How to choose travel shoes
Travel has a way of exposing the truth- about your tolerance for delayed flights, your snack strategy under pressure, and most of all, your shoes. If you’ve ever regretted your footwear by hour two of a walking tour (or been personally victimised by cobblestones), you already know: cute isn’t enough. Your feet are your passport to the whole experience. So what should you look for when choosing shoes that can go the distance -stylishly?
1. Cushioning That Feels Like Memory Foam for the Soul
You’ll want high-rebound midsoles that absorb shock and return energy, particularly if your itinerary involves museums, markets, or sprinting for trains. FitFlop’s F-Mode Flow Sneakers tick this box with ultra-lightweight Microwobbleboard™ midsoles that feel like they were custom-made for ‘just one more landmark’. Need the sandal equivalent? Try the F-Mode Fisherman Sandal, which is like a sneaker in a sandal.
2. Breathable Materials (Your Feet Are Basically Microclimates)
Sweaty feet are the enemy of comfort, style, and every single moment that follows a long-haul flight. Look for perforated leather, canvas, engineered mesh uppers that allow airflow. Skinny strappy sandals also let air in where necessary!
3. Slip-On Ease (Security Queue, We See You)
Yes, style matters - but travel days call for convenience. Shoes you can slip on and off without untying or rebuckling are worth their weight in TSA gold (as are sandals that look cool with socks). Think sneakers with elastic panels or ergonomic ballet flats that flex but stay snug, or even better: knits!
4. Support That Outlasts Your Step Count
A good midsole can make or break a day of sightseeing. Look for arch support, heel cushioning, and a structure that doesn’t collapse under pressure. The FitFlop F-Mode Flow Sneaker looks very ‘fashion’ but hides top-notch all-day ergonomic support (aka: it’s the sneaker your future self will thank you for wearing).
5. Packability (Bonus Points for Style Versatility)
Space is sacred in a carry-on. Travel shoes should earn their place. Neutral tones, go-with-everything styles, and silhouettes that dress up or down will always win. FitFlop’s Delicato Leather Ballet Flats go from passport control to dinner reservation with zero drama.
Final Thought:
Good travel shoes are like good travel companions—low-maintenance, adaptable, and won’t leave you limping by lunchtime. Invest in pairs that do the heavy lifting so your feet can focus on the fun.
About FitFlop
We were born different. Unlike other brands in our category, we’re a smart engineering company that happens to make footwear. Through biomechanical engineering and ergonomic design, we help people achieve more and feel better with contemporary every-day footwear that helps maximise your energy as you move.
Founded in 2007 by entrepreneur Marcia Kilgore, we’ve been set apart from the pack from the get-go. Harnessing our unique scientific approach (fusing world-class biomechanics and advanced technology with bold, directional design) led to our first product – the WalkStar 1 sandal – quickly becoming a global phenomenon.
And it’s this unique, smart ethos – blending science and shoe-making smarts – that has created the fast-paced, celebrated brand we are today, with more than 65 million pairs sold across the globe
You can find us in 73 countries with a total of over 5,000 stores and stocked by more than 2,000 retailers and 31 distributors. Our 145 FitFlop concept stores are located in the UK, US, Europe, the Middle East, India, and the APAC region. As well as our growing head office in the UK, we have new showrooms in London and New York.
Our community of wearers spans motivations and generations, women and men who live intentionally – always looking for ways to help optimise their every-day