Shoes eat up packing space fast, and few purchases matter more on a trip. The travel editors at Condé Nast Traveler have just refreshed their long-running guide to the most comfortable walking shoes, distilling years of wear-testing into a list of nearly two dozen picks across sneakers, boots, sandals, flats, and slip-ons.
The selection criteria are simple and brutal: every shoe has been worn by an editor at least several times, and only pairs that can handle a full day on your feet made the cut. No blisters, no sore arches, no break-in misery — though the editors allow a little patience for leather sandals and hiking boots, which reward early effort with years of service.
Their brand-by-brand breakdown is genuinely useful. For all-day city walking, the sporty picks are Hoka, Asics, and Brooks — cushioned, supportive, and breathable, which matters when you're pounding pavement for ten hours. For a more casual look, Adidas and New Balance get the nod, while Nike also rates for everyday walks. Near water? Tevas are the obvious call. Cold-weather trips call for boots from Grenson, Dr Martens, or Vagabond, and if you need something that passes in a smart setting, Rothy's is the office-ready choice.
The buying advice goes beyond brand names. Versatility is the real test, since most of us only manage two or three pairs in a carry-on. The editors suggest matching your shoes to your wardrobe: if your clothes lean black or beige, a colourful shoe can add interest; if your outfits are already loud, stick to black, white, or brown for maximum mileage. Climate counts too — rainy destinations argue for a closed-toe sneaker or boot rather than a sandal, while beach holidays practically demand a pair of Tevas.
Why does this matter for travellers? Because a bad shoe decision can wreck an otherwise great trip faster than almost anything else. Sore feet on day two of a city break changes how much you see, how far you wander, and how much you enjoy it. This guide is aimed squarely at anyone planning a walking-heavy holiday — think city breaks in Europe, museum marathons, or market-hopping in Asia — and it mixes price points so you're not locked into one premium brand. If you've got a trip booked and your current trainers are on their last legs, it's a solid starting point before you spend money on the wrong pair.
