15 Best Travel Shoes for Men (organized by type of travel)
I’m heading back to Japan in a few short weeks. Everything’s ready, except my current shoes are tired and old. So I need a new pair.
As you know, getting the right shoe depends on where and how you’ll be adventuring. So this is my guide on the best travel shoes for men (organized by travel style).
These are my absolute favorite brands and models for wandering this globe as a mostly full-time nomad. You can think of this as my personal list of shoes I've either bought or will be getting next.
They are (in my humble opinion) some of the coolest designs out there — but they definitely don’t skimp on quality either.
So with that, let’s do this!
Table of Contents Show
How to Choose A Travel Shoe
Don’t just use your old pair — buy new
Traveling usually means lots of walking, and new shoes have better support
(plus, no one like stinky old shoes on a plane or in a hotel and suitcase)
Consider design and your personal style
I mean, why not choose something that looks cool and you’ll actually like, right?
Choose a shoe that fits your needs
i.e., you probs don’t need hiking boots if you’re going to the beach everyday
Consider your available luggage space
Consider a minimalist hiking shoe over a clunky design, for example
Research if you can buy shoes at your destination
I often just buy new shoes in Japan after I land (can find unique designs too)
Aim for a versatile shoe
Even if you need a hiking shoe, choosing a shoe-style design will let you wear them for other activities too — not just for trekking up extreme mountains
Order early in case you need a different size or style
Especially if you’re ordering online from a new brand, sizes can be fickle
Consider any special requirements you may need
For example, if you have back pain or flat feet, you may need a different, specific brand or insole
15 Best Travel Shoes for Men (based on travel type)
3 Best Shoes for Flying + Road Trips
When you’ve got a long flight (or a road trip), you want shoes that are lightweight, comfortable and easy to take off.
These are my top picks.
Explore more:
➤ 11 Tips for A Long Layover
1. Sanuk
These moccasin-style shoes are perfect for comfort and long flights or road trips (I also love the surfy carefree branding and design).
Personally, I like the Sanuk Lite Collection or the Sidewalk Surfer designs for flying and road tripping. But they offer other options too.
Key Features
Easily slip in and out
Cotton made for comfort
Orthopedic heel pads
Natural materials
Machine washable
Lightweight
2. Vans Classic Slip-On
Vans slip-on styles are especially good for long flights and trips.
They’re minimal, easy to take off and lightweight. You don’t need much more than that for flying and getting to your destinations. In fact, I’m wearing Vans slip-ons right now.
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Key Features
Easily slip in and out
Canvas fabric
Machine wash
Rubber sole
Padded collar and footbed
3. Adidas Men’s Lite Racer Adapt
Lightweight, comfortable and easy to slip on and off, these shoes are perfect for long haul travel, airports and airplanes.
They also have a sleek and sporty design, which is cool. There are a few different models of the Lite Racer Adapt (3.0, 4.0., 5.0, etc.), but they’re all solid options as travel shoes.
Key Features
Elastic strap for easy slip-on
Mesh outside, rubber sole
Lightweight and breathable
Cloudfoam midsole
Made with recycled materials
3 Best City Travel Shoes for Men
If you’re doing mostly city walking and urban exploring, then you’ll want something with good support and comfort that still keeps a stylish look.
These are my go-to options.
1. New Balance ML574
Last winter, I bought myself a pair of New Balances while staying in Tokyo — and they worked perfectly.
I could comfortably walk around the city and spend most of the day on my feet with no problem. They look cool, are soft and offer lots of support.
Key Features
Half suede, half mesh
Rubber sole
Built for comfort
ENCAP midsole and a cushioned heel
2. Hoka Clifton 9
The Hoka Clifton 9 shoes has thousands of positive reviews, are lightweight and offer great cushion and support. They’re also good for running, so if you’re into doing some cardio while traveling, these could be a solid choice.
Key Features
Breathable knit upper
Compression molded EVA foam midsole
Durabrasion rubber outsole
Early stage MetaRocker™ for stability
Vegan
3. Adidas Ultraboost DNA
This lightweight breathable shoe is perfect for walking around the city all day (or all week). The designs are sleek and the support is solid. Of course, having a reputable name brand like Adidas doesn’t hurt either.
Key Features
BOOST midsole
Torsion system for lightweight stability
Rubber outsole
PRIMEKNIT textile upper
3 Best Beachy Travel Shoes for Men
When you’re spending most of your time at the beach or in the water, you want a travel shoe that’s either waterproof or simple and easy to throw on.
These are my go-to beachy travel shoes.
1. Converse Chuck Taylors (or Vans Old Skool)
My general rule is to always have at least one pair of Chuck Taylors or Vans on hand. But they’re especially perfect for laid-back travel and beach vacations.
Nothing compliments a chill trip like a pair of Chucks or Vans Old Skools.
Key Features
Canvas material
Lightweight and breathable
Vulcanized rubber sole
Lace-up closures
A classic and fashionable style
2. Sanuk Sidewalk Surfers
Naturally, Sanuk makes the list again for beachy sneaks.
They also have sandal options and backless slip-on style options (named You Got My Back). But let’s look at their Sidewalk Surfer Originals.
Key Features
Easily slip in and out
Cotton made for comfort
Orthopedic heel pads
Natural materials
Machine washable
Lightweight
3. Vessi Cityscape Classic Waterproof Shoes
If you’re spending more time in or near the water, then bringing some waterproof shoes makes sense.
My vote goes to the Vessi Cityscape Classics for their minimal design, quality material and 5-star reviews.
Key Features
100% waterproof
Lightweight
Flexible and breathable
Vegan
Elastic ankle collar
Removable insoles
3 Best Snowy Travel Shoes for Men
Whether you’re heading to the Alps or just a snowy city for some winter travels, these are my favorite kicks for the job.
1. Vessi Alta High Top Boots
100% waterproof and a design that feels trendy and urban, these are some pretty sweet snow boats.
I’m obsessed with their design, but the comfort, warmth and quality don’t hurt either.
Key Features
100% waterproof
Vegan
Lightweight
Comfy, warm and great in snow
Fashionable and versatile style
2. DC Woodland Casual High-Top
My brother currently rocks this pair, and I’ve used them before too.
They’re comfortable, warm and have a high top design perfect for winter-weather trekking around a city (plus, my brother uses them for light hikes as well).
Key Features
Sherpa lining
Ankle high design
Aggressive tread for better grip in snow
Leather upper with rubber outsole
Moccasin toe
3. Sorel Mac Hill Lite Trace Boot
I love Sorel for winter boots. Their designs are aesthetic and the quality is topnotch.
Their Mac Hill Lite Trace boots give you a shoe-like design, which is great for walking around the city (while staying warm and dry).
Key Features
Suede and textile upper materials
Waterproof membrane
Lightweight livelyfoam midsole
Rubber sole
Removable EVA footbed
3 Best Adventurous Travel Shoes for Men
If you’re heading into nature for hiking or off-the-beaten-path type of traveling, you’ll need something durable with good support that’s ready for uneven terrain.
These are my favorite options.
1. Vivobarefoot Tracker Decon FG2
These are perfect if you like a minimalist, barefoot style shoe. They’re less clunky than other hiking boots, which is great for luggage space and minimalist travel.
I love their look and the quality of materials used is solid too.
Key Features
Rubber sole
Leather outer material
Lightweight and flexible design
Great for technical trail movement
2. HOKA Trail Code GTX Hiking Boots
These HOKA shoes are lightweight and sleek in design, making them perfect for a travel hiking book (where less is definitely more).
Plus, the shoe-style design makes it a versatile choice for wearing them around the city too.
Key Features
Waterproof
Vibram® Megagrip rubber outsole
Breathable
Hubble heals for smooth heal-to-toe
Late stage Meta-Rocker
Quick lace hooks at top
3. Lems Outlander Waterproof Boot
I love the look of these shoes. The Lems Outlanders are a waterproof, all-season boot perfect for adventure trekking and light hikes.
The reviews are solid and this is definitely a comfortable option for your adventure traveling plans.
Key Features
100% rubber outsole
Posture supporting construction
Waterproof nylon and lining
Leather upper
Later ✌️
A good travel shoe should match the type of traveling you’ll be doing.
Because if you’re planning on hiking a lot (for example), then bringing a single pair of Converse Chuck Taylors probably isn’t the best choice.
My top picks are Vans or Sanuks for plane travel and beaches, Vessi Alta for snowy conditions and the Vivobarefoot Tracker Decons for hiking.
So with that, happy trekking!
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