Unless otherwise specified, all sizes in this post are listed in women’s.
1. Some casual Dr. Scholl’s slip-on sneakers with a cushioned insole that are about to become your go-to for comfort and style. Whether you’re wearing them to the airport or on those 15,000-step days (as tested by a reviewer), you won’t have to think about what’s going on with your tootsies at all — and really, isn’t that the end goal?
Promising reviews: “These are a perfect sneaker for leggings, dresses, shorts, anything really. This is my third pair. The memory foam makes these sneakers feel like you’re walking on clouds. I have been buying a pair every spring for the last three years. They hold up to all types of weather.” —Danielle Tricomi
“These shoes were recommended as comfortable walking shoes. They absolutely are the best! I bought these shoes to have a stylish, casual shoe for a NYC/DC seven-day tour. I walked an average of 7–8 miles a day, even in a downpour. Not a single blister or pain of any kind. If you are searching for stylish, casual, and comfortable, then these are it. Easy on and off, water-resistant, and coordinates with all outfits.” —S. Lee
Get them from Amazon for $40+ (available in sizes 4–14, including wide sizes, and in 18 styles).
2. A pair of slip-on pointed-toe ballet flats that come in so many pretty colors, your whole friend group is going to want a pair! They have all-around support and are made of a breathable knit material with a comfy memory foam insole. And if you’re saving your money for the actual trip, these have the same elevated look as pricier brands like Vivaia and Rothy’s!
They’re also machine washable! Btw — the reviewer below paired these with a cropped denim look and I’m so obsessed I’m tempted to order a pair myself.
Promising review: “I bought these ballet flats on a whim about one to two days before leaving for a two-week trip to Europe. I walked about 6-10 miles PER DAY in these shoes for my entire trip and never got a single blister or had that dreaded ‘heel slip’ that you often experience wearing ballet flats. They were so comfortable and held up in excellent condition (which was surprising given the affordable price). I love how versatile and easy to style they are — perfect with dresses, denim, etc. So happy I found these! Will likely be buying another pair in a second color!” —Natasha
Get it from Amazon for $28.04+ (available in sizes 6–10 and 14 styles).
3. Dr. Martens Voss II Athena leather sandals with the coolest chunky, cross-strap design that I, as a certified Dr. Martens Girl™, can confirm are the only pair I’ve ever bought that required zero break-in period. These are SO comfortable, and that’s all thanks to the adjustable ankle straps and lightweight, foam footbed that cushions your steps! I’ve worn these with casual shorts, billowy skirts, and nicer dresses, and can confirm they look fab with each.
I spent seven weeks in Europe, and when I wasn’t wearing my trusty New Balances, these were on my feet. I seriously adore *everything* about these. They’ve got great arch support for someone with high arches and soft, adjustable straps that never cut into my skin or give me blisters. I also really wanted a shoe with some height to protect my toes in crowded areas, and these have a foam footbed platform that gives me that ~chunky~ look I like without the weight of my other Dr. Martens! After walking thousands of steps over two years, the foam has definitely worn down some, but it’s nowhere near as much as I was initially worried about — and other than needing a cleaning (I stained ’em with sunscreen, oops), the straps are all still totally secure!
Promising review: “I love these sandals. They are so comfortable and I can easily pair them with my casual wear or dress them up for work.” —Bri F.
Get them from Amazon for $74.95 (available in sizes 5–11 and four colors) or from Dr. Martens for $100 (available in sizes 5–11 and in black and pink).
4. Frankie4 Ramsay heels worth every dang penny because they’re 1) gorgeous, and 2) made with a patented, podiatrist-designed footbed that cushions and molds to your foot for comfortable, long-time wear. That destination wedding you’ve got coming up? These’ll be your trusty travel companions as you sightsee during the day and cupid shuffle into the night. 💃 Even reviewers with plantar fasciitis swear by them!
Promising review: “I bought these shoes to wear to weddings and they are perfect! They are comfortable to wear even when standing for hours or dancing on the dance floor. The bronze colour is gorgeous and super versatile with different dresses and dress codes.” —Rachel F.
Get them from Frankie4 (available in sizes 6–13 and four colors) or from Nordstrom (available in sizes 6–13 and four colors) for $214.
5. Some lightweight Adidas running shoes with a cushioning *literally* named after clouds that reviewers agree is an accurate description of how dang comfy they are. If you’re prepping for 20,000-step days minimum, these’ll make your tootsies feel loved so they don’t give out on you. They’re also designed with a breathable mesh upper and a sock-like construction, which means they’ll conform to your foot and (more importantly) can be squashed into your carry-on.
Promising review: “Literally the BEST shoes ever! So comfy. I spent a whole day at Disney with no complaints. Normally, I’m tired after two hours of walking in the park, but with these babies, I was up and walking all day with no problem.” —Katherine
Get them from Amazon for $40+ (available in sizes 5–11 and five colors).
6. Or lightweight Allbirds Tree Runners you’ll thank yourself for on hour five of the itinerary when your friends are trudging along and you’re practically skipping to the next stop. The breathable eucalyptus fiber material and moisture-wicking insole — which wards off stank foot — make these a great choice for warm-weather travel. And btw, when I was *deep* in the pre-Europe shoe research, I learned that these are lots of people’s go-to for a neutral, reliable walking shoe!
Allbirds are known for their superior comfort, and the Tree Runners are no exception. Its shoelaces are even made from recycled plastic bottles, and as needed, these can be tossed in the wash and set out to air dry without losing their shape.
Promising review: “Like walking on clouds. Wore these all through Spain and Portugal and referred to them as ‘my magic shoes.’ So comfortable with great support. They are my go-to shoe for running errands too.” —April C.
“I love these shoes! They are perfect for the summer months because they breathe and are great for walking. They look cute with dresses too so I have been wearing them everywhere!” —Margaret L.
Get them from Allbirds for $100 (available in women’s sizes 5–11, men’s sizes 8–14, and 21 styles).
7. A pair of cutie Rothy’s Mary Janes with a stretchy knit fabric for your perfect fit and flexible, adjustable, *secure* straps so you can run to your train without leaving a shoe behind. These bbs have been tested by reviewers on long travel days and during 10-hour shifts, and folks report no painful digging at the heel! And can we please just take a moment to appreciate how truly stunning that red is.
They’re also machine washable! This particular style fits true to size, though it’s recommended to go a half size up for a roomier fit or if you have wider feet.
Promising reviews: “They hug my feet so nicely that I never had to break them in. Very breathable so far, wore walking in NYC for two days straight and have no complaints.” —Courtney
“Love my Mary Janes! They are comfortable and cute! I walked all over cobblestoned/ city streets in them and my feet were pain free. Definitely recommend (and plan to grab another pair in a different color).” —Kristin K.
Get them from Rothy’s for $165 (available in sizes 5–13 and in eight colors).
8. Kodiak leather boots when you’ve got 24 hours and a dream to take in all the city has to offer — from hiking trails to downtown sights. Not only does the all-purpose shoe have great traction and comfortable ankle support, but the waterproof leather, sealed seams, and ~Thinsulation~ will help keep your tootsies warm if you get caught in some spring showers!
Promising review: “Awesome boots! Super stylish and amazingly comfortable. I feel like my feet are in clouds. And so warm! I pair them with my Smartwool socks, and my feet are happy! I’m a size 6 in most shoes, but generally I size up for hiking boots, and these are no different. I ordered a 6.5 and they were perfect. I ordered the brown pair with the red laces, and they are eye-catching. Received many compliments when I wear them. Great boots!” —VegasgirlClaudia
Get them from Amazon for $54.97+ (available in sizes 5–11 and three colors).
9. Some comfy Cushionaire slides that have earned over 60,000 5-star ratings, proving you don’t need to spend $100+ to wear shoes worthy of being compared to the feeling of walking on clouds (hey, reviewers’ words, not mine). These have a flexible, contoured footbed to support your arches, a suede-lined insole for breathability, *and* adjustable faux-leather straps! They’re a fave among reviewers on trips with lots of walking, since they have the look and comfort of Birks without the splurge.
Promising reviews: “Like walking on a cloud. These are the most comfortable sandals I have ever owned. I have plantar fibroma, which makes wearing shoes extremely uncomfortable. These are great, providing arch support and a comfortable walk. My feet stay in place without sliding side to side. The soles don’t squeak when walking on polished floors. I bought two colors and, for the price, may add a few more.” —S. R. F.
“I have six pairs of Birkenstocks and just didn’t want to spend that kind of money this time. These sandals are actually more comfortable than my Birkenstocks. They have added padding on the insole. I think they were almost 1/3 of the price. I was pleasantly surprised by the quality.” —Amazon Customer
Get them from Amazon for $34.99 (available in sizes 5–12, including wide sizes, and 20 styles).
10. A pair of heeled slip-ons with the cutest braided detail that’ll make you forget all about the black heels you left at home. If you only have a few minutes to turn your sightseeing outfit into a dinner one, this is a *super* quick and easy way to elevate jeans and a T-shirt!
Promising review: “Reaching for these sandals more and more because they’re comfy, cute, and elevate my outfits! They didn’t require any breaking in and I’ve worn them for an entire day out and had no issues with long-term wear. Fit was true to size. Going to get another color since I love them so much!” —Nidhi Patel
Get them from Amazon for $29.99+ (available in sizes 6–10, in two heel heights, and 16 colors — not all colors available in all sizes).
11. Ballet flats that take up practically zero space, so you can always keep a pair in your tote for an emergency high heel switch. The simple style makes them perfect for mixing and matching with your capsule wardrobe, but there are also fun colors and designs if you prefer a statement pair. And…. (🥁 🥁 🥁) reviewers report no toe pinching!
Promising review: “I normally cannot wear flats because they give me terrible blisters on the back of my feet. These didn’t! Bought these in nude for a city vacation with a lot of walking, but where sandals aren’t necessarily worn, and these were perfect! They obviously don’t have the support of sneakers, but I am so happy to finally have a cheap pair of flats that don’t give me blisters. I did break them in with thin socks on around my house before wearing them out and when possible, I wear them with little sock liners. Also — I was able to fold these in half like Tieks and fit them in a semi-small purse to change into to dance at a wedding! Score!” —Kate
Get them from Amazon for $22.10+ (available in sizes 5–15, including wide sizes, and 20 styles).
12. Or a pair of Vivaia hybrid ballet flats with a sneaker-like outsole for that same timeless look, but more support! The EVA foam bottom and dual arch support ensure you won’t feel every last rock and cobblestone road you step on, and reviewers with wider feet and bunions are loving the roomier design. Plus, if you fall victim to a muddy puddle, they’re also machine washable!
Vivaia is a small shoe brand founded in 2020 with the mission to create stylish and high-quality footwear. Many of the brand’s shoes are made from recycled water bottles, and they’ve implemented a production process that actively works to reduce waste.
Promising review: “I was looking for a shoes that’s fashionable yet comfy at the same time. I’m middle aged and my bunion starts bothering me much. So I was searching for a pair of shoes that fits those criteria. And this fits the bill to the T! Didn’t need breaking in for me. I wore it for three hours first time I used it with no issue. I was even asked where I got them.” —Karen I.
Get them from Vivaia for $119+ (originally $139; available in sizes 5–11, 10 colors, and two other hybrid styles) or from Amazon for $101.15+ (available in sizes 5–11 and three colors).
13. Some fashionable ankle boots that’ll create a *clack clack clack* as you strut from city spot to city spot on your mission to see all those places you saved on TikTok. These booties have a padded insole, non-slip rubber sole, and a slight heel, so you’ll be safe from any puddle or… mysterious substance… the big city puts in your path.
Promising review: “I bought these boots only a couple of days before we left for a trip to Boston. It was our first time there and I knew we were going to be walking a lot, so I was nervous about breaking these in while *on* the trip. But, I read a couple of reviews that said they were great for being on your feet all day. Well, the reviews were CORRECT! We walked for a minimum of six hours for five consecutive days and these boots were AMAZING the entire time!! It was also very cold (anywhere from 2–20 degrees) and they kept my feet warm. And they did great in the snow! Not to mention they’re very cute! I highly recommend these boots!” —Kacee
Get them from Amazon for $42.99+ (available in sizes 6–12, include wide sizes, and 11 colors).
14. André Assous’ Nixi Featherweight Sandal so pretty, you won’t even want to throw on another pair. Need a sandal that’ll go with your flowy pants on an evening beach stroll? Throw ’em on! Not sure what to wear for your evening dinner reservation? Yup, these are perfect! The leather-covered memory foam footbed, rafia upper, and metallic detailing instantly elevate any outfit while proving it’s possible to be cute *and* comfy.
Promising review: “I love these sandals! They are very comfortable yet stylish. The older I get, the less heel I want. These had a little bit of elevation but still practical. The footbed is padded and I can wear it all day. Can be paired with jeans or dresses. The raffia band does fit snug, but I prefer it that way. Also these are definitely made in European sizing. I am a true size 9 US, but wear a 10 in these, much like all other European made shoes. I’m so hooked I bought a second pair.” —MDLadybug8
Get them from André Assous (available in sizes 5–11 and six colors) or from DSW (available in sizes 5–11 and in red and black) for $149.
15. A pair of simple but stylish Dr. Scholl’s sneakers the people of TikTok swear are *the* vacation shoe. They have a comfortable, ultra-supportive anatomical cushioning that’ll carry you through your packed itinerary, plus stretchy laces so you can slip them on and GO GO GO when you’re running late for that reservation.
These are also made from recycled materials!
Promising reviews: “I never write reviews but these shoes deserves it. The TikTok girlies were correct — these are the perfect shoes for a European vacation. I wore them almost exclusively during my trip to Italy — Venice, Florence and Rome. Over 30k steps in Rome per day. Goes with everything, comfortable, and easy to wipe off at the end of the day! I did spray it with Scotchgard fabric spray just to keep it a little more protected and waterproofed. Buy these shoes!!” —Ngo-Yip Family
Get them from Amazon for $64.99+ (available in sizes 4–13, including wide and extra-wide sizes, and 30 styles).
Chloe Jenkins
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