Best Travel Shoes For Men 2025

The best travel shoes for men blend support, style and functionality, minimizing pain and discomfort during your next trip. After considering recommendations from foot-care experts and insights from Forbes Vetted’s well-traveled staffers, a number of favorites emerged: The On Cloud 5 won as our best walking travel shoe for its ultra-soft cushioning, while the Allbirds Wool Runners stood out for its comfortable yet sophisticated design that’s ideal for business travelers.
The best travel shoes for men blend support, style and functionality, minimizing irritation and … More
“Most men buy travel shoes based on looks—but function should always come first,” says Dr. Mohammad Usman, foot and ankle specialist and surgeon at Michigan Avenue Podiatry. “Look for support, not just style.” All the picks in our guide offer cushioned support, reliable traction and breathable materials—plus fashion-forward designs. Here, the best travel shoes for men to shop right now.
Why Trust Forbes Vetted
Here at Forbes Vetted, our fashion team has researched, written on and tested a wide variety of footwear, from the best workout shoes for men to the best casual shoes for men.
- This article was written by Forbes Vetted lifestyle editorial assistant Whitney Bruno, who currently works across the beauty, fashion, travel and home and kitchen sections. She has previously covered other travel apparel topics, such as the best travel pants for women and the best travel outfits for women.
- Every iteration of this article has been overseen by Forbes Vetted deputy editor Kari Molvar. She currently leads our fashion vertical, and has over 20 years of experience reporting on all things lifestyle. She also holds a certificate in Fashion Styling from The Business of Fashion.
- For in-depth insights on what to look for in the best men’s travel shoes, we consulted two podiatrist experts: Dr. Mohammad Usman, foot and ankle specialist and surgeon at Michigan Avenue Podiatry, and Dr. Matthew Conti, foot and ankle surgeon at the Hospital for Special Surgery.
- We also gathered personal recommendations from Forbes Vetted staffers who’ve personally tested and loved some of our picks, like Kizik Vegas and the Hoka Anacapa Breeze Low.
How We Chose The Best Travel Shoes For Men
When assembling this list, we researched bestselling men’s sneakers from top-rated brands like On, Allbirds and Hoka.
- We prioritized including options based on durability, versatility and comfort. Because every vacation is different, we incorporated shoes suited to different types of travel.
- To ensure the diversity of our picks, we included options across a wide range of price points.
- We also took into account product awards, testimonials and reviews when narrowing down selections for each category.
What To Consider When Buying The Best Travel Shoes For Men
“When traveling, we often double or even triple our normal step count, which can exacerbate underlying foot problems,” says Dr. Matthew Conti, foot and ankle surgeon at the Hospital for Special Surgery. Before making a purchase, here are some important factors to consider that can minimize injury risks:
Arch Support And Cushioning
“Appropriate arch support is essential for travel,” says Dr. Conti, who recommends avoiding flimsy footwear that lacks cushioning. The Kizik Vegas’ almost spring-like cushioning, for example, offers a blend of comfort and support. “Cushioning is essential to maintaining the foot in a neutral position, which results in proper alignment and reduces stress on muscle groups,” notes Dr. Mohammad Usman, foot and ankle specialist and surgeon at Michigan Avenue Podiatry.
Fabric
Choosing the right fabric for your shoe can be the difference between constant irritation and redness or a blister-free journey. This is especially true if you’re prone to hammer toes: a.k.a., corns that develop on your toes due to over-straining muscle groups, says Dr. Usman. He suggests you go for materials that rub minimally against your feet.
“I highly recommend mesh fabrics,” he says, “as these can regulate temperature and reduce moisture, which has an added benefit of preventing fungal infections.” Our mesh-filled favorite on our list, the On Cloud 5, fits the bill and is known for its breathability.
Foot Type
Certain foot types may need special attention. According to Dr. Usman, those with flat feet should “look for shoes with motion control features, rigid heel counters and firm arch support to prevent excessive inward rolling of the ankle.” The Hoka Anacapa Breeze Low, for instance, offers an array of heavy-duty features to enhance foot stability while on uneven terrain. Alternatively, for feet with high arches, shoes with ample cushioning should generally suffice, he says.
If you have wide feet, you’ll likely need something something flexible like the Suavs The Zilker. “Those with bunions will also need a wider toe box to prevent the toes from chafing against the top of the shoe,” Dr. Conti adds. To learn more about your foot type, talk to your podiatrist for a personalized evaluation.
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