The Best Walking Shoes for Cities, According to a Travel Writer
I circled the world 8.6 times last year, so I know a good shoe.
Photo Illustration by Thomas Levinson/The Daily Beast/Getty
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I’ve learned the hard way that there is no universal “best travel shoe.” The pair that works perfectly in Tokyo can leave you limping in Lisbon. The sneakers that survive Mexico City’s cracked sidewalks may feel clunky and impractical in Kyoto, where you’re constantly slipping your shoes on and off.
And as someone with flat feet who routinely walks 20,000-plus steps a day while traveling, I find that footwear can make or break an entire trip. Last year alone, I traveled to 45 cities and destinations, covering enough distance to circle the globe 8.6 times. Somewhere between the cobblestones of Portugal, the rain-slicked streets of Scotland, and marathon sightseeing days in Mexico City, I became obsessive about finding shoes that actually hold up.
The best travel shoes aren’t necessarily the trendiest or the most expensive. They’re the pairs that match the conditions of where you’re going: supportive enough for uneven terrain, breathable enough for long days, weatherproof when needed, and easy to wear for hours without thinking about your feet. Here are the shoes I recommend depending on the destination.
For Japan: Easy Slip-Ons You Can Remove in Seconds
Japan completely changed how I think about travel footwear. Between traditional accommodations, temples, certain restaurants, and even fitting rooms, you’ll likely be taking your shoes off constantly. The last thing you want is a cumbersome lace-up sneaker when everyone else has seamlessly stepped in and out of their footwear. What works best here are sleek slip-ons with real arch support—not flimsy flats that leave your feet aching by lunchtime.
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Birkenstock Boston Soft Footbed Clog
Allbirds Tree Loungers
Lululemon Women’s Zen Mode Mule
For Portugal: Cushioned Sneakers That Can Survive Cobblestones
Portugal is one of the most beautiful countries I’ve visited—and one of the roughest on footwear. Lisbon’s steep hills and slick calçada portuguesa sidewalks can destroy unsupportive shoes fast. Add uneven cobblestones in Porto and long walking days, and you need serious cushioning and grip.
Hoka Clifton 9
Adidas Samba
Blundstone Chelsea Boots
For Mexico City: Breathable Sneakers for Massive Walking Days
Mexico City is sprawling. Even when you think you’re taking it easy, you somehow end up walking miles through Roma Norte, Condesa, Coyoacán, and beyond. The sidewalks can be uneven, the altitude can add fatigue, and the days tend to stretch longer than expected. Breathability and shock absorption matter here more than people realize.
On Cloudmonster 3 Sneakers
New Balance 990v6
Vionic Walk Max Sneaker
Down From $175
For London and Scotland: Waterproof Shoes That Can Handle Rain
I’ve made the mistake of bringing mesh sneakers to the UK before. Once. Wet feet can derail an entire trip, especially in cities where you’re outside for hours at a time. In London and throughout Scotland, waterproofing and traction matter just as much as comfort, because you’ll be walking on cobblestones, steps, and more in light (or heavy) rain at any given point.
Vessi Weekend Sneaker
Salomon XT-6 Gender Inclusive Sneaker
Hunter Original Chelsea Boots
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