The Best Travel Shoes: What to Pack and Why

Most people overpack shoes. You don't need three pairs for a week-long trip. You need one great pair.

Here's what that pair actually needs to do.

1. Work for more than one occasion

The airport, a long walk, dinner out, a work meeting. If your shoe can't handle at least three of those, leave it home. The best travel shoe is the one that does it all.

2. Pack light

Shoes are heavy. Bulky sneakers eat up bag space and add weight fast. Knit shoes like the Zilker and the 247 pack flat and weigh almost nothing. If you're doing carry-on only, this matters a lot.

3. Comfortable from mile one

Travel days are long. Most people underestimate how much walking they do. Skip the break-in period entirely. SUAVS are comfortable from the first wear, no blisters, no adjustment period.

4. Easy on and off

Airport security. Shoe-free restaurants. Hostel common areas. Slip-on or wide-entry shoes save you time and hassle more than you'd expect.

5. Machine washable

Cobblestones, puddles, long days. Travel is hard on shoes. Being able to throw them in the wash at the end of a trip keeps things simple.

One great pair beats three mediocre ones every time.

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