Your shoes matter more than you’d think when you’re traveling! You must choose the right pair if you don’t want your trip to go south. Since you won’t have access to your entire wardrobe, you’ll need shoes that you can rely on for multiple purposes. Moreover,you’ll be walking more than usual on lots of different terrains, which is why you need the best shoes for an amazing experience traveling Europe.
Unsupportive shoes can hurt your feet, leaving you with blisters and limiting your activities. That’s why it’s vital to pack the right shoes that promise top-notch comfort and breathability to make the most of your trip.
And hey, they’ve got to look cute, too, because, let’s be honest, looking fabulous on vacation is non-negotiable!
So, after carefully reviewing countless shoes, I’ve picked out the eight best shoes for traveling Europe to keep your feet happy. The list includes everything from aesthetic sneakers to gorgeous sandals. Keep reading to find your style!
What To Consider When Choosing Your Shoes for Traveling Europe
It’s likely that your current wardrobe fits your daily life: local weather, workplace, everyday activities. But once you leave the country, you’ll encounter weather and terrains that your regular shoes might not be ready for.
Here’s what to consider when choosing your shoes for your trip:
Seasons and Local Climate
If the weather will be hot and humid, you’ll benefit from open-toed shoes and sandals that give your feet more space to breathe. However, if that hot weather comes with seasonal rain, you might want waterproof, closed-toe shoes instead so you’re not sloshing around all day.
Do a quick check on the weather you’re likely to run into during the season you’re traveling. Then, think about what it’ll be like to walk around in that weather. What shoes do you imagine will be the most comfortable?
City or Countryside Terrain
Not all paved streets are the same! Quaint, historical landscapes may come with uneven cobblestones, brickwork, or packed Earth for streets. Pack shoes for those fun nights out as well as the days you’ll be sightseeing on different terrains. Your feet will thank you!
Travelers planning to hike across rural or mountainous landscapes will want to find the best hiking shoes or boots to keep their feet safe as well as comfortable. For more options, check out our reviews of hiking shoes here, or a full list of rucking boots that are great options for backpackers.
Foot Conditions
Foot pain and chronic foot conditions can put a damper on any trip if they’re aggravated. That’s why you should find a good pair of shoes that’ll support your feet while you’re traveling Europe. Our list has great options with excellent cushioning and midsole arch support.
However, you know what’s best for your feet, so if you want more choices tailored to specific foot conditions, check out our articles on shoes for Plantar fasciitis, heel spurs, and Achilles tendonitis.
The Best Shoes for Traveling Europe
- Best Overall Shoes for Traveling Europe— ECCO Soft 7 Men’s | Women’s
- Best Boots— Blondo Women’s Villa Waterproof Ankle Boots
- Best Sneakers— New Balance 574 Core Men’s | Women’s
- Best Athletic Shoes— Salomon Speedcross 5 GORE-TEX Men’s | Women’s
- Best Slip-ons— Skechers Women’s Go Walk Joy
- Best Sandals— Söfft Women’s Mirabelle III
- Best Flats— Born Women’s Julianne
- Best Budget Shoes— Asics Gel Contend 7 Men’s | Women’s
Best Overall Shoes for Traveling Europe— ECCO Soft 7 Sneaker
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The ECCO Soft 7 Sneakers are my top choice for my Europe trips. These cool and lightweight sneakers are the perfect way to stay comfortable while traveling in style. You can pair them with shorts, dress pants, or breezy dresses, and they’ll nail every look!
I absolutely love these shoes. The leather and textile molded insoles are like a cloud for your feet, offering top-notch cushioning. They also keep your feet cool and comfy—a must when exploring Europe’s streets in summer.
These shoes feature ECCO FLUIDFORM™ anatomical fit, ensuring each step feels effortlessly natural. And let’s not forget the superior traction on all terrains! The dimpled PU and TPU outsoles provide you with a steady grip, whether walking on the bustling streets of Naples or the slippery cobblestones in London.
Pros
- Superior durability with soft leather construction
- Enhanced cushioning and breathability
- Provides a natural feel to your foot
- Excellent traction on all terrains
- Casual stylish look
Cons
- Expensive
What People Are Saying
A happy user reported, “I wore these shoes while traveling to Stockholm and absolutely love them. They were comfortable straight out of the box and look great.”
Another one shared, “These shoes are everything I was looking for. They’re stylish, casual and comfortable.”
Best Boots for Traveling Europe— Blondo Women’s Villa Waterproof Ankle Boots
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Unpredictable weather is given in Europe, and these Blondo Villa Waterproof Ankle Boots ensure you stay stylish and comfortable throughout your travels. Toss them in your suitcase, and you’re ready for any day, rain or shine.
While reviewing them, I was impressed by how comfortable they are! Their stacked 1¾-inch heel is thick, durable, and surprisingly supportive. It not only provides stability but also some much-needed arch support, reducing foot pain.
Moreover, the rubber soles on these shoes are a total lifesaver, offering superior stability on cobblestones, hilly streets, and uneven surfaces. I found them remarkably sturdy, and navigating any terrain with these shoes is stress-free. They’re honestly the best shoes for travel in Europe if you’re visiting during the monsoon season.
Pros
- Superior waterproof construction with suede material and insulated lining
- Flexible outsole for comfortable walking
- Provides arch support
- Superior stability
- Stylish
Cons
- It may feel too narrow in the beginning
What People Are Saying
A delighted user raved about the shoe, saying, “I got these boots for my recent Italy trip, and they performed perfectly.”
Another added, “These are very cute, fit perfectly, and keep my feet warm and dry. I wore them on a day when it happened to rain hard in London and was satisfied with their performance.”
Best Sneakers for Traveling Europe— New Balance 574 Core Sneaker
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The New Balance 574 Core sneaker is an iconic shoe perfect for your next trip. This lifestyle shoe is easy to style and goes great with jeans and shorts.
While reviewing it, I found this classic shoe to have spectacular features that make it perfect for traveling. Thanks to the lightweight EVA foam cushioning in the heel and arch, they mold to the shape of your feet as you wear them. This feature ensures a personalized fit, making these sneakers feel like they were made just for you.
Additionally, the durability of the rubber sole ensures these sneakers are ready for any terrain, and the midsole crafted with a blend of soft foam and rigid polyurethane provides unmatched support throughout the day.
Overall, I found these shoes to provide the perfect balance of comfort and resilience, ensuring your feet stay pain-free throughout your adventures.
Pros
- Personalized fit molds to your unique foot shape
- Durable rubber sole
- The midsole provides excellent support
- Adjustable lace closure ensures a snug fit
- Ideal for people with wide feet
Cons
- Suede upper scuffs easily
What People Are Saying
An enthusiastic user shared, “Incredibly comfy and lightweight. Highly recommended for excellent quality.”
Another happy customer exclaimed, “These shoes nail it with quality, fit, and style! My 16-year-old son is absolutely in love with them!”
Best Athletic Shoes for Traveling Europe— Salomon Speedcross 5 GORE-TEX Trail Running Shoes
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Whether you’re an adventure seeker or simply need sturdy footwear for your trip, the Salomon Speedcross 5 has you covered.
These shoes are designed as trail running shoes, and their chevron lugs provide excellent traction on all terrains, including technical, rocky, rooted, dry, wet, or muddy. So, make sure to add them to your luggage if you love hiking or expect to walk on any unpaved, rural roads.
Moreover, these shoes truly stand out due to the molded OrthoLite® that offers top-notch cushioning, breathability, and durability. Personally, I love how they snugly fit from heel to toe, creating a glove-like experience for every wearer’s foot.
As for the midsole, it’s crafted with EnergyCell™ + technology and offers high-rebound cushioning, giving these shoes long-lasting comfort and durability.
Pros
- Provides multi-directional traction
- Fits like a glove
- Easy to wear and take off with Quicklace™ system
- EnergyCell™ + midsole for comfort and support
- Waterproof
Cons
- Slightly heavier than other shoes
- Expensive
What People Are Saying
One happy walker shared, “These shoes are great for walking. They’re extremely comfortable, and the quick laces are a lifesaver.”
Another buyer wrote, “I suffer from serious foot pain, but these shoes keep my feet extremely comfortable.”
Best Slip-Ons for Traveling Europe— Skechers Women’s Go Walk Joy Walking Shoe
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Slip on shoes are perfect for traveling as you can easily put them on and take them off. Plus, this Skechers Go Walk Joy walking shoe is extremely lightweight, so the pair will easily fit into your luggage or carry-on. These are the best women’s walking shoes for travel in Europe!
What makes these shoes my absolute favorite is the Skechers Air-Cooled Goga Mat™. It keeps your feet cool and comfy with breathability and high-rebound cushioning that pampers every step.
Plus, these sneakers are not just light; they’re flexible with ultra-responsive cushioning, a mesh upper, and a cloud-like feel from the soft fabric lining and padded collar. And guess what? They’re an Amazon No. 1 bestseller and recommended by podiatry specialist Dr. Dana Canuso!
For added safety, these shoes also have slip-resistant outsoles that make sure you have a steady grip on various surfaces—especially in wet or slippery conditions.
And if you’re into a pop of color, you’ll love the neon pink option that these shoes come in.
Pros
- Extremely breathable
- Superior cushioning
- Easy to wear
- Lots of color options
- Comes in wide options
Cons
- Does not provide as much arch support as other shoes
- Midsole is not ideal for flat feet
What People Are Saying
One satisfied buyer shared, “These shoes are extremely comfortable, especially if you’re on your feet all day long. The cushioned insole feels like a slipper and I absolutely love it.”
Another one said, “These lightweight shoes are easy to put on and fit perfectly.”
Best Sandals for Traveling Europe— Söfft Women’s Mirabelle III
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When the European sun is blazing, wearing closed-toe shoes can feel torturous. So, make sure to pack a good pair of sandals to let your toes breathe comfortably!
My top recommendation for the best sandals for traveling Europe is the Söfft Women’s Mirabelle III. This sandal has leather straps that not only offer a snug fit but also save you from the discomfort of your shoes slipping off on the streets. Plus, you won’t have to worry about sweaty, uncomfortable feet as the leather and synthetic footbed lining keep things cool and breezy.
Additionally, these sandals will keep you stable on those quirky cobblestone streets, as the footbed has raised foam to provide extra cushioning and arch support.
As for the highlight of this shoe, it has to be the lightweight and flexible TPR outsole. It makes you feel like you’re walking on clouds, and you’ll thank yourself for choosing comfort without sacrificing style with the Mirabelle III.
Pros
- Ankle straps for superior fit
- Stylish and versatile
- Superior cushioning and arch support
- Flexible outsole makes walking more comfortable and effortless
- Best shoes for traveling Europe in summer
Cons
- It may be uncomfortable for people with wide feet
What People Are Saying
A delighted buyer shared, “Purchased these for my walking tour in Italy. They met all my needs, and they’re adorable! They’re also incredibly comfortable and held up during the long days of walking and standing!”
A second buyer also shared, “I wore these shoes when traveling and had no problems walking through the airport. They’re extremely comfortable and fit true to size.”
Best Flats for Traveling Europe— Born Women’s Julianne
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Whether you’re strolling through museums during the day or heading to a quaint European café in the evening, flats are the perfect addition to your travel wardrobe. And when it comes to the best flats for your European adventure, look no further than the Born Julianne.
Looking great while traveling is a must, and these flats are perfect for effortlessly styling up your look. They also use soft leather to ensure your feet stay happy and comfortable.
Moreover, we all know that travel can make our feet a bit sweaty, but fear not! The inside of the Julianne flats is like a breath of fresh air, thanks to the breathable fabric suede lining.
Plus, you’ll love these flats if you suffer from foot pain. Their footbed is covered in soft fabric suede, giving your arch that extra support and a dash of foam for more cushiness.
Pros
- Handcrafted using soft leather
- Stylish and chic
- Breathable
- It provides extra arch support and cushiness
- Perfect shoes for dealing with foot pain
Cons
- Some users complain about squeaky sounds with these flats
What People Are Saying
One enthusiastic customer says, “These flats have soft leather with good padding that keeps my feet comfortable throughout the day.”
Another buyer reported, “I love this shoe’s style and color options. They’re also extremely comfortable.”
Best Budget Shoes for Traveling Europe— Asics Gel Contend 7
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The Asics Gel Content 7 is a traveler’s dream shoe, providing excellent cushioning and support without breaking the bank. It’s one of the best walking shoes for travel in Europe.
I found these shoes to be the most comfortable for my Euro trips. The rearfoot GEL technology, robust AMPLIFOAM midsole, and OrthoLite sock liner all work together to give your feet the cushioning and shock absorption they need for those long walks. There’s also thicker padding on the tongue and heel to minimize irritation and provide a cozy fit.
But what truly caught my eye is the GUIDANCE LINE tech. It makes your stride feel natural and consistent, like your feet are on autopilot and can move effortlessly. These are absolutely some of the best shoes for traveling Europe.
Pros
- Ortholite sockliner keeps feet cool and dry
- Superior cushioning
- Increased flexibility due to the flex grooves in the shoe’s outsole
- Eco-friendly
- Affordable
- Comes in X-Wide sizes
Cons
- The toe box of standard size is very narrow
What People Are Saying
A happy customer shared, “ These are my husband’s favorite shoes. On our recent walking intensive trip, he happily reported that his feet never felt fatigued.”
Another satisfied customer raved, “I can wear them all day, and unlike before, my feet don’t ache in the morning. With my daily walks of about 5000-6000 steps, mostly on hard surfaces, these shoes are my go-to for comfort.”
Wrapping Up
Picking the best shoes for your Europe trip is all about finding super comfortable ones that look cool and last long. My list of the best eight shoes for traveling Europe has something for everyone, including some great-looking sneakers and waterproof boots.
So, whether you’re wandering historic streets or hiking in the countryside, strut confidently with the perfect pair and make every moment of your trip comfortable and stylish!
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