Finding the perfect pair of travel shoes can be tricky. They need to tick so many boxes. To start, you want shoes that are comfortable for sitting for hours on a train or plane, or for making a mad dash to catch your connection, but you also need shoes that are versatile enough to look put together when you arrive. Plus, they should pack easily, match several outfits, and clean up without much effort. You have some tough choices to make, but we’re here to help.
What to look for in comfortable travel shoes
Here are the most important factors to consider when picking out your next pair of shoes for traveling.
On and off they go: Easy to remove shoes
Removing shoes can either be a breeze or a beast. If you need to take off your shoes for airport security, choose something without laces. Air travel can also cause feet to swell, so you don’t want a rigid shoe. Go for slip-on shoes or comfy shoes with plenty of stretch and breathable materials that you can take off easily.
Scrub-a-dub: Easy to clean shoes
Hey, traveling can get a little messy at times. Unfortunately, your shoes may end up taking the brunt of it. Go with shoes that can be easily cleaned up—so you can look fresh no matter what your day brings. Learn more about cleaning your Allbirds here.
Suitcase Tetris time: Easy to pack shoes
Does anyone really enjoy packing? It may be exciting at first, but soon you’re faced with deciding what you can actually fit in the suitcase. This is where every inch matters, so if you’re packing travel shoes, you’ll want a pair that is light, that can get smashed without losing shape, and something without a heavy sole. Those heavy-duty boots or rhinestone stilettos can be a lot harder to fit into the suitcase, so go with a lightweight pair, like our new SuperLight Tree Runners. Which also boast our lowest carbon footprint to date.
From airport to meet-up: Versatile styling
Sure, it’s nice to wear comfortable shoes when kicking back on a flight, but your shoes need to be versatile enough for sightseeing, meeting up with business associates, going on walking tours, or hitting up a local bar or restaurant. Choose something subtle in a color that matches several of your outfits.
What shoes are best for long airplane rides?
The last thing you want is to wear stuffy, tight shoes on a long flight. Go with a lightweight, breathable shoe with a healthy dose of ventilation and cushy padding. And if you want to make things even more convenient, choose slip-on shoes for quicker outfit changes and airport security checks.
For a minimalist look for your travel shoes, check out our Tree Loungers. The eucalyptus tree fiber upper is lightweight and breathable, and they’re easy to slip on and off. Plus, they go with casual travel outfits–your jeans and sweats–or you can wear them dressed up a bit for dinner or sightseeing tours.
If you’re the one who’s usually running through airports or train stations, you may need more of a performance shoe; take a look at our Tree Dashers. They’re running shoes with the flexibility, lighter weight, and exceptional breathability that may have you forgetting you’re even wearing them. Plus, they’re laceless and easy to slip on or off when needed.
What are the best travel shoes for winter?
Wintertime travel always requires a bit of strategy. Yes, you want to stay nice and toasty as you make your way from Point A to Point B, but comfort is about more than just sheer warmth. Those who want an ideal mix of comfort, warmth, and versatility for their feet while traveling should try our Wool Runners. Soft, supportive, thermoregulating, and effortlessly stylish, these shoes keep your feet warm without making them feel stuffy.
If you need something with a little more coverage for cold weather, take a look at our Wool Runner-Up Mizzles. They feature the same merino wool upper and sugarcane midsole as our Wool Runners but with a higher profile that rises further up the ankle.
If you’re traveling to a place with lots of snow and slush, consider our water-resitant sneakers. Your feet will stay dry and cozy thanks to our bio-based water-repellent coating.
What are the best travel shoes for summer?
Summer travel can get steamy, especially if you’re spending a lot of time on your feet. The hotter months call for a lightweight, highly-breathable shoe with a thin outer for additional flexibility and airflow. Our Tree Skippers feature a low-profile, slip-on design with minimal laces and light eucalyptus fiber that encourages breathability even on the hottest days. Plus, they’re machine washable, so they’re easy to clean when the time comes. Alternatively, our Couriers are a nod to a vintage sneaker made with natural materials that are cushy enough for all-day-wearability.
For the ladies, you may also want to check out our Flats, the Tree Breezers. The name itself just makes you think of summer shoes. Silky-smooth eucalyptus fiber is breathable, minimizes odor, and they’re easy to slip on and off.
Whatever you choose, bon voyage!
