel, regardless of your destination.

For Visiting a New City

Nike air max 90.

Exploring a new city can mean racking up miles on foot. The Nike Air Max 90 doubles in durability and comfort, while easily pairing with a variety of outfits.

The shoe’s waffle outsole and exposed Air cushioning provide extra comfort, while real and synthetic leather overlays add a sleek look. A padded, low-cut collar can prevent blisters on the heels, so you check out the sights without any discomfort.

Shop Nike Air Max 90 Here

Women's Shoes

Nike Air Max 90 Futura

Nike Air Max 90 LV8

Men's Shoes

Nike Air Max 90 GORE-TEX

Nike Air Max 90 G

Baby/Toddler Shoes

Nike Air Max 90 LTR

Little kids’ shoes.

Nike Air Zoom Pegasus

For many, exercise is a key part of vacation. The Nike Air Zoom Pegasus can do double duty as you walk around the city in the morning, then squeeze in a run in the afternoon. This Nike staple is offered in a variety of solid colors, making it an easy match to everyday clothing.

In addition to classic style, this lightweight shoe is equipped with supportive underfoot cushioning and double Zoom Air units to keep you moving through the city.

(Related: How to Pick the Right Walking Shoes for Miles of Comfort )

Shop Nike Pegasus Here

Nike Pegasus 40

Men's road running shoes.

Women's Road Running Shoes

Nike Pegasus Trail 4 GORE-TEX

Men's waterproof trail running shoes.

Women's Waterproof Trail Running Shoes

Nike Pegasus Trail 4

Men's trail running shoes.

Women's Trail Running Shoes

Nike P-6000

Nike Air Pegasus '89 G NRG

Air Pegasus '89 G

For hiking and camping adventures, nike pegasus trail.

With limited room in a suitcase, packing a pair of hiking boots isn’t always feasible. If your ideal vacation includes trekking on trails, the Nike Pegasus Trail collection is the way to go. These trail shoes are lightweight, and with less rubber in the outsole, they aren’t bulky shoes to pack.

Some Pegasus Trail options include a waterproof GORE-TEX layer to keep your feet dry, meaning streams, creeks or rain won’t stand in the way of reaching picturesque destinations.

Shop Nike Pegasus Trail Here

Women's Running Shoes

Nike Wildhorse 8

Nike Pegasus Trail 3

Nike Zegama

Nike Juniper Trail 2

Nike Juniper Trail 2 GORE-TEX

Nike ACG Mountain Fly Low SE

If you’re the adventurer who pushes the limits, the Nike ACG ACG Mountain Fly Low SE is the best shoe for even the most rugged excursions. A low-profile silhouette means less space taken up in your bag.

The lightweight upper and plush Nike React foam cushioning keep this shoe feeling comfortable for miles of exploration. Its sticky rubber outsole gives crag-inspired traction to tackle any rocky terrain ahead.

(Related: The Best Nike Shoes to Wear Hiking )

Shop Nike ACG Shoes Here

Nike ACG Torre Mid Waterproof

Nike ACG Air Zoom Gaiadome GORE-TEX

Nike ACG Moc Premium

Nike ACG Mountain Fly 2 Low GORE-TEX

ACG Air Deschutz+

Nike ACG Moc 3.5

Nike ACG Watercat+

Nike ACG Mountain Fly 2 Low

Nike ACG Lowcate SE

Nike ACG Air Exploraid

For the beach, nike victori one.

If your trip includes time spent on the beach, pack a pair of slides. The Nike Victori One offers lightweight comfort, complete with soft and responsive foam. These slides’ contoured grip pattern cradles your foot, while a padded strap provides additional support.

Shop Nike Slides Here

Nike Sunray Protect 2

Baby/toddler sandals.

Baby/Toddler Slides

Nike Sunray Adjust 6

Little kids' slides.

Little Kids' Sandals

Big Kids' Slides

Nike Offcourt Adjust

Women's slides.

Little/Big Kids' Slides

Nike Offcourt

Men's slides, nike on deck.

If you prefer something even more minimal, the Nike On Deck flip-flop is an easy-to-wear, easy-to-transport option with a no-frills design. The toe post is rounded to limit chafing, and a foam insole adds lightweight cushioning.

Waffle-inspired tread will provide traction along the beach. Plus, they’re easy to kick off for any spontaneous dips in the surf.

(Related: What Are Nike’s Most Comfortable Slippers and Slides? )

Nike Blazer Low ‘77

Functionality and comfort are top priorities when choosing shoes for travel. The basketball-inspired Nike Blazer Low ‘77 offers versatility that taps vintage elements. Crisp leather uppers and a retro Swoosh design create a classic look. And while the Blazer comes in high-, mid- and low-tops — opt for low to save space in your luggage.

Shop Nike Blazer Low Here

Nike Blazer Low Platform

Nike Blazer Low '77 Vintage

Nike Blazer Low '77

Little Kids' Shoes

Big Kids' Shoes

Nike SB Zoom Blazer Low Pro GT

Skate shoes.

Nike Blazer Low '77 Jumbo

Nike Blazer Low Pro Club

Nike Air Force 1 ‘07

The chunky sole of the Nike Air Force 1 ’07 will keep feet comfortable all day. Simple colors mean your AF1s can be worn with anything from jeans to dresses to joggers, making them a staple for your next trip.

(Related: How to Clean Air Force 1s )

Shop NikeAir Force 1s Here

Nike Air Force 1 '07

Nike Force 1 Low EasyOn

Nike Air Force 1 LE

Nike Air Force 1

Nike Air Force 1 LV8 3

Nike Force 1 Low LV8 2 EasyOn

Words by Emilia Benton

Originally published: January 5, 2022

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The 13 Best Walking Shoes for Travel in 2024

E very trip involves some amount of walking, whether across a large airport, down winding cobblestone streets on a tour or along a rocky nature trail. You always want to be prepared with the right shoes to tackle any short stroll or long walk so painful feet don't ruin your vacation plans.

The best walking shoe will be different for every traveler, depending on your shoe preferences and needs. Those with flat feet may need more arch support, for example, while other travelers may be in search of a stylish shoe that's still comfortable. For tips from podiatrists on how to select the best shoe for you, consult the FAQ section at the bottom of this page.

Whatever type of walking shoe you seek, here are some of the top recommendations from experts and consumer reviews to make your travels comfortable.

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(Note: Prices and availability were accurate at the time of publication; they may fluctuate due to demand or other factors.)

Best Sneakers Overall: ASICS Gel-Contend

What makes them stand out: These shoes are ideal for travelers and runners alike, offering all the cushioning and support you need while on the go. The jacquard mesh top of the shoe makes the ASICS Gel-Contend particularly breathable and flexible. The shoes are designed to support your feet and absorb impact as you run or walk, with the brand's rearfoot GEL technology, AmpliFoam midsole and OrthoLite sockliner for cushioning.

These walking shoes come in options for men, women and children of various ages, as well as more than a dozen colors, and the price is hard to beat for such a quality shoe. Other popular ASICS running shoes include the Gel-Excite and Gel-Venture .

What our editors say:

Text Callout : Travel - Best Walking Shoes - ASICS Gel-Contend (Suzanne Mason)

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Price: $70 or less

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Best Slip-on Sneakers: Vans Slip-On Shoe

What makes them stand out: The iconic Vans Slip-Ons are easy to dress up or down for any occasion, making them a versatile option to toss in your carry-on . The uppers come in many different materials and designs, from classic black perforated leather to a floral textile design to a leopard canvas print. These slip-on shoes have supportive padded collars, rubber waffle outsoles and elastic side accents. You'll find a large range of sizes for both women and men.

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Best Sandals: ECCO Yucatan Sandal

What makes them stand out: If you're headed somewhere warmer and want to give your feet space to breathe, opt for a sandal style. The ECCO Yucatan Sandal, with versions for women and men, uses various materials to make a supportive walking shoe. Cushioning is provided by the lightweight sole and EVA footbed; there's also a leather upper, neoprene lining and rubber outsole to give you a good grip. Color options range from a bright chili red or light blue to more neutral shades like gray or black.

What our contributors say:

Text Callout : Travel - Best Walking Shoes - ECCO Yucatan Sandal (Gwen Pratesi)

Price: $140 or less

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Best Loafers: Cole Haan Loafers

What makes them stand out: If you prefer a fashionable loafer to a sneaker, especially for any business travel, Cole Haan's various loafer options are a great choice. The Women's ØriginalGrand Platform Venetian Loafers have an elevated platform wedge outsole with FlowerFoam (at least 25% dandelion rubber) and come in colors such as gold or black. For men, consider the classic Men's 4.ZERØGRAND Loafer, made with a TPU outsole and deep rubber flex grooves. The layers of foam in Cole Haan loafers can provide your feet with all-day comfort, and the uppers are made from stylish leather.

Text Callout : Travel - Best Walking Shoes - Cole Haan Loafers (Rachael Hood)

Price: $220 or less

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Best Sustainable: Allbirds Wool Runners

What makes them stand out: Allbirds Wool Runners, designed for both men and women, get their name from the soft merino wool that the upper and heel lining are made from. The thermoregulating material is sustainably sourced using regenerative agriculture and carbon-reducing practices; it also makes for a cozy, itch-free fit around your foot. These lace-up sneakers are especially useful for cool weather vacations, but the similar Allbirds Tree Runners are a great lighter option for warm climates.

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Price: $98 or less

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Best for Hiking: Merrell Moab 3

What makes them stand out: These shoes have received plenty of accolades for being durable hiking shoes, especially because they're designed to handle rugged terrain. The Merrell Moab 3 has laces, webbing and a mesh lining all made from recycled materials. The rubber heel and toe cap are designed to protect your feet, while the outsole gives you traction and the Merrell Air Cushion technology absorbs impact. Extra ankle support provides stability when you're navigating uneven terrain. What's more, the contouring footbed offers maximum comfort and the leather on these shoes is gold-rated (which means it's been responsibly sourced; the designation is the highest rating from the Leather Working Group).

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Price: $120 or less

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Best Water Shoes: Chacos Z/ Sandals

What makes them stand out: You can't really go wrong with any pair of Chacos sandals, as they're all fairly similar and built to last. These versatile, durable sandals are perfect for adventure travel and water activities, as the rubber outsoles give you traction in various types of terrain and the contoured arch support cradles your feet.

Chacos have adjustable straps that wrap around your feet, but you can choose from different strap widths based on your preference. Some Chacos, such as the ZX/2 and Z/2 styles, have a toe loop for a bit more support, while the ZX/1 and Z/1 sandals do not have one. Another consideration is how much cushioning you want: Unlike the Classic options, the Cloud styles are equipped with cushioning.

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Price: $105 or less

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Best for Support: HOKA Bondi 8

What makes them stand out: Treat your foot to the ultimate cushioning with a pair of HOKA Bondi 8 sneakers. This mesh style has a higher bed of plush cushioning than other HOKA shoes, with an extended heel design for balance and a lightweight OrthoLite foam sockliner. Multiple parts of this shoe are made from recycled materials, and the American Podiatric Medical Association grants its Seal of Acceptance. You have your pick of myriad colors and sizes in both men's and women's.

Text Callout : Travel - Best Walking Shoes - HOKA Bondi 8 (Sharael Kolberg)

Price: $165 or less

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Best Color Variety: Brooks Ghost 15

What makes them stand out: These beloved running shoes are named for the director of product management at Brooks, who was known for going on nighttime runs, but they're also a great option for walking and sightseeing. The air mesh upper is made from recycled materials, while the midsole has a soft, lightweight cushioning. Sizes range from 5 to 13 for women and 7 to 15 for men. You can also choose from four width sizes between narrow and extra wide – not to mention dozens of color combinations.

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Best for Extended Sizes: New Balance Fresh Foam X 1080

What makes them stand out: New Balance is a brand often recommended by podiatrists for its high-quality shoes for walking and running. The New Balance Fresh Foam X 1080 – the latest version of which is v13 – has an impressive range of sizes to accommodate travelers. Width choices include narrow, standard, wide or X-wide. The men's sizing runs from 7 to 16, while women's sizes span 5 to 13. This shoe is breathable and supportive with an air mesh upper and a Fresh Foam X midsole. This shoe also has a Seal of Acceptance from the American Podiatric Medical Association because it promotes good foot health.

Travelers appreciate: Reviewers recommend this shoe if you're on your feet all day or doing a lot of walking and running, saying the comfort and quality are unmatched. Some also say the shoes provide good arch support for flat feet.

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Best White Sneaker: adidas Grand Court 2.0 Sneaker

What makes them stand out: For a classic white sneaker that you can wear for a variety of occasions, these adidas tennis shoes are a great option. Your feet are cushioned by a Cloudfoam Comfort sockliner, and the rubber outsole gives you good traction. The synthetic leather upper is made partly from recycled materials as well. Choose from several different colors for the stripes on the sides of these white shoes.

Text Callout : Travel - Best Walking Shoes - adidas Grand Court 2.0 Sneaker (Erin Evans)

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Best for Women: Naturalizer Morrison Sneaker

What makes them stand out: These simple sneakers are a staple for many travelers, as they come in various sizes, widths, colors and materials. Whether you choose white leather or gray suede, the Naturalizer Morrison Sneaker is a casual and practical lace-up shoe for women that's still fashionable. In addition to its nonslip outsole, the inside is designed to meet the contours of your feet while you're on the go.

Text Callout : Travel - Best Walking Shoes - Naturalizer Morrison Sneaker (Elizabeth Von Tersch)

Price: $99 or less

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Best for Men: Orthofeet Edgewater Stretch

What makes them stand out: These athletic shoes for men are specifically designed to protect sensitive feet and relieve pain for men with a number of orthopedic conditions. The Orthofoot Edgewater Stretch comes with orthotic insoles that have a removable arch support as well as a slip-resistant rubber outsole and an ergonomic, well-cushioned sole. The roomy toe box and stretchy fabric upper are especially useful for travelers with wide feet or foot problems such as bunions. There's an inclusive size range, with four width options from standard to XX-wide.

Travelers appreciate: Reviewers say the excellent design of these sneakers creates a cloud-like walking experience, with many calling the Edgewater Stretch the most comfortable shoe they've ever owned.

Price: $145 or less

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Why Trust U.S. News Travel

Catriona Kendall is a frequent traveler who knows well the importance of a comfortable walking shoe. Having weathered blisters and other foot pain from wearing the wrong shoes to hike up a mountain or explore the streets of Europe, she now makes sure to pack her Merrell and Allbirds sneakers each time she travels. Kendall wrote this article with the help of personal experience, extensive research and recommendations from experts.

You might also be interested in:

• Things You Should Always Pack in Your Carry-on Bag
• The Best Fanny Packs and Belt Bags for Travel
• The Best Compression Socks for Travel
• The Best Packable Jackets for Multiweather Vacations
• Beach Packing List: Essentials to Bring

Copyright 2024 U.S. News & World Report

This article may contain affiliate links that Microsoft and/or the publisher may receive a commission from if you buy a product or service through those links.

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We Found Birkenstocks Majorly Discounted in This Surprise Retailer's Secret Sale — Prices Start at $66

Score clogs, slip-on sandals, and more up to 30 percent off.

We independently evaluate all recommended products and services. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation. Learn more .

Travel + Leisure / Tyler Roeland

There’s nothing quite like the thrill of excavating your sandals from the depths of your closet at the first signs of spring — well, except for buying a new pair, that is. The good news is that the sustainable and celeb-loved shoe brand Birkenstock just quietly went on rare sale at the boutique retailers Gilt and Rue La La, giving you the perfect excuse to snap up a pair of these highly supportive shoes at a fraction of their regular price ahead of your upcoming travels.

From quirky clogs to traditional slide-on sandals and every style in between, you can now find a reliable pair of shoes for as little as $66 that will accompany you from the airport to a day of sightseeing while keeping your feet cushioned and feeling fresh. So, keep reading to find the 10 best deals available right now, but don’t wait too long because inventory is already running low.

Birkenstock Gizeh Birko-Flor Sandals

Birkenstock has proven time and time again that they can nail the intersection between comfort and style, and these simple, elevated flip-flops are a testament to that fact. A suede-lined, cork footbed is the highlight of these shoes as they mold to the shape of your feet for maximum support, while deep heel cups and spacious toe boxes will never make your feet feel restricted throughout the day. And while shoes with toe-posts may be relatively contentious when it comes to comfort, these will cause you no issue — even after embarking on an extensive walking tour.

Birkenstock Women’s Arizona Birko-Flor Narrow Sandals

This classic Birkenstock style is ideal for travelers looking for a shoe that they know is trustworthy, while a narrow design works well for slimmer feet that may feel discomfort within shoes of traditional widths. Lightly padded insoles work wonders for providing support throughout travel days and beyond, while rubber soles offer essential traction against slick or uneven surfaces. With a sleek brown exterior and a new sale price of $90, these sandals are sure to be a hit for the spring and summer.

Birkenstock Women’s Mayari Birkibuc Sandals

If you like the strappy design of the Arizona-style shoes but are looking for a little additional security around the toes, the Mayari sandal is an appealing and functional choice. These sandals are better held to your feet thanks to added straps around your big toes, while the traditional, adjustable straps also allow for the most fitted finish possible. At 20 percent off, you can go wrong with snatching up a pair of these sustainably-made sandals while they’re just $80.

Birkenstock Boston BS Waxy Leather Clogs

Celebrities have been known to give reliable style tips that marry comfort and fashion, so when Jennifer Garner was recently spotted wearing these endlessly cool clogs, we knew they were about to become a go-to travel shoe. The waxy leather exterior is adorned with a copper-toned buckle to add intrigue to these simple slip-ons while they also boast the same cushioned footbeds that make Birkenstock shoes so comfortable. Wear them with socks or bare feet, but we guarantee that they’re supportive enough for anything you have planned during your next vacation.

Birkenstock Women’s Arizona Leather Sandals

The large, silver buckles on these muted black sandals may be the primary point of interest, but we’re especially taken by the ultra-soft footbed and durable, man-made soles that promise to remain cushy and in great condition for years to come. The straps of these sandals are made with luxe black leather that will pair easily with every single outfit in your suitcase, so you can rock these shoes from a picnic to a day of sightseeing without ever needing a change of footwear.

Birkenstock Siena Narrow Leather Sandals

Inventory is already low on these super sleek slip-on sandals from Birkenstock, so you won’t want to wait too long to snag the feminine style for 20 percent off in the perfect black leather. Cork and latex footbeds tied together with EVA soles exude comfort and ease, all while remaining surprisingly durable against the elements and everyday wear and tear. Pack these sandals for an active vacation or a simple beach trip — it’s unlikely that you’ll want to slip your feet into anything else. An added bonus? They’re on sale for 20 percent off right now, bringing the price down to just $100 for the perfect spring sandal.

Birkenstock Super-Birki Casual Shoes

These clogs are certainly not every traveler's cup of tea, but fashionistas across TikTok have selected the Super-Birki’s as an ironic (and shockingly comfy) footwear choice for everyday wear. Full coverage around your toes will keep your feet cozy as the spring weather continues to fluctuate, and the reliable cork and latex footbed will still mold to your feet for a supremely personal fit. Pull out a pair of your favorite oversized jeans and a fitted cardigan, and you’ve found yourself a comfy and carefree travel outfit to carry you through the season. 

Birkenstock Milano Leather Sandals

Modeled after the traditional Birkenstock Arizona style, these sandals feature additional heel straps that effectively hold your feet in place all day long, making them a much more stable and secure option than your typical slide. High-quality leather ensures that these shoes can take on the strain of everyday wear while only growing more comfortable as time goes on, and you can trust that they still feature the padded footbeds that made Birkenstocks so popular to begin with. Best of all, right now they’re on sale for 23 percent off, lowering the price to just $100.

Birkenstock Profiri-Birki Clogs

Continue to explore the clogs trend this season with these slightly more full-coverage shoes from Birkenstock that are now 30 percent off and come with super sturdy rubber soles that are practically made for walking around after a rainy spring day. The slip-on design positions these shoes to become your new go-to airport selection as they’re easy to take off and on while heading through TSA, and they’ll do more than regular sandals to keep your feet cozy and covered when the spring weather isn’t as warm as you’d like it to be. 

Birkenstock Classic Arizona Sandals

Simple, understated, and endlessly comfortable, these sandals are probably the shoes that come to mind when you think about Birkenstocks — and they’re currently discounted to $110 to give your footwear closet a major boost this spring. Rock them with socks or barefoot as the weather grows warmer, but either way, these shoes are supportive enough to be one of the only pairs you pack during your next trip, no matter how much walking you have planned. Contoured cork footbeds mold to your feet with repeated wear, resulting in a pair of shoes that are uniquely your own. Trust us, they’ll be a mainstay in your closet for years to come.

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The 12 Best Recovery Sandals, According to Podiatrists and Reviewers

Because your feet deserve a treat after a long day.

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“Recovery sandals can be a part of a healthy process to bring the body, especially the feet, back to a normal state after prolonged weight-bearing activity,” shares Thomas Lim, D.P.M. , podiatrist at The Sunset Foot Clinic in California.

Meet the experts: Thomas Lim, D.P.M., Q.M.E, C.W.S, podiatrist at The Sunset Foot Clinic, also known as “The Happy Foot Sad Foot Doctor;” and Emily Splichal, D.P.M., board-certified podiatrist.

Lim explains that recovery sandals give your body and feet the time to rest so that inflamed soft tissue, like tendons, joints, and ligaments return to normal. The soft cushion, easy slip-on design, and shape of the sandals help to offload any foot stress. Runners typically seek recovery sandals for relief after long races, but individuals with foot conditions (like plantar fasciitis ) or flat feet and those who are on their feet all day may also benefit from using recovery sandals.

“And beyond relieving pressure on the feet and supporting tired muscles, wearing recovery sandals can also positively reduce any lower back fatigue,” adds Emily Splichal, D.P.M , board-certified podiatrist.

Our top picks

Best Overall Recovery Sandals

Hoka unisex ora recovery slide 3 sandal.

Best Value Recovery Sandal

Crocs unisex mellow recovery slides sandal.

Best Machine Washable Recovery Sandals

Oofos unisex ooahh slide sandal.

Best Adjustable Recovery Sandals

Vionic women's rejuvenate recovery sandal.

Best Non-slip Recovery Sandal

Kuailu women's recovery sandal.

Best Recovery Slip-On Shoes

Kane unisex revive shoe.

Best Waterproof Recovery Sandal

Birkenstock unisex arizona essentials eva sandal.

Most Durable Recovery Sandal

Adidas unisex adilette comfort adjustable slides.

Best Recovery Thong Sandal

Oofos unisex ooriginal sandal.

Best Quick-Drying Recovery Sandals

Joomra women's cushioned shower slipper.

Keep in mind that everyone has their own preferences in terms of cushioning level, footbed width, and more. There is no one-size-fits-all all. For best results, consult your medical provider before adding these to your post-workout recovery routine.

With our expert’s tips in mind, we sought out the top recommendations for recovery sandals, slides, and shoes. Whether you’re a runner or just want something comfortable to wear around the house, check out our picks along with expert shopping tips below.

Many podiatrists, including Lim, like the Hoka Ora 3 for recovery slides. In fact, these slides have the American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA) Seal of Acceptance. Every product with this seal means it was evaluated by podiatrists affiliated with the APMA to ensure it supports optimal foot wellness.

The shoe is made of lightweight EVA foam, and the footbed contours to your foot with each wear. A back lip helps keep your foot secure while walking .

Something to note: several reviewers comment that these sandals are big and wide. It’s best to size down.

What reviewers are saying: “My foot surgeon recommended Hoka because he wants me to wear shoes with good support. I’m post bunionectomy with recurring swelling. They give great support and don’t rub my swollen toe.”

Crocs landed on our list of the best shoes for nurses for a reason. Healthcare workers choose the brand’s clogs when working long shifts because they’re comfortable, easy to clean, and offer ample support.

These slides are constructed from the same foam material as the original Crocs clogs, but they offer an easier slip-off, slip-on design. (And some reviewers find this design more agreeable than the clogs). The molded structure can help prevent tired muscles after an intense workout.

Size down one full size for the best fit.

What reviewers are saying: “The Crocs have the arch support and the ankle/heel cushion and support that I needed. I was shocked to realize that the first night I wore them inside, I never took them off.”

The OOFOS OOahh slide has amassed a cult following, plus it’s favored by Lim and the lab analysts at the Good Housekeeping Institute . During a Lab test, Good Housekeeping Institute experts found the foam entirely machine washable.

OOFOS prides itself on the patented OOfoam (a.k.a. closed cell foam) of these sandals. This makes for a lightweight, cushioned wearing experience.

What reviewers are saying: “I feel like I'm walking on air and there is no pressure or foot irritation with these sandals. They are comfortable, and I have all the support I need for everyday wear.”

It’s Vionic’s mission to use science to create shoes that promote whole-body balance. This shows through some of their podiatrist-designed shoes and claims to reduce foot pain.

We love that these sandals have an adjustable strap that helps you achieve the best fit possible .

Additionally, Good Housekeeping Institute experts and consumer testers gave these sandals high marks for their “cushioning yet supportive feel.”

What reviewers are saying: “They are pillow-y soft with great arch support. My foot runs slightly narrow so the fact that there is velcro and I can adjust to better secure, was an absolute bonus.”

An Amazon favorite, these sandals have rave reviews with over 600 five-star ratings.

Many reviewers especially praise the non-slip design. The footbed features a horizontal grain pattern that helps prevent your foot from sliding . Additionally, the rolling sole has its own unique grain that helps with traction.

What reviewers are saying: “They run a little wide for my narrow foot, but with socks they are passable. They take the pressure off the ball of my foot and have a bit of a rocker sole to help prevent flexion.”

These shoes won a Good Housekeeping Fitness Award after impressing testers with its comfortable fit and cushioned design. One tester wore them the day after running a marathon and said she didn’t worry about foot pain the following day.

Since the design takes over the entire foot, some might find it constricting. However, all-over perforations enhance airflow and speeds up drying. Plus, you don’t have to worry about the shoe slipping off .

What reviewers are saying: “I bought these for my 24-year-old son as an alternative to flip flops. He is a runner and loves the way they feel.”

You can find all 20 colors on Kane’s website.

You may have seen these EVA Birkenstocks out and about the past several years, and that’s likely due to their versatility. These sandals are efficient for water activities, foot recovery purposes, and everyday casual wear.

Dual adjustable straps increase security and chances of a better fit. Plus, users enjoy the lightweight feel. Prevention Deputy Editor Emily Goldman’s podiatrist suggested she wear Birkenstocks post-injury for the brand’s supportive footbed. Now, she wears them constantly. “Incredibly supportive, comfortable, and lightweight, I wear these around the house daily. 10/10 would recommend,” she says.

Just note that these sandals have a flatter footbed, which is something to consider if you prefer more arch support.

What reviewers are saying: “They are great in places where you may get summer downpours. Just so you all know, the material forms to your foot so give it some time.”

Several reviewers claim that their Adilette slides lasted them for years —two to 10 years on average.

These slides are affordable, lightweight, easy to take on and off, and offer velcro straps for a custom fit. What’s better, these sandals have gone down in price over the years, and you can often find them for under $30.

What reviewers are saying: “I have neuropathy and my size 14 EEE feet always hurt, and hate wearing shoes now. I’m getting a second pair just in case they discontinue them.”

Find all 16 colors on the Adidas website.

If you notice that the OOriginal sandals feel similar to the OOahh slides, that’s because they’re made of the same closed-cell foam technology. In fact, the OOriginal sandal came first and paved the way for future OOFOS styles like the OOahh slides.

Lim prefers slides to flip-flops since “slides generally force the forefoot into contact with the sandal much more thoroughly than Y-style thongs.” However, those who prefer more airflow or seek extra stability in the toe area might lean towards this style.

Just note that some reviewers say these squeak when you’re walking.

What reviewers are saying: “No other flip-flop compares to the comfort, support, and pain relief that I have tried. It’s a very simple and lightweight flip-flop, but I am on my second pair because they stretch out over time.”

Boasting a cult-following with over 35,000 rave reviews online, fans especially love that these slippers don’t sacrifice style for comfort .

While these don’t have much arch support, users say the deep heel cup and 7-inch sole give a “cushioned, but firm” feel. In addition, several users back up the marketing claim that the slippers dry quickly.

What reviewers are saying: “For anyone with foot pain, ankle hardware, or simply in search of a pair of slippers that offer an extraordinary level of comfort, I cannot recommend these enough.”

Hoka Unisex Ora Luxe

How much cushioning you prefer in your shoe is a matter of personal choice and needs. Those who need a firmer fit might favor the Hoka Ora Luxe sandals, since reviewers say these feel firmer than the Ora 3’s and most other competitor sandals.

One satisfied reviewer who gave this pick a perfect five-star rating said it was ideal for older users . And while the sandals’ design features a wider footbed, the adjustable flap helps provide a more narrow fit.

What reviewers are saying: “I love the lip that goes around the entire edge of the sandal because it keeps your foot from sliding off of the sandal.”

Lululemon Restfeel Slide

Style is very much subjective, but along with the Joomra sandals, these Restfeel slides were among the few on this list that received high praises for appearance from reviewers.

Additionally, users like that that the upper strap felt more forgiving compared to competitor sandals. Several users describe the feeling as “squishy” and “cozy.”

A couple of things to consider: one look at these slides will show you that these provide very little arch support, and the upper straps aren’t adjustable.

What reviewers are saying: “These are like a little cloud for your feet—highly recommend! I wore them walking around for a week with the sand, water, and sun on a hot trip and didn’t get any blisters and they stayed in great shape.”

How to choose the best recovery sandals

Recovery sandals can only provide relief if you choose the right pair. “How well the sandal fits and keeps the feet in contact with the sandal is very important,” shares Lim. Here are a few tips to keep in mind when choosing the right recovery sandal for you:

✔️ Look for moderate arch support. Besides maintaining comfort, proper arch support helps distribute weight evenly across your feet, according to Modern Foot and Ankle . Additionally, a 2022 BMC Sports Science , Medicine, and Rehabilitation study showed that arch support intervention may even promote muscle development in flat-footed users.

✔️ Che ck for a rocker sole (also referred to as “rocker bottom.”) All this means is that the sole curves slightly from the heel to the toe, almost like a stretched-out U-shape. Splichal says this design helps make walking easier. It also reduces foot and leg strain.

✔️ Consider your preferred level of cushioning. This may vary from person to person, but Lim a suggests a thick heel cushioning. After all, high cushioning can minimize sports injuries, especially post-workout, according to a 2021 National Library of Medicine study .

✔️ Make sure they fit. This may seem obvious, but some users tend to forget that ill-fitting shoes can lead to issues beyond discomfort, like foot pain and foot disorders. Pay attention to size charts and real user reviews before placing your order.

Who should consider recovery sandals?

Recovery sandals may benefit those looking to ease foot tension. But they may be especially helpful for those who spend long hours standing, including long-distance runners, athletes, those with foot disorders like plantar fasciitis, and individuals who require prolonged standing or walking in their profession.

What podiatrists really think about recovery sandals

Overhyped marketing and unfamiliarity with recovery sandals lead some to believe that the concept’s just a gimmick. But both Lim and Splichal have shared plenty of benefits from wearing recovery sandals.

However, there are a couple of caveats. Splichal tells Prevention that she likes to personally incorporate other tools, like toe spacers , into foot recovery and not just rely on shoes to do the work.

“And at the end of the day, as wonderful as sandals are, a proper fitting shoe with laces offer the most benefit,” Lim adds. He also shares that he misses a heel strap on some recovery sandals, as a heel strap would allow for better heel contact to the sandal during all phases of the gait cycle, giving better overall support.

“However, I understand from a customer point of view, that the ease of putting on a slide is vital to daily usage,” he says. “It is a zero-sum game, you gain ease of use but sacrifice better support and function.”

Can recovery sandals help with plantar fasciitis?

It’s important to know that shoes alone won’t completely fix plantar fasciitis. The road to recovery might also require a combination of physical therapy, stretching, and specific exercises. Always consult your doctor about any concerns you might have.

That said, our experts say that recovery sandals can help.

“Often times one gets plantar fasciitis due to over-worked foot muscles or foot instability,” Splichal shares. “So bringing support to the foot can help reduce heel pain.”

The plantar fascia is a large ligament in the foot that helps sustain and maintain the arch of the feet, Lim explains. “Anything that can stabilize the arch will decrease the load the plantar fascia has to endure,” he says. And as long as recovery sandals help distribute weight evenly, they can help ease pains associated with plantar fasciitis.

Can you wear recovery sandals all day?

Not exactly. “Recovery sandals are good for what they are. Recovery. Sandals generally are not optimal for long-term use,” explains Lim.

Splichal agrees, saying that the point of recovery sandals is to give your feet a break, but nothing beyond that. She says they’re fine as a house shoe or used at the end of the day or after a long run.

“If anything, I’ve found that recovery sandals are better for long hours of standing versus walking,” Splichal says.

How we chose the best recovery sandals

We consulted Emily Splichal , podiatrist, D.P.M, and founder of Naboso , a company that creates sensory-based products to improve movement, performance, and recovery. We also spoke to Thomas Lim , podiatrist at The Sunset Foot Clinic, D.P.M, Q.M.E, C.W.S, also known as “The Happy Foot Sad Foot Doctor.” We referenced the Good Housekeeping Institute Textile Lab’s testing for the Best Machine Washable Recovery Sandals, Best Adjustable Recovery Sandal, and Best Slip-On Recovery Shoe. We also sifted through thousands of product reviews, several studies, and thoroughly assessed product descriptions, mindful of the included marketing assertions.

Why trust us

For more than 70 years, Prevention has been a leading provider of trustworthy health information, empowering readers with practical strategies to improve their physical, mental, and emotional well-being. Our editors interview medical experts to help guide our health-focused product selections. Additionally, Prevention also examines hundreds of reviews—and often conducts personal testing done by our staff—to help you make informed decisions.

Shanon is a writer and editor who specializes in best-of product roundups and deals. She has over six years of experience, including almost three years as a Good Housekeeping product and reviews editor, covering the best sales and products across home, appliances, health, beauty, parenting and more.

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Home » Europe » Moscow

EPIC MOSCOW Itinerary! (2024)

Moscow is the heart of Mother Russia. Just the mention of this city conjures images of colorful bulbous pointed domes, crisp temperatures, and a uniquely original spirit!

Moscow has an incredibly turbulent history, a seemingly resilient culture, and a unique enchantment that pulls countless tourists to the city each year! Although the warmer months make exploring Moscow’s attractions more favorable, there’s just something about a fresh snowfall that only enhances the appearance of the city’s iconic sites!

If you’re a first-time visitor to Moscow, or simply wanting to see as much of the city as possible, this Moscow itinerary will help you do just that!

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Best Time To Visit Moscow

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Here is a quick look at the seasons so you can decide when to visit Moscow!

The summer months (June-August) are a great time to travel to Moscow to take advantage of the enjoyable mild temperatures. This is considered peak travel season. Bear in mind that hotel prices rise along with the temperatures!

If you’re planning a trip to Moscow during fall (September-November) try to plan for early fall. This way the temperatures will still be pleasant and winter won’t be threatening.

Russian winters (December-February) are not for the faint of heart as Napoleon learned to his peril. Some days the sun will be out for less than an hour, and snow is guaranteed. Although winters are exceptionally cold, this is when you’ll get a true glimpse of the Moscow experience!

The best time to visit Moscow is during spring  (March-May). The temperatures will begin to creep up and the sun begins to shine for significant portions of the day. Hotel rates will also have yet to skyrocket into peak ranges!

With a Moscow City Pass , you can experience the best of Moscow at the CHEAPEST prices. Discounts, attractions, tickets, and even public transport are all standards in any good city pass – be sure invest now and save them $$$ when you arrive!

Moscow is a large city with many accommodation options to choose from. Staying in a location that fits with your travel plans will only enhance your Moscow itinerary. Here is a brief introduction to a few great areas of the city we recommend checking out!

The best place to stay in Moscow to be close to all the action is Kitay-Gorod. This charming neighborhood will put you within walking distance to Moscow’s famous Red Square, thus cutting down on travel time. This will allow you to see more of the city in a shorter amount of time!

It’s surrounded by restaurants, cafes, bars, and shops. If you’re a first-time visitor to Moscow, or just planning a quick weekend in Moscow, then this area is perfect for you!

Another great area to consider is the Zamoskvorechye district. This area of the city offers a blend of new and old Moscow. It has an artsy vibe and there are plenty of fun sites you can explore outside of the main touristy areas of Moscow.

Of course, as in all areas of Moscow, it’s close to public transportation that will quickly connect you with the rest of the city and make your Moscow itinerary super accessible!

Best Airbnb in Moscow – Exclusive Apartment in Old Moscow

Modern and cozy, this apartment is in the heart of Old Moscow. Bordering the Basmanny and Kitay-Gorod districts, this two-bedroom flat is walking distance to the Kremlin and Red Square. Safe, quiet, and comfortable, this is the best Airbnb in Moscow, no question!

Best Budget Hotel in Moscow – Izmailovo Alfa Hotel

The Izmailovo Alfa Hotel is a very highly rated accommodation that provides all the components necessary for a comfortable trip to Moscow. There is an on-site restaurant, bar, fitness center, and an airport shuttle service. The rooms are modern and spacious and are equipped with a TV, heating/air conditioning, minibar, and more!

Best Luxury Hotel in Moscow – Crowne Plaza Moscow World Trade Centre

If you’re touring Moscow in luxury, the Crowne Plaza Moscow World Trade Centre is the hotel for you! Elegantly furnished rooms are equipped with a minibar, flat-screen TV,  in-room safes, as well as tea and coffee making facilities! Bathrooms come with bathrobes, slippers, and free toiletries. There is also an onsite restaurant, bar, and fitness center.

Best Hostel in Moscow – Godzillas Hostel

Godzillas Hostel is located in the center of Moscow, just a short walk from all the major tourist attractions and the metro station. Guests will enjoy all the usual hostel perks such as self-catering facilities, 24-hour reception, Free Wi-Fi, and security lockers. This is one of the best hostels in Moscow and its wonderful social atmosphere and will make your vacation in Moscow extra special!

Godzillas Hostel is one of our favourites in Moscow but they’re not taking guests right now. We’re not sure if they’re closed for good but we hope they’ll come back soon.

An important aspect of planning any trip is figuring out the transportation situation. You’re probably wondering how you’re going to get to all of your Moscow points of interest right? Luckily, this sprawling city has an excellent network of public transportation that will make traveling a breeze!

The underground metro system is the quickest and most efficient way to travel around Moscow. Most visitors rely exclusively on this super-efficient transportation system, which allows you to get to pretty much anywhere in the city! It’s also a great option if you’re planning a Moscow itinerary during the colder months, as you’ll be sheltered from the snow and freezing temperatures!

If you prefer above-ground transportation, buses, trams, and trolleybuses, run throughout the city and provide a rather comfortable alternative to the metro.

Moscow’s metro, buses, trams, and trolleybuses are all accessible with a ‘Troika’ card. This card can be topped up with any sum of money at a metro cash desk. The ticket is simple, convenient, and even refundable upon return to a cashier!

No matter which method you choose, you’ll never find yourself without an easy means of getting from point A to point B!

Red Square | Moscow Kremlin | Lenin’s Mausoleum | St. Basil’s Cathedral  | GUM Department Store

Spend the first day of your itinerary taking your own self guided Moscow walking tour around the historic Red Square! This is Moscow’s compact city center and every stop on this list is within easy walking distance to the next! Get ready to see all of the top Moscow landmarks!

Day 1 / Stop 1 – The Red Square

• Why it’s awesome: The Red Square is the most recognizable area in Moscow, it has mesmerizing architecture and centuries worth of history attached to its name.
• Cost: Free to walk around, individual attractions in the square have separate fees. 
• Food nearby: Check out Bar BQ Cafe for friendly service and good food in a great location! The atmosphere is upbeat and they’re open 24/7!

The Red Square is Moscow’s historic fortress and the center of the Russian government. The origins of the square date back to the late 15th century, when Ivan the Great decided to expand the Kremlin to reflect Moscow’s growing power and prestige!

During the 20th century, the square became famous as the site for demonstrations designed to showcase Soviet strength. Visiting the Red Square today, you’ll find it teeming with tourists, who come to witness its magical architecture up close!

The square is the picture postcard of Russian tourism, so make sure to bring your camera when you visit! No matter the season, or the time of day, it’s delightfully photogenic! 

It’s also home to some of Russia’s most distinguishing and important landmarks, which we’ve made sure to include further down in this itinerary. It’s an important center of Russia’s cultural life and one of the top places to visit in Moscow!

In 1990, UNESCO designated Russia’s Red Square as a World Heritage site. Visiting this historic site is a true bucket-list event and essential addition to your itinerary for Moscow!

Day 1 / Stop 2 – The Moscow Kremlin

• Why it’s awesome: The Moscow Kremlin complex includes several palaces and cathedrals and is surrounded by the Kremlin wall. It also houses the principal museum of Russia (the Kremlin Armory).
• Cost: USD $15.00
• Food nearby: Bosco Cafe is a charming place to grat a casual bite to eat. They have excellent coffee and wonderful views of the Red Square and the Moscow Kremlin!

The iconic Moscow Kremlin , also known as the Kremlin museum complex, sits on Borovitsky Hill, rising above the Moscow River. It is a fortified complex in the center of the city, overlooking several iconic buildings in the Red Square!

It’s the best known of the Russian Kremlins – citadels or fortress’ protecting and dominating a city. During the early decades of the Soviet era, the Kremlin was a private enclave where the state’s governing elite lived and worked.

The Kremlin is outlined by an irregularly shaped triangular wall that encloses an area of 68 acres! The existing walls and towers were built from 1485 to 1495. Inside the Kremlin museum complex, there are five palaces, four cathedrals, and the enclosing Kremlin Wall with Kremlin towers.

The Armoury Chamber is a part of the Grand Kremlin Palace’s complex and is one of the oldest museums of Moscow, established in 1851. It showcases Russian history and displays many cherished relics. Definitely make sure to check out this museum while you’re here!

The churches inside the Moscow Kremlin are the Cathedral of the Dormition, Church of the Archangel, Church of the Annunciation, and the bell tower of Ivan Veliki (a church tower).

The five-domed Cathedral of the Dormition is considered the most famous. It was built from 1475–1479 by an Italian architect and has served as a wedding and coronation place for great princes, tsars, and emperors of Russia. Church services are given in the Kremlin’s numerous cathedrals on a regular basis.

The Grand Kremlin Palace was the former Tsar’s Moscow residence and today it serves as the official workplace of the President of the Russian Federation (Vladimir Putin seems to have bagged that title for life) .

Insider Tip: The Kremlin is closed every Thursday! Make sure to plan this stop on your Moscow itinerary for any other day of the week!

Day 1 / Stop 3 – Lenin’s Mausoleum

• Why it’s awesome: The mausoleum displays the preserved body of Soviet leader Vladimir Lenin .
• Cost: Free!
• Food nearby: Khinkal’naya is a charming Georgian restaurant with vaulted ceilings and exposed brick. It’s a popular place with locals and right next to the Red Square!

Lenin’s Mausoleum, also known as Lenin’s Tomb, is the modernist mausoleum for the revolutionary leader Vladimir Lenin. It’s located within the Red Square and serves as the resting place for the Soviet leader! His preserved body has been on public display since shortly after his death in 1924.

It’s located just a few steps away from the Kremlin Wall and is one of the most controversial yet popular Moscow attractions!

Admission is free for everyone, you’ll only need to pay if you need to check a bag. Before visitors are allowed to enter the mausoleum, they have to go through a metal detector first. No metal objects, liquids, or large bags are allowed in the mausoleum!

Expect a line to enter the building, and while you’re inside the building, you’ll be constantly moving in line with other visitors. This means you won’t be able to spend as long as you’d like viewing the mausoleum, but you’ll still be able to get a good look. Pictures and filming while inside the building are strictly prohibited, and security guards will stop you if they see you breaking this rule.

The mausoleum is only open on Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Saturday – unless it’s a public holiday or a day scheduled for maintenance. The hours it’s open for each day are limited, make sure to check online before you visit to make sure you can fit this into your Moscow itinerary for that day!

Insider Tip: The Lenin’s Museum is there for people to pay their respect; remember to keep silent and move along quickly, it’s not intended for people to congregate around. Also, men are not allowed to wear hats and everyone must take their hands out of their pockets when inside the building.

Day 1 / Stop 4 – St. Basil’s Cathedral

• Why it’s awesome: A dazzling designed cathedral that showcases Russia’s unique architecture. This cathedral is one of the most recognizable symbols of the country!
• Cost: USD $8.00
• Food nearby: Moskovskiy Chaynyy Klub is a cozy cafe serving food items and pipping hot tea; it’s the perfect place to go if you’re visiting Moscow during the winter months!

Located in the Red Square, the ornate 16th-century St. Basil’s Cathedral is probably the building you picture when you think of Moscow’s unique architecture. Its colorful onion-shaped domes tower over the Moscow skyline!

The cathedral was built from 1555-1561 by order of Tsar Ivan the Terrible. It was designed with an iconic onion dome facade and enchanting colors that captivate all who see it. Fun fact: If you’re wondering why Russian churches have onion domes, they are popularly believed to symbolize burning candles!

This iconic cathedral has become a symbol of Russia due to its distinguishing architecture and prominent position inside the Red Square. It’s one of the most beautiful, wonderful, and mesmerizing historical cathedrals in the world!

The interior of the church surprises most people when they visit. In contrast to the large exterior, the inside is not so much one large area, but rather a collection of smaller areas, with many corridors and small rooms. There are 9 small chapels and one mausoleum grouped around a central tower.

Visiting the inside is like walking through a maze, there are even small signs all around the cathedral tracing where to walk, and pointing you in the right direction! The walls are meticulously decorated and painted with intricate floral designs and religious themes.

The church rarely holds service and is instead a museum open for the public to visit.

Insider Tip: During the summer months the line to go inside the cathedral can get quite long! Make sure to arrive early or reserve your tickets online to guarantee quick access into the cathedral!

Day 1 / Stop 5 – GUM Department Store

• Why it’s awesome: This is Russia’s most famous shopping mall! It’s designed with elegant and opulent architecture and provides a real sense of nostalgia!
• Cost: Free to enter
• Food nearby: Stolovaya 57 is a cafeteria-style restaurant with a variety of inexpensive Russian cuisine menu items including soups, salads, meat dishes, and desserts. It’s also located inside the GUM department store, making it very easily accessible when you’re shopping!

The enormous GUM Department Store is located within the historic Red Square. It has a whimsical enchantment to it that sets it apart from your typical department store.

A massive domed glass ceiling lines the top of the building and fills the interior with natural sunlight. There are live plants and flowers placed throughout the mall that give the shopping complex a lively and cheerful feel! A playful fountain sits in the center, further adding to the malls inviting a sense of wonder and amusement!

The GUM department store opened on December 2, 1893. Today, it includes local and luxury stores, including Fendi, Louis Vuitton, Prada, and many more! There are numerous cafes, restaurants, and even a movie theater inside!

For a special treat, head into Gastronom 1. This 1950s-style shop sells gourmet food items, like wine, freshly-baked pastries, cheese, Russian chocolate, and of course, vodka! Also, be on the lookout for a bicycle pedaling ice cream truck with an employing selling ice cream!

The ambiance is simply amazing, a trip to this idyllic shopping mall is an absolute must on any Moscow itinerary!

Insider Tip: Make sure to carry some small change on you in case you need to use the restroom, you’ll need to pay 50 rubles – or about USD $0.80 to use the bathroom in GUM.

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Novodevichy Convent | Gorky Park | State Tretyakov Gallery | All-Russian Exhibition Center | Bolshoi Theater

On your 2 day itinerary in Moscow, you’ll have a chance to use the city’s excellent public transportation service! You’ll explore a few more of Moscow’s historic highlight as well as some modern attractions. These sites are a little more spread out, but still very easily accessible thanks to the metro!

Day 2 / Stop 1 – Novodevichy Convent

• Why it’s awesome: The Novodevichy Convent is rich in imperial Russian history and contains some of Russia’s best examples of classical architecture!
• Cost: USD $5.00
• Food nearby: Culinary Shop Karavaevs Brothers is a cozy and simple place to have a quick bite, they also have vegetarian options!

The Novodevichy Convent is the best-known and most popular cloister of Moscow. The convent complex is contained within high walls, and there are many attractions this site is known for! 

The six-pillared five-domed Smolensk Cathedral is the main attraction. It was built to resemble the Kremlin’s Assumption Cathedral and its facade boasts beautiful snowy white walls and a pristine golden onion dome as its centerpiece. It’s the oldest structure in the convent, built from 1524 -1525, and is situated in the center of the complex between the two entrance gates.

There are other churches inside the convent as well, all dating back from many centuries past. The convent is filled with an abundance of 16th and 17th-century religious artworks, including numerous large and extravagant frescos!

Just outside the convent’s grounds lies the Novodevichy Cemetery. Here, you can visit the graves of famous Russians, including esteemed authors, composers, and politicians. Probably the most intriguing gravestone belongs to Russian politician Nikita Khruschev!

The Novodevichy Convent is located near the Moscow River and offers a peaceful retreat from the busy city. In 2004, it was proclaimed a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The convent remains remarkably well-preserved and is an outstanding example of Moscow Baroque architecture! 

Insider Tip: To enter the cathedrals inside the complex, women are advised to cover their heads and shoulders, while men should wear long pants.

Day 2 / Stop 2 – Gorky Central Park of Culture and Leisure

• Why it’s awesome: A large amusement area in the heart of the city offering many attractions!
• Cost: Free! 
• Food nearby: Check out Mepkato, located inside Gorky Central Park for a casual meal in a cozy setting. There are indoor and outdoor seating options and the restaurant is child-friendly!

Gorky Central Park of Culture and Leisure is a large green space in the heart of Moscow. The park opened in 1928, and it stretches along the scenic embankment of the Moskva River. It covers an area of 300-acres and offers a lovely contrast from the compact city center.

You’ll find all sorts of wonderful attractions, from boat rides to bike rentals to tennis courts and ping-pong tables, and much more! there are an open-air cinema and festive events and concerts scheduled in the summer months.  A wide selection of free fitness classes is also offered on a regular basis, including jogging, roller skating, and dancing!

Although many of the options you’ll find here are more suited for outdoor leisure during the summer, you’ll also a selection of winter attractions, including one of Europe’s largest ice rinks for ice-skating!

If you’re trying to decide what to do in Moscow with kids, the park also offers several venues designed specifically for kids. Check out the year-round Green School which offers hands-on classes in gardening and art! You can also feed the squirrels and birds at the Golitsinsky Ponds!

The park is very well maintained and kept clean and the entrance is free of charge, although most individual attractions cost money. There is also Wi-Fi available throughout the park.

With so many attractions, you could easily spend all day here! If you’re only planning a 2 day itinerary in Moscow, make sure to plan your time accordingly and map out all the areas you want to see beforehand!

Day 2 / Stop 3 – The State Tretyakov Gallery

• Why it’s awesome: The gallery’s collection consists entirely of Russian art made by Russian artists!
• Food nearby : Brothers Tretyakovs is located right across the street from the gallery. It’s a wonderfully atmospheric restaurant serving top quality food and drinks!

The State Tretyakov Gallery was founded in 1856 by influential merchant and collector Pavel Tretyakov.  The gallery is a national treasury of Russian fine art and one of the most important museums in Russia!

It houses the world’s best collection of Russian art and contains more than 130, 000 paintings, sculptures, and graphics! These works have been created throughout the centuries by generations of Russia’s most talented artists!

The exhibits range from mysterious 12th-century images to politically charged canvases. The collection is rich and revealing and offers great insight into the history and attitudes of this long-suffering yet inspired people!

All pictures are also labeled in English. If you plan to take your time and see everything inside the museum it will take a good 3-4 hours, so make sure to plan your Moscow trip itinerary accordingly! This gallery is a must-see stop for art lovers, or anyone wanting to explore the local culture and history of Russia in a creative and insightful manner! 

Insider Tip: When planning your 2 days in Moscow itinerary, keep in mind that most museums in Moscow are closed on Mondays, this includes The State Tretyakov Gallery!

Day 2 / Stop 4 – All-Russian Exhibition Center

• Why it’s awesome: This large exhibition center showcases the achievements of the Soviet Union in several different spheres. 
• Food nearby: Varenichnaya No. 1 serves authentic and homestyle Russian cuisine in an intimate and casual setting.

The All-Russian Exhibition Center is a massive park that presents the glory of the Soviet era! It pays homage to the achievements of Soviet Russia with its many different sites found on the property.

The center was officially opened in 1939 to exhibit the achievements of the Soviet Union. It’s a huge complex of buildings and the largest exhibition center in Moscow. There are several exhibition halls dedicated to different achievements and every year there are more than one hundred and fifty specialized exhibitions!

The Peoples Friendship Fountain was constructed in 1954 and is a highlight of the park. The stunning gold fountain features 16 gilded statues of girls, each representing the former Soviet Union republics. 

The Stone Flower Fountain was also built in 1954 and is worth checking out. The centerpiece of this large fountain is a flower carved from stones from the Ural Mountains! Along the side of the fountain are various bronze sculptures.

You will find many people zipping around on rollerblades and bicycles across the large area that the venue covers. It’s also home to amusement rides and carousels, making it the perfect place to stop with kids on your Moscow itinerary! Make sure to wear comfortable shoes and allow a few hours to explore all the areas that interest you!

Day 2 / Stop 5 – Bolshoi Theater

• Why it’s awesome: The Bolshoi Theater is a historic venue that hosts world-class ballet and opera performances!
• Cost: Prices vary largely between USD $2.00 –  USD $228.00 based on seat location.
• Food nearby: Head to the Russian restaurant, Bolshoi for high-quality food and drinks and excellent service!

The Bolshoi Theater is among the oldest and most renowned ballet and opera companies in the world! It also boasts the world’s biggest ballet company, with more than 200 dancers!

The theater has been rebuilt and renovated several times during its long history. In 2011 it finished its most recent renovation after an extensive six-year restoration that started in 2005. The renovation included an improvement in acoustics and the restoration of the original Imperial decor.

The Bolshoi Theater has put on many of the world’s most famous ballet acts! Tchaikovsky’s ballet Swan Lake premiered at the theater in 1877 and other notable performances of the Bolshoi repertoire include Tchaikovsky’s The Sleeping Beauty and The Nutcracker!

Today, when you visit the theater, you can expect a magical performance from skilled singers, dancers, and musicians with the highest level of technique!

If you don’t have time to see a show, the theater also provides guided tours on select days of the week. Tours are given in both Russian and English and will provide visitors with a more intimate look at the different areas of the theater!

The stage of this iconic Russian theater has seen many outstanding performances. If you’re a fan of the performing arts, the Bolshoi Theater is one of the greatest and oldest ballet and opera companies in the world, making it a must-see attraction on your Moscow itinerary!

Godzillas Hostel

Godzillas Hostel is located in the center of Moscow, just a short walk from all the major tourist attractions and the metro station.

• Towels Included

Cosmonautics Museum | Alexander Garden | Ostankino Tower | Izmaylovo District | Soviet Arcade Museum

Now that we’ve covered what to do in Moscow in 2 days, if you’re able to spend more time in the city you’re going to need more attractions to fill your time. Here are a few more really cool things to do in Moscow we recommend!

Memorial Museum of Cosmonautics

• Hear the timeline of the ‘space race’ from the Russian perspective
• This museum is fun for both adults and children!
• Admission is USD $4.00

The Memorial Museum of Cosmonautics is a museum dedicated to space exploration! The museum explores the history of flight, astronomy, space exploration, space technology, and space in the arts. It houses a large assortment of Soviet and Russian space-related exhibits, and the museum’s collection holds approximately 85,000 different items!

The museum does an excellent job of telling the full story of the exciting space race between the USSR and the US! It highlights the brightest moments in Russian history and humanity and is very interesting and fun for all ages!

If you’re a fan of space or just curious about gaining insight into Russia’s fascinating history of space exploration, make sure to add this to your 3 day itinerary in Moscow!

The Alexander Garden

• A tranquil place to relax near the Red Square
• Green lawns dotted with sculptures and lovely water features
• The park is open every day and has no entrance fee

The Alexander Garden was one of the first urban public parks in Moscow! The garden premiered in 1821 and was built to celebrate Russia’s victory over Napoleon’s forces in 1812!

The park is beautiful and well maintained with paths to walk on and benches to rest on. The park contains three separate gardens: the upper garden, middle garden, and lower garden.

Located in the upper garden, towards the main entrance to the park is the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier with its eternal flame. This monument was created in 1967 and contains the body of a soldier who fell during the Great Patriotic War!

The park stretches along all the length of the western Kremlin wall for about half a mile. Due to its central location in the city, it’ll be easily accessible when you’re out exploring The Red Square.

It provides a bit of relief from the city’s high-energy city streets. Bring a picnic lunch, go for a walk, or just sit and people watch, this is one of the best Moscow sites to wind-down and relax!

Ostankino Television Tower

• Television and radio tower in Moscow
• Currently the tallest free-standing structure in Europe
• Make sure you bring your passport when you visit, you can’t go up without it!

For spectacular views of the city, make sure to add the Ostankino Television Tower to your itinerary for Moscow! This impressive free-standing structure provides stunning views of the city in every direction. The glass floor at the top also provides great alternative views of the city!

It takes just 58 seconds for visitors to reach the Tower’s observation deck by super fast elevator. The tower is open every day for long hours and is a great site in Moscow to check out! There is even a restaurant at the top where you can enjoy rotating views of the city while you dine on traditional Russian cuisine or European cuisine!

The tower is somewhat of an architectural surprise in a city that is not known for skyscrapers! To see the city from a new perspective, make sure to add this stop to your Moscow itinerary!

Izmaylovo District

• The most popular attractions in this district are the kremlin and the flea market
• Outside of the city center and easy to reach via metro
• Most popular during the summer and on weekends

Travel outside the city center and discover a unique area of the city! The Izmaylovo District is a popular destination for locals and tourists alike, and one of the coolest places to see in Moscow! The two main attractions we recommend checking out are the Kremlin and the flea market.

The Izmailovo Kremlin was established as a cultural center and molded after traditional Russian architecture. This colorful complex is home to several single-subject museums, including a Russian folk art museum and a vodka museum!

Next to the Kremlin is the Izmailovo open-air market, which dates back to the 17th century! The market is connected to the Izmailovo Kremlin by a wooden bridge. Pick up all your Russian souvenirs here, including traditional handicrafts, paintings, books, retro toys, and Soviet memorabilia!

You will find many hand-made and hand-painted options available at higher prices, as well as mass-produced souvenir options at lower prices!

Museum of Soviet Arcade Games

• Closed on Mondays
• Filled with old arcade games that visitors get to try out!
• The museum also includes a small cafe and burger shop

For something a little different, check out the Museum of Soviet Arcade Games! The museum features roughly 60 machines from the Soviet era, including video games, pinball machines, and collaborative hockey foosball! The machines inside the museum were produced in the USSR in the mid-1970s.

The best part is, most of the games are still playable! Purchase tickets and try the games out for yourself! The museum also has a neat little screening room that plays old Soviet cartoons and an area with Soviet magazines! This unique attraction is a fun addition to a 3 day itinerary in Moscow, and an attraction that all ages will enjoy! 

Whether you’re spending one day in Moscow, or more, safety is an important thing to keep in mind when traveling to a big city! Overall, Moscow is a very safe place to visit. However, it is always recommended that tourists take certain precautions when traveling to a new destination!

The police in Moscow is extremely effective at making the city a safe place to visit and do their best to patrol all of the top Moscow, Russia tourist attractions. However, tourists can still be a target for pickpockets and scammers.

Moscow has a huge flow of tourists, therefore there is a risk for pickpocketing. Simple precautions will help eliminate your chances of being robbed. Stay vigilant, keep your items close to you at all times, and don’t flash your valuables!

If you’re planning a solo Moscow itinerary, you should have no need to worry, as the city is also considered safe for solo travelers, even women. Stay in the populated areas, try and not travel alone late at night, and never accept rides from strangers or taxis without a meter and correct signage.

The threat of natural disasters in Moscow is low, with the exception of severe winters when the temperature can dip below freezing! Bring a good, warm jacket if you visit in Winter.

However, please note that Russian views on homsexuality are far less accepting than those in Western Europe. Likewise, Non-Caucasian travellers may sadly encounter racism in Russia .

Don’t Forget Your Travel Insurance for Moscow

ALWAYS sort out your backpacker insurance before your trip. There’s plenty to choose from in that department, but a good place to start is Safety Wing .

They offer month-to-month payments, no lock-in contracts, and require absolutely no itineraries: that’s the exact kind of insurance long-term travellers and digital nomads need.

SafetyWing is cheap, easy, and admin-free: just sign up lickety-split so you can get back to it!

Click the button below to learn more about SafetyWing’s setup or read our insider review for the full tasty scoop.

Now that we’ve covered all the top things to see in Moscow, we thought we’d include some exciting day trips to other areas of the country!

Sergiev Posad (Golden Ring)

On this 7-hour guided tour, you’ll visit several scenic and historic areas of Russia. Start your day with hotel pick-up as you’re transferred by a comfortable car or minivan to Sergiev Posad. Admire the charming Russian countryside on your drive and enjoy a quick stop to visit the Russian village, Rudonezh!

You’ll see the majestic Saint Spring and the Church of Sergiev Radonezh. You’ll also visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site, Trinity Lavra of St. Sergius, one of the most famous Orthodox sites in Russia!

Lastly, you’ll swing by the local Matreshka market and enjoy a break in a nice Russian restaurant before returning to Moscow!

Day Trip to Vladimir and Suzdal

On this 13-hour trip, you’ll discover old Russia, with its picturesque landscapes and white-stoned beautiful churches! You’ll visit the main towns of the famous Golden Ring of Russia – the name for several cities and smaller towns north-east of Moscow.

Your first stop will be in the town of Vladimir, the ancient capital of all Russian principalities. The city dates back to the 11th century and is one of the oldest and the most important towns along the Ring! Next, you’ll visit Suzdal, a calm ancient Russian town north of Vladimir with only 13,000 inhabitants!

The old-style architecture and buildings of Suzdal are kept wonderfully intact. If you’re spending three days in Moscow, or more, this is a great option for exploring the charming areas outside the city!

Zvenigorod Day Trip and Russian Countryside

On this 9-hour private tour, you’ll explore the ancient town of Zvenigorod, one of the oldest towns in the Moscow region! As you leave Moscow you’ll enjoy the stunning scenery along the Moscow River, and make a few stops at old churches along the way to Zvenigorod.

Upon arrival, you’ll explore the medieval center, including the 14th-century Savvino-Storozhevsky Monastery. Next, you’ll take a break for lunch (own expense) where you’ll have the chance to try out the Russian cuisine! Next, you’ll visit the Museum of Russian Dessert and sip on tea at a Russian tea ceremony.

The final stop of the day is at the Ershovo Estate, a gorgeous place to walk around and enjoy nature!

Day Trip to St Petersburg by Train visiting Hermitage & Faberge

On this full-day tour, you’ll enjoy a a full round trip to St Petersburg where you’ll spend an exciting day exploring another popular Russian city! You’ll be picked up from your hotel in Moscow and be transferred to the train station where you’ll ride the high-speed train ‘Sapsan’ to St Petersburg.

Upon arrival, you’ll start the day by touring the Hermitage Museum and the Winter Palace. Next, you’ll visit the Faberge Museum, where you’ll explore the impressive collection of rare Faberge Eggs! In the afternoon, enjoy a sightseeing boat ride and a traditional 3-course Russian lunch.

If you’re spending 3 days in Moscow, or more, this is an excellent trip to take!

Trip to Kolomna – Authentic Cultural Experience from Moscow

On this 10-hour tour, you’ll escape the city and travel to the historic town of Kolomna! First, you’ll visit the 14th-century Kolomna Kremlin, home to the Assumption Cathedral and an abundance of museums!

Next, enjoy lunch at a local cafe (own expense) before embarking on a tour of the Marshmallow Museum – of course, a marshmallow tasting is provided!  Your final stop is the Museum of Forging Settlements, where displays include armor and accessories for fishing and hunting.

Discover this beautiful Russian fairytale city on a private trip, where all of the planning is taken care of for you!

Stash your cash safely with this money belt. It will keep your valuables safely concealed, no matter where you go.

It looks exactly like a normal belt  except for a SECRET interior pocket perfectly designed to hide a wad of cash, a passport photocopy or anything else you may wish to hide. Never get caught with your pants down again! (Unless you want to…)

Find out what people want to know when planning their Moscow itinerary.

How many days you need in Moscow?

We recommend that you spend at least two or three days in Moscow to take it all in.

What’s the best month to visit Moscow?

The best time to visit Moscow is over the spring, from March to May as temperatures are mild, crowds are thin and prices are reasonable.

What are some unusual things to do in Moscow?

I mean, queuing up to see an almost 100 year old corpse is pretty unsual! Check out Lenin’s Mausoleum if you fancy it!

What are some fun things to do in Moscow?

The Memorial Museum of Cosmonautics is a fun place to explore the famous space race from the perspective of the ‘other side’!

We hope you enjoyed our Moscow itinerary! We’ve made sure to cover all the Moscow must-sees as well as some unique attractions in the city! Our addition of insider tips, favorite food stops, and day trips from Moscow is an added bonus and will guarantee you make the most out of your exciting Russian vacation!

Immerse yourself in the modern and traditional Russian lifestyle! Get lost in museums, witness awe-inspiring architecture, and indulge in Russian cuisine! Spend the day strolling through all of the charming sites of Moscow, admiring the beautiful scenery and discovering the city’s fairytale-like enchantment!

And for transparency’s sake, please know that some of the links in our content are affiliate links . That means that if you book your accommodation, buy your gear, or sort your insurance through our link, we earn a small commission (at no extra cost to you). That said, we only link to the gear we trust and never recommend services we don’t believe are up to scratch. Again, thank you!

Alya and Campbell

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TravelAwaits

Our mission is to serve the 50+ traveler who's ready to cross a few items off their bucket list.

19 Unique And Fabulous Experiences In Moscow

• Destinations

Thinking of visiting Russia? When visiting such a famous city, one must, of course, visit the iconic landmarks first. Moscow has plenty of those, most of them in the center of the city, which is very well-planned for tourists. Once you’ve seen the sights that are on most travelers’ lists, it’s time to branch out and visit some of the lesser-known sites, and there are some fascinating places to see and things to do.

I know this list is long, but I just couldn’t help myself. You probably won’t have the time to see them all. But that’s okay. Just scroll through the list and choose what sounds the most interesting to you. Where possible, make sure to book in advance, as things can get crowded, especially during high season.

1. The Red Square, Kremlin, And Surroundings

Red Square (Krasnya Ploshad) is the heart and soul of Russia, and where much of the country’s history has unfolded. This is the most famous landmark in Moscow and indeed the whole country, it’s an absolute must-do! The square is always full of people and has a rather festive atmosphere!

Saint Basil’s Cathedral

This is the famous church with the rainbow-colored, onion-domed roof. The cathedral was commissioned in the 1500s by Ivan the Terrible and according to legend, the Tsar thought it was so beautiful, that he ordered that the architect’s eyes be cut out afterward, so he could never build anything more beautiful! He wasn’t called Ivan the Terrible for no reason!

Lenin’s Mausoleum

The “love-it-or-hate-it” of tourist attractions in Russia. A glass sarcophagus containing the embalmed body of Russian revolutionary, Vladimir Lenin. It may seem a bit bizarre to display the mummy of a person, but it has been there for almost half a century and the 2.5 million visitors who come each year, clearly feel the queuing and thorough body search are worth it, to be in Lenin’s presence.

Pro Tip: no photos and no loud talking are allowed inside the Mausoleum.

Eternal Flame

There is an Eternal Flame in honor of an unknown soldier on the left side of Red Square. The hourly changing of the guards is worth seeing.

The Kremlin is the official residence of the Russian president. You can see it from the outside, or you can take an excursion to one of the museums located inside. This is the biggest active fortress in Europe, and holds a week’s worth of attractions! Once behind the 7,332-feet of walls, there are five squares, four cathedrals, 20 towers, various museums, and the world’s largest bell and cannon to see. Worth a special mention is the Armory Chamber that houses a collection of the famous Faberge Eggs.

Pro Tip: You can only go inside the Kremlin if you are part of a tourist group.

2. Bolshoi Theatre

Bolshoi Theatre translates to “The Big Theatre” in Russian, and the building is home to both the Bolshoi Ballet and Bolshoi Opera — among the oldest and most famous ballet and opera companies in the world.

Pro Tip: It’s hard to get an inexpensive ticket, so if you’re reading well in advance of going to Moscow then try buying tickets on the official website . Last-minute tickets cost around $250 per person. If this is out of your budget, about an hour before a performance, you can try buying a ticket at the entrance from a reseller. Most can speak enough English to negotiate the price.

Tour the Bolshoi Theatre: You can take a group guided tour of the Bolshoi Theatre which focuses on the history and architecture of the theatre and behind the scenes. There’s an English language tour that lasts 2 hours and costs around $300 for a group of up to six.

3. Luxury Shopping At GUM And TSUM

Russia’s main department store, GUM, has a stunning interior that is home to over 100 high-end boutiques, selling a variety of brands: from luxurious Dior to the more affordable Zara. Even if shopping is not on your Moscow to-do list GUM is still worth a visit; the glass-roofed arcade faces Red Square and offers a variety of classy eateries. TSUM, one of the biggest luxury malls in town, is right behind the Bolshoi and GUM. It’s an imposing building with lots of history, and worth a visit just for its design and its glass roof.

4. Christ The Savior Cathedral

This is one of Russia’s most visited cathedrals and is a newer addition to the gorgeous array of Muscovite cathedrals, but don’t let its young age fool you. After perestroika, in the early 90s, the revived Russian Orthodox Church was given permission to build a cathedral on this site. It did the location honors and built the largest temple of the Christian Orthodox Church. The façade is as grand as you’d expect, but it’s the inside that will mesmerize you, with its domes, gold, gorgeous paintings, and decor!

The cathedral is located just a few hundred feet away from the Kremlin and was the site of the infamous Pussy Riot protest against Putin back in 2012.

Pro Tip: Bring a shawl to cover your hair as is the local custom.

5. Gorky Park

Moscow’s premier green space, Gorky Park (Park Gor’kogo) is the city’s biggest and most famous park. There is entertainment on offer here for every taste, from outdoor dancing sessions to yoga classes, volleyball, ping-pong, rollerblading, and bike and boat rental in summer. In winter, half the park turns into a huge ice skating rink. Gorky Park is also home to an open-air movie theater and the Garage Museum of Contemporary Art. There is also Muzeon Art Park, a dynamic contemporary space with a unique collection of 700 sculptures. It is located right in front of Gorky Park.

6. Sparrow Hills Park

If you take a walk from Gorky Park, along the Moscow River embankment, you’ll end up in the city’s other legendary park, Sparrow Hills. Although the park doesn’t offer as many activities as its hip neighbor, it has a great panoramic view of the city

Pro Tip: You can take a free walking tour to all of the above attractions with an English-speaking guide.

7. River Cruising

One of the best ways to experience Moscow, and see all the famous landmarks, but from a different angle, is from the Moscow River. Take a river cruise. Avoid the tourist crowds. There are little nameless old boats that do the cruise, but if you are looking for a more luxurious experience take the Radisson Blu cruise and enjoy the sights with some good food and a glass of wine.

8. Metro Hopping

Inaugurated in the 1930s, the Moscow Metro system is one of the oldest and most beautiful in the world. Started in Stalinist times, each station is a work of art in its own right. I’d recommend touring the stations between 11 a.m. and 4 p.m. This way, you’ll be able to properly see it without the crowds. Ideally, I’d recommend taking a tour with a knowledgeable guide with GuruWalk, who will tell you stories of forgotten stations and how the history of the country is interconnected with the metro development. If going by yourself, then I definitely recommend checking out: Mayakovskaya, Ploschad Revolutsii, Kievskaya, Kropotkinskaya, Kurskaya, and Novoslobodskaya stations.

Visit the free Moscow Metro Museum: For real train enthusiasts, located in the southern vestibule of Sportivnaya station is a small free museum. Here you can take a peek into the driver’s cabin, see a collection of metro tokens from different cities, and see different models of a turnstile, traffic lights, escalator, and more.

9. Moscow State University View

In his effort to create a grander Moscow, Stalin had seven skyscrapers built in different parts of town; they’re called the Seven Sisters. The largest of these buildings and the one with the best view is the main building of the Moscow State University. Although this is a little outside the city center, the view is more than worth it.

10. Izmailovsky Market

Mostly known for the city’s largest flea market, the district of Izmaylovo is home to a maze of shops where you can get just about anything, from artisan crafts to traditional fur hats, handcrafted jewelry, fascinating Soviet memorabilia, and antiquities. It’s also one of Moscow’s largest green spaces. There are often no price tags, so be prepared to haggle a bit. Head to one of the market cafes for a warming mulled wine before continuing your shopping spree.

The History of Vodka Museum is found here, and the museum’s restaurant is the perfect place to sample various brands of the national drink.

Once you’ve covered the more touristy spots, Moscow still has plenty to offer, and the places below will also be full of locals! So for some local vibes, I would strongly recommend the spots below!

11. Moscow City

With a completely different vibe, Moscow City (also referred to as Moscow International Business Center) is like a mini Dubai, with lots of impressive tall glass buildings. Here is where you’ll find the best rooftops in towns, like Ruski Restaurant, the highest restaurant both in Moscow City and in Europe. Moscow City is great for crowd-free shopping and the best panoramic views of the city.

12. Tretyakov Gallery

Tretyakov Gallery started as the private collection of the Tretyakov brothers, who were 19th-century philanthropists. They gave their private collection to the government after their deaths. If there is just one museum you visit in Moscow, I recommend this one!

13. Tsaritsyno Museum-Reserve

Tsaritsyno was a residence of Catherine the Great more than two centuries ago. It became derelict during the Soviet era but has now been fully renovated. With its opulently decorated buildings, gardens, meadows, and forests, Tsaritsyno Park is the perfect place for a green respite in Moscow.

14. Kolomenskoye

A 10-minute metro ride from the city center is Kolomenskoe Museum-Reserve, where you can get an idea of what Russia looked like 200 years ago. You’ll find ancient churches (one dating back to the 16th century), the oldest garden in Moscow, and the wonderful fairytale wooden palace of Tsar Alexey Mikhailovich, father of Peter the Great.

15. Ostankino TV Tower

Built in 1967, Ostankino TV Tower was the tallest free-standing construction in the world at the time, it’s still the 8th tallest building in the world and the highest in Europe. It’s also the best observation deck, with a glass floor and 360-degree views. The speedy elevators take you 1,105 feet in next to no time.

Pro Tip: You need to book in advance; entrance is based on specific ticket times and the capacity is limited and only a certain number of tourists are allowed per day. Don’t forget your passport, you’ll need it to get through security.

16. Zaryadye Park

Zaryadye is a newly opened, landscaped urban park so new you won’t find it in a lot of tour guides. The park is near Red Square and is divided into four climatic zones: forest, steppe, tundra, and floodplains, depicting the variety of climatic zones in Russia.

These last three suggestions are a little quirky, but all are really worth checking out.

17. Museum Of Soviet Arcade Games

Release your inner child playing on 66 arcade machines from the Soviet era! What a great way to spend a couple of hours when tired of visiting museums and palaces. The staff speaks excellent English and are happy to explain how the games work.

18. Moscow Rooftop Tour

Take a 1-hour private Moscow rooftop tour with an experienced roofer. I can just about guarantee none of your friends will be able to say they’ve done it! For your comfort, I recommend wearing comfortable shoes. Take your camera, there are some amazing photo opportunities out there!

19. Sanduny Banya

This classical Russian bathhouse opened its doors in 1808 and is famous for combining traditional Russian banya services with luxurious interiors and service. If you enjoy spas and saunas, then you should experience a Russian bathhouse at least once in your life! Go with an open mind and hire a specialist to steam you as it’s meant to be done — by being beaten repeatedly with a besom (a leafy branch)! This is said to improve circulation, but is best done by a professional!

So there you have my list of things to do in Moscow. I could have gone on and on and on, but I didn’t want to try your patience! There are so many things to do in this vibrant city that you’ll definitely need to allocate several days for exploring.

Here are some other reasons to visit Moscow and Russia:

• 7 Reasons To Put Moscow On Your Travel Bucket List
• Russia 30 Years (And 30 Pounds) Ago
• Massive Mysterious Craters Appearing Again In Siberia

Born and raised in Sydney, Australia, before moving to Africa at the age of 21, Sarah Kingdom is a mountain climber and guide, traveler, yoga teacher, trail runner, and mother of two. When she is not climbing or traveling she lives on a cattle ranch in central Zambia. She guides and runs trips regularly in India, Nepal, Tibet, Russia, and Ethiopia, taking climbers up Tanzania’s Mount Kilimanjaro numerous times a year.