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All sizes below are women’s unless a listing says otherwise.
Packing with only a carry-on means every pair of shoes has to earn its spot. The fifteen pairs below cover sneakers, flats, sandals, heels and boots, and each one comes with buyer feedback on comfort during long days of walking.
For every pick, we list where to buy it, the starting price and the sizes on offer.
1. Dr. Scholl’s Slip-On Sneakers With a Memory Foam Insole
These Dr. Scholl’s slip-on sneakers have a cushioned insole, which makes them an easy default for both style and comfort. One reviewer put them through days of 15,000 steps, so your feet are one thing you can stop thinking about from the airport onward.
Buyers say they suit leggings, dresses and shorts equally well. One shopper is on a third pair and has bought a new one every spring for three years, noting that the memory foam feels like walking on clouds. They add that the shoes hold up in all kinds of weather.
Another reviewer chose them for a seven-day tour of NYC and DC. They averaged 7 to 8 miles a day, even in a downpour, without a single blister or pain.
That reviewer also calls the shoes easy to slip on and off, water-resistant and a match for any outfit.
Amazon sells them from $40+, in sizes 4 to 14 (wide sizes included) and 18 styles.
2. Pointed-Toe Slip-On Ballet Flats in Plenty of Colors
These slip-on pointed-toe ballet flats come in so many colors that your whole friend group may want a pair. They offer all-around support, a breathable knit upper and a comfy memory foam insole.
The look is as polished as pricier brands such as Vivaia and Rothy’s, which helps if you are saving your budget for the trip itself. They are machine washable too.
One buyer styled them with a cropped denim look, and it is a combination worth copying.
The same reviewer grabbed the flats on a whim just a day or two ahead of a two-week European vacation. They covered about 6 to 10 miles daily and never got a blister or the dreaded heel slip that ballet flats often cause.
The shoes also stayed in excellent condition, which surprised them given the affordable price. They find the flats versatile and easy to style with dresses and denim, and they will likely buy a second color.
Amazon lists them from $28.04+, with 14 styles available in sizes 6 to 10.
3. A Chunky Cross-Strap Sandal From Dr. Martens, the Voss II Athena
The Dr. Martens Voss II Athena leather sandals pair a bold, chunky cross-strap design with adjustable ankle straps. A lightweight foam footbed cushions each step.
One wearer has styled them with everyday shorts, flowing skirts and dressier dresses, and finds that every outfit works. They also call these the only Dr. Martens pair they have bought that needed zero break-in time.
That same wearer spent seven weeks in Europe and reached for these whenever their New Balances were not on their feet. They praise the arch support for high arches, and the soft adjustable straps never cut into the skin or cause blisters.
They also looked for extra height to shield the toes in crowded spaces. The foam footbed platform gives the chunky look they like without the weight of their other Dr. Martens.
Over two years and many thousands of steps, the foam has compressed a little, though far less than they feared. Apart from a cleaning after a sunscreen stain, the straps are all still secure.
A separate buyer loves how comfortable the sandals are and says they work with casual outfits or dressed up for work.
Amazon has them for $74.95, in sizes 5 to 11 and four colors. Dr. Martens sells them for $100, in black and pink, with sizes 5 to 11 on offer.
4. Ramsay Heels by Frankie4, Built on a Podiatrist-Designed Footbed
The Frankie4 Ramsay heels earn their price tag for two reasons. They are gorgeous, and they have a patented footbed, designed by a podiatrist, which cushions the foot and molds to it so long wear stays comfortable.
Picture them as trusty companions at a destination wedding, taking you from daytime sightseeing to dancing late into the night. Buyers with plantar fasciitis are fans as well.
One reviewer bought them for weddings and found them comfortable whether standing for hours or dancing the night away. They love the bronze color, calling it gorgeous and super versatile across different dresses and dress codes.
Frankie4 sells them in sizes 6 to 13 and four colors. Nordstrom offers the same size and color range, for $214.
5. Adidas Running Shoes With Cloud-Inspired Cushioning
These lightweight Adidas running shoes use a cushioning that is literally named after clouds, and reviewers agree the name fits. If you are preparing for days of 20,000 steps or more, they should keep your feet from giving out.
The upper is breathable mesh, and the sock-like construction lets the shoe conform to your foot. That same construction means it can be squashed into a carry-on.
One reviewer called them the best shoes ever and got through an entire Disney day without a complaint. Two hours of walking in the park normally wears them out, but these kept them going from morning to night.
Amazon sells them from $40+, in sizes 5 to 11 and five colors.
6. Allbirds Tree Runners for Warm-Weather Walking
You may be grateful for the Allbirds Tree Runners around hour five of an itinerary, when your companions are trudging along. These lightweight shoes let you keep skipping to the next stop.
The eucalyptus fiber material is breathable, and the moisture-wicking insole helps ward off foot odor. Both make them a great choice for travel in warm weather.
Plenty of travelers regard them as their go-to neutral, reliable walking shoe. Allbirds has a reputation for top-notch comfort, and the Tree Runners live up to it.
The laces are made from recycled plastic bottles. When needed, the shoes can go in the wash and then air dry, and they keep their shape.
One traveler compared them to walking on clouds and wore them all through Spain and Portugal. They nicknamed them their magic shoes, praised the support and use them for running errands too.
Another buyer loves them for summer, since they breathe and suit walking. They are cute with dresses too, so this shopper has been wearing them all over.
Allbirds sells them for $100, in women’s sizes 5 to 11, men’s sizes 8 to 14 and 21 styles.
7. Rothy’s Mary Janes With a Secure, Adjustable Strap
These adorable Rothy’s Mary Janes use a stretchy knit fabric for a close fit. The flexible, adjustable straps are secure enough to sprint for a train without losing a shoe.
Reviewers have worn them through lengthy travel days and 10-hour shifts, and they report that the heel never digs in painfully. The red pair shown here is hard to look past.
They are machine washable as well. This style fits true to size, though sizing up half a size is recommended if you want more room or have wider feet.
One reviewer says the shoes hug the feet so nicely that no break-in was needed. They are very breathable, and two straight days of walking around NYC brought no complaints.
Another shopper walked all over cobblestone and city streets and stayed pain free. They recommend the shoes and plan to buy another pair in a different color.
Rothy’s sells them for $165, in sizes 5 to 13 and eight colors.
8. Kodiak Leather Boots for a Packed Day in the City
Reach for Kodiak leather boots when you have 24 hours and want to take in everything a city offers, from hiking trails to downtown sights. This all-purpose boot has great traction and comfortable ankle support.
Waterproof leather, sealed seams and Thinsulation help keep your feet warm if spring showers catch you out.
One reviewer calls the boots super stylish and amazingly comfortable, as if their feet were in clouds, and very warm. They wear them with Smartwool socks and are happy with the combination.
They usually take a size 6 but size up for hiking boots, so they ordered a 6.5 and it fit perfectly. Their brown pair with red laces is eye-catching and has drawn many compliments.
Amazon sells them from $54.97+, in sizes 5 to 11 and three colors.
9. Cushionaire Slides With a Contoured Footbed
These comfy Cushionaire slides have collected over 60,000 five-star ratings. They show that you do not need to spend $100+ on shoes compared to walking on clouds, a comparison that comes straight from reviewers.
The flexible, contoured footbed supports your arches, the insole is suede-lined for breathability, and the faux-leather straps adjust. Reviewers like them on walking-heavy trips, because they deliver Birks-style looks and comfort for much less money.
One buyer calls them the most comfortable sandals they have ever owned. They live with plantar fibroma, so most footwear is extremely uncomfortable for them, yet these give arch support and a comfortable walk.
Their feet do not slide from side to side, and the soles do not squeak on polished floors. They bought two colors and may add more, given the price.
Another reviewer owns six pairs of Birkenstocks and did not want to spend that much this time. They find these slides actually more comfortable, thanks to added padding on the insole.
They think the price was almost a third of a Birkenstock and were pleasantly surprised by the quality.
Amazon lists them for $34.99, in sizes 5 to 12 (wide sizes included) and 20 styles.
10. Braided Heeled Slip-Ons That Dress Up a Sightseeing Outfit
A cute braided detail sets these heeled slip-ons apart, and it may erase any regret over the black heels left behind at home.
Short on time before dinner? Slipping these on is a super quick way to elevate jeans and a T-shirt, even if you only have a few minutes.
One buyer reaches for these sandals more and more because they are comfy, cute and elevate outfits. They needed no breaking in, and a whole day out brought no problems with long-term wear.
The fit was true to size, and the buyer plans to get another color.
Amazon sells them from $29.99+, in sizes 6 to 10, two heel heights and 16 colors. Not every color comes in every size.
11. Packable Ballet Flats for Your Tote Bag
These ballet flats take up almost no space, so a pair can live in your tote for an emergency swap from high heels. The simple style mixes easily with a capsule wardrobe, and fun colors and designs are there if you prefer a statement pair.
Reviewers also report no toe pinching.
One reviewer normally cannot wear flats because of terrible blisters on the back of the feet, yet these did not cause any. They bought the nude color for a walking-heavy city getaway, where sandals are not typically worn, and the flats were perfect.
They admit the flats lack the support of sneakers, but they are happy to own a cheap pair that does not cause blisters. They broke the flats in at home with thin socks, and they sometimes wear little sock liners too.
They were also able to fold the flats in half, Tieks-style, and tuck them into a semi-small purse. That let them change shoes to dance at a wedding.
Amazon sells them from $22.10+, in sizes 5 to 15 (wide sizes included) and 20 styles.
12. Vivaia Hybrid Ballet Flats With a Sneaker-Style Sole
The Vivaia hybrid ballet flats keep the timeless ballet look but add support through a sneaker-like outsole. An EVA foam bottom and dual arch support mean you will not feel every rock and cobblestone road underfoot.
Wider feet and bunions get extra space from the roomier cut, reviewers say. A muddy puddle is no problem either, since the flats go in the washing machine.
Founded in 2020, Vivaia is a small footwear brand aiming for stylish, high-quality shoes. Recycled water bottles go into many of its styles, and its production process works to cut waste.
One reviewer wanted shoes that are fashionable yet comfy because a bunion had started to bother them. These fit the bill, needed no breaking in, and caused no issues during a first outing of three hours.
Someone even asked the reviewer where the shoes came from.
Vivaia sells them from $119+ (originally $139), in sizes 5 to 11, 10 colors and two other hybrid styles. On Amazon they start at $101.15+, in sizes 5 to 11 and three colors.
13. Padded Ankle Boots With a Slight Heel
These fashionable ankle boots will go clack clack clack as you strut between all the city spots you saved on TikTok.
They have a padded insole, a non-slip rubber sole and a slight heel. That keeps you safe from puddles and from unidentified surprises on city sidewalks.
One reviewer bought them a couple of days before a trip to Boston and worried about breaking them in on the go. A few reviews had said the boots suit being on your feet all day, and that turned out to be correct.
Their group walked at least six hours a day for five days in a row, and the boots were amazing the whole time. Temperatures ran from 2 to 20 degrees, yet the boots kept their feet warm and handled snow well.
The reviewer also thinks they are very cute.
Amazon sells them from $42.99+, in 11 colors and sizes 6 to 12 (wide sizes included).
14. Nixi Featherweight Sandals From André Assous
The André Assous Nixi Featherweight Sandal is so pretty that you may not want to wear another pair. Wear it with flowy pants on an evening beach stroll, or to a dinner reservation when you are not sure what to put on.
A leather-covered memory foam footbed, a raffia upper and metallic detailing elevate any outfit. Together they prove a sandal can be cute and comfy at once.
One reviewer finds them very comfortable yet stylish. The older they get, the less heel they want, and these offer a little elevation while staying practical.
The padded footbed works for all-day wear, and the sandals go with jeans or dresses. The raffia band fits snug, which this reviewer prefers.
The sizing is European, so a true US size 9 wears a 10 here, as with other European-made shoes. The reviewer liked the pair so much that they bought a second.
André Assous offers them in sizes 5 to 11 and six colors. DSW carries sizes 5 to 11 in red and black, for $149.
15. Dr. Scholl’s Sneakers Made for a European Vacation
These simple but stylish Dr. Scholl’s sneakers are the vacation shoe, according to TikTok. Their anatomical cushioning is comfortable and ultra-supportive enough to carry you through a packed itinerary.
Stretchy laces let you slip them on and go when you are running late for a reservation. They are also made from recycled materials.
One reviewer rarely writes reviews but felt these shoes deserved one. They wore the sneakers almost exclusively on a trip through Venice, Florence and Rome, and agree with TikTok that they are ideal for a European vacation.
They logged over 30k steps a day in Rome. The shoes go with everything, feel comfortable and are simple to wipe clean after a day out.
They also sprayed the pair with Scotchgard fabric spray for a little extra protection and waterproofing.
Amazon sells them from $64.99+, in sizes 4 to 13 (wide and extra-wide sizes included) and 30 styles.
Chloe Jenkins
Saving you ten minutes of frustrating Google searches is what makes a long day of writing completely worth it. I specialize in building comprehensive, easy to follow guides that simplify complex subjects and make your daily decisions just a little bit smoother.