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Ordinary Traveler / Blog / Travel Tips / The Best Travel Shoes For Women 2021 – Tested By Travel Pros!

The Best Travel Shoes For Women 2021 – Tested By Travel Pros!

By Christy Woodrow, Last Modified: January 4, 2021

The Best Travel Shoes For Women 2019 - Tested By Travel Pros!

Packing appropriate clothing is crucial for any trip, but many people fail to realize the importance of choosing the right shoes. Read our insider tips for choosing the best travel shoes for women that are fashionable, lightweight and comfortable — for every type of traveler!

 

The Best Travel Shoes For Women 2021 – Tested By Travel Pros!

 

Best Travel Shoes for Outdoor Explorers

Unless you’re embarking on an extreme hiking or mountain climbing challenge, you’ll probably want to skip packing traditional hiking boots. I’ve found a great alternative to bulky hiking shoes for trips where I know I’ll be hiking, but also have limited luggage space.

These lightweight hiking shoes are perfect for even the most intense outdoor adventures and I usually end up wearing them on the plane to save space.

The Best Travel Shoes For Women 2019 - Tested By Travel Pros!

For a more lightweight option that will condense down in your suitcase easily, these Cross Trainers are comfortable and provide ample support for most hiking and outdoor activities.

For those outdoor trips that involve snow and ice, I find Sorrel boots extremely comfortable and they keep my feet warm no matter how cold it is outside.

 

Best Travel Shoes for Lively Party-Goers

Some people revel in the daylight, and others really let loose at night; for those of you who choose to spend your vacations sleeping in and enjoying the local nightlife, choosing shoes appropriate for dress codes (but that also won’t kill your feet) can be a challenge.

My solution? A convertible day-to-night shoe, that can easily be dressed up or dressed down depending on the atmosphere. I typically choose block heel sandals or mules, preferably with a rubber sole for shock absorption. Keep the stilettos at home!

The Best Shoes for Every Type of Traveler

 

Best Travel Shoes for Budget Travelers

Budget travelers will own up to cram-packing a single carry-on, just to avoid a checked baggage fee. I’ve found that when I have limited suitcase space, bringing one pair of all-in-one shoes will suffice for an entire trip.

Choose a pair that you can wear all day and night, to any activity (within reason), and with any outfit. With this, I’d recommend short/no heels but nothing overly casual; I’ve found ankle booties like these go with any outfit in any season. Soft suede and rubber sole are very forgiving on your feet, while a simple style and neutral color make them easy to pair with jeans, skirts, or even leggings!

I also have numerous pairs of inexpensive elastic sandals that in recent years have become my favorite because while they may be cheap in price, the thick elastic lasts forever and makes for super comfy traveling shoes.

Best Travel Shoes for Budget Travelers

 

Best Travel Shoes for Laid-Back Beach-Goers

Let’s be real — no one wears name brand shoes to the beach. Even in the most glamorous destinations, you can be sure there won’t be a wedge-heel in sight. Though you may be tempted to buy that cheap rubber flip-flop in every color, I’d recommend choosing a durable leather or fabric sandal.

Rainbows might be the most recognizable and reputable leather flip-flop around (breaking them in before your trip is recommended), but other alternatives like Teva are typically just as durable and a bit more affordable. If you’re looking for a dressier option for nights out, a nice sandal with a platform sole can give the illusion of a heel but they’re as comfortable as a flat shoe!

How to Choose the Best Shoes for Travel

 

Best Travel Shoes for Cultural Enthusiasts

The history buffs and cultural enthusiasts among us will know that classy, comfortable, and conservative footwear is a must for museums, mosques, and historical or religious sites. Stick with inconspicuous and simple footwear to stay on the safe side, foregoing inappropriate shoes for certain venues (this can go both ways, being too casual or too flashy).

My go-to? An easy slip-on shoe, like classic flats. These Reef flats are the most comfortable pair of slip-on shoes I’ve ever owned — with amazing arch support and cushion!

The Best Shoes for Every Type of Traveler

 

Best Travel Shoes for Photographers

Whether you’re a seasoned professional or a self-proclaimed Instagram protege, odds are you’re likely to go out of your way — or even off the beaten path — to capture the perfect photo! You don’t necessarily need to tout rugged athletic shoes everywhere you go, but choosing well-made sneakers that can handle a little dirt or water is important.

Tried and true Converse are sure to get you by no matter where your location, but my new absolute favorite shoe for traveling are Keen’s Elsa sneaker. They have great arch support, are extremely comfortable and easy to care for. Plus, they look cute with literally any outfit!

Best Travel Shoes for Photographers

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The Best Travel Shoes For Women 2019 - Tested By Travel Pros!

 

Read More:

The Best Natural Beauty Products for Travel

The Best Travel Cameras of 2017

How to Choose the Best Luggage for Travel

The Ultimate Packing Guide for Travel Photographers

Carry-On Packing Guide for Airplane Travel

15 Best Weekend Getaways in California

 

About Christy Woodrow

Christy Woodrow is a travel photographer and professional blogger based in San Diego. She has been traveling around the world with her partner, Scott, since 2006. Join them in their quest to find off-the-beaten-path destinations by signing up for weekly emails. You can read more about her on our about page.

Filed Under: Travel Tips

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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Habana Transfers says

    Nice Travel Shoes collection. I am like this collection.

    Reply
  2. Sohini says

    Great share!

    Reply
  3. Sam sandy says

    Sorrel boots i like to take with me while travelling and it give more comfort for me while walking,thanks for the post.

    Reply
  4. Siam Home Source says

    The terrain determines this, but I’d say sneakers are the best in 90% of the time.

    Reply
  5. Ryan Biddulph says

    Gotta have those really good sneakers Christy! I have a pair wherever I go. Cross trainers. So I can do light hiking, running or just plain walking around town without getting blisters or sores or anything not too comfortable. Even if I go to the tropics – as I often do – pack sneaks and use ’em versus flip flops. We need foot support unless we are just lazing around the beach or in the house. Thanks for sharing 🙂

    Ryan

    Reply
    • Ordinary Traveler says

      Absolutely! Although, I’ve been known to hike in flip flops. I’m just so used to wearing them at home and sometimes I pick the wrong shoes when I leave my hotel room. Ha!

      Reply

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