Wherever I'm headed, near or far, whether it's a two-week trip to Europe or a two-day stay down the shore, I'll always have a pair of comfortable trainers on my feet (and maybe a second pair in my suitcase). The most comfortable trainers can make the difference between a perfect travel day spent exploring a new city and a painful afternoon at the hotel with a foot full of blisters. Our editors know just how important picking the right pair of kicks really is, so I turned to them to help put together a list of lightweight, breathable, wear-all-day sneakers.
Our go-to trainers are just as versatile as they are comfy, with some pairs working just as well on a run as they do to brunch. Ahead, discover the sneakers we travel with regularly, from casual, cool New Balance dad shoes and always reliable Allbirds to cushioned Hokas you can pound the pavement in. These New Balance 574s have been one of my most worn shoes for the past few years.
They're a perfect balance of sporty and stylish and are neutral enough to match nearly anything in my carry-on. Looks aside, they've never let me down comfort-wise; from long commutes to the office to city walking tours around Boston, they've kept my feet comfortable every time. What stands out most to me is how lightweight they are – despite giving off the cool dad shoe vibe, they aren't clunky or heavy at all.
They've also stayed in excellent condition over the years, which is more than I can say about most of my white sneakers. Allbirds reign supreme in the comfort department. The Tree Runners are particularly lightweight and perfect for travel.
“Not only are these trainers light and stretchy enough to easily slip on and off while zipping through airport security, but they’re also just as easy on my feet as my favourite pair of Uggs (yet much more functional and fashionable)," says US contributor Lauren Dana Ellman. These versatile workhorses are available in a slew of neutral hues, matching everything in your capsule wardrobe. “The shoes are also true to size, and, even better, you won’t even need to break them in ahead of time: Just slip them on, tie up the laces, and get going.
They’re made with eucalyptus, which is known for its breathability and thermo-regulating properties, keeping your feet surprisingly cool." US associate editor Charlie Hobbs waxed poetic last year about his long-standing love for New Balance dad shoes . His claim: They are the ultimate travel shoe.
Among his favourites are the popular 9060 sneakers. “They are the only trainers I pack," says Hobbs. “My conservatism is rewarded.
I am obsessed with these. They are so comfortable, the Platonic ideal of the walking shoe.” They shine for both style and comfort and work well year-round.
“The shoes don't merely survive such 30,000 step days – they improve, becoming softer, easier to wear, and never staining with the dust of the Tiergarten,” says Hobbs. Earlier this year, Lululemon introduced its first casual sneaker – and Traveller contributor Rachel Chang was impressed to say the least. She put them to the test, wearing them all around the city and even during some runs for her Boston Marathon training – despite them not being billed as a running shoe.
The verdict: They really held up: “From its 3D moulded support and cushioning to its high-abrasion rubber traction, this no-fuss, everyday shoe is all about keeping you comfortable on the move,” says Chang. Even better, they look polished and stylish with any outfit. “I’ve paired the trainers with running clothes, business casual dresses, jeans, and dress slacks.
It's worked well with all of them – after all, nothing is as versatile as a white sneaker.” Ideal for a busy travel day, Kizik's Milan trainers can be slipped on and off easily, with no hands needed. “I’ve worn them to work, all across New York City and New Jersey, and recently took them to Maine.
I haven’t complained once about my feet thanks to the ultra-cushioned foam insoles,” says US commerce writer Paris Wilson . This nylon retro-inspired shoe comes in a variety of colourways, and you can even grab them in a leather version too. When Hobbs isn't sporting in his New Balance dad shoes, he's probably wearing his go-to pair of Karhu trainers.
The Fusion 2.0 sneakers have a sporty, retro flare and are available in several fun colour combinations. The shoe is an ode to the brand's best-selling running shoe of 1996, offering all the support and cushion the original was known for.
Ellman wore these canvas slip-ons all around Italy last summer. “I loved how they cushioned my feet without weighing them down thanks to their pillowy-soft albeit breathable foam outsoles,” she says. “I'm not being dramatic when I say they felt like I was walking on clouds.
Even after trekking 17,000-plus steps per day around Rome and Florence, they've yet to unlace.” They're simple yet stylish and feature removable and washable insoles. As far as casual trainers go, Nike Air Force 1s are about as classic as it gets.
Chances are, you've had a pair of these in your closet at some point – and for good reason. They're the simple, sporty white sneakers you can pull out any day of the week without much thought needed. Versatile and timeless, I've packed this pair of wear-with-everything shoes on countless trips over the years, from Miami to Milan.
Once reserved for soccer, the trending Adidas Samba is back and better than ever. These low-top sporty shoes complete any street-style look, all while providing plenty of comforts. US editorial assistant Kat Chen swears by these practically weightless favourites: “They are my ride or die.
I got this newest pair last summer, but the ones I had before I wore for literally a decade until they finally wore down. We love Vejas for its slightly elevated take on the everyday casual trainer. The Campo is minimal in design but manages to look polished with every outfit, from jeans to dresses.
Global digital director Arati Menon tells us that the Campo sneaker requires much less break-in time than other Veja styles. “I’ve taken my Campos on rugged national park adventures and European city breaks and use them as workwear staples,” says Menon. If you need something sleek in your suitcase that will match anything you throw on, pack these.
Hannah Towey , US associate editor of transportation and travel news, recently packed these bright-blue Gola trainers on a trip to Paris for the Olympics – and they didn't let her down. “These are my favourite sneakers for when I’m walking a ton but still want to look cute (Paris is simply not the city for athleisure and running shoes, even during sports events). They are well-priced and a fun alternative to the Adidas Sambas that are everywhere now.
” Adidas Stan Smiths might just become your most-worn trainers – if they aren't already. These classics are so sleek, easy to slide on and off, and versatile enough to be the only sneaker you pack to your next destination. US associate editor Matt Ortile has been swearing by these for the last eight years.
And if you're wondering where he's taken them: “Paris, always; exploring the ancient sites of Hegra in AlUla, Saudi Arabia; and walking through the jungles of Angaur, the southernmost state in Palau.” If you're a runner, you're probably no stranger to the magic of Brooks. The brand's running shoes are praised for offering unrivalled support and breathability.
US associate articles director Megan Spurrell regularly chooses these when she's trying to pack light . “I've tried a number of Brooks running shoes, but the Ghosts 15 feel like the perfect pair. They're cushy but still springy; they're lightweight but sturdy.
” My in-flight uniform isn't complete without a supportive sneaker, and for me, that's my Hola Clifton 9s. I fly in them, I work out in them, I go on walks in them – I trust these shoes with my life. They're always the only athletic pair of trainers I pack on every trip.
They have what looks like a thick platform, but that extra cushion and shock absorption only add to the shoe’s comfort level. The EVA foam midsole provides a ton of support and makes your feet feel like they're on a pillow. These pretty blue runners are a go-to for US senior destinations editor Shannon McMahon .
They're designed with built-in flexible nylon plates that act as a springboard, advancing your stride and offering lots of support. These lightweight running shoes are breathable, cushioned, and stylish, too. Hokas are just so good, we had to add a second pair to our list.
US Glamour 's senior commerce editor, Jenifer Calle , swears by these for long, hot travel days. “I wore these trainers when I was in San Antonio last year and they were a lifesaver for my feet,” Calle says. “My sneakers were very bouncy and breathable, so my feet never felt tired or sweaty.
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