Comfy and Stylish: Best Travel Shoes (and Sandals) for Women

(Reviews and recommendations on women's walking shoes for all-day travel. This is part three of the Pack Like a Pro series.)

Introduction

Let's face it: cute shoes can be downright cruel to our poor feet. This is a recurring dilemma I face whenever I pack for long international trips. Do I choose the cute, casual white shoes and face the aching foot pain later? Or do I choose the not-so-stylish pair that can support my feet for ten miles of walking? Transferring to different metro lines, exploring, and walking on cobblestone streets really takes a toll on my feet at the end of the day. After dealing with this dilemma for too long, I started prioritizing comfort and took the time to research supportive shoes for walking.

Comfortable shoes provide the support and cushioning your feet need for long walks and exploring without blisters or aches. They will allow you to fully immerse yourself in the joy of sightseeing and adventuring, without being distracted by foot pain. Plus, they can be versatile and allow an effortless transition from exploring the city to sunbathing on the beach. 

(Acropolis of Athens in Greece)

The best walking footwear for travel (for comfort and style)

Recently I committed to finding the best walking footwear for 5 weeks of traveling. I spent days researching and trying on various footwear and ultimately found the following shoes and sandals–and I ended up loving all of them. This is my comparison of my three favorite footwear for travel.

#1. Teva Universal Sandals

These are by far my favorite footwear out there. They really are a lot cuter person. Tevas combine comfort, durability, and versatility into one product and somehow still made them super cute. They offer unparalleled support with their non-slip, cushioned footbeds and adjustable straps that secure both narrow and wide feet. Whether you're hiking through rugged trails, exploring sandy beaches, or simply strolling through the city, these sandals provide the ultimate blend of support, comfort and style. Their water-resistant materials make them perfect for wet and dry environments, while their grippy soles offer reliable traction on various terrains. 

(Teva Women's Midform Universal Sandal- 1.25” platform)

• Size info: whole sizes only. For ½ sizes, most people recommend to order the next size up. But I personally sized down since the straps are adjustable and I didn’t want too much room for my toe box.

• Sole info: comes in 3 different heights (flat, midform, platform). My favorite height is the midform (1.25” platform) since it provides more cushion than the flat ones, and can be dressed up or down. 

• What I love about them: I would rate these 10/10 for comfort level. I love these so much I also got the high version (1.75” platform) to be a little more dressy.

(Teva Women's Flatform Universal Sandal- 1.75” platform)

#2. Allbirds’ Wool Runners

These are the first pair of white, casual walking shoes I’ve worn that are actually comfortable and cute. I typically need to wear wide size shoes so it’s challenging to find white shoes that can go with any outfit and support a long day of exploring.  They have different versions of this shoe, and I decided on the wool ones because they can be dressed up or down. The wool is actually a thin (but sturdy) material, making them super soft, lightweight, fitting for my wide feet. Even in hot weather, my feet didn’t sweat.

(Plaka neighborhood in Athens, Greece in our comfy Allbirds)

• Color: "natural white" is like a light cream/white color. 

• Size info: whole sizes only. For ½ sizes, size up.

• Sole info: cushioned and removable midsole. Provides enough support for pain-free feet after 7 miles of walking (personal experience).

• What I love about them: machine washable to keep them looking white 😍

• Tip: If you're a student or worker in healthcare/military/education, you may qualify for a 15% discount by Allbirds. Check out their "Community Offers" to see if you qualify.

#3. Memory Foam Platform Slides

These lightweight platform slides can tie together any summer and fall outfit and be dressed up or down. The soles are padded with memory foam and they can easily be slipped on/off. The toe box has an elastic band to accommodate narrow and wide feet.

• Color: nude weave

• Size info: true to size

• Sole info: 2.2” platform. Padded with memory foam. 

• What I love about them: I can get the chic platform look without taking up too much space in my luggage.

 Conclusion

By selecting versatile and adaptable shoes, you can transition effortlessly from sightseeing, going to the beach, to dining out without sacrificing style or comfort. You don’t have to compromise on style and you’ll be prepared for any situation that comes up. Investing in quality, stylish, and comfortable footwear is a cost-effective decision that means longer-lasting and cost-effective footwear, saving you from frequent replacements and overspending. So, opt for versatile shoes that are comfortable and stylish, and you'll be able to fully savor every moment of your vacation without any painful foot regrets!

This "Pack Like a Pro" series includes four articles. If you like this review, check out my reviews on practical tech accessories (part 2), stylish and comfortable travel shoes (part 3), and a versatile backpack (part 4).

PS. Follow me on @budgetconsciousbabe

(Plaka neighborhood in Athens Greece)