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Comfort when traveling is essential. I learned that the hard way in Pompeii two summers ago, when I spent hours exploring the ancient city in the scorching heat in an uncomfortable pair of sandals. I was so miserable that I left early from a place I had dreamed of visiting my whole life, simply because I had chosen the wrong shoes.

Travel-friendly footwear is not only important when exploring new destinations but also when walking through airports. Research carried out by Bespoke Fit collected data on the longest walks from check-in to gates across U.S. airports. The company found that Hartsfield-Jackson in Atlanta had the longest measured walk in its study, at 2,640 steps (around 1.25 miles), making the case for sneakers as the appropriate footwear for the start of your travels, too.

But what if you don’t want to wear sports gear? Luckily, there’s a lot of comfortable footwear on the market that fits different styles. From supportive walking sneakers to comfortable Mary Janes, I found the best women’s shoes for travel to Europe and beyond, ideal for large airports or for when you want to look cute while exploring a new destination.

Its full-length foam cushioning helps absorb impact and keeps each step feeling comfortable, while added support around the arch and heel provides a more stable feel. With both regular and wide fit options, the shoe offers added comfort through its padded collar and breathable mesh upper. This is one of the best walking shoes for travel by far.

What reviewers say: “Brilliant runner with great arch support and strength stopping any foot roll. I have slightly narrow feet and these are not overly wide. Love it — this is my third pair and hope they continue to make this exact shoe.”

If you expect to spend hours on your feet when traveling but don’t want a bulky running shoe, this bestseller is a great option. Its lightweight CloudTec cushioning helps soften the impact of each step, while extra foam under the forefoot makes walking feel smoother. The flexible design also encourages natural movement, making it comfortable for sightseeing without compromising fashion.

What reviewers say: “The On Roger is hands down [the] best court shoe I’ve ever worn. Love the sturdy heel and very stylish look as well.”

Its softer FF Blast Max foam cushions each step, while the 3D Guidance System helps keep your stride feeling balanced and supported. PureGel provides extra softness under the heel, just as the AsicsGrip outsole delivers reliable traction on city streets and uneven terrain. The shoe comes from the same family as the Asics GT-2000 15, but the TR version is designed with trail-specific features for better grip and performance across a wider range of surfaces, making it one of the best walking shoes for women who are traveling or going on excursions.

What reviewers say: Since this is a newer shoe, launched Aug. 1, 2026, no reviews have been published as of this writing. However, runners are loving its sister shoe, the Asics GT-2000 15, saying, “phenomenal sneaker, like walking on a cloud.”

Originally introduced in 1982, this modern version’s EVA foam midsole provides cushioning underfoot to help make long-distance walking more manageable, while that 12mm drop offers a supportive feel. A suede upper also grants the shoe a more fashionable look. Brooks’ bread and butter is running shoes, but this fan favorite is just as good for brisk walks and casual strolls alike.

What reviewers say: “I wore these sneakers to the Thanksgiving Turkey Trot 5K and won second place in my division. I love Brooks sneakers. I [own] over 30 pairs and counting.”

This pair is one of my personal favorite walking shoes for travel. Its removable OrthoLite insole provides cushioning to help soften each step during long days of exploring, while the roomy unisex construction gives your feet space to move. The shoe also adds a little height with its built-in platform, making it a trendy choice for travelers who want style in addition to practicality.

What reviewers say: “I run errands with these a lot and feel like [I’m] walking on a cloud!”

The pair is ideal for travelers who want comfort with a sporty-chic edge. Its textile sockliner and flexible rubber outsole provide a softer, more fluid feel for walking, while the fashionable lacing position lets you effortlessly adjust the fit. Shoes with laces can be especially handy on a flight (I’m someone who needs to loosen my laces at 38,000 feet to accommodate the inevitable swelling at high altitudes). Sold in yellow, black, or pink, the Puma Speedcat Etoile’s athleisure-inspired design makes it easy to stay comfortable while also being aesthetically pleasing.

What reviewers say: Customers have given this new shoe a five-star rating.

Each of these summery shoes combines a breathable mesh upper with a flexible bubble sole that helps make every step bouncier and smoother. The square toe creates a roomier toe box, while the suede-like insole adds cushioning where it’s needed most. If you’re searching for the best women’s walking shoes for travel in Europe, this Mary Jane deserves a place in your suitcase, especially when you want the comfort of a walking shoe and the feminine energy of a flat.

What reviewers say: “Walked two miles and [these were] very comfy.”

Its sturdy canvas upper is finished with contrast leather trim; an EVA outsole helps keep the sandal from feeling heavy; and adjustable Velcro closures make it easy to slip the shoe on and off between city street and beach. This one’s selling fast, so click “add to cart” even faster.

What reviewers say: “Purchased these [shoes] for a trip to DC. Extremely comfortable and stylish. Wore them three days straight walking the monuments.”

I love wearing slip-on shoes during a long flight, and these fuse the convenience of a slip-on with the comfort of a slipper and the durability of a shoe designed for indoor and outdoor wear. The low-profile design makes it particularly easy to slip off at security or during a flight, only to put the Ugg top seller back on when you land.

What reviewers say: “I wore them to the airport and [walked] miles with no issues — they were so easy to slip on and off at security!”

What to Look for in the Best Women’s Shoes for Travel

Support: A comfortable travel shoe should keep your feet supported as the day goes on, particularly if you’re walking on hard pavement for hours. Features such as arch support, a structured heel, and stability systems can help balance your stride and reduce the tired, worn-out feeling that can creep in after a long day of sightseeing.

Cushioning: When you’re traveling, your shoes need to handle far more than a quick walk from car to restaurant. Between airport terminals and exploring unfamiliar neighborhoods, you can easily spend hours on your feet. Look for cushioning that softens the impact of each step without making the shoe feel overly heavy or unstable. Technologies such as OrthoLite can make a noticeable difference when you’re racking up miles.

Breathability: Warm destinations and long days of walking can quickly leave your feet a hot, sweaty mess. Mesh or other breathable materials in the upper allow for more airflow around the feet, which can make a big difference when you’re wearing the same pair of shoes around the clock.

Style: The best travel shoes for women don’t have to look like running shoes. If you want to go straight from the airport to dinner or that tour you booked without swapping footwear, consider styles that merge comfort tech with a more polished appearance. Mary Janes, retro sneakers, sporty-chic trainers, and stylish sandals can all give you the support you need while working with the rest of your wardrobe.

For more than 75 years, Footwear News has been the shoe authority. Our coverage spans top industry news, retail trends, head-to-toe fashion, athletic and outdoor analysis, and more. Footwear News’ global network of editors has carefully curated all product selections featured using our expansive brand knowledge and thorough research to find quality, long-lasting items. 

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Meet the Author

Sophie Dunne is an E-Commerce Writer at Penske Media Corporation, writing across WWD, Footwear News, Billboard, Rolling Stone, and The Hollywood Reporter. Originally from Ireland and based in Los Angeles, she previously worked at Static Media as a writer and editor across all brands, covering entertainment, lifestyle, fashion, and travel. Her bylines have appeared in Women’s Health, The List, Women.com, Islands, Grunge, WebMD, and more. Before beginning her writing career in 2019, Dunne lived in Dubai for four years, working as an Emirates Cabin Crew Member. Having traveled to 71 countries with the airline, she began writing for an LA-based publication as a travel writer during her final year. Dunne has a degree in Humanities from Carlow College, St. Patrick’s (now South East Technological University) in her native Ireland. She studied English, history, philosophy, and psychology.