Travel Footwear: Best Shoes for Globetrotters

A good pair of travel shoes for your next holiday is just as essential as packing your toothbrush. Really, it is. The best shoes for traveling promise you a more comfortable journey to your destination. But we believe they should also tick the box for being stylish.

At revere, we promise you don’t have to sacrifice your style for function, especially when traveling. The journey is stressful enough and you deserve to look pristine, regardless of the rushing around. We know, we know, sneakers are a foolproof option for most, but we want to let you know that there’s more to comfortable travel shoes than our sporty saviors. Slip-on loafers, classic wedges and supportive sandals are also among the top candidates when it comes to the best shoes for traveling. And we’d love to introduce you to them. Whatever style you choose, this footwear is both excellent for traveling in yet sophisticated for when you arrive at your destination. So on that note, here is our guide to the ultimate travel footwear.

Flats

On any travels, a pair of ballerina flats are sure to be desired. Firstly, these dainty heroes are super lightweight and ultra compact which makes them easy to pack in your suitcase. That way, you can rest assured there’s more room in your case to bring home a souvenir and meet your baggage allowance! Secondly, if you aren’t packing a pair, you can wear your flats on the day of travel - starting and ending your day on the right foot. The beauty of flats is in their simplicity and they always look as good as they feel.Their classic silhouette is as chic with a feminine dress as it is with straight-leg jeans and a blazer.

Take the Nairobi ballet pumps as a perfect example. Constructed in soft leather for breathability and wearability, the silhouette is complete with a roomy round toe that is both timeless and elegant, resulting in a wear-with-anything style. Various colorways and a hint of texture allow you to mix and match, building your capsule travel wardrobe in whatever hue you like. Inside, these travel shoes have a removable footbed with built-in arch support so you can feel extra comfortable and supported all day long, with the ability to insert your own insoles or brace if you wear custom orthotics. If you’re wearing them through the airport, add a pair of tights or socks to avoid bare feet when walking through security!

Sneakers

When it comes to sneakers being one of the best shoes for traveling, all we can say is… these shoes are made for walking! The easy zipper or lace-up fastening keeps you secure for all-day walking, no matter if you’re in nature or on leisurely city strolls. While the Haiti sneakers have built-in arch support, our community loves how you can remove the footbed and insert your own custom orthotics, in order to alleviate pain and enhance comfort when walking both short and long distances. In fact, one of our customers Robyn believes these are the ultimate travel shoes: “I had to walk a really long distance through an airport and if it weren't for these sneakers, I would be in tears due to pain right now!” Engineered for complete comfort, the mesh fabrication of these sneakers makes them both breathable and lightweight, so they’re perfect for traveling and wandering around in the sun. You can even go on an impromptu hike in them! If you prefer a smart sneaker to take you from day to night, canvas sneakers are an excellent choice for your travels. They have all the benefits of a summer shoe and a sneaker. They rank high on the comfort level (proving to be the perfect partner for walking and bike riding), they’re closed-toe (ideal for dusty terrain) and thanks to the summery fabric, they’re not too hot for your jetset activities. The zipper is also super practical and offers a strong styling impact on the design front. With sneakers still firmly on trend, there’s never been a better time to go for these comfortable travel shoes.

Wedges

Picture this. Your flight is boarding, you’re stuck in security, and you’re wearing your favorite strappy shoes that just so happen to take forever to fasten and unfasten. It’s likely you’ve been here before. Bypass this nightmare altogether with a pair of wedges. In one fell swoop you can slip them on and off in an instant. Paired with jeans, a sweater and a jacket - that’s your travel outfit sorted. Stress free! And that’s just one way to celebrate the start of summer in style. Wedges can be gloriously crowned as go-to travel shoes since they’re uber comfortable during transit and post-flight when your feet are (unfortunately) swollen. So when you land, you can hit dinner looking chic and feeling supported all with a hint of height (despite the swollen feet).

Shoe wedges or wedge sandals will make that happen. They have all the versatility you need, aren’t as high as usual heels but provide a few welcome inches while staying super comfortable. Such a practical option for those globetrotters who are being whisked away to a new city to explore.

Then there’s the endless stylistic opportunities of wedges. Dress them up with a floral frock or wear them casually with white denim. Easy! If you’re less of a sandal wedge fan and more of a cover-up girl, unlike the usual suspects you’d expect to find, revere shoe wedges are a shoe-wedge hybrid so you won’t be slipping out of them. Rather, the adjustable straps will keep your feet firmly in place. They look polished, are absurdly comfortable and evidently, a breeze to to slip on and off when sailing through security or snoozing mid-flight. They should proudly be at the top of any summer wish-list when it comes purchasing a new pair of travel shoes.

Loafers

A pair of loafers will quickly become your favorite travel companion. As a smarter alternative to a pair of flats, loafers exude an air of nonchalance and effortlessness that is rarely achieved from another style of shoe. We love loafers because they’re so easy. If you’re traveling for work, swap your stilettos for a pair of loafers worn with your two-piece suit et voilà! - polished, practical and pretty all at once. But it’s not all business, those headed for a city break or jetset holiday can style their loafers with mini hemlines, linen pants or billowy dresses to add a sartorial touch to ladylike looks.

Again, adding a frilly sock will save your feet during those times that your shoes are ordered off by airport security. And if you’re late for your flight? Never worry, the Naples Stretch Loafers feature a slip-resistant outsole so you won’t be slipping when you’re sprinting! Their construction of leather and stretch is the ideal duo for comfortable travel shoes because the soft textile lining is an absolute treat for foot swelling (as well as those who suffer from bunions) - the dreaded and unavoidable outcome of long-haul flights.

Plus, you can slip them on and off with ease which we think is perfect for the traveling part of your trip. You can quickly remove them for the airport checks and discreetly pop them off on the plane for a breather.

Sandals

You’re heading for the summer sun and that means you want to get in the mood from the get-go, right? We get it. Sandals are the answer. They’re as easy to wear as anything and they won’t take up much room in your luggage. Embodying that carefree summer spirit, sandals come in so many options, from slip-on slides to styles with a closed heel or back straps. Many out there count slide sandals as the best shoes for traveling - they’re simple to take on and off at security and you can sport them with a pair of cozy socks when it gets cold in-flight. Plus, you don’t have to sacrifice your summer aesthetic when getting on the plane. A contoured footbed brings the comfort factor, alongside a sturdy lug sole and adjustable straps in case your feet swell up.

An array of our sandals are also designed to conceal unwanted bunions, so your feet can breathe and relax in the heat - it’s a holiday for them too! For those conscious of their heels, the Geneva closed toe sandals cover up cracked heels and keep your feet secure via the molded footbed (just in case the time comes to run to your gate). Not only are sandals comfortable travel shoes, they’re an opportunity to showcase your summer-ready pedi. Worn with a midi skirt, tank top and cross-body bag - now that’s a summer-in-the-city pairing if there ever was one!

Booties

Who else travels in boots? We know we’re not alone. But we’re not talking about restrictive knee-highs. No no, these are ankle boots and booties that feel like a hug for your feet. They’re designed to meet the ankle, so you aren’t restricted when traveling and have enough movement. Durable boots are beloved and approved as some of the best shoes for traveling by us. You really only need one or two pairs in your closet to stand the test of time which is why we’re nominating them as the must-have travel footwear to bring with you anywhere and everywhere. Right from the start of your journey, boots simply work. Our booties feature an easy zipper so you aren’t stuck in the security line removing complicated shoes. This ensures they’re seamless to put on and take off. So when comfort is key and every minute counts, that’s just one reason that boots are one of the best shoes for traveling. If that wasn’t enough, what makes these the ultimate travel shoes is their molded insole and durable outsole. Yes, these beauties feature a demi wedge and slip-resistant outsole for a hint of height with added stability. This height not only elongates the body, it provides comfort for all-day walking and makes these ankle boots perfect for sightseeing by day and having a cocktail at night. They’re a travel-friendly solution especially when traveling off-peak. In colder climates, black is best, but when the temperatures are singing, look to a light colourway which complements summery white, cream and pastel outfits.

Mary Janes

These are the travel shoes on everyone’s lips. Offering up the same timelessness as a shoe wedge, Mary Janes are an even softer, sweeter and more feminine style to consider. Really, what could be as chic when traveling than in a pair of Mary Jane shoes? Not only are they sublimely comfortable, they’re a shoe that has the ability to pull any outfit together. Gone are high-shine glossy styles from our youth and instead we’re met with a more grown-up exterior. We’ve reimagined them in textured finishes, muted leather and colorful palettes which are a joy to style. A highlight for us is the low wedge that’s perfect for taking aimless walks and discovering the sights. What’s more, lower heels are bang on-trend as they continue to prove their worth on the street style scene, donning the feet of many stylish women seeking out comfort, elegance and height on the daily. If you’re new to wearing Mary Janes and unsure where to start, choose a classic lower version before working your way up to a more elevated style. The Timaru Mary Janes for plantar fasciitis are complete with a padded heel, soft lining and neoprene panels to provide extra comfort, space and relief. If you suffer from foot pain or plantar fasciitis and are a jetsetter who requires height, support and style all in one, these are by far the best shoes for traveling. We’ll be sporting ours more casually with denim, a tucked-in blouse and the perfect white t-shirt popping out from the collar. Feel free to jazz up your look with a more structured dress or a linen trouser suit - they work with everything. Supportive, sweet and elegant - that’s the Mary Jane and that’s just a few reasons why they’re the ideal comfortable travel shoes.

Discover the best shoes for traveling.