11 Of The Best Travel Shoes For Men, Road Tested By Experts On The Go (2024)

VettedFashion

• Best Walking Shoes For Travel: On Cloud 5

• Best Slip-On Shoes For Travel: Vans Classic Slip-On Shoe

• Best Workout Sneakers For Travel: APL Streamline

• Best Business-Casual Shoes For Travel: Allbirds Wool Runners

• Best Cushioned Shoes For Travel: Kizik Vegas

• Best Rugged Shoes For Travel: Hoka Anacapa Breeze Low

• Best Work Shoes For Travel: Cole Haan Original Grand Moc Toe Chukka Boot

• Best Stylish Shoes For Travel: Peter Millar Excursionist Chukka Shoe

• Best Chelsea Boots For Travel: R.M. Williams Comfort Craftsman

• Best Packable Shoe For Travel: Suavs The Zilker

• Best Waterproof Shoes For Travel: Blundstone Classic 550 Boots

Best Walking Shoes For Travel

Terminal-Friendly Footwear

MOST POPULAR

The On Cloud 5 received several votes from our expert panel. “They are the Range Rovers of shoes—every Wall Street guy has them,” says Lars Munson, who splits his time between Charleston, South Carolina, and New York. With good reason: These sneakers are easy to slip off (and back on) in an airport security line, thanks to their speed lace-locking system, and they are also lauded for containing 44 percent recycled materials—and being lightweight and comfortable. “They are good for walking long distances through expansive new airport terminals, like at LGA,” adds Munson. If you plan to wear them around Seattle, or another notoriously rainy destination, shell out an extra $30 for the On Cloud 5 Waterproof.

Best Slip-On Shoes For Travel

Easy-Breezy Styling

This iconic skateboarding shoe is all grown up, and is being spotted on men in airports all over the world. “Traveling with my Vans Classic Slip-Ons is a total game-changer—while everyone else is wrestling with their shoes at airport security, I can easily slip these shoes on and off in seconds,” says Forbes Vetted gear editor Cam Vigliotta, who buys these subtly stylish canvas shoes in neutral colors like black or charcoal for a more polished look. But if you can’t resist the classic skateboard check pattern, choose a muted colorway like Harry Styles, who has been spotted traveling in the Vans Authentic.

Best Workout Sneakers For Travel

An Attractive Performance Sneaker

APL’s have a loyal legion of fans, due to their style, durability, and versatility. Sleek enough to wear to work but technical enough to work out in, they save you from having to cram an extra pair of running shoes into your carry-on. “I use them for travel and exercise. They even perform well on a pickleball court…well, better than I do anyway,” says Will Sledge, of Mobile, Alabama. Karson Chivas, who lives in Tampa and has a home in Miami, is also a believer. “I wear these when I’m traveling or doing a lot of walking—and I like them for work because they are subtle, and don’t have an in-your-face logo,” says Chivas. “I own eight pairs.” (Streamlines are currently available in 69 colorways, so owning a wardrobe of them is not uncommon.)

Best Business-Casual Shoes For Travel

The Ultimate Crossover Shoe

A sneaker that doesn’t look like a sneaker, Allbirds’ versatility makes it a favorite among travelers. “They feel like sneakers, but the non-descript dark sole makes them look like a work shoe,” says one of the travelers we spoke to who lives in Chicago. Made from superfine ZQ Merino wool, they feel as cozy as a sweater, while thermoregulation keeps feet from getting too hot. Plus, you can feel good about wearing them because the wool is grown using regenerative farming practices that help prevent climate change.

Best Cushioned Shoes For Travel

Superior Comfort During Long Days

Nondescript isn’t often used as a compliment, but in this case, it’s the very highest of praise. Caleb King, director of engineering at Forbes, wears these supple leather tennis shoes to the office because they are sophisticated enough to pass for work shoes. The Rabbit Foam outsoles ensure a cushiony commute, and the heel of the shoes collapse when you step into them (and then snap right back into the place), making them easy to step in and out of at the airport.

Best Rugged Shoes For Travel

Perfect For Hiking A Trail—Or Across Town

This shoe racks up awards: It earned The American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA) Seal of Acceptance, which recognizes footwear that promotes foot health, and it’s made out of the Leather Working Group (LGW) Gold-Rated nubuck leather (the LGA is a nonprofit organization that promotes responsible leather practices that support positive social and environmental change.) Designed for hiking in warm climates (note the grippy Vibram outsole) the Hoka Anacapa Breeze Low is equally good for trekking through airports, cities, and wherever else your adventures take you. “They are perfect for every stage of travel. The shoe's ventilated upper keeps my feet cool, so I don't have to be that guy who takes my shoes off on the plane,” says Vigliotta. “And the cushy midsole makes it easy to walk for miles in pain-free comfort.

Best Work Shoes For Travel

Dressy, But Not Too Formal

If you book client dinners right after work, this is the shoe for you. “It looks like a work shoe, but it’s still informal enough to go out in,” says Nick O’Grady, who lives in Minneapolis. The “desert”-style boot has been reimagined with a flexible rubber sole, and Cole Haan’s Grandfoam cushioning ensures a blister free walk, whether you’re traipsing through airport terminals or through a city. “It literally feels like you are walking on a pillow,” O’Grady says.

Best Stylish Shoes For Travel

Sophisticated And Extremely Comfortable

These have the lace-less, slip-on ease of a traditional loafer, but with more distinctive styling. (Peter Millar updated the classic military-inspired chukka by making them lower-cut and removing the traditional laces). Water-resistant (which is impressive for suede) and offering sneaker-like comfort, they are a favorite of Stephen Pozatek of New Canaan, CT. “I like the ¾ height, and that they can work in both a formal or casual environment.”

Best Chelsea Boots For Travel

Rugged And Handsome On The Road

These boots have been being handmade in Australia since 1932, and have classic yet modern appeal. Meticulously crafted using a single piece of leather that softens with each wear, they have a rubber welt sole that makes them well-suited to trekking through cities. “They are rugged yet dressy, and just very versatile,” says Adam Borod who wears them to work in New York City and on trips throughout Europe. The pull on construction is perfect for travel, but what really sets the R.M. Williams apart is their style. Everyone we showed these to immediately said they were going to buy a pair.

Best Packable Shoe For Travel

Can Be Crammed Into The Smallest Of Carry-Ons

Slim and flexible, these sustainable shoes can be packed completely flat to save space in your bag. Gordon Watson, who lives in San Diego, likes that they slip on easily, and that The Zilker’s moisture absorbing materials allow them to be worn with or without socks. What’s more, the shoe is constructed to magically conform to any foot shape (ranging from narrow to wide), and the sole is extra grippy—perfect for schlepping down slippery streets.

Best Waterproof Shoes For Travel

Good Boots For Bad Weather

These are especially popular for travelers who have to brave the elements—for work or play. Stephen Kennedy, who lives in Bedford, NY, but opened a School of Rock franchise in Ireland, likes their waterproof construction. “They are dressy enough for work but comfortable and practical for Irish weather—and I also wear them when I go over to Austria.” Borod has also worn them while exploring the Dolomites and walking around town at night in Ortisei. The brand’s iconic pull on tabs make them easy to get on and off, water-resistant leather keeps feet dry, and amped-up shock absorption takes the brunt of the impact as you walk.

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