These trainers / sneakers will keep your feet happy on your trip

Nobody wants to trot up a cobbled street or sprint through the departure lounge in stiff, uncomfortable or looks-first shoes. Although it’s tempting to stick those sandals straight on and get straight into holiday mode, looking after your feet during your trip will ensure you don’t miss out because you’re sitting in the hotel room with your toes in an ice bath.

So for all the unfamiliar pavements and the 20,000 step days, we’ve selected the most forgiving sneakers / trainers for travel.

Nike Pegasus 41

Nike’s Pegasus line of running shoes has been around for four decades now, so you can expect a training shoe that’s had plenty of refinement. The 41st edition comes with a ReactX midsole that both shaves down the weight and delivers a bouncy feel without losing support.

The durable rubber outsoles are ideal for navigating dusty trails or slippery stone in equal measure, but can be folded to save space in a carry-on pocket. The breathable mesh outer staves off ‘swamp shoe’ and means they can be thrown in the washing machine if they’ve seen one too many sweaty days or muddy puddles.

The fact they’re technically runners means you can sightsee in them all day, then grab a few kilometres before switching into something more glamorous.

Hoka Clifton 9

If your trip involves trying to break a daily steps PB, then a pair of Clifton 9s should do the job. Although the oversized midsole makes it look hefty, clever material choices actually keep these sneaks under nine ounces each.

Clifton 9s are packed with a type of foam that absorbs impact, so they’re ideal for cobbled streets or climbing up to those viewpoints. There’s a rocker-style design too, which propels you forward as you walk. You can even choose different widths, which is handy if your feet swell in hot temperatures or on long flights.

Adidas Ultraboost Light

The latest in Adidas’ famed Ultraboost line still remains impressive, with these walking and running trainers apparently designed to store energy as you put your foot down, then release it to push you forward. But beyond that, they’re a cool pair of mesh-knit training shoes that hug your feet without creating any rubbing or pressure points.

You’ll probably find yourself wanting to run, or at least move faster with the extra bounce, and Ultraboost Lights are again a great choice if you want to combine exploring with jogging or running.

Allbirds Tree Runners

There are two big benefits to Allbirds’ super-minimalist runners. First, they’re ultra-light, thanks in part to the eucalyptus used in the uppers and the super-thin sole that still offers plenty of cushion. Second, the merino-lined footbed makes it easy to slip them on and off at security / after a long day, and they can be folded completely flat to go in a carry-on.

Thanks to the material choices, they also dry very quickly and don’t tend to hold odours, so you can throw them in with your laundry mid-trip without having to worry about them drying in time.

In fact, they’re so light and flexible (you could probably fold them in half again if you needed to), there’s no reason why you couldn’t take a couple of pairs.

On Cloudswift 3

On’s third-generation Cloudswift trainers swap traditional EVA for something called dual-density Helion Superfoam. Whatever it is, it does a great job of absorbing impacts and making long days on hard urban surfaces a breeze.

The upper is made of a structured tech-tape-style mesh that keeps things nice and snug, while providing ventilation for hot, sticky days. You don’t need to worry about fixing your laces every now and again either, with an oversize tab on the back making them easy to slip on and off, even with bare feet.

Cloudswift trainers are also pretty stylish when it comes to runners, so you could get away with wearing these to dinner or to go out in if you can’t be bothered to go back to the hotel to change.

Asics Gel-Kayano 31

When you see something like FF BLAST™ PLUS ECO on the side of the box, you know these running trainers are going to deliver. And indeed, Asics have ploughed plenty of R&D into the 31st edition of these durable and long-lasting runners that double as great shoes for travelling in.

You’ll find a level of support that surpasses the others on the list. This does make them a little heavier and less flexible than, say, a pair of Allbirds, but what you lose in weight you gain massively in bounce and additional comfort. If you need a great pair of all-rounders that work just as well on rough terrain as they do while city-slicking, then grab a pair of these.

Veja Recife Logo

You’ll probably notice all of our recommendations so far have been for running and walking shoes. If you’re more about looks, then Veja Recifes are super-stylish, while still offering the comfort and durability you’d expect from a running sneaker.

The fact that Veja opts for leather means you get a seriously durable pair of shoes for travel. However, you may find you get better comfort by ‘breaking them in’ slightly before your trip, so take them for a few spins beforehand. The velcro straps may seem slightly infantile, but think about how easy it will be to tighten up in under two seconds, rather than stopping, dropping your bags and fiddling with laces as you go through airport security.

New Balance 574

Still hand-made in the factory they began in, New Balance brings an element of trustable heritage – and lasting power that means you won’t be buying again anytime soon.

New Balance 574s have been around since the late 80s and you can tell they’ve been refined over the last three decades. The famous ENCAP® midsole is one of the best out there, making for cloud-like steps and less strain on your ankles and knees.

The other big benefit is that you’ve got a massive selection of colours to choose from, meaning you can choose a pair that work well for both day-to-day adventuring and cocktail hour, saving you some luggage space in the process.

Wrapping Up

Comfy shoes may seem like just another item on the packing list, but investing and researching could be as trip-defining as a seat upgrade. It’s definitely worth checking your itinerary and figuring out how many miles you’ll cover, then you’ll realise that a solid pair of trainers to travel in could be just as important as sun protection or travel insurance!