Pros

• Sturdy design
• Contoured footbed

Cons

• On the heavier side for a sandal

The expert-approved Chaco Z/1 sandal is a top pick among frequent travelers, hikers, outdoor guides, and SELF staffers for its secure fit and impressively rugged exterior. The “sole and grip is unlike any other brand, and they’re extremely durable,” Mariah Arianna, an adventure elopement photographer, previously told SELF.

You can wear these supportive sandals on hard pavement, through puddles, and over rocky paths without losing your rhythm. Plus, we like that they’re still comfy enough to keep wearing once you make it back to your camp, beach house, or hotel.

Product specs

Sizes: US 5 to 12 | Widths: Medium and wide | Weight: 11 ounces | Heel-to-toe drop: 6.35 millimeters

Pros

• Affordable
• Quick-drying
• Cute, strappy design

Cons

• Runs slightly large, according to Zappos reviewers

It’s easy to see why one SELF editor likes this pair of shoes from Teva: They’re supportive (but not clunky) and a great value. The Voya Infinity should work for just about any trip you might take during the warmer months, although they’re especially suited for beach getaways—you can wear them through the water or on a boat without worrying about soaked-through straps.

Product specs

Sizes: US 5 to 11 | Widths: Medium | Weight: 4 ounces | Heel-to-toe drop: N/A

Pros

• Excellent shock absorption
• Comes in four widths

Cons

• Some may think this level of cushioning feels unstable

We’re big fans of New Balance shoes, including the brand’s Fresh Foam line. This updated version of the Sneaker Award–winning 1080 model has all the cushioning you need for those extra-long days on vacation. The entire sole is lined with surprisingly lightweight foam, while the heel has extra padding to help absorb the impact of your steps. Whether you’re running between modes of transportation or touring a record number of museums, your feet should still feel fresh by the end of the day.

Product specs

Sizes: US 5 to 13 | Widths: Narrow, medium, wide, and extra-wide | Weight: 7.30 ounces | Heel-to-toe drop: 6 millimeters

Pros

• Great traction
• Convenient slip-on design
• APMA seal of approval

Cons

• Runs small, according to Hoka reviewers

Part trail shoe, part standard sneaker, Hoka’s Transport GTX is a great pick if you’re headed somewhere rainy. It has a Gore-Tex lining to keep your feet dry and a rugged rubber outsole to help you keep your balance on slippery surfaces. The lace system has toggles that are easy to tighten when you want a snug fit and loosen in seconds when you’re ready to kick back and relax.

Like many Hoka sneakers, this one also has a seal of approval from the American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA), meaning podiatrists have agreed that its design is good for your feet. In other words, you may have to brave the elements, but at least you can stroll comfortably.

Product specs

Sizes: US 5 to 11 | Widths: Medium | Weight: 10 ounces | Heel-to-toe drop: 8 millimeters

Pros

• Good traction
• Waterproof but breathable
• Stylish

Cons

• Not enough protection or ankle support for challenging trails

If you’re planning to spend your mornings in the woods and the rest of the day trekking around town, the Sneaker Award–winning Pegasus Trail 4 should be your go-to. Our tester wore hers on damp days over muddy terrain, and she stayed comfortable, dry, and stable.

Despite the shoe’s waterproof lining, her toes didn’t feel trapped or too sweaty at any point. Plus, she loved the design so much that she debated buying another pair just for the style points, noting that the Pegasus Trail 4 wouldn’t look out of place at brunch.

Product specs

Sizes: US 5 to 12 | Widths: Medium | Weight: 8 ounces | Heel-to-toe drop: 8.50 millimeters

Pros

• Very comfortable
• Protective
• Supportive

Cons

• Bulky for packing

When the majority of your trip finds you in the great outdoors, you may want to level up to a true hiking boot. Merrell’s Moab 3 is a long-standing favorite among recreational hikers and professional guides alike. It’s extremely comfortable, with a taller ankle shaft that will prevent rolling or twisting. A waterproof version is also available, in case you’re anticipating bad weather.

Pro tip: Boots can be a pain to pack, so consider wearing them for your travels instead of breaking a sweat trying to jam them into your bag.

Product specs

Sizes: US 5 to 11 | Widths: Medium and wide | Weight: 13.57 ounces | Heel-to-toe drop: 11.50 millimeters

Pros

• Good for multiple activities
• Lightweight
• Great cushioning

Cons

• Pricey

SELF’s director of fitness and food loves these do-it-all shoes for short runs, walks, errands, and everything in between, which makes them an excellent choice for trips. The soft, stretchy, socklike upper makes them comfy and easy to pack down—plus, you can slide them on and off without untying the laces. Ample cushioning will keep you supported through whatever workouts you want to squeeze in while you’re away, as well as during long days exploring.

Product specs

Sizes: US 5 to 11 | Widths: Medium | Weight: 8.4 ounces | Heel-to-toe drop: 10 millimeters

Pros

• Very breathable
• Lots of color options
• Machine-washable

Cons

• Not as supportive as some other options on our list

Another SELF staffer favorite, the Tree Runners from Allbirds are one editor’s go-to shoe for traveling. She likes that her feet don’t overheat in them, even after long days spent wandering around new cities. That’s probably due to Allbirds’ breezy materials, like eucalyptus fiber, which feels lightweight and helps air flow through the shoe. And if your pair looks a little dingy after putting them through the wringer on vacation, don’t stress—the Tree Runners can go right in the washing machine.

Product specs

Sizes: US 5 to 11 | Widths: Medium | Weight: N/A | Heel-to-toe drop: N/A

Pros

• Comfortable
• Easy to put on and take off

Cons

• Runs small, according to REI reviewers

The Birkenstock Boston wins points with one SELF editor, who likes wearing it to the airport and on long flights. It’s easy to slide off and on, but the adjustable strap prevents it from completely flying off your foot, so you can get through security and head to your gate without missing a step. This version of the classic clog also has a softer footbed, so you shouldn’t have to deal with a long break-in period. (Want the same look for less? Try one of these editor-tested Birkenstock Boston dupes.)

Product specs

Sizes: EU 36 to 42 | Widths: Medium/narrow and regular/wide | Weight: 12 ounces | Heel-to-toe drop: N/A

Pros

• Rugged yet stylish
• Suitable for wet conditions

Cons

• May need a break-in period

This Blundstone bootie is a winter vacation staple for another SELF editor. She says you can dress it up or down, and we’d be remiss if we didn’t point out that it pairs particularly well with warm, chunky socks (which should also be on your packing list if you’re headed to a cold climate). This boot is also ready for rain or snow, since it’s made of weatherproof leather, and its thick rubber sole provides plenty of traction on slippery surfaces.

Product specs

Sizes: US 6 to 11 | Widths: Medium | Weight: 13 ounces | Heel-to-toe drop: 5 millimeters

Pros

• Very breathable
• Cushy and lightweight
• Great size range

Cons

• May run large

Hopefully you’ll have some time to relax in between your hikes, walking tours, and shopping sprees on your next trip—perfect moments for sliding into Kane’s Revive Shoe. This perforated slip-on gave one SELF writer the break her feet needed after long days spent walking around New York City, working out, and rock climbing. “The longer I wore them, the better my feet felt—it was a true delight to slip them on after putting my feet to work,” she said, calling out the airy upper and the nubby footbed for helping her feet cool down and release some tension.

Product specs

Sizes: US 5 to 20 | Widths: Medium | Weight: 6.44 ounces | Heel-to-toe drop: 10 millimeters

Pros

• Stylish
• Durable leather upper and rubber outsole

Cons

• Some Nordstrom reviewers say the tongue is stiff

The Campo is truly versatile when it comes to styling—you could easily pair these with jeans, leggings, or a sundress to feel comfy and cool at the same time. According to one Nordstrom reviewer, Vejas really hold up during travel: “I took these on a two-week trip with me to Australia and wore them almost every day. They were comfortable and went with every outfit. My feet did not hurt at all,” they wrote.

Product specs

Sizes: US 4 to 14 | Widths: Medium | Weight: N/A | Heel-to-toe drop: N/A

Pros

• Cute silhouette
• Designed specifically for plantar fasciitis

Cons

• May be too narrow for some

If long walking days typically make your heels hurt, you might be dealing with plantar fasciitis. The right footwear can help—these shoes from Kuru are packed with features specifically geared to ease foot pain. The impact-absorbing footbed and dual-density arch support will work together to keep your feet happy, no matter how long you’re out and about. The grooved sole also feels super flexible and rolls with your feet through each step. The biggest win? It’s an orthopedic shoe that doesn’t look like it.

Product specs

Sizes: US 5 to 12 | Widths: Medium and wide | Weight: 9.6 ounces | Heel-to-toe drop: 11 millimeters

Pros

• Great traction
• Good toe protection

Cons

• Not very adjustable

If you’ll be hiking near the beach or through wet areas, a hybrid shoe like the Newport H2 is a great option. It’s more protective and durable than a traditional sandal (thanks to the toe cap), but still breathable and quick-drying for water crossings. You’ll get solid support from the comfy, molded insole and secure traction from the rubber outsole too.

Though it isn’t as adjustable as the Chaco sandal is, it has a center bungee strap that you can cinch to keep it in place. Travel photographer Kathryn Cooper previously told SELF that she wears her pair “to the supermarket and on six-mile day hikes.”

Product specs

Sizes: US 5 to 11 | Widths: Medium | Weight: 11.35 ounces | Heel-to-toe drop: 11 millimeters

Pros

• Springy feel
• Rocker sole helps you keep momentum

Cons

• May run small and narrow

For those non-stop tours, you need something with some major padding, and this Sneaker Award-winning pair fits the bill. One tester loved that the Skechers Max Cushioning Elite 2.0s provided “outstanding arch support” and kept their “arthritic knees cushioned and feeling amazing all day.” They also appreciated the thick foam throughout the shoe, which gives the sole a bit of lift (especially at the heel) and makes it extra comfortable to stand in for long periods. This bouncy sole provides major energy return too, meaning the shoe has a springy feel, and your feet won’t fatigue as quickly in them.

Product specs

Sizes: US 5 to 11 | Widths: Medium and wide | Weight: N/A | Heel-to-toe drop: 6 millimeters

Pros

• Can be dressed up or down
• Supportive

Cons

• Can be a little clunky and heavy

If you want something a bit fancier for nights out or days when you’ll be snapping a lot of photos, consider the Torhill Penny Loafer. Gigee Bhular, DPM, a foot and ankle physician at Virtua Health in New Jersey, calls it the “perfect dress shoe for someone with plantar fasciitis.” With a contoured footbed and great arch support, it's not only a comfy pick for folks with heel pain, but for anyone who plans to rack up a lot of miles. These shoes are built to last too, with a durable leather upper and grippy rubber outsole.

Product specs

Sizes: US 5 to 11 | Widths: Medium | Weight: N/A | Heel-to-toe drop: N/A

Pros

• No break-in period
• Goes with many outfits

Cons

• Some Ecco reviewers report sizing inconsistencies

A sleek, Samba-esque option, this Ecco pair looks great with dresses, shorts, sweats, and jeans. Reviewers say they’re super comfortable, thanks to a soft, padded tongue and heel cup—and you don’t need to wear them a million times before your trip to get that lived-in feel. “I wore this pair running errands for four hours immediately out of the box,” wrote one reviewer. “No break-in needed, great heel and sole cushion, and very comfortable!” Score.

Product specs

Sizes: US 5.5 to 11.5 | Widths: Medium | Weight: 9 ounces | Heel-to-toe drop: N/A

Pros

• Designed to provide support for tired feet
• APMA seal of acceptance

Cons

• Velcro upper may cause chafing, according to Vionic reviewers

These slides earned an APMA seal of acceptance, which means they’re built to give your feet that “ahhhh” feeling after a long day. With a molded foam footbed, oversized sidewalls, deep heel cup, and plenty of cushioning all around, you’ll feel supported from the pool to your hotel room.

Product specs

Sizes: US 5 to 14 | Widths: Medium | Weight: 9 ounces | Heel-to-toe drop: N/A

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