by Daniel | Last Updated Sept 23rd, 2021
Travel can be a fun and exciting experience – but oftentimes it can also leave you sore and exhausted, especially after you’ve spent the whole day on your feet. One of the easiest ways to avoid feeling worn out by the end of the day is to invest in the best travel shoes you can find. You’d be surprised what a difference such a little choice can make.
The best travel shoes for men will be different for everyone and will depend on the unique shape of your foot, your personal style, and what you plan to do in them.
In general, you’ll want to look for travel shoes that offer good arch and heel support, as well as cushion and shock absorption. This is what helps reduce the impact on your joints and muscles, which in turn will keep you from feeling so tired and sore when using your walking shoes.
When looking for travel shoes, it is important to buy ones that are actually made for the activities you plan to use them for.
If you plan on doing lots of hiking, for example, you’d want to buy a more rugged shoe with lots of traction instead of your average tennis shoe. But if you plan on walking through a city or touring monuments, you may want to lean towards a stylish sneaker instead of a bulky boot.
If you’re on the lookout for your next pair of travel shoes, check out our selection below. We’ve compiled our top 7 picks for the best travel shoes.
There’s one for pretty much every type of travel and style preference, and we’ve listed the pros and cons of each to help you choose your favorite.
1. Adidas Ultraboost
First in our lineup is the Ultraboost from Adidas. The name “Ultraboost” comes from the uniquely designed sole, which has been engineered to help your foot rock forward with each step, providing you with a little extra “boost”.
The shoe’s body is made using the Adidas knit torsion system, which allows it to conform to both the top and bottom of your foot. This provides a snug, adjustable fit and a stable ride with each step while still allowing your foot to breathe.
The Fitcounter molded heel and thick rubber sole give extra support while the long heel tag and static tongue ensure you won’t have any uncomfortable rubbing or blisters – making this one of the best travel shoes for long-distance walking. With more than 20 styles to pick from, you might find yourself unable to choose just one.
- PROS
- Lots of colors and patterns to choose from
- Breathable
- No slipping or rubbing
- CONS
- Not as durable as similar sneakers
2. New Balance Men’s 574 V2 Sneaker
Next up is the New Balance 574 V2 sneaker. The 574 V2 is a modern take on a classic shoe – it features a layered suede body with small sections of mesh for breathability. This design not only looks great, but it also provides a firmer, more structured fit than travel shoes with a knit-mesh body.
The thick rubber soles are slightly flared to provide greater side-to-side stabilization when walking, which reduces strain on your knees and ankles. The insoles are not dramatically sculpted, which is ideal if you have a low arch or flat feet. However, the insoles are also easily removable if you want to use your own inserts.
Overall, this is one of the best travel shoes for its price range. Its only true downside is the insoles – which do not provide a lot of support – but are easy enough to replace.
- PROS
- Trendy pair of shoes
- Lightweight
- Durable
- CONS
- Low arch support
- No sculpted sole
- Difficult to clean
3. Saucony Men’s Cohesion 10 Running Shoe
The Cohesion 10 from Saucony is one of the best and most comfortable long-distance running shoes on the market, which means it is also great for anyone who wants to do a lot of walking.
This shoe was designed with comfort and performance in mind. Its walls and lacing system provide a snug, no-slip fit in the heel and mid-foot while still allowing your toes enough room to move. This helps improve your balance and reduces the energy you exert with each step.
The sole is designed with Saucony’s signature Gird impact absorption and stability system, which provides top-of-the-line cushion and grip on pretty much any terrain and means less impact on your joints. After a few miles, you’ll definitely notice the difference.
- PROS
- Good for any terrain
- Ergonomically designed for comfort and performance
- CONS
- Less stylish than other types of travel shoes
- Pricey
4. Cole Haan Men’s Original Grand WTIP Oxford
The Grand WTIP Oxford by Cole Haan is perfect for those who like to travel in style. It has the body of a classic wingtip Oxford with the sole of a sneaker – making it ideal for touring galleries or exploring the city.
The uniquely designed rubber outsole provides a cushioned ride without the bulk of a traditional tennis shoe or sneaker. The leather body gives it a structured fit – if not somewhat stiff fit, depending on the style.
The WTIP Oxford is available in 6 colors – most of which are made from leather, but you also have canvas options. The blind-eyelet lacing system and brogue perforated seams mean it pairs well with both slacks and jeans, so they can be worn for virtually any occasion.
- PROS
- Looks great
- Comfortable without sacrificing style
- CONS
- Not very sturdy
- Can take a while to break in
5. Salomon Men’s Speedcross 4 Trail Running Shoe
If you’re looking for a high-performing, off-road shoe, you can’t go wrong with Salomon’s Speedcross 4. Ideal for easy to moderate trail hiking or running, this sneaker offers a glove-like fit to your foot and unparalleled grip and traction.
The unique Aggressive Grip rubber sole was designed to emulate the grip of cleats while maintaining the comfort of a sneaker. It provides a penetrating grip on softer ground and unmatched traction on hard surfaces. The built-in impact absorption feature helps to ensure your joints are protected, while the rugged make of the material ensures they will last.
The Strong Lace elastic lacing system helps quickly fit the walls of the shoe to your foot and means it can be tightened or loosened with just one hand. Best of all, you’ll never have to worry about your laces coming undone.
- PROS
- Good for any terrain
- Rugged and long-lasting
- CONS
- Pricey
- Not built for style
6. Merrell Men’s Jungle Moc Slip-On Shoe
The Merrell Jungle Moc Slip-On is one of the best travel shoes for those who want the comfort of a walking shoe without the look of one. These slip-on’s feature a compression-molded foot frame for stability and cushioning. They are made from high-quality suede that has been specially treated to be water and stain-resistant.
Unlike many other water-resistant products, the Jungle Moc Slip-Ons are relatively breathable thanks to their mesh lining, so your feet will always stay cool. While they do not have laces, the elastic goring along the sides helps ensure a snug fit.
The thick rubber sole is built with Merrell air cushion technology for added shock absorption and stability, which really makes a difference after a whole day spent on your feet. These are great to wear on travel days when you’ll be doing a lot of walking.
- PROS
- Water and stain-resistant
- No-slip grip
- CONS
- No laces mean tightness can’t be adjusted
7. TOMS Men’s Classic Slip Ons
TOMS is well known for its signature slip-on shoe and philanthropic business model. Good for everyday use, the canvas body offers breathability and comes in a wide variety of colors, so you can wear them with pretty much anything. For every pair bought, they will also donate one pair to a child in need.
With that said, these travel shoes for men do not have much to offer in the way of arch support or cushion. Like sandals, TOMS are better suited for times when you will not have to do a lot of walking or standing.
- PROS
- With each pair purchased TOMS donates a pair to a child in need
- Chic style and easy to match with any outfit
- CONS
- Not a lot of support
- Not very durable
Conclusion
Having a supportive and comfortable shoe used to mean having to sacrifice style, but nowadays that doesn’t have to be the case. There is a shoe for every foot and every occasion – the trick is finding the one that is right for you.
It might take a little research – and maybe even a bit of trial and error – but the effort will be well worth it in the end. The right shoe will protect your feet and joints, which will help you get through the day without leaving you feeling sore and tired. It is easy to find one that matches your personal style.
Whether it be a pair of cushion-soled Oxfords or rugged trail shoes, the choices are near-infinite.
No matter where your travels take you, with the right pair of travel shoes, there is no limit to how far you can go or what you can do.
Safe travels and happy trails!