Somewhere between crisp white leather sneakers and performance-savvy running shoes rests the perfect travel sneaker. They’re practical, they’re subtle, and they’re wildly easy to wear. The perfect travel sneaker is sleek, comes in versatile colors, and happens to look great with tapered joggers, jeans, perhaps even stretch chinos (not just gym shorts).
There’s an art and a science to keeping your feet comfy while looking presentable. My favorite sneakers for travel do both. Which is why they might just become your favorites, too.
Photo via NOBULL
NOBULL x Public Rec Allday Ripstop Sneakers
Part training sneaker, part low-profile kicks, these sneakers draw inspiration from Public Rec’s famously comfortable performance menswear (think slacks that feel like sweats). The result is a super-lightweight pair of shoes in versatile colorways, geared to deliver plenty of rebound and comfort, step after step, through the airport and across the cobblestone streets of a new city.
They also happen to be 40% off right now.
Photo via OOFOS
OOFOS OOmy Stride Sneakers
While OOFOS is perhaps better known for its recovery-oriented slides and step-in sneakers trusted by pro athletes, the company has expanded into lace-up sneakers in recent years. They’re outrageously comfortable, absorbing the impact of long days on the road and offering minimal, versatile style for low-key travel looks.
Photo via HOKA
HOKA Clifton One9 Sneakers
HOKA’s famed running shoes certainly have a distinctive look, with a chunky outsole that absorbs the rigors of road races, trail running, and more. That same technology just so happens to make them a wise choice for jet-setting jaunts, with sleek color options that turn them into a lifestyle sneaker you can reliably wear with tapered joggers for a long-haul flight.
Photo via Huckberry
LEMS Shoes Primal Eco Trail Sneakers
Don’t let the name fool you. These trail sneakers are stylish enough for cobblestone streets and urban exploration, while delivering the performance features you need in globally-minded kicks. A rubber outsole provides terrific grip, but the wide toe box and zero-drop platform make them a wise choice for travel days, too.
Photo via KIZIK
KIZIK Lima Sneakers
The TSA line can prove to be a chore (if you don’t have Clear or Precheck, and even then…). Make things a touch easier on yourself with sneakers featuring hands-free step-in technology. You can just stomp into them. The back of the shoe bounces back into place without the help of a hand. The fact that these are modeled after classic casual lace-up kicks is a nice bonus, while the mesh upper keeps your feet cool and EVA foam midsole delivers absorption and energy return.
Photo via Huckberry
NORDA 001 Trail Running Sneaker
If you value packing light when you hit the road, simply wear the sneakers you’d bring along for off-road excursions and hours on your feet. NORDA packs a laundry list of technology into these shoes, made from an abrasion-resistant Dyneema and CORDURA upper that’s set atop a proprietary NORDA and Vibram outsole. Layovers have never felt so comfortable on your feet.
