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21 Jet-Setting Shoes That The Shopping Team Swears By For Stylish Travel

TL;DR Please fill out this Google survey to share your must-have travel footwear picks for an upcoming story. We appreciate your input!This summer, we’re stepping out. Literally. Having been cooped up in our cribs for well over twelve months, the wanderlust is stronger than ever. Yep, fully vaccinated people can travel more safely within the United States (make sure to keep up with the CDC guidelines, here), so we’re about ready to dip our toes into a vacation (or two) in the coming months. And now that the toes are out, the age-old debate on what shoes to wear to the airport and exactly how many kicks a person actually needs to pack along is back. Ah, it’s sweet relief to dwell on the lighter spectrum of life conundrums — shoes.In the Before Times, the topic of what shoes to slide through security in and exactly how many should be jammed into a suitcase were hot topics in the R29 comments section as well as Reddit style forums and the like. Well, we’re here to light this debate back on fire, but this time with a little help from our friends — you. To get us all excited and well-prepared to jump back in the saddle again, we’re asking as many people as possible about their traveling shoe style. If you’ve got opinions or even better, a hot tip on a trusty pair of shoes that never let you down, we want to know! Please take a few minutes to complete our Google survey and share your must-have travel footwear picks. We’ll be updating this story as your responses roll in, but for now, read on to see how our shopping editors stay light on their feet while in transit. Think we’re crazy for some of our choices? Take it out in the survey! We want to hear what you’ve got for travel shoe recs.At Refinery29, we’re here to help you navigate this overwhelming world of stuff. All of our market picks are independently selected and curated by the editorial team. If you buy something we link to on our site, Refinery29 may earn commission.Kate Spencer, Creative and Updates Editor:“I’m a pretty efficient packer and usually pack too little rather than too much. And I ALWAYS only pack a carry-on — I have this constant fear that if I check a bag all of my favorite clothes will get lost in the airport ether forever. I haven’t been on a real vacation in years — like actually ten years, but when I travel home to LA for holidays, I usually always take 3 pairs of shoes with me.” Converse Chuck 70 Core High-Top Sneakers“First, a pair of sneakers — I love wearing Converse because I think they’re so versatile. I’ll wear them with jeans or trousers and I can also get away with wearing these for long walks If I need to.”Converse Chuck 70 Core High Top Sneaker, $, available at Urban OutfittersComme de Garçons Comme de Garçons x Dr. Martens Leather Loafers“My next must-have is a pair of loafers or oxfords. If you know me well, you know this is my shoe of choice. These are usually my chunkiest pair, so I’ll wear them in transit so I can save some room in my suitcase.” — Kate SpencerComme des Garçons Comme des Garçons x Dr Martens Leather Loafers, $, available at Net-A-PorterDr. Martens Gryphon Leather Gladiator Sandals“Finally, I always pack a pair of sandals. Either my Birkenstocks or Dr. Martens. I like having these for when it’s super hot, I’m going to the beach, or I need something to quickly slip on.”— Kate SpencerDr. Martens Gryphon Brando Leather Gladiator Sandals, $, available at Dr. MartensAlexandra Polk, Home and Lifestyle Writer“Full transparency, my vacations and travels usually involve me lying barefoot on a beach, but on the rare occasion that I have things to do on a trip, I need a solid pair of sneakers that can go with virtually anything.”Reebok Club C 85 Vintage Model Sneakers”These shoes specifically are fab for flattening down into suitcases, backpacks, and duffel bags without fear of them getting ruined. Also, whenever I’m somewhere new I always have emergency survival in the back of my mind, and I could run for miles or live in these shoes for weeks if something goes awry.” Reebok Club C 85 Model Vintage, $, available at ReebokNasty Gal Platform Sandals“I don’t look good in flip flops, nor do I know how to style them so I avoid them — instead, I wear chunky sandals with straps because they’re sturdy and easy to style. If you’re like me and want to wear boots all year round but know your feet deserve some air, I would invest in some chunky sandals for summer vacays! Also, they are a great day-to-night transition shoe that you can wear while you’re sightseeing AND while you’re taking shots at the club.”— Alexandra PolkNasty Gal Faux Leather Strappy Open Toe Platform Sandals, $, available at Nasty GalIrina Grechko, Fashion Director“I’ve lost enough luggage over the years where I now travel with just a carry-on to most places. As such, I try to limit my shoes to two pairs: flats and heels.”Keds Champion Originals”For casual trips that will involve a lot of running around, I usually grab my white Keds that go with everything in my closet, from shorts to dresses and jeans, and are super-light to pack. If I am working out on the trip, I opt for a classic pair of black performance sneakers (usually Nikes or APLs) that I could pair with at least some of my wardrobe. For more formal settings, I bring loafers; currently, I switch between these Sarah Flint and Aldo styles.”Aldo Sevaedia Oxford, $, available at AldoKeds Champion Originals, $, available at KedsNike Revolution 5 Sneaker, $, available at DSWUrban Outfitters Rachel Faux Leather Heels“For heels, I pick my most comfortable pair of black, brown, or white block heels (sandals in warm weather, ankle boots in cold). For a long time, M.Gemi’s Stasera sandals were my go-to because of how comfortable and versatile they were. In fact, I destroyed them after years of travel. More recently, I have been opting for Miu Miu’s suede sandals and patent leather ankle boots (can’t find anything close to the style but kind of like this) that I scored at an outlet several years ago. Block heels may take more room in the luggage, but they are the only heel that I can wear all day, which is important when you only have room for two pairs.”— Irina GrechkoUrban Outfitters Rachel Faux Leather Strappy Platform Heel, $, available at Urban OutfittersElizabeth Buxton, Market Editor“During a month-long sabbatical from work, I only brought one suitcase and a carry-on size bag with me and therefore only had packing space for 3 pairs of shoes: running shoes, slide sandals, and a pair of canvas kicks.”Cariuma OCA Low SneakerThis Cariuma style was the pair I wore the most. Comfortable enough to walk 13 miles through Paris in (I did it blister-free, which is a feat for me!), cute enough to pair with whatever outfit I had on any given day (from dresses to skirts, pants, shorts, etc.), and durable enough to not look like garbage shoes by the end of the trip (some spot-treating with a wet towel does wonders on these babies). If I could go back and do it again, I would 100% only pack this pair and ditch the other two.”Cariuma OCA Low Sneaker, $, available at CariumaCole Haan Criss Cross Sandal“Don’t @me because Cole Haan just knows how to make a good shoe — and, if you haven’t checked in with the classic footwear brand lately, its styles are looking pretty chic (and frequently on sale). Case in point: my favorite pair of workhorse travel sandals for warm-weather trips with lots of walking and limited suitcase space; they’re super supportive on my very flat feet and somehow manage to look great with whatever outfit I’m wearing, dressy or casual. I like to think of them as the cool (but not in a try-hard way) baby of some Teva’s and a pair of strappy gold J.Crew sandals I owned once upon a time in 2009. They also come in black, if you’re not into the whole metallic footwear look.”— Elizabeth BuxtonCole Haan ZERØGRAND Criss Cross Sandal, $, available at Cole HaanOn Running Cloud X Sneaker“Unless you are blessed with tiny high-arched feet, finding a pair of running shoes that actually look presentable to travel in is not an easy feat. Because I was born with larger (8.5 verging on 9 as a 5’5′ lady) and also very flat feet, I’ve spent the majority of my life packing TWO pairs of running shoes: one that looked cute to walk around in and another not-cute pair that I could actually run in. This all ended when I discovered On, a Swiss-born shoe company that seemingly offered very cool-looking shoes that did not sacrifice support. I am now on my second pair of these babies and there’s no turning back — they’re incredibly comfortable to run in, safe to hike around various terrains in, and look very sleek paired with an off-duty travel look. I would never dare wear sneakers with jeans but I’ve come dangerously close with these. In conclusion, I will never pack two pairs of sneakers on a trip again!”— Elizabeth BuxtonOn Cloud X Training Shoe, $, available at NordstromKarina Hoshikawa, Beauty and Wellness Writer“I really love shoes. Lucky for me, my size 5-5.5 feet have really enabled my shoe hoarding lifestyle; since each one is relatively smol, I can fit and/or carry more pairs than say, someone with double-digit tootsies. In general, I’ve always been Team Heavy-Packer. I’m a Virgo who doesn’t like to be unprepared for whatever outfit demands arise, so I tend to plan a shoe for each outfit that ends up in my suitcase. Miraculously, I always manage to fit clothes, shoes, and my elaborate skin-care coterie in medium-sized luggage, with an extra tote or backpack in case I need to hand-carry an extra pair.Veja Esplar Sneakers”I’m a big believer in the universality of a white sneaker. I don’t think I ever travel without at least one trusty pair! I just got a new pair of Veja Esplars and have been wearing them everywhere.” VEJA Esplar Sneaker, $, available at NordstromSam Edelman Ibis Block HeelDuring warm weather travel season, I pack at least two pairs of sandals: One casual (for me, it’s likely Birkenstock Arizona in a neutral shade) that I can wear during the day and a dressier pair if I’m going out to a nice brunch or dinner. I got these Sam Edelman block heel ones on super sale a year ago, and they’re equal parts comfy and cute.”— Karina HoshikawaSam Edelman Ibis Block Heel, $, available at VerishopBirkenstock Arizona White Birko Flor, $, available at ZapposDr. Martens Emmeline Boot“If it’s cold out (or if I’m traveling somewhere that is), I always have to pack a boot. If I’m committing to fashun, it’ll have a heel. But more often than not, I’ll be seen clomping through the security checkpoint in my favorite Dr. Martens Elsham boots, which were tragically discontinued. The Emmeline style is similar, but with a bit shorter profile.”— Karina HoshikawaDr. Martens Emmeline, $, available at ZapposAllbirds Tree Dashers“Last pair! Since I love to work out, I always try to bring a pair of running shoes or training sneakers in my bag. (Plus, staying active is a great way to combat jet lag if you’re traversing time zones.) Right now, I’m still obsessed with my Allbirds Dashers — they’re really breathable and lightweight (that last part is important for folks like me that always exceed the checked bag weight limit) without sacrificing support.”— Karina HoshikawaAllbirds Tree Dashers, $, available at AllbirdsStuart Weitzman Anny Pump“OK, one more! For extra-special trips or weddings, I’ll pack a classic pointed toe black pump — my most beloved pair are the suede Stuart Weitzman Heist heels, which also seem to be hard-to-find nowadays. (The Anny is similar, but with a V-cut front.) Not-so-humble brag: These are some sexy shoes — note that I said “sexy” and not “comfortable.” After one particular soirée, my feet were crying out for sweet relief that only a piggyback ride from my doting partner would appease. Not my proudest moment but 10/10 would do again because #worthit.” — Karina HoshikawaStuart Weitzman ANNY 105, $, available at Stuart WeitzmanChichi Offor, Associate Writer“In terms of my packing style, I am accidentally chaotic. I rarely pack for a trip in advance, and I often find myself packing an hour before I have to leave. I always bring more than one pair, but the thought of carrying a whole other suitcase just full of shoes doesn’t sound fun. I will bring anywhere from 3 pairs of shoes to 5. No matter where I’m going, I try to fit everything into no more than a backpack and my roller carry-on luggage. I’ve packed for everything from a ten-day trip to Spain to a four-day weekend in DC this way!”Zodiac Shoes Raine Mule”I always bring an impractical shoe pick. It’s like that one pair that won’t go with 90% of the things but I really have to have it for this one perfect outfit. I chose these clogs this time around because they are heavy and clunky, but very cute and give the Y2K vibes –which I’m really into right now.”Zodiac Shoes RAINE MULE, $, available at DSWEmily Ruane, Fashion Market Writer“I like to lie to myself and pretend that I’m a strict minimalist when it comes to packing. I’ll pull out one tiny duffel bag, fill it with way too many clothes, and zip it up before I realize that I haven’t packed a charger, my toiletries, or anything I’ll actually need. ad trombone. Then I’ll admit defeat and pull out a second bag.”Dansko Black Patent Clogs”Because I already live and breathe clogs, I’ll travel in whatever pair is currently in my rotation. They’re kind of the perfect airport shoe, being super comfortable and easy to slip on and off. My beloved hot pink Danskos are sold out, but the trusty patent black ones will (hopefully) be in stock forever. I like the shiny-effect leather because they can still appear ever so slightly elevated — even though, you know, clogs.”Dansko Professional Black Patent Clogs, $, available at DanskoHavaianas Top Flip Flops“I know that I’m still living in the early aughts with my devotion to Havaianas, but if I’m headed to any kind of sandy destination they are a must-pack. They also take up a grand total of like, three inches in my suitcase, so who cares? I have a silver pair that I bought in * ~ * Hawaii * ~ * a few years ago, but I think my next pair is going to be red. Does the fact that I haven’t graduated to Hunter slides or EVA Birkenstocks like everyone else make me … CHEUGY?!?! OMG, I hope so.”— Emily RuaneHavaianas Top Flip Flops, $, available at ZapposKork-Ease Ava 2.0 Platform“If I’m going to a dressy event or a ‘cool’ city, I like to pack gigantic flatforms or platforms that will help me feel fancier but will still enable me to be on my feet for a while. (My feet are not trained to walk in heels and it’s sadly too late for me now.) Believe it or not, I wore these Kork-Ease wedges in Paris — pregnant! — while walking around a flea market for several hours and my feet were none worse for the wear. And I felt, like, cool enough to be in a French flea market, you know?”— Emily RuaneKork Ease Ava 2.0 Platform, $, available at Kork EaseMarissa Rosenblum, Shopping Director“I used to be a shoe maximalist. Part of one of my former jobs was covering international fashion weeks as a guest and an editor. Beyond shows, I attended dinners, events, and had meet-ups so when it came to shoes I actually packed an entire suitcase of shoes to check. Crazy. Then my job switched. I was still attending fashion weeks but doing so from a social media POV, covering backstage, and events but from a behind-the-scenes lens. I was running all over the place and while it was fun, it was not so much glam and I needed shoes — or as I came to learn, a shoe — to keep up with my job. So out went the wardrobe of shoes, and in went one rubber-bottom sturdy pair of comfy boots. And once I switched for work, my personal travel life followed. I can’t believe at one point in my life I was lugging around upwards of six pairs of shoes across international waters. At most I pack three pairs for work or vacation and I plan on continuing this once I decide to travel again.”Hoka One One Clifton 7 Sneaker”I’ll always bring sneakers for days when I’m logging miles and miles exploring by foot — or if I actually do the workout or two I keep saying I’ll do on vacation.”Hoka Clifton 7 Sneakers, $, available at ZapposVince Camuto Salindera Slide Sandal”When I’m traveling to a warm-weather destination or have a wedding to attend, I now pack one pair of sensible sandals. I can’t even imagine stepping into the high heels and crazy platforms I used to pack. One pair of slides in a tone that works with all outfits is the way to go. I wouldn’t walk miles in these but I would certainly be comfortable standing on a grassy patch at a wedding or wearing them all night long from dinner to a show and beyond.”— Marissa RosenblumVince Camuto Salindera Slide Sandal, $, available at NordstromEasy Spirit Romy Sneakers“One time I packed boots and a pair of Easy Spirit sneakers with me to London which I also wore on the plane. They started as a gag purchase during the height of the Balenciaga Triple Sole dad-shoe craze (I was intrigued by the trend but not about to spend $900, so I bought Easy Spirits), and they ended up being my go-to shoes. I even wore them out to fancy dinners. Here I am at the Chiltern Firehouse in London wearing them.” — Marissa RosenblumEasy Spirit Easy Spirit Romy, $, available at ZapposMia Mila Combat Boot, $, available at DSWLike what you see? How about some more R29 goodness, right here?Outfits To Make You The Airport’s Main CharacterOne-Piece Suits That Make The Comfort Zone Chic13 Travel Mugs You Can Totally Trust On The Go