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Whenever I’m packing for a trip, I feel like I’m playing tug of war when it comes to my shoe selection. I’m well aware that my travels will entail so much walking that my muscles will ache, but I also want to look cute while sightseeing and relaxing. And if you’re headed to Europe, I’m sure you can relate to this exact internal struggle. Which shoes for traveling Europe could possibly endure all of the winding, cobblestone streets and at the same time make you fit in with the other well-dressed, effortlessly chic locals?
Best Shoes for Traveling Europe, at a Glance
Best Overall: Lululemon Beyondfeel Women’s Running Shoe, $158
Best White Sneaker: Cariuma Salvas, $129
Best Walking Shoe: HOKA Bondi 8, $165
Best Platform Sneaker: Dr. Scholl’s Platform Sneaker
, $60
Most Lightweight Sneaker: Vionic Winny Sneaker, $125
Best for Warm Weather: Allbirds Tree Runners, $98
Best Chunky Sneakers: Vionic Walk Max, $140
Best Sandals for Walking: Teva Voya Infinity Sandal
, $42
Most Versatile: Puma Cali Sneakers, $80
Best Slides: Birkenstock Arizona Birkibuc Sandals, $110
Best Y2K Sandals: Windsor Smith Shook Black Leather Wedges, $100
Best Retro Sneakers: Reebok Club C 85 Vintage Sneaker
, $50
Leave it to TikTok, per usual, to shed some light on the exact pairs of shoes you should be tucking into your suitcase for your trip to Europe (or anywhere, really). The best shoes for traveling in Europe, according to a handful of TikTokers who have actually visited this destination and have had good luck with their kicks, are a mix of sneakers and flat sandals. One content creator even threw in a comfy heeled sandal option! This just proves that the perfect walking shoes for traveling in Europe really do exist—whether you’re looking for an all-day, wear-everywhere sneaker or a dressier style that can be worn for hours at a time without causing blisters or aches.
Not only are the following pairs of shoes comfortable and supportive, but they also will blend right into the European chic aesthetic. Keep scrolling to discover TikTokers’ tried-and-true best shoes for travel in Europe. They come from brands you already know and love, including New Balance, Reebok, Steve Madden, Birkenstock, and more.
What should you look for in the best shoes for traveling Europe?
If you’re buying sandals for Europe, make sure the sole is flexible so it can move with your foot, according to Dr. Stephen Bui, board-certified in Sports Medicine and Podiatric Surgery. Additionally, a contoured footbed that molds to the natural shape of your feet will give you a better chance at comfortable, all-day wear. Don’t forget about straps, too! Adjustable straps over the toes, behind the heel, or around the ankle are key to ensuring your sandals don’t slip off or fit too loose.
Pay attention to your foot type for sandals and all other types of shoes for traveling Europe. That means if you have narrow feet, look for a narrower design in the forefoot and heel. If you have wide feet, keep an eye out for a wider toe box and a wider overall forefoot and heel. Those with extra wide feet might want to consider men’s sizing, Dr. Bui advises.
What should you avoid in the best shoes for traveling Europe?
Dr. Bui recommends steering clear of flip-flops because your toes might grip the sandals to keep them on your feet. Heels are another shoe to avoid because they apply too much pressure on the ball of your foot and keep your ankle in a plantarflexed position. If you’re in between sizes, don’t hesitate to size up a half or whole size, since your feet naturally swell throughout the day.
Our mission at STYLECASTER is to bring style to the people, and we only feature products we think you’ll love as much as we do. Lululemon is a STYLECASTER sponsor, however, all products in this article were independently selected by our editors. Please note that if you purchase something by clicking on a link within this story, we may receive a small commission of the sale.
Our Experts
Dr. Stephen Bui is board-certified in Sports Medicine and Podiatric Surgery. He has over 22 years of healthcare experience, having performed thousands of foot and ankle surgeries during this time. Dr. Bui is passionate about injury prevention, pain relief, and finding ways to balance fitness within busy schedules.
Lululemon Beyondfeel Running Shoe
Lululemon Beyondfeel Women’s Running Shoe
If you’re traveling to Europe, chances are you’ll do a lot of walking. So, packing a reliable, comfortable, and supportive sneaker like these ones from Lululemon is non-negotiable. The sneakers are technically designed for running, but we love them as everyday sightseeing sneakers — and podiatrists agree.
“Beyondfeel Women’s Running Shoe by Lululemon is a great option for long walks in comfort,” says Dr. Yolanda Ragland, DPM, a podiatrist and foot surgeon. “The design has all the key hallmarks of a shoe of comfort and the mesh material is breathable and provides stretch and flexibility,” she adds. What’s more? The sneakers also have a foam insole, which Dr. Ragland says is an excellent shock absorber and the outer sole features traction designed for different surfaces, so you’ll feel sturdy on your feet, even on cobblestone streets.
Cariuma Salvas
When packing for Europe, versatile items like a pair of white sneakers can save you space in your carry-on. The Cariuma Salvas are another great pair of shoes to wear to Europe this summer, not just for their versatile style but also for their comfort and support. The sneakers are made from premium leather and feature a slip-resistant rubber sole that can keep your feet sturdy while walking miles upon miles. On top of that, they have a cushioned insole made from cork and bio-based foam for adding shock absorbency.
HOKA Bondi 8
We’ve interviewed dozens of podiatrists and almost all recommend the HOKA Bondi 8 for a comfortable walking shoe. We love our HOKA sneakers because they double as an exercise shoe (that’s actually what they are for), so you can wear them while sightseeing and then hit up the hotel gym without having to pack multiple pairs of shoes. The sneakers have tons of cushion designed to absorb shock while walking and running, plus a wider footbed, giving toes plenty of room to spread out (which, according to podiatrists is important for overall foot health).
Dr. Scholl’s Platform Sneaker
Image Credit: Photo: Dr. Scholl’s.
Dr. Scholl’s Platform Sneaker
On Sale 30% off
Sizes: 5-13, including half sizes
Colors: 21
@meghan.pruitt
You might know Dr. Scholl’s for its insoles, but ICYMI, the brand also designs stylish shoes like these ones, which you can find at DSW, Macy’s, Amazon
, and Zappos. They look like any other pair of plain white sneaks, except they feature an anatomical cushioning insole that has anti-microbial and anti-odor technology. The 1.5-inch platform isn’t too shabby, either!
@meghan.pruitt shared this amazing find with her views, saying, “I just studied abroad and visited 12 different countries, and wore them every single day. They went with all of my outfits and my feet rarely hurt, even though I was walking a ton.” She added, “I have a two-week Europe trip coming up and I’m gonna wear them every day.”
Vionic Sneaker
Image Credit: Vionic.
Sizes: 5-12, including half sizes
Colors: 4
@jackiecamardo
“It’s a company that has their own exclusive footbed built by biomechanics so you know this is going to be comfortable but also supportive,” she explains, adding, “I love these because they’re light. You can lose a lot of space in your luggage with your walking sneaker, but these pack really nicely and are still light.” But going back to the exclusive Vionic footbed, it features a deep heel cup to optimize foot position, full underfoot contact to reduce pressure, shock absorption to minimize impact, and flexibility to optimize degree of forefoot motion.
Allbirds Sneaker
Image Credit: Allbirds.
@jackiecamardo
If you’re jetting off to somewhere warm, pick a shoe that’s made from a lightweight, breathable fabric. Allbirds’ Tree Runners are made from an airy eucalyptus fiber that’s thermoregulating (a.k.a. they keep a steady internal body temperature regardless of changes in external conditions). @jackiecamardo shares with viewers, “For me, these are the perfect shoes if you’re going somewhere more in the summer, like July and August when it’s really hot because these have this breathable fabric, and they’re machine washable.”
Vionic Chunky Sneaker
Image Credit: Vionic.
Sizes: 5-13, including half sizes
Colors: 5
@jackiecamardo
“If you’re looking for something with a little bit more support or you just like the chunkier style, Walk Max from Vionic is another great option,” the TikToker says. “The top of these is also water-repellant, which is clutch if you’re going somewhere in spring, like in April or May, and there might be more rain.” She’s right, the max cushioning offers an equal amount of support and stability. Additionally, its breathable mesh upper and removable mesh-covered EVA footbed will let your feet breathe in hot climates.
Teva Sandal
Image Credit: Teva.
Teva Voya Infinity Sandal
Sizes: 5-11, no half sizes
Colors: 7
@kylatore
“I wore them every day. I walked 20,000 steps or more a day and I never got a blister, my arches were supported, I was very, very happy with this purchase. I highly recommend if you’re going to be traveling,” the TikToker shared in a quick clip. After spotting Mary-Kate Olsen wearing them, she ordered a pair for a three-week trip to Italy. It’s easy to see how the content creator didn’t get any blisters during this long vacay because these Teva sandals
have a water-ready polyester webbing upper that dries quickly, a man-made toe post, a Soft Mush top sole that provides lots of cushion and molds to your foot, and a lightweight EVA outsole.
Puma Sneaker
Image Credit: Puma.
Sizes: 6-11, including half sizes
Colors: 1
@rubyyydoobyy
@rubyyydoobyy traveled to Europe for nine whole weeks and took these Puma Cali Sneakers with her. How’d it go? She says in this TikTok, “I have a bad knee. I had no problems wearing these shoes my entire trip. You can wear them on a night out, you can wear them exploring the city, you wear them with a dress, with jeans, anything, or to work out even.” And she’s right; the Cali Sneakers have a West Coast flair that goes with just about anything in your suitcase. Another plain, white sneaker can truly do no harm!
Birkenstock Sandal
Image Credit: Birkenstock.
Birkenstock Arizona Birkibuc Sandals
Sizes: 4-12.5, including half sizes
Colors: 2
@rubyyydoobyy
Another pick from @rubyyydoobyy, these Birkenstock Arizona Birkibuc Sandals have just about every design feature to make them the most comfortable shoes for traveling Europe. Adjustable straps and a contoured, anatomically correct cork footbed are just what your feet need to last all day in the streets of a new city. Plus, the footbed is 100 percent renewable and sustainable. The TikToker says, “Honestly, just grab them. I don’t care if you think they’re dorky; they are the most comfortable pair of shoes I own. And even in Australia, I wear them nearly every single day. I love them. 100 percent get them. So freaking comfy.”
Windsor Smith Sandal
Image Credit: Windsor Smith.
Windsor Smith Shook Black Leather Wedges
Sizes: 6-10, no half sizes
Colors: 1
@rubyyydoobyy
“So flipping comfy and goes with literally every outfit,” the content creator raves in the same TikTok video. Strut down cobblestone blocks without any foot pain thanks to this Windsor Smith sandal‘s padded footbed and lightweight sole. If you’re all about the ongoing Y2K resurgence, pack this pair in your luggage ASAP.
Reebok Sneaker
Image Credit: Image: Reebok.
Reebok Club C 85 Vintage Sneaker
Sizes: 3.5-15, including half sizes
Colors: 80
@tanicha_rose
@tanicha_rose has a few different recommendations for those traveling in Europe. After spending two weeks in Italy, the TikToker emphasizes the importance of packing flat shoes that can withstand uneven cobblestone streets. If you’re walking 30,000 steps a day, the Reebok Club C 85 Vintage Sneaker
is her top pick. “They did not fail me. I still wear them to this day. Wore them to the ground in Italy,” she said. These sneaks have a vintage feel that makes them anything but basic.
Steve Madden Slide
Image Credit: Photo: Steve Madden.
Steve Madden Hadyn Sandal
Sizes: 5-11, including half sizes
Colors: 19
@tanicha_rose
When you’re not in the mood for a sneaker, go for flat sandals that you can easily slide on and off. @tanicha_rose describes these Steve Madden sandals
as “an Hermès dupe” and says, “These were still comfortable enough if we were just going to dinner or going a short distance.”
Schutz Sandal
Image Credit: Photo: Schutz.
Sizes: 5-11, including half sizes
Colors: 4
@tanicha_rose
Last but not least from @tanicha_rose, the Posseni Sandal from Schutz
. The TikToker could not stop giving this shoe chef’s kisses, swearing, “They’re just so easy to walk in, and the cobblestone didn’t trip me up not once.”
On Sneaker
Image Credit: Photo: On.
On The Roger Centre Court
Sizes: 5-11, including half sizes
Colors: 4
@maddiejosephinee
On is widely praised for its comfortable shoes. I know I personally can’t stop spotting them on the street and Subway. What I did not know, however, is that the brand offers lifestyle sneaks. This tennis-inspired pair might be a bit of a splurge, but @maddiejosephinee insists they’re great for going out all day and that “You can match them with anything.”
Lulus High Heel Sandal
Image Credit: Photo: Lulus.
Lulus Aliah Lace-Up High Heel Sandals
Sizes: 5-11, including half sizes
Colors: 3
@maddiejosephinee
There’s bound to be a dressier occasion that requires heels on your trip. When in doubt, @maddiejosephinee reaches for these lace-up heeled sandals from Lulus. The thicker and lower heel ensures more comfortable wear, and Maddie agrees: “I can walk in them for quite a while, and I know they’ll match with everything,” she says in her TikTok. Not to mention, they cost only $39!
Sam Edelman Slide
Image Credit: Photo: Sam Edelman.
Sam Edelman Nettie Slide Sandal
On Sale 50% off
Sizes: 5-12, including half sizes
Colors: 4
@sonithefaerie
If there’s anyone who knows where the actually comfortable shoes are at, it’s a New Yorker. @sonithefaerie lives in the Big Apple but went to a couple of European countries. The shoes that got her through her trip without any discomfort or blisters? Sam Edelman’s Nettie Slide Sandal, which, she notes, is similar to the way pricier Hermès ones. “The rubber platform gives them a little bit of height and makes them very durable,” she says.
