If you like to take frequent vacations, you need travel shoes that will keep your feet protected from whatever lies underfoot. This is especially critical if you like to be outdoors. Aesthetics may not be critical in such environments, but you still want a shoe that will complement your look. Most importantly, you want your shoes to be comfortable throughout the day, no matter the activity. The best travel shoes for men will effectively protect your joints from the impact of walking or running, while still making you look good. Here are some of the best available options when it comes to men’s travel shoes.
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View the 10 Best Travel Shoes for Men
1. Best for Activities – Brooks Men’s Ghost 12 Running Shoes
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The Ghost 12 running shoes are for the active man who values comfort and stability. Its design incorporates multiple layers of cushioning to provide ankle support when you’re walking or running long distances. It’s made from lightweight material so you will barely notice them on your feet. They are also ideal for high-impact sports, so they can double up as your gym shoes.
A system of shock absorbers dubbed the ‘Segmented Crash Pad’ work to keep your foot stable and cushioned no matter where you step. This makes the Ghost 12 Running Shoes ideal for people who suffer from perennial ankle problems.
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If you’re looking for an all-action travel shoe that excels in the looks department, the Brooks Mens Ghost 12 Running Shoe is close to perfect. It offers supreme comfort and stability, allowing you to step confidently on any type of terrain.
2. Best Slip-On – Skechers Men’s Equalizer Double Play Loafer
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Do you need a pocket-friendly casual travel shoe that you can get around with comfortably? The Skechers Men’s Equalizer Double Play Slip-On Loafer has a flexible sole and a memory foam insole to guarantee you supreme comfort wherever you step. At just six ounces in weight, this pair of shoes will feel like walking on air. In fact, many reviewers say they feel like a pair of slippers on their feet.
Their comfort and stylish knit mesh face make them great travel shoes for men. The fact that they’re slip-ons is a plus for those who can do without bending over to tie laces.
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Supremely comfortable and light, the Skechers Men’s Equalizer Slip-On is on of the best travel shoes for men. And their style is good enough to wear at an outing where you want to make an impression. With no laces to tie, you can easily slip them on and off making them great shoes for travel.
3. Best Casual Sneaker – Cole Haan Men’s Grand Crosscourt li Runner Shoes
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If you’re looking to inject some quiet elegance into your travel ensemble, Cole Haan Men’s Grand Crosscourt running shoes are a good bet. Draped in burnished leather that is available in many different colors, this shoe will stylishly complete your weekend look. Whether you want to showcase your sporty or casual side, these high quality runner shoes will be the perfect match.
Speaking of sporty, if you will need to get active during your holiday, you can trust your Grand Crosscourt shoes will be up to the task. Their flexible rubber sole will keep your feet stable and comfortable as you walk or run. Light as they are, you won’t even feel them.
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If you’re looking for a stylish, versatile travel shoe that can handle different terrains, the Cole Haan Men’s Grand Crosscourt li Runner Shoes are a good buy. The tough upper leather of the shoe will keep your feet safe while the textile lining and rubber sole will keep you comfortable however active you are.
4. Best for Hiking – Timberland Men’s Mid Waterproof Ankle Boot
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The Timberland Hiking boots are the perfect companion for the avid outdoorsman. They are an all-weather, all-terrain shoe that will take all sorts of punishment. As you hike your way into new frontiers, you can rely on this pair of boots to keep your feet well protected from all elements, including water.
While the tough leather keeps your feet safe from external harm, the compression-molded foam mid-sole will keep them nice and cozy.
With a Timberland boot, you have the added assurance of pedigree. You will be wearing a shoe from a brand that has built a reputation for designing tough-and-ready footwear over decades.
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If you spend most of your free time hiking, camping or doing other outdoors stuff, buying this boot is a no-brainer. Yes, it’s not cheap, but it is definitely value for money. Once you have a pair, you won’t need to invest in another for many years which made it a top choice for our recommended travel shoes.
5. Best for Beaches – REEF Men’s Fanning Flip Flop
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These are more than just your regular flip-flops, they are specially designed for comfort and stability. For this reason they are designed with an anatomical arch support and an EVA foam footbed. They even have 360-degree airbags to cushion your heels and joints from impact.
On the outside, your foot will be covered by snazzy synthetic nubuck strappings. They look every bit as good as leather but you won’t have to think about them getting jaded when they come into contact with water repeatedly.
REEF Men’s Fanning flip-flops are more functional than others; they come with a bottle opener in the outsole.
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Open shoes are made for beach vacations and these flip-flops are what you need for your seaside retreat. These travel shoes for men will serve you both in the sands and on the sidewalks, keeping your feet comfortable all along. And if you get thirsty on the way, you will have a handy tool to pop open a cold drink. They may seem a bit pricey, but they more than make up for it in comfort and functionality.
6. Clarks Men’s Escalade Step Dress Shoe
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Here is a versatile piece of footwear that will serve the man on the move on virtually any occasion. These are arguably the best all round shoes for professionals of virtually any vocation. Whether you’re a speaker who has to stand for the better part of the day or a sales exec who has to walk long distances, this shoe will serve you well.
It will help you look your most presentable while keeping foot pain at bay. And you will be glad to get such a combination of comfort and elegance at the price you got them.
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The Clarks Men’s Escalade Step offers great value at its current price range. It’s one of the best travel shoes for men because of the comfortable and looks great. It can work as an everyday shoe as well as an accompaniment for your occasional trips. Either way, you will be able to wear them for hours on end without fear of foot pain. They are easy to maintain and durable, meaning it will be years before you have to replace this pair of shoes.
7. Adidas Originals Men’s Seeley Fashion Sneaker
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There’s nothing like chic Adidas sneakers to complement a casual weekend outfit or keep your feet comfortable while traveling. This particular version of Adidas Originals has that retro charm that will earn you smiles of admiration wherever you go. If you’re a collector, this pair of shoes will be a great acquisition.
Its textile top will allow your feet to move about freely and keep you from developing nasty blisters on top of your toes. This pair of sneakers is a favorite among skateboarding enthusiasts and it’s easy to see why. The flat outer sole will give you great stability on the board.
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It may cost you a little more than the average shoes for travel, but those other shoes don’t have that kind of pedigree. The Seeley Fashion Sneaker can be taken practically anywhere (apart from your boardroom)making them great shoes for travel.
8. Birkenstock Unisex Arizona Leather Sandal
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Comfortable every day sandals are an essential when you travel. If you don’t have a pair, the Birkenstock Unisex Arizona Sandal is a great place to start. They are simple in design yet very appealing to the eye with their combination of leather and cork. They’re made of an amalgam of cork and latex that molds itself to your feet as you walk.
To absorb all impact and keep your feet safe from related injuries, the sandals’ soles are also fitted with EVA rubber. You can be sure of quality and durability when you invest in Birkenstock walking shoes. This German shoemaker has been in the business for more than 200 years.
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Make no mistake, these sandals are not cheap, but any Birkenstock purchase is a shrewd investment. The Unisex Arizona sandals are a particularly good buy for the level of comfort they provide the wearer. And few sandals look as good as these.
9. New Balance Men’s 1300 V1 Walking Shoe
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You’re out and about on your vacation exploring the sights of an exotic city, but your feet are killing you. Instead of enjoying your adventure, you can’t wait to get back to the hotel. You can avoid such a scenario by procuring a pair of New Balance Men’s 1300 V1 Walking Shoes. These shoes live up to their name by giving your heel and sole excellent support for a comfortable walking experience.
Made of leather and fitted with a gusseted tongue, this travel shoe is adept at keeping out debris. A water resistant membrane further ensures that no water penetrates into your feet.
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Final verdict
For all the functionality, ruggedness and comfort these travel shoes offer, they are very reasonably priced. Especially considering the fact that they will serve you for many years.
10. Clarks Men’s Tilden Walk Oxford
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If you’re hoping to save on your luggage by traveling with the same pair of shoes you will use to attend your business meetings, these are ideal. The Clarks Men’s Tilden Walk Oxford are soft and comfortable enough for you to wear on long trips. They are also elegant enough to help you make the right impression during meetings.
This travel shoe comes at a surprisingly low price point considering it is a Clarks product. The price is also very fair in light of its versatility and the degree of comfort it offers the wearer.
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This comfortable pair of shoes for men are a great bargain. You will typically spend a lot to get this level of quality for a travel shoe.
Men’s Buyer’s Guide for Travel Shoes
Shopping for the best travel shoes for men can be challenging. There are many choices and it’s easy to end up with footwear that is not fit for the right purpose. You need to focus on finding travel shoes for men that will be comfortable to wear and look good without overshooting your budget. Here’s a list of pointers to look out for when you begin your search.
Are the Shoes Comfortable
Finding the most comfortable walking shoes for men will be half your problem solved. Comfort is paramount if you will be spending an entire day walking around or standing with your feet in the same pair of shoes. You can get an idea of how comfortable a pair of shoes for travel will be by asking yourself the following questions:
- What material are the travel shoes lining made of?
- How thick is the footbed?
- What material is the footbed made of?
- Are they comfortable enough to be in for several hours?
How the Shoes Fit
This point is closely related to comfort. You probably know your shoe size in terms of length, but how about width? Shoe vendors will usually give you the length of the shoes and it will also be printed somewhere on the shoe. But when you order shoes, you may find that the design is too slim for your foot. Or the shoe could be so wide that your foot moves around uncomfortably in it no matter how tightly you lace them up.
Shoe Functionality
It is good to be clear on what purpose your travel shoe will serve before you invest in it. If you will be taking on the wild outdoors, there are specific attributes you’ll be looking for in the shoe. You will probably want a pair of hiking boots that will support your foot and ankle as you navigate uneven terrain. If you will be wading through wet foliage, you will want a good pair of water resistant sandals.
If your vacation will be a sporty getaway, you will want lightweight, athletic shoes with a flexible sole. Seaside vacations will demand a pair of flip-flops, but even these should be suited to purpose. The same goes if you will be flying out on business to a convention. Your travel shoes should be easy on your feet, allowing you to stand all day talking to potential buyers without feeling too much strain.
Aesthetics
If a shoe fits you well and does what it was intended to, how it looks should not matter too much, right? This may be true, but consider the fact that you may be stuck with the shoes for years. You don’t want to curse your shoes every time you have to pull them on, or have to invest in a replacement soon after your initial purchase.
Also, aesthetics may be of higher importance in some settings. So before you place your order, make sure your travel shoes look the part. Some models will come in different designs and colors. Feel free to browse through all the options before settling on one.
Brand
It is important to consider the brand for men’s travel shoes as this will determine the quality of what you’re purchasing. Timberland hiking boots, for instance, calls to mind boots that are purpose-built for heavy-duty construction work or outdoor adventures. Clarks are known for their range of premium, high-quality leather casual shoes.
Niche brands may mean you will pay top-dollar to get the best travel shoes for men but it also means you’re paying for guaranteed quality.
Expert tip
Most airports will require you and your luggage to undergo screening once or twice before you’re cleared to board your flight. You will be required to take off your shoes during screening when passing through the metal detector.
A good idea will be to avoid wearing travel shoes that have any metallic parts. Not having to take off your shoes may save you from potential infections and reduce the risk of injury to your naked feet. For airports where taking your shoes off is mandatory, be sure to travel in slip-on shoes that you can get in and out of quickly. This could be the difference between you catching and missing your flight.
