23 Pairs of Travel Shoes Travel + Leisure Editors Always Pack

When I’m traveling, I’m always apprehensive about sticking out as a tourist. So before a trip to Paris, I went on a shoe-shopping tear, determined to find a pair that was comfortable and durable enough to stand up to miles of wandering, but still look polished. These ballet flats from Cole Haan hit the mark: they're versatile, break in easily, and don’t make my feet ache after a day of sightseeing. And with a little waterproofing spray, mine are still going strong after two years of near-constant abuse. – Lila Battis, Associate Editor

To buy: colehaan.com, $170

Converse have plenty of support if you're going to be traipsing through a new city or sightseeing on foot, and the high-tops provide great ankle reinforcement. They're perfect if you want to fit in in cities like Paris or Berlin (where all-black is the way to go) without giving up the comfort of a classic sneaker. – Jess McHugh, Digital Reporter

To buy: nike.com, $55

These flats are a go-to when I pack for a trip. Although the shape makes them unique, they're neutral enough to work with so many different outfits, from jeans to dresses. It helps that they come with that worn-in look, so you don't have to worry about getting them dirty when exploring a new city. Plus, they're super comfortable — they're sturdier than the typical flat, and they give you closed-toe coverage, but the cut-out lets your feet breathe. – Nina Ruggiero, Senior Digital Editor

To buy: zappos.com; $198

I think a driving shoe is a man's perfect travel companion: versatile, comfortable, and very packable.This pair from Michael Bastian's new Gray Label have a bit more sole support than many driving shoes, and tassel detail that adds an extra dash of style. – Nathan Lump, Editor in Chief

To buy: zappos.com, $250

I've been a loyal Samba-wearer for nearly a decade now and have yet to be anything less than impressed with the pairs I've bought. They're durable, affordable, and incredibly comfortable, and they're the first thing I set aside to bring on a trip. Whether I'm headed to Europe to stroll through the city streets, or to South America for more arduous exploring, Adidas Sambas are always on my feet. – Sean Flynn, Digital Operations Editor

To buy: jcrew.com, $70

I like to go on a run when I'm visiting a new place, because it's a unique way to see a destination. The On Cloud works for this and is perfect for a heavy day of walking around sightseeing, too. They are super light, so they don't add a lot of pounds to my suitcase. – Laura Teusink, Managing Editor

To buy: zappos.com, $120

A chic leather sandal with arch support? It does exist! I am obsessed with Beek sandals because they are not only comfortable to walk around in all day (and all vacation long), but they are also made with beautiful leather that only looks better with wear. I’m hooked — and you will be, too! – Katie Fish, Fashion Market Editor

To buy: beekshop.com, $260

My travel bag is always packed with solids and neutrals, so I liven things up with printed slip-on sneakers from BucketFeet. People always ask who makes them; they slip off (and back on) easily at airport security; and they're cushioned enough for a full day of city walking. Each design is the creation of an artist whose story and inspiration is shared on BucketFeet.com. My go-to print is Pineappleade (by Colombian street artist DJ Lu), and I hope to have a pair of the newly-released Minty Fresh to wear on my next trip. – Skye Senterfeit, Associate Photo Editor

To buy: bucketfeet.com, $75

Every time I go hiking, I feel renewed gratefulness for these incredible boots. I give them the highest marks for comfort, traction, ankle support, water resistance, and aesthetic. I've worn them everywhere from the Andes to Crete to the streets of New York City, and since it appears that they will last forever, I expect them to carry me to many more destinations in the years to come. – Jesse Ashlock, Features Director

To buy: zappos.com; $380

There's really nothing more classic than a black leather loafer, and the fact that they're lightweight, practically season-less, and pair with just about anything make them the perfect travel shoe. The Mason Leather Bit Loafers by Ferragamo go as seamlessly from day to night as they do from Havana to Paris. – Chelsea Schiff, Senior Designer

To buy: zappos.com, $560

The Thea's are perfect from airport (an easy slip-on and slip-off for airport security) to outdoor activity. I love how lightweight and easy to clean they are. Personally, I wear them in black, but this "millienial pink" pair would brighten an entire trip. – Mariah Tyler, Digital Assistant Photo Editor

To buy: zappos.com, $95

I have a history of limping for the sake of a good shoe, but luckily these are so comfortable, I've never had that issue. They look like real leather, making them nice enough to not feel like you're wearing tennis shoes, but durable enough to tackle walking a year's worth of miles in a day. They're the first thing I pack, often choosing them over a boot so long as the place you're going doesn't have a dress code (not good enough for tea at the top of London's Shard. Still bitter.). – Emma Stoneall, Editorial Operations Assistant

To buy: asos.com, $79

I initially bought these low wedges as a shoe to wear to weddings that would be comfortable enough to maintain night-long command of the dance floor. But they've since become the pair I pack for every warm weather vacation. The heel height is perfect for those with a higher arch, and they can easily swing from dressed-up to casual. – Richelle Szypulski, Assistant Digital Editor

To buy: jcrew.com, $74

Whenever I have to go through the tedious TSA security check at the airport, I make sure I'm wearing a shoe that's easy to take off and slip back on. These classic Vans are perfect when trudging through crowds in a terminal and can be very versatile for any type of trip. You can pair them with jeans, shorts, or dresses. I've worn them during my trip to Ireland when the weather was always unpredictable, and traipsed through the Musee D'Orsay for hours without feeling any discomfort. – Kira Turnbull, Photo Associate

To buy: nordstrom.com, $60

I always pack too many shoes — and then find myself wearing these sneakers for most of the trip. They're comfortable, stylish enough (the title of my future memoir), and even though they're laced, there's enough give that I can slip them on and off at airport security. – Jessica Plautz, Deputy Digital Editor

To buy: zappos.com, $80

Doc Martens are a very versatile travel shoe. The thick rubber sole is great for a full day of walking. I have them in black, and if the leather is polished, they look pretty sharp. They will also keep your feet warm and dry in rain or snow. It's like a walking shoe, rain boot, and casual dress shoe all in one. — Alex Arnold, Photo Editor

To buy: amazon.com, $125

When traveling, I am all about versatility. The majority of what I pack can be worn from day to night and goes with everything else in my suitcase. I can wear these mules with jeans and a t-shirt during the day, or a nice dress and jewelry for an evening look. The best part is that they slide off easily, making airport security a breeze. – Katie Fish, Fashion Market Editor

To buy: bloomingdales.com, $250

Having a solid leather boot to rely on when you're traveling is absolutely crucial. I love the Malie (it means "laid back and calm" in Polynesian) by OluKai. It's a timeless shoe, and it easily transitions from day to night (especially in black). And the supportive footbed keeps your feet from getting tired no matter how much sightseeing you're doing. – Melanie Lieberman, Associate Digital Editor

To buy: zappos.com, $220

I’m the type of person that likes to go on a run or two while on vacation. It’s a great way to explore a new destination and get a feel for the local culture. Instead of trying to find extra room to pack my running shoes, I often end up wearing them in transit. I love this pair from Nike. They’re lightweight, stylish, and extremely comfortable both on the trail and in the terminal. – John Scarpinato, Assistant Editor

To buy: nike.com, $120

I like to pack versatile shoes to help save space in my carry-on. Cole Haan oxfords are great for exploring the city streets during the day, and are appropriate for a nice dinner. The oxfords are really comfortable and have a firm sole, which makes walking over cobblestone streets in a city like Rome more enjoyable. – Mary Robnett, Assistant Photo Editor

To buy: colehaan.com, $230

When it comes to traveling, I always like to bring a pair of black ankle booties with a tiny touch of flair. They can be dressed down with jeans, or dressed up with some jewelry and a killer jumpsuit (great for wearing more than once in different ways). But the most important part about the booties is that they need to be comfortable. I borrowed this pair from a friend for a week-long trip once, and I've been saving up to buy my own ever since. – Erika Owen, Senior Audience Engagement Editor

To buy: net-a-porter.com, $595

My go-to winter travel shoe is Nicora's Sinclair lace-up boot. They're incredibly comfortable, have a gorgeous hand-cut wooden heel, and are tough enough to brave wet and icy weather. Plus, they're just about the most virtuous boots you can put on your feet before exploring the world: all Nicora shoes are handmade in California from recycled materials. – Skye Senterfeit, Associate Photo Editor

To buy: nicorashoes.com, $365

When I travel, I like to wear shoes that are elegant enough that they can be worn out to dinner; day-to-night is key. Ferragamo drivers last for years — the leather is beautiful — and they pair well with jeans, pants, or a dress if need be. – Jacqui Gifford, Special Projects Editor

To buy: nordstrom.com, $495

This article originally appeared on Travelandleisure.com.