Best men's travel shoes for every kind of trip - 20 minutes read


The adidas Ultraboosts are an all-in-one powerhouse, offering comfort and versatility in both style and usage — you can take them almost anywhere.

Danner's Mountain Light boots are the epitome of a high-quality hiking boot — they are comfortable, practical, and elicit tons of nostalgia with their heritage aesthetic.

Running through the airport is already stressful enough, so you might as well be comfortable while doing it — the Allbirds Wool Runners are ultra-cozy and flexible, making it the top pick for air travel.

No matter where you're headed, you're going to want to be stylish and comfortable — these picks will get you both.

Traveling isn't just about the destination. Carry On is our series devoted to how we get away in the digital age, from the choices we make to the experiences we share.

Everyone knows that packing for travel is a pain. I consistently have to sit on my suitcase to get it to close, and it's usually due to one thing: My shoes.

I'm guilty of overpacking in general, but especially when it comes to shoes. I just want a pair that'll go with every outfit, sue me.

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But as any pro traveler knows, you should probably only bring around two pairs of shoes with you on each trip — counting the ones you wear on the plane, of course.

That's easier said than done, though. It all depends on where you're going. Sometimes, you end up going places where you need a shoe that can withstand a blizzard, but other times, you just need a comfortable pair of lightweight sneakers.

Sometimes, you need shoes that can do more than just one thing.

Don't freak out about your impending flight or road trip just yet — we're here to help you pick out the best travel shoes for your upcoming adventures. Here, we hand-picked our ideal pairs for specific instances and climates.

In our research, we made sure to keep an eye out for shoes that sit perfectly at the intersection of style and comfort. When assessing the comfort of these shoes, we paid close attention to positive online user reviews to guide the way. (But keep in mind that personal preference plays a big part in fashion products).

We also looked at shoes that served a specific purpose. If you're going to a city, you'll probably only need a comfortable, ergonomic pair of trainers. But if you're headed to a damper environment where it rains a lot, you most likely need shoes that are waterproof and durable. Take a look at your itinerary and figure out what you want your footwear to accomplish while you're out there.

As for getting the most out of your new kicks, we recommend taking the time to get accurate measurements of your feet, especially if you're planning on buying online. If you're really unsure, take a trip to your local mall and test them out for yourself to be absolutely certain.

How to find shoes that fit well:

Make sure you're standing when you measure your feet and arches.

You want between one and two centimeters of wiggle room between your big toe and the front of the shoe.

Take measurements late in the afternoon — your feet swell as the day goes on, so measuring them at the day's midpoint will get you your best fit.

Re-measure your feet every two years, as they can change size with time.

Consider the types of socks you'll be wearing with each shoe — you'll want to size up with boots because you'll most likely be wearing a thicker sock.





Other factors to take into consideration

There are plenty of other things to watch for when picking out your travel-ready shoes — do they offer arch support? Do they offer wide and narrow sizing? Half sizing?

You'll also want to look out for buzz words like "impact-resistant," "shock-absorbing," "flexible soles," and "cushioning" when deciding what you need — those types of qualities will greatly affect how your feet feel after a day of being out and about.

And if you want to get into the nitty-gritty, consider what the shoes are made from — are they constructed with sustainable materials? Will they last you two years or 30 years? Will they get dirty? Do you care if they get dirty?

What are the best travel shoes for men?

We took all of those questions into account, and landed on these eight picks for the best travel shoes for men — one for each common travel scenario.

Best all-around travel shoe Image: adidas The Good Knit upper provides extra support all-around • Both a casual and an athletic shoe • Lightweight, sock-like fit • Breathable and well-cushioned Knit upper provides extra support all-around • Both a casual and an athletic shoe • Lightweight, sock-like fit • Breathable and well-cushioned The Bad If you get them wet, they're going to take a while to dry out If you get them wet, they're going to take a while to dry out The Bottom Line The Ultraboosts perform in all areas — comfort, style, and versatility are all here, making it a great all-in-one shoe for temperate climates. The Ultraboosts perform in all areas — comfort, style, and versatility are all here, making it a great all-in-one shoe for temperate climates. $180 from Adidas adidas Ultraboost 20 Sneakers The adidas Ultraboosts are an all-in-one powerhouse, offering comfort and versatility in both style and usage — you can take them almost anywhere.

These lightweight runners have a sock-like fit that enhances movement and is breathable, meaning you won't accumulate sweat throughout the day. You'll feel light on your feet, but also secure and protected when you have them on thanks to their knit upper that basically hugs your foot, keeping it supportive in all the areas that you need it. Of course, the soft cushioning helps get the all-day comfort that adidas boasts about.

The best part is that you can wear Ultraboosts pretty much anytime, anywhere — they work as both a casual and an athletic shoe, so feel free to keep them on before and after your morning run.

If you need a sneaker that's just an all-around performer for more temperate climates, you can't go wrong with a pair of adidas Ultraboost 20s These lightweight runners have a sock-like fit that enhances movement and is breathable, meaning you won't accumulate sweat throughout the day. You'll feel light on your feet, but also secure and protected when you have them on thanks to their knit upper that basically hugs your foot, keeping it supportive in all the areas that you need it. Of course, the soft cushioning helps get the all-day comfort that adidas boasts about.The best part is that you can wear Ultraboosts pretty much anytime, anywhere — they work as both a casual and an athletic shoe, so feel free to keep them on before and after your morning run.

Best Airport Shoe Image: allbirds The Good Sustainably made • Super soft wool interior • Flexible and lightweight • Ethically made • Machine-washable • Wick moisture and fight odor Sustainably made • Super soft wool interior • Flexible and lightweight • Ethically made • Machine-washable • Wick moisture and fight odor The Bad Wool upper can tear if you bump into something or fall by mistake • No half sizes Wool upper can tear if you bump into something or fall by mistake • No half sizes The Bottom Line Allbirds Wool Runners are shockingly comfortable and lightweight, making it the perfect shoe for running through the airport. Allbirds Wool Runners are shockingly comfortable and lightweight, making it the perfect shoe for running through the airport. $95 from Allbirds Allbirds Wool Runners Running through the airport is already stressful enough, so you might as well be comfortable while doing it — the Allbirds Wool Runners are ultra-cozy and flexible, making it the top pick for air travel.

That's why you need a good airport shoe — one that's full-coverage, super comfortable, lightweight, and that you can take off easily while going through the TSA line. A dedicated pair of airport trainers allows you throw your nicer (and probably less cozy) kicks in your luggage and wear something that won't weigh you down, because airport travel is already stressful as it is. (Plus, have you ever worn uncomfortable shoes while you're actually on the plane? Not great.)

While they also make for a good, stylish casual shoe, the

You may also be thinking that wool sneakers sound like they can get pretty toasty after a long day, but Allbirds' shoes work to wick away moisture and fight unpleasant odors. They're even machine-washable.

Here's a free tip: Do not wear open-toe shoes to the airport. Ever. If you could see all the nasty germs on an airport floor, you'd probably want to change into a hazmat suit.That's why you need a good airport shoe — one that's full-coverage, super comfortable, lightweight, and that you can take off easily while going through the TSA line. A dedicated pair of airport trainers allows you throw your nicer (and probably less cozy) kicks in your luggage and wear something that won't weigh you down, because airport travel is already stressful as it is. (Plus, have you ever worn uncomfortable shoes while you're actually on the plane? Not great.)While they also make for a good, stylish casual shoe, the Allbirds Wool Runners are a perfect choice for visiting your local tarmac thanks to their featherweight design, enhanced flexibility, and delightfully comfortable wool upper. They're so soft on the inside, you can literally wear them without socks (maybe don't do that in an airport, though), and they're sustainably made — all of Allbirds' materials are ethically sourced, and include components like recycled water bottle laces and recycled cardboard packaging on all orders.You may also be thinking that wool sneakers sound like they can get pretty toasty after a long day, but Allbirds' shoes work to wick away moisture and fight unpleasant odors. They're even machine-washable.





Best shoes for city travel Image: veja The Good Made from sustainable materials • Stylish and on-trend • Shock-absorbing sole • Versatile and can be worn with most outfits Made from sustainable materials • Stylish and on-trend • Shock-absorbing sole • Versatile and can be worn with most outfits The Bad No half sizes • White shoes get dirty easily... No surprise there No half sizes • White shoes get dirty easily... No surprise there The Bottom Line Veja V-10s are super stylish with a sole that will last you all day, and are made with sustainably sourced materials. Veja V-10s are super stylish with a sole that will last you all day, and are made with sustainably sourced materials. $135 from Amazon Veja V-10 Trainers It's always better to shop eco-friendly if you can — the Veja V-10s are sustainably made, comfortable, and they'll look great no matter what city you find yourself in.

Your go-to city shoe needs to fulfill two basic needs: You need to be able to walk in them all day without your feet hurting, and you need to look stylish, because city folk do not fool around when it comes to fashion. The

Once you get past the eye-catching design, you quickly realize that Veja didn't go the "all style, no substance" route. Thanks to their shock-absorbing rubber soles, you can wear the V-10s all day without wincing in pain or having to change into something more comfortable. Better yet, the rubber on Veja's shoes are made in part from natural, wild rubber from the Amazonian forest. The inside lining is even constructed from organic cotton and recycled polyester.

Whether you're taking long walks through the streets of New York, Tokyo, or literally any other city on the planet, you'll feel just right with a pair of Veja V-10s on your feet.

Take one look around any city you visit, and you're bound to see at least a few people strolling around in a pair of Vejas. And who can blame them? They're one of the best minimalistic white sneakers you can get right now, and they're sustainably made.Your go-to city shoe needs to fulfill two basic needs: You need to be able to walk in them all day without your feet hurting, and you need to look stylish, because city folk do not fool around when it comes to fashion. The Veja V-10s check off both of those boxes, and then some.Once you get past the eye-catching design, you quickly realize that Veja didn't go the "all style, no substance" route. Thanks to their shock-absorbing rubber soles, you can wear the V-10s all day without wincing in pain or having to change into something more comfortable. Better yet, the rubber on Veja's shoes are made in part from natural, wild rubber from the Amazonian forest. The inside lining is even constructed from organic cotton and recycled polyester.Whether you're taking long walks through the streets of New York, Tokyo, or literally any other city on the planet, you'll feel just right with a pair of Veja V-10s on your feet.

Best shoes for Business Trips Image: cole haan The Good Tons of cushioning to extend daily wear time • Maintains a classic wingtip style with some added flair • Stichlite interior • Enhanced traction and durability Tons of cushioning to extend daily wear time • Maintains a classic wingtip style with some added flair • Stichlite interior • Enhanced traction and durability The Bad Sneaker-like bottom may not appeal to all employers Sneaker-like bottom may not appeal to all employers The Bottom Line The Cole Haan OriginalGrand Wingtip Oxfords will impress at your business outings, and won't have you needing to ice your feet at the end of the day. The Cole Haan OriginalGrand Wingtip Oxfords will impress at your business outings, and won't have you needing to ice your feet at the end of the day. $180 from Cole Haan Cole Haan OriginalGrand Ultra Wingtip Oxford Oxford shoes are notoriously uncomfortable, but the Cole Haan OriginalGrands bring both the classic Oxford style and extreme comfort to the table, making it the perfect semi-formal shoe for business travel.

It's a slim chance that you'll be wearing your business attire through the airport and onto your flight, but sometimes, packed schedules mean you have to make sacrifices — and sometimes that sacrifice is wearing a suit on a plane. But hey, at least you can still wear a comfortable pair of shoes.

The

All that terminology probably makes it sound like you'll be getting a chunky pair of Skechers, but the OriginalGrands still maintain the classic, sleek look of a wingtip without compromising on comfortability. You'll be popping in and out of meetings all over the world, both looking good, and feeling good doing it.

It'd be nice to exclusively travel for vacation, but some of us have jobs that require to take meetings in faraway places.It's a slim chance that you'll be wearing your business attire through the airport and onto your flight, but sometimes, packed schedules mean you have to make sacrifices — and sometimes that sacrifice is wearing a suit on a plane. But hey, at least you can still wear a comfortable pair of shoes.The OriginalGrand Wingtip Oxfords from Cole Haan are exactly what you're looking for — the modern dress shoes look great with professional or formal dress, and they aren't going to make you want to tear your shoes off in pain at the end of the day like your usual dress shoe. That's due to their OrthoLite insoles and GrandFoam footbed at the bottom of the shoe, which act like a shock absorber and cushion that extend the longevity of wear. Under that is a rubber bottom that provides greater zonal traction and durability.All that terminology probably makes it sound like you'll be getting a chunky pair of Skechers, but the OriginalGrands still maintain the classic, sleek look of a wingtip without compromising on comfortability. You'll be popping in and out of meetings all over the world, both looking good, and feeling good doing it.

Best hiking boots Image: danner The Good Durable leather upper • Gore-Tex inner is waterproof and breathable • Post-purchase services • Heritage boot look • Shock-absorbing heel Durable leather upper • Gore-Tex inner is waterproof and breathable • Post-purchase services • Heritage boot look • Shock-absorbing heel The Bad You'll have to break them in • ...Post-purchase services aren't all that budget-friendly You'll have to break them in • ...Post-purchase services aren't all that budget-friendly The Bottom Line Danner's stellar reputation speaks for itself — they are still making some of the best hiking boots you can buy, and the Mountain Lights are the epitome of quality when it comes to outdoor footwear. Danner's stellar reputation speaks for itself — they are still making some of the best hiking boots you can buy, and the Mountain Lights are the epitome of quality when it comes to outdoor footwear. $380 from Amazon Danner Mountain Light Boots Danner's Mountain Light boots are the epitome of a high-quality hiking boot — they are comfortable, practical, and elicit tons of nostalgia with their heritage aesthetic.

If you're the nostalgic type and get excited about heritage shoe lines, the

Each pair is hand-made from full-grain, durable leather on the outside, and breathable waterproof Gore-Tex on the inside. The vibram heel absorbs shock exceptionally well, and provides traction even on super slick surfaces. You'll get great ankle support, too, without skimping on overall comfort (just make sure to break them in first). Danner even offers post-purchase care services like restitching, part replacement, and more if something happens to go wrong out in the field.

So if you're next trip is going to be especially mountainous, don't think twice about picking up a pair of Danner Mountain Lights before you hit the trail.

Do not underestimate the importance of a good hiking boot — we pity those who don't do their research and end up taking on high-skill trails in Converse high-tops. Danner is the quintessential hiking-boot-maker, and while their line of outdoor footwear will run you a pretty penny, it'll be worth it because of how well they're made.If you're the nostalgic type and get excited about heritage shoe lines, the Mountain Lights from Danner were probably made for you. They look pretty much exactly like what you would picture a beautiful hiking boot to be. But, it's not all about the looks. Danner's boots are made with care and longevity in mind, meaning they're going to last you a very long time (as long as you take care of them).Each pair is hand-made from full-grain, durable leather on the outside, and breathable waterproof Gore-Tex on the inside. The vibram heel absorbs shock exceptionally well, and provides traction even on super slick surfaces. You'll get great ankle support, too, without skimping on overall comfort (just make sure to break them in first). Danner even offers post-purchase care services like restitching, part replacement, and more if something happens to go wrong out in the field.So if you're next trip is going to be especially mountainous, don't think twice about picking up a pair of Danner Mountain Lights before you hit the trail.

Best Sandal Image: birkenstock The Good Adjustable straps • Anatomically shaped footbed • Soft finish • More versatile than flip-flops Adjustable straps • Anatomically shaped footbed • Soft finish • More versatile than flip-flops The Bad No wide foot option No wide foot option The Bottom Line The only sandals that can handle socks, the versatile Birkenstock Arizonas will be right at home on your feet whether you're tanning on the beach or hanging at the nearest tiki bar. The only sandals that can handle socks, the versatile Birkenstock Arizonas will be right at home on your feet whether you're tanning on the beach or hanging at the nearest tiki bar. $125 from Amazon Birkenstock Arizona Sandals If you want a sandal that's more versatile than a flip-flop, Birkenstocks are the obvious next step — they're super comfortable, and they work with a vast array of outfits. Tropical vacations mean beaches, and beaches mean sandals. While flip-flops are totally fine (can't hate on a good pair of Havianas), we think it's a better idea to pick up a sandal that has more than just one purpose — one that works on and off the sand.

Yes, we're talking about Birkenstocks, the only socially acceptable sandal that you can wear with socks. (Socks and flip-flops are most certainly not OK).

The Birkenstock Arizona is a genuinely classic sandal, employing adjustable top straps to reach your preferred fit, a soft leather and selvage finish that give them a naturally vintage appearance, and an anatomically shaped cork-latex footbed that makes for a truly ergonomic piece of footwear. And, like we said, they work way better with an array of different outfits than flip-flops — wear them with jeans, a bathing suit, on top of some cool socks, or whatever else you want.

With a pair of Birks, you'll look (and feel) great whether your on the sand or posted up at the nearest tiki bar.



Best Slip-On shoe Image: Toms The Good Lots of design options • Rubber outsole and cushioned insole • Easy to put on, take off, and pack up • Charitable causes Lots of design options • Rubber outsole and cushioned insole • Easy to put on, take off, and pack up • Charitable causes The Bad Canvas upper can tear and get dirty Canvas upper can tear and get dirty The Bottom Line Toms' classic slip-ons are a good match for beach towns and other tropical trips — not quite a shoe, but not quite a sandal, they're a great in-between for those who want the benefits of both. Toms' classic slip-ons are a good match for beach towns and other tropical trips — not quite a shoe, but not quite a sandal, they're a great in-between for those who want the benefits of both. $49.95 from Toms Toms Classic Alpargata Toms are a great, convenient, in-between option for those who want the benefits of both a shoe and a sandal.



Perhaps the best part of Toms' shoes is that for every $3 made, the company allocates $1 to their charitable Giving Team that invests in poverty-stricken communities around the world.

So, if you're going to get a casual slip-on shoe for your upcoming beach town visit, make it a pair of Toms.





If sandals in general just aren't doing it for you, the next step (at least for beach towns and other tropical climates) are probably a pair of slip-ons. And what better slip-on is there than a set of Toms? Toms' ultra-casual slip-ons are great shoes for strolling around tropical locales, and can even be used as beach shoes if you want (you'll probably get some sand in there at some point, though). They have a durable rubber outsole and a cushioned insole that'll feel great all day, as well a gorgeous canvas upper that's available in a bunch of unique designs (beware, canvas can rip and get dirty if you aren't careful). Slide them on and off with ease whenever you need, and chuck them into your bag without having to sacrifice much space.Perhaps the best part of Toms' shoes is that for every $3 made, the company allocates $1 to their charitable Giving Team that invests in poverty-stricken communities around the world.So, if you're going to get a casual slip-on shoe for your upcoming beach town visit, make it a pair of Toms.





Source: Mashable

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