The Best Travel Shoes For Men, According To Well-Traveled Experts
The best travel shoes for men blend support, style and functionality, minimizing irritation and ... More discomfort during your next trip.
'Most men buy travel shoes based on looks—but function should always come first,' says Dr. Mohammad Usman, foot and ankle specialist and surgeon at Michigan Avenue Podiatry. 'Look for support, not just style.' All the picks in our guide offer cushioned support, reliable traction and breathable materials—plus fashion-forward designs. Here, the best travel shoes for men to shop right now.
On
Size range: 7 to 14 | Arch support: Yes | Colors: 16 total, including Hay/Frost and Glacier/White | Return policy: Free returns within 30 days
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Swiss brand On's bestselling shoe excels in its supportive features. Its air-pocket cushioning absorbs impact, while its breathable mesh construction cools your feet. Notably, the Speedboard running along the shoe works like a springboard, helping to propel you forward, so walking long distances feels a bit easier. The Cloud 5 also earned the top spot in our best walking shoes for men guide for its abundance of trek-friendly features—we particularly like the fact that it has removable insoles and a very lightweight design.
Allbirds
Size range: 8 to 14 | Arch support: Yes | Colors: 6 total, including Dapple Grey and Hazy Indigo | Return policy: Returns within 30 days
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Work-friendly shoes are often made of refined but heavy materials (i.e., leather) that can weigh down your feet on the go. Allbirds' Wool Runners solve this problem with their lightweight, ethically sourced ZQ Merino wool fabric. The material is naturally thermoregulating and gives this sneaker a sleek, business-casual aesthetic. It also has a cushioned midsole for extra comfort and, as added bonus, the entire shoe is machine-washable so you can toss this pair in the laundry after your trip.
Kizik
Size range: 4.5 to 15 | Arch support: Yes | Colors: 7 total, including Chestnut and Coronet Blue | Return policy: Free returns within 30 days
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Kizik's Vegas sneaker has a springy yet durable 'Rabbit Foam' outsole and a soft leather upper that's flexible with a minimal break-in period. For days when you're stuck in long security queues, the sneaker is engineered with a collapsible rubber heel that snaps back into place when you step into it—a.k.a, it's incredibly easy to slip on and off in a pinch. Forbes Vetted engineering director Caleb King reaches for these when he wants a dressy style without sacrificing comfort. 'I wear these to the office because they are sophisticated enough to pass for work shoes,' he says.
SUAVS
Size range: 8 to 14 | Arch support: Yes | Colors: 10 total, including Oatmeal and Olive Green | Return policy: Free returns within 30 days
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What slip-ons often lack in arch support, the Suavs Zilker makes up for with its grippy outsole that gives plenty of security and traction across all terrains. This one's particularly lightweight and slim, so its flexible body can be packed flat in your carry-on without taking up any excess space. Bonus: Its responsive, moisture-wicking fabric means you can wear it with or without socks (regardless of your foot type), and this p ick accommodates those with wide feet, too.
Hoka
Size range: 7 to 15 | Arch support: Yes | Colors: 3 total, including Barley/Oat Milk and Rye/Bark | Return policy: Free returns within 30 days
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If your next trip involves nature trails or unpredictable terrains, the Hoka Anacapa Breeze Low has earned the American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA) Seal of Acceptance for its extensive features that promote foot health. This includes a ventilated knit upper for optimal airflow, a grippy Vibram outsole for traction and a forked heel that allows for ease of movement on uneven surfaces. With its symmetrical foam cushioning, expect plenty of responsive toe-offs and a smooth ride overall. 'These are perfect for every stage of travel,' says Forbes Vetted gear editor Cam Vigilotta. 'Their ventilated upper keeps my feet cool, and the cushy midsole makes it easy to walk for miles in pain-free comfort.'
Here at Forbes Vetted, our fashion team has researched, written on and tested a wide variety of footwear, from the best workout shoes for men to the best casual shoes for men.
When assembling this list, we researched bestselling men's sneakers from top-rated brands like On, Allbirds and Hoka.
'When traveling, we often double or even triple our normal step count, which can exacerbate underlying foot problems,' says Dr. Matthew Conti, foot and ankle surgeon at the Hospital for Special Surgery. Before making a purchase, here are some important factors to consider that can minimize injury risks:
'Appropriate arch support is essential for travel,' says Dr. Conti, who recommends avoiding flimsy footwear that lacks cushioning. The Kizik Vegas' almost spring-like cushioning, for example, offers a blend of comfort and support. 'Cushioning is essential to maintaining the foot in a neutral position, which results in proper alignment and reduces stress on muscle groups,' notes Dr. Mohammad Usman, foot and ankle specialist and surgeon at Michigan Avenue Podiatry.
Choosing the right fabric for your shoe can be the difference between constant irritation and redness or a blister-free journey. This is especially true if you're prone to hammer toes: a.k.a., corns that develop on your toes due to over-straining muscle groups, says Dr. Usman. He suggests you go for materials that rub minimally against your feet.
'I highly recommend mesh fabrics,' he says, 'as these can regulate temperature and reduce moisture, which has an added benefit of preventing fungal infections.' Our mesh-filled favorite on our list, the On Cloud 5, fits the bill and is known for its breathability.
Certain foot types may need special attention. According to Dr. Usman, those with flat feet should 'look for shoes with motion control features, rigid heel counters and firm arch support to prevent excessive inward rolling of the ankle.' The Hoka Anacapa Breeze Low, for instance, offers an array of heavy-duty features to enhance foot stability while on uneven terrain. Alternatively, for feet with high arches, shoes with ample cushioning should generally suffice, he says.
If you have wide feet, you'll likely need something something flexible like the Suavs The Zilker. 'Those with bunions will also need a wider toe box to prevent the toes from chafing against the top of the shoe,' Dr. Conti adds. To learn more about your foot type, talk to your podiatrist for a personalized evaluation.
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New York Post may be compensated and/or receive an affiliate commission if you click or buy through our links. Featured pricing is subject to change. Years ago, while passing through Munich International Airport, I had a truly mortifying travel moment: my overstuffed, flimsy suitcase burst open on the baggage claim belt, sending my clothes spilling everywhere. I'll never forget the older man who kindly handed me my underwear — his face marked by a look of secondhand embarrassment. After that, I made myself a promise: never again would I travel with a cheap suitcase. When it came time to finally invest in quality luggage, I didn't hesitate. About seven years ago, I bought my first piece from Away Luggage, and I haven't looked back since. I started with the Bigger Carry-On in light pink (later upgraded to the expandable version in black), then added The Large for longer trips, and most recently, The Medium — now my go-to whenever I need to check a bag. 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They come in a variety of colors and sizes and now have dozens of accessories such as packing cubes, tote bags and more that fit perfectly with all Away luggage. They also offer a 100-day trial (or return policy) and an incredible lifetime warranty. Away luggage warranty covers: Cracks or breaks in the shell Wheels, handles, or telescoping handles that break off and are no longer usable Zippers that can no longer be opened or closed Fabric tears that render the front pocket fabric non-functional My Review While I've tried a variety of Away models over the years, these days The Bigger Carry-On Flex, The Medium and The Large are on constant rotation depending on my travel needs. For long weekends, I reach for The Bigger Carry-On Flex. When I'm checking a bag but still want to travel light, The Medium gives me the extra space without the bulk. The Large is my go-to for extended getaways, big moves, or trips where I'll be planted in one or two places—like a tropical escape to Hawaii with stops on a couple of islands. But if I'm hopping between cities every few days, especially in Europe with cobblestones galore, I'll stick with The Medium to avoid lugging too much around. Pictured: The Bigger Carry-On Flex & The Large Durability While you can pretty much throw your Away luggage across the room without worrying about real damage, like any hard-shell suitcase, expect a few scuffs and scratches after some use. When I was choosing my first Bigger Carry-On, I debated between classic black and light pink. In the end, I went with the fun choice: pink. Both that carry-on and my black Medium suitcase have their fair share of markings, but nothing that detracts from their overall look or quality. The structure has held up beautifully, and the cosmetic wear is just a sign of well-traveled bags. As previously mentioned in this review, a few years later, I upgraded to The Bigger Carry-On Flex in black, not because of damage, but because adulting meant trading pink for black and finally admitting I always overpack. Size and Space The interior compression systems within each of Away's luggage have been a game-changer when it comes to the number of items I can pack. Just a few months before the pandemic hit, I traveled to Iceland for four nights in January 2020. (It was an unforgettable experience and my last international trip for nearly a year, though I'd recommend going in spring for longer daylight and more predictable weather.) I managed to pack snow boots, sneakers, two thick cable-knit sweaters, and all my other cold-weather essentials into my Bigger Carry-On. Similarly, in 2024, I packed for two climates on a 2.5-week trip to Argentina using my Medium suitcase, which held thick sweaters, denim, rain boots, a puffer jacket, and more — no problem at all. Pictured: The Bigger Carry-On Flex Specific Specs (Bigger Carry-On) Exterior : 22.7″ x 15.4″ x 9.6″ (57.7 x 39.1 x 24.4 cm) : 22.7″ x 15.4″ x 9.6″ (57.7 x 39.1 x 24.4 cm) Interior : 20.9″ x 15″ x 7.9″ (53.1 x 38.1 x 20.1 cm) : 20.9″ x 15″ x 7.9″ (53.1 x 38.1 x 20.1 cm) Weight : 7.9 lbs (3.6 kg) : 7.9 lbs (3.6 kg) Capacity: 47.9 L Note: dimensions include wheels. Other features include a durable polycarbonate shell, 360 degree spinner wheels, a TSA-approved combination lock for enhanced security, an interior compression system to help maximize packing space, water-resistant polyester laundry bag, an additional grab handle (located on the underside for easy lifting) and my favorite spec of all, a nesting capability for efficient storage at home. Pros & Cons Since I've tested several sizes and models over the years, for this section, I'll focus on the Bigger Carry-On for clarity. Pros: Spacious and lightweight Durable hard shell 360° spinner wheels Built-in removable USB charger The Flex version offers extra packing space when needed Interior features a compression system and a removable laundry bag to help keep packing organized Cons: When flying on smaller planes or international flights, the Bigger Carry-On (especially the expandable version) may not fit in all overhead bins Personalizations Away offers a couple of fun ways to make your suitcase feel more personal. For $50, you can add a hand-painted monogram (up to three letters) by New York artist Jen Mussari, with several font and color options to choose from. While this is my favorite customization feature by far, you can also add an engraved luggage tag for $10 if you're looking for something more subtle. How We Tested All three suitcases were put through the wringer over seven years of travel, tested on multiple flights across a range of airlines — including tiny hopper planes in French Polynesia. They endured hotel transfers, baggage claims, car rides, and plenty of overhead bin Tetris. Each was packed to full capacity (not a hard feat!) to assess space and structure. For the carry-on, we also ran it through TSA checkpoints to evaluate ease of laptop removal, liquid access, and bin compatibility. We scored each bag using the following criteria: Durability : Based on visible wear after repeated flights and handling : Based on visible wear after repeated flights and handling Functionality : Interior organization, ease of transport, and built-in features : Interior organization, ease of transport, and built-in features Design & Aesthetic : Style, color options, and social feedback (yes, compliments count) : Style, color options, and social feedback (yes, compliments count) Value: Overall quality compared to price and competitors Away Travel The Final Verdict As a travel enthusiast and commerce journalist of nearly seven years, I've tried my fair share of suitcases over the years. Even when my sister worked at another luxury luggage brand for four years, I didn't take advantage of her (very generous) family discount. My loyalty to Away runs too deep. I love how sleek they look, how easy they glide and most importantly, how long they last! With 40 countries under my belt and plans to check many more off the list in the coming years, I can happily say that I won't be letting go of my Away Luggage anytime soon. If you're considering giving Away Luggage a try, you've got nothing to lose. Their 100-day return policy lets you travel with it, truly put it to the test, and if it's not for you, send it back for a full refund or exchange. But honestly? I doubt you'll want to. Looking for a headline-worthy haul? Keep shopping Post Wanted. For over 200 years, the New York Post has been America's go-to source for bold news, engaging stories, in-depth reporting, and now, insightful shopping guidance. We're not just thorough reporters – we sift through mountains of information, test and compare products, and consult experts on any topics we aren't already schooled specialists in to deliver useful, realistic product recommendations based on our extensive and hands-on analysis. Here at The Post, we're known for being brutally honest – we clearly label partnership content, and whether we receive anything from affiliate links, so you always know where we stand. We routinely update content to reflect current research and expert advice, provide context (and wit) and ensure our links work. Please note that deals can expire, and all prices are subject to change.
