6 Best Travel Shoes for Men in 2026

The best travel shoes are light enough to pack without eating your carry-on space, and comfortable enough to wear from breakfast to a late dinner. The Allbirds Tree Runner and Skechers Go Walk 7 are the lightest picks. The Hoka Clifton 10 gives the most cushion. The Merrell Moab 3 handles rougher terrain, the Ecco Soft 7 dresses up best, and the New Balance 990v6 covers wide feet.

A travel shoe has a different job than a shoe you'd buy for a normal week at home. It needs to survive a full day of walking on surfaces you don't control, from smooth airport floors to old cobblestone streets. It also can't take up a huge chunk of your suitcase or look out of place at a nice dinner.

Every shoe below is a real, current model, checked against the listing we link to.

#1. Allbirds Tree Runner: lightest, most packable shoe

Allbirds Tree Runner (Men's)

Our verdict:

Lightest, most packable shoe

Best for travelers who want the lightest possible shoe for a carry-on-only trip.

View on Amazon

• Tree-fiber upper, machine washable
• Sugarcane-based cushioned midsole
• Lightweight, breathable everyday sneaker

Keep in mind: it's a plain everyday sneaker, not built for rugged outdoor traction.

Product details checked September 2026

The Tree Runner's upper is a tree-fiber blend with recycled polyester, and the midsole uses Allbirds' sugarcane-based foam. The whole shoe is machine washable. That's a real plus on a multi-week trip, where you can't hand-wash a leather shoe in a hotel sink.

It's built for smooth city streets, airports, and museum floors, rather than rough cobblestone or unpaved paths.

Fit and sizing: Allbirds sells the Tree Runner in whole sizes only. The brand suggests sizing up if you are between sizes or have wide feet.

On a Europe trip: the pick for a carry-on-only trip in warm weather. The breathable upper stays cool, and you can wash the whole shoe when you get home. On wet cobblestones, walk with care, since the sole is built for smooth ground.

#2. Skechers Go Walk 7: fastest on and off at security

Skechers Go Walk 7 (Men's)

Our verdict:

Fastest on and off at security

Best for guys who want a genuinely comfortable all-day shoe that's fast to get on and off.

View on Amazon

• Air-cooled Goga Mat cushioned insole
• Stretch-fit knit upper
• Dual-density traction outsole

Keep in mind: its softer foam build isn't meant for aggressive outdoor terrain.

Product details checked September 2026

The Go Walk 7 uses an air-cooled Goga Mat cushioned insole with Skechers' Ultra Go foam for a lightweight, high-rebound feel. The upper uses a stretch-fit knit for a sock-like feel, and the outsole uses a dual-density design for stability.

That combination matters more than people expect at airport security or slipping shoes off at a small European guesthouse.

Skechers adds what it calls Hyper Pillar technology for targeted support under the foot. The shoe is machine washable, like the Allbirds.

Fit and sizing: the stretch-knit upper fits like a sock and gives with wear. Most people take their usual size.

On a Europe trip: the pick for long travel days with several flights and train changes. It is light, easy to pack and fast to slip off at security or at the door of a guesthouse.

#3. Hoka Clifton 10: most cushion for long walking days

Hoka Clifton 10 (Men's)

Our verdict:

Most cushion for long walking days

Best for travelers whose days are heavy on walking and want more cushion than a minimalist shoe offers.

View on Amazon

• Jacquard knit upper for a sneaker-like feel
• Textile lining
• About 9.8 oz per shoe
• 42mm heel stack, 34mm forefoot, 8mm drop

Keep in mind: it runs a snugger toe box than some travelers expect.

Product details checked September 2026

The Clifton 10 weighs about 9.8 oz per shoe and uses a jacquard knit upper. Hoka lists a 42mm heel stack and 34mm forefoot stack, with an 8mm drop. It places durable outsole rubber only at high-wear zones to keep weight down.

It runs as a normal sneaker silhouette, so it doesn't stand out as a technical shoe.

Fit and sizing: the Clifton runs true to size for most people, but the toe box is snugger than some expect. If your toes feel pinched, try a half size up with your travel socks.

On a Europe trip: the pick for walking-heavy city trips of 15,000 steps or more a day. The tall stack softens every step on stone and concrete.

#4. Merrell Moab 3: best grip for rougher terrain

Merrell Moab 3 (Men's)

Our verdict:

Best grip for rougher terrain

Best for travelers whose trip mixes smooth city walking with cobblestone old towns or countryside day trips.

View on Amazon

• Pigskin leather and mesh upper
• Vibram TC5+ outsole with 5mm lugs
• Bellows tongue keeps out debris
• Removable, contoured insole with arch support

Keep in mind: it's the bulkiest, heaviest shoe on this list.

Product details checked September 2026

The Moab 3 uses a Vibram TC5+ outsole made just for Merrell, with 5mm lugs built for grip on loose and uneven ground. The upper mixes pigskin leather and mesh, with a protective toe cap and a bellows tongue that keeps out debris. Merrell also offers a dedicated wide-width version.

If your itinerary includes real rough terrain, none of the lighter picks here will grip as well.

Underfoot, Merrell adds an Air Cushion in the heel and a molded nylon arch shank. The Kinetic Fit ADVANCED insole comes out, so you can use your own orthotic.

On a Europe trip: the pick for trips that mix cities with hikes, coastal paths or hill towns. It is bulky, so wear it on travel days rather than packing it.

#5. Ecco Soft 7: best dress-casual look

ECCO Soft 7 Sneaker (Men's)

Our verdict:

Best dress-casual look

Best for travelers who want a single shoe for sightseeing during the day and a nicer dinner at night.

View on Amazon

• Full-grain and nubuck leather upper
• Removable, leather-covered inlay sole
• Soft, breathable textile lining

Keep in mind: it won't out-grip a lugged hiking shoe on rough cobblestone.

Product details checked September 2026

The Soft 7 is a leather sneaker with a full-grain and nubuck leather upper and an anatomical last shape. A removable, leather-covered inlay sole adds cushioning and a little extra width, and the lining is a soft, breathable textile.

Its low-profile, clean design pairs well with jeans or tailored trousers, which makes it the most dress-versatile shoe on this list.

Fit and sizing: ECCO builds it on a full anatomical last, and the removable inlay sole frees up room when your feet swell. The leather softens with wear, so give it a couple of weeks at home.

On a Europe trip: the one shoe for a city break with nice dinners. It is less grippy than the Moab on wet stone, so take care on rainy days.

#6. New Balance 990v6: best for wide or swelling feet

New Balance 990v6 (Men's)

Our verdict:

Best for wide or swelling feet

Best for travelers with wide feet or feet that swell noticeably after a long day of walking.

View on Amazon

• Made in the USA
• Multiple width options for men
• About 13.2 oz per shoe

Keep in mind: it runs heavier than the other five picks here.

Product details checked September 2026

The 990v6 is made in the USA and comes in multiple width options for men, from narrow through extra-wide. It weighs about 13.2 oz per shoe, heavier than most travel-focused sneakers, reflecting its structured build.

Few shoes marketed for travel offer this much width range. If standard-width shoes have pinched by evening, this is worth the extra weight in your bag.

On a Europe trip: a steady, classic sneaker that looks at home with jeans in any city. Wear it on travel days, since it is the heaviest pick here.

Factors to consider when choosing travel shoes

Weight and packed bulk

Weight and packed bulk matter more for a travel shoe than one you'd only wear at home. It has to survive a flight and fit in a bag. The Allbirds Tree Runner and Skechers Go Walk 7 pack the smallest and lightest. The Merrell Moab 3 and New Balance 990v6 take up the most space.

Versatility

A shoe built only for hard outdoor walking, or only for dress wear, means you might pack a second pair. The Ecco Soft 7 and Hoka Clifton 10 both lean toward doing double duty across sightseeing and evening wear.

Surface

If your trip is mostly modern city streets, airports, and indoor sites, a lighter shoe like the Tree Runner or Go Walk 7 is fine. If you know you're walking cobblestone old towns or unpaved paths, the traction on the Merrell Moab 3 earns its extra weight.

Width and fit

For width, the New Balance 990v6 offers the widest range of any shoe on this list. The Ecco Soft 7 and Allbirds Tree Runner run closer to a standard, narrower fit.

What makes a shoe good for travel

Four things separate a travel shoe from a shoe you would wear at home:

• It packs. A light, low shoe fits a carry-on without eating half the space.
• It covers more than one job. One shoe that works for walking and dinner saves packing a second pair.
• It handles surfaces you do not choose. Airport floors, cobblestones, wet marble and train steps all turn up in one day.
• It dries. A shoe that stays wet overnight ruins the next day. Mesh and knit dry fastest.

No single shoe here is best at all four. The Ecco Soft 7 wins on versatility, the Tree Runner on packing and the Moab 3 on surfaces. Pick the one that matches the job your trip needs most.

Breaking in shoes before you fly

Every shoe on this list, even the softest ones, needs at least a couple of weeks of regular wear before a trip. New shoes fresh out of the box haven't molded to your foot yet. A full day of walking on cobblestones or marble floors is the wrong place to discover a hot spot or a seam that rubs. Wear a new pair around the house or on a normal commute for two to three weeks before you leave.

The Merrell Moab 3, being a stiffer outdoor-style shoe, needs the longest break-in period of the six picks here. The Ecco Soft 7's leather upper will also stretch and soften with wear.

Seasonal considerations for European walking

In spring and fall, a shoe with some water resistance matters more, since rain is common and cobblestones get slick when wet. The Merrell Moab 3's Vibram outsole holds traction better in those conditions than the smoother soles on the Allbirds or Ecco. In summer, breathability matters more than water resistance. The lighter, more ventilated builds of the Skechers Go Walk 7 and Allbirds Tree Runner hold up better over a hot, humid day.

Packing for carry-on limits

If you're traveling carry-on only, shoe weight and volume add up fast. Shoes are some of the bulkiest single items in a bag. A common approach is packing one lighter everyday shoe, like the Tree Runner, Go Walk 7, or Clifton 10. Wear a bulkier pair like the Moab 3 on the plane instead of packing both.

What to wear on the plane

Feet swell on long flights, so a shoe that is snug at home can feel tight by landing. Wear your roomiest pair on the plane, or one with a stretch upper like the Go Walk 7. Loosen the laces before you take off and tighten them again before you land.

Slip-on shoes save time at security, where many airports still ask you to remove shoes. If your only pair has laces, a lace-lock or quick-toggle system makes this faster. Keep a pair of thick socks in your carry-on for the flight, since cabins can be cold.

Caring for travel shoes mid-trip

Knit and mesh shoes, like the Tree Runner, Go Walk 7 and Clifton 10, wipe clean with a damp cloth. Take the insoles out at night to help them dry. The Allbirds and Skechers are both machine washable, but save that for home, since a washed shoe takes a day or more to dry.

Leather, like the Ecco Soft 7 and the Moab 3's upper, should dry away from a radiator or hair dryer. High heat can crack leather and harm glued seams. If a shoe gets soaked, stuff it loosely with newspaper or a spare sock overnight.

Durability over a long trip

A long trip puts more miles on a shoe than months at home. Soft foam compresses and outsoles wear, especially on rough stone. If your shoes are already a year or more old and worn at the heel, buy a new pair a few weeks before the trip and break it in. Starting a two-week trip in worn-out shoes is a common cause of sore feet by the end.

How we picked the best travel shoes

Every shoe above was checked against the listing we link to, covering upper material, midsole construction, and outsole design. We left out prices and star ratings on purpose. Those change often and get mixed up with reviews of the wrong size or color. A shoe's weight and construction change far less than its price, so that's what we leaned on.

We also dropped a few well-known travel shoes that didn't make the cut. Their listed specs didn't match across the brand page and the retailer. Or the model had been discontinued and replaced by a newer one. We would rather list six shoes we can back up than add a seventh based on a guess.

Sizing across brands

Shoe sizing isn't consistent across these six brands, and that matters more when you can't try a pair on before a trip. Allbirds runs true to size for most wearers, while the Hoka Clifton line has historically run narrow through the midfoot. The New Balance 990v6's width options sidestep this problem for wide or narrow feet. You choose an actual width, rather than hoping a standard-width shoe happens to fit.

Feet also aren't perfectly symmetrical for most people, with one foot commonly slightly longer or wider than the other. Fit any shoe to your larger foot, not the average. A shoe that's snug on your bigger foot will only get more uncomfortable over a long walking day.

Questions people also ask

What is the single lightest travel shoe here?

The Allbirds Tree Runner and Skechers Go Walk 7 are both built to be as light as possible, ahead of the cushioned Hoka Clifton 10 and well ahead of the heavier Merrell Moab 3 and New Balance 990v6.

Do I need a separate pair of shoes for dressier evenings?

Not necessarily. The Ecco Soft 7 is built to look reasonable with both casual and slightly dressed-up outfits, so many travelers get by with it as a single all-purpose shoe.

Are these shoes good for cobblestone streets specifically?

Some more than others. The Merrell Moab 3's lugged outsole grips wet cobblestone better than the smoother soles on the other five picks here.

How many pairs of shoes should I actually pack for a trip?

Most people do fine with two: one all-purpose walking shoe from this list, and a backup pair for either rougher terrain or a specific dress occasion, depending on your itinerary.

Can I wear one pair of shoes for a whole Europe trip?

Yes, if you pick a versatile shoe like the Ecco Soft 7 or Hoka Clifton 10 and break it in well. A second, lighter pair helps if your main pair gets wet or you want a change for your feet.

Are machine-washable shoes worth it for travel?

They help on a long trip. The Allbirds Tree Runner and Skechers Go Walk 7 can both go in the wash at home. On the road, a damp cloth is usually enough, since a washed shoe takes a day or more to dry.