01-05-2025
The Best Travel Shoes For Men, According To Well-Traveled Experts
The best travel shoes for men blend support, style and functionality, minimizing pain and discomfort during your next trip. After considering recommendations from foot-care experts and insights from Forbes Vetted's well-traveled staffers, a number of favorites emerged: The On Cloud 5 won as our best walking travel shoe for its ultra-soft cushioning, while the Allbirds Wool Runners stood out for its comfortable yet sophisticated design that's ideal for business travelers.
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.
