We hope you love our recommendations! Some may have been sent as samples, but all were independently selected by our editors. Just FYI, BuzzFeed and its publishing partners may collect a share of sales and/or other compensation from the links on this page.
Unless otherwise specified, all sizes in this post are listed in women’s.
1. A handmade pair of leather huarache sandals so stunning, they'll rival those ancient ruins you traveled across the world to see. The platform design means you'll get a little extra height, but way more comfortably than wearing an actual heel.
Macarena Collection is based in Buena Park, California and specializes in colorful Mexican shoe and clothing design.
Promising review: "I unexpectedly had to walk five miles in the Florida heat and humidity but I had these shoes on and my feet didn’t hurt at all! Super cute and functional." —Tori Kuhn
Get it from Macarena Collection on Etsy for $40.72 (originally $50.90, available in sizes 5–10 and in more colors via their Etsy shop).
2. A pair of iconic Dr. Martens Chelsea boots you'll feel so cool in, even if "edgy" is likely the last word anyone would use to describe you. Wear 'em with everything from cropped jeans to dresses, and enjoy feeling just a tad bit taller without fear of toppling over while the locals point and laugh.
FYI many reviewers say these run big, so consider sizing down!
Promising review: "I have been wearing Docs for years now, and this pair has to take first place for comfort. They're incredibly cute and versatile, can be dressed up or down, and just like any other pair are faithfully durable. Docs always run big so I sized a full size down and still comfortably wear them with thin-thick socks. I brought them on a long trip, wore them in various weather conditions like rain/snow/forest trails, and they worked great." —Stacy Cruz
Get it from Amazon for $97.45+ (available in sizes 5–11 and in two colors).
3. A pair of ultra-comfy Allbirds sneakers to wear on that walking tour you signed up for without realizing it was scheduled to last six hours 😬 They're designed to be flexible so they move with you, and on hot days you'll appreciate that they're made of breathable eucalytus-fiber.
P.S. They can be tossed in the washing machine when they start to get smelly, and they're made with renewable materials! ♻️
Promising review: "Just spent a week in Paris and these were the most comfortable shoes for hours of sightseeing and trekking around the city every day! My feet were happy, and they looked so cute with jeans and casual skirts, and were easy to keep clean, too. My new favorite shoes!" —Jessica G.
Get it from Allbirds for $105 (available in women's sizes 5–11 and in 10 colors).
4. Or, a bestselling Adidas running shoe with the phrase "Cloudfoam" in its name, so you know it's gotta be worth its 53,000+ 5-star reviews! These softies are designed to hug your foot for optimal comfort, and since they're super lightweight they're an over-packer's *dream*.
Promising review: "So comfortable. Walked around London for seven to eight hours and my feet were not the least bit sore! I recommended them to a friend who was taking a two-week vacation in Italy and she said the same...comfortable after hours and hours of walking!" —Christina
Get it from Amazon for $44.47+ (available in sizes 4.5–12 and 25 designs).
5. An iconic-for-a-reason Teva sandal to bring on any warm weather vacation, even if the only walking you plan on doing is going out to the hotel pool. The quick-drying material will keep you from sloshing around in wet shoes, while that signature strappy design ensures your feet stay put.
Plus, the rubber soles will come in handy on slippery surfaces!
Promising review: "Comfiest shoes on the planet. I bought them for my trip to Thailand, which included a heavy amount of walking and hiking. I now wear them all the time, even for nonadventurous activities. They are so darn comfortable, and have great grip." —Caroline V.
Get it from Amazon for $39.54+ (available in sizes 5–13 and 29 designs — not all designs available in all sizes).
6. A prerequisite pair of Birkenstocks for anyone who wants the most low-maintenance of shoes that'll go with everything from denim shorts to flowy dresses. Plus, the contoured footbed provides extra arch support for big walking days.
Promising review: "I love the Arizona style. They are easy to adjust and easy to slip on and off. I suffered from a heel spur and I was able to walk without pain when I changed over to the Arizona sandals. I took several pairs of shoes on vacation and never once did I switch over to a different pair. I can walk for long periods of time with comfort. They are my first choice of shoes." —Glenn B.
Get it from Amazon for $89.95+ (available in sizes 4–14.5, as well as in narrow sizes, and in dozens of designs — not all designs available in all sizes).
7. A pair of super supportive Dr. Scholl's kicks that'll become your go-to flying shoe once you see how TSA-friendly they are (easy on and off!) and how cushy they feel during your flight. Now if only that toddler in back of you would stop screaming...
FYI: These are made from recycled bottles!
Promising review: "I bought these shoes to wear on vacation to the Grand Canyon. I did a lot of walking on that trip, and my feet never hurt and I still looked cute. Then a few months later, we went to Durango, Colorado and did a ton of walking and again, my feet never hurt. I washed them and let them air dry several times over the next year and they came out great every time. They soon became my daily shoes to wear around the house. I have already bought a second pair to replace them so I can still look cute and be comfortable and wear the first pair when I water the garden. I would definitely recommend these shoes!" —J. Perkins
Get it from Amazon for $37.30+ (available in sizes 5–11, including wide sizes, and in 29 designs — not all designs available in all sizes).
8. A beautiful Tory Burch ballet flat specifically designed for travel, since it's flexible enough to fold up for easy packing. And not only that, the elastic back means you won't have a sharp edge digging into the back of your foot (the worst!).
Promising review: "I got these for a trip and love them! Tory's travel ballets are a beautiful soft leather, very comfortable, and will fit anywhere when traveling. I like all the fun colors but got black ones...will be getting another pair!" —lheff
Get it from Amazon for $190.89+ (available in sizes 4–12 and six colors — not all colors available in all sizes) or Nordstrom for $152.76+ (available in sizes 4–12 and in six colors).
9. Or if you're looking for a less splurgy option, a lovely flat that comes in so many gorgeous colors and prints, you probably won't be able to resist buying more than one pair. These also fold up for easy packing, and while the backs don't have that same elastic, reviewers say they still make for easy walking.
Those 25,000+ 5-star ratings don't lie!
Promising review: "I normally cannot wear flats because they give me terrible blisters on the back of my feet. These didn't! Bought these in nude for a city vacation with a lot of walking, but where sandals aren't necessarily worn and these were perfect! They obviously don't have the support of sneakers, but I am so happy to finally have a cheap pair of flats that don't give me blisters. I did break them in with thin socks on around my house before wearing them out and when possible, I wear them with little sock liners. Also — I was able to fold these in half like Tieks and fit them in a semi-small purse to change into to dance at a wedding! Score!" —Kate
Get it from Amazon for $21.40+ (available in sizes 5–15, including wide sizes, and in 37 designs).
10. A gorgeous leather slide for anyone who prefers a backless shoe (hooray for nothing digging into the back of your foot!). These come in an array of rich neutrals, so they'll absolutely go with the *many* outfits you packed.
MiucciaStudio is based in Indonesia, and specializes in the *dreamiest* handmade shoes and bags.
Promising review: "Love love love these!! I’ve been looking for the perfect pair of mules for months, I’m so happy I ordered these. They go with everything and super comfy. Shipping was right on time if not a little early." —Stacie Carlson
Get it from MiucciaStudio on Etsy for $72.25 (originally $85, available in European sizes 36–41 and in six colors).
11. A classic pair of slip-on sneaks that should come with the slogan, "Come for the pretty color options, stay for the breathable canvas material and stretchy fit." And hey, while everyone else in your group is arguing about what to do next, you can admire your cute and comfy shoes.
Promising review: "I bought these to take on a trip, they arrived and I packed them without breaking them in — no worries, they are so comfortable, I wore them the whole trip. Love, love these shoes! This is my second pair, first have lasted a year and I wear the old ones still. They wash up nicely, too! Highly recommend!!!" —Lori M.
Get it from Amazon for $20.72+ (available in sizes 5.5–12, including select wide sizes, and in 19 designs).
12. A cute pair of Toms canvas cutout sandals I can envision you wearing as you tour the gardens of some famous palace before heading to a waterfront lunch. Oh, and those thick straps and chunky heel will make your feet feel secure and stable the entire time.
Promising review: "I'm obsessed with this shoe! I love that it fits like a bootie. Adorable with skinny jeans/leggings, dresses, etc. Can be dressed up or down — I wore them to a wedding in Greece, and also out and about during the day in Spain. Very comfortable for walking, dancing, whatever!" —jasmineflower
Get it from Amazon for $49.99+ (available in sizes 5–12 and nine styles).
13. A chunky pair of Fila platform sneakers for days when you want a little boost of height...but have hours of walking on your itinerary. Never fear, these cushy bad boys will take you from one sightseeing excursion to the next, and the only painful thing you'll have to endure is your tour guide's corny jokes.
Promising review: "My new everyday sneaker. I love the design and I love the small platform to give me height! They are so comfortable too, I’ve worn them to the zoo walking for hours and my feet didn't hurt. I love these shoes and am so glad I finally bought them!" —Meredith Johnstone
Get it from Amazon for $28.74+ (available in sizes 6–10 and 26 designs — not all designs available in all sizes).
14. A flexible pair of water shoes that are — dare I say — cute?! I know, it doesn't seem possible, but these quick-drying, anti-slip bbs are a far cry from those cringe-y clown shoes you probably wore as a kid (though just as comfy!).
Promising review: "These are super comfortable. Bought a pair for every member of my family for vacation at the waterpark. Has just enough cushion to make walking all day comfortable but light enough that they were not cumbersome. Great price point, too!" —Teresa Howell
Get it from Amazon for $27.95+ (available in sizes 5.5–15.5 and 43 styles).
15. A beachy slip-on with faux laces for anyone who likes the look of a sneaker, but would rather spend time taking in the sights than retying their shoes every few minutes. Plus, if your feet are on the wider side, many reviewers said these aren't too narrow 🙌
P.S. These have 16,000+ 5-star ratings!
Promising review: "I purchased these prior to our family beach trip. I found out I was pregnant and needed some type of support when walking around on vacation, rather than flat flip-flops. I read the reviews for these shoes and they were raving. I see why!! These could sell for more money but are reasonably priced. Great quality. There are no laces to tie — elastic bands. I really love these with or without socks. They are roomy but not too big width-wise. This is not a very narrow shoe. I would recommend this shoe for anyone traveling as the go-to shoe. They’re easy to get on and get off. Super stylish." —Nicole_B
Get it from Amazon for $14.59+ (available in sizes 5.5–11 and dozens of colors).
16. A sleek pair of pointy-toed leather loafers that'll make you feel like you're at least ~somewhat~ as stylish as the well-dressed locals, even if you throw them on with jeans. And not only that, reviewers say the soft leather and non-slip soles make them comfy to boot.
GrecianLeatherGoods makes gorgeously crafted leather shoes, sandals, and bags in — you guessed it — Greece!
Promising review: "Beautiful and comfy shoes, perfect for casual days in the city or for special occasions as well! Love it!" —Fanni
Another promising review: "These shoes are absolutely beautiful. I love the chic yet minimal style. They came from Greece to Everett, WA in less than a week. Soft leather that is great for bunions. Thanks!" —Carrie Barbee
Get it from GrecianLeatherGoods on Etsy for $62.02+ (available in European sizes 35–43, US sizes 5–11, and four colors).
17. A cute and casual Sperry sneaker complete with a removable footbed for added arch support to keep those feet nice and comfy during city jaunts. Plus, those curly-Q laces mean you won't have to stop every five minutes to tie your shoes.
Promising review: "This was a great shoe for making a wedding reception comfy, and a road trip a little classy!! The satin finish leather was dressy enough that it complimented my olive dress, but wasn’t so fancy to be out of place walking around a ghost town in athleisure wear. I love these shoes!!" —Nick's Page
Get it from Amazon for $35.97+ (available in sizes 5–12, including wide sizes, and five colors).
18. A versatile Rothy's slip-on that was designed to fit like a glove from the first wear, aka no breaking-in period for all you travel shopping procrastinators out there! Plus they're super cute and go with *everything*.
Psst: These kicks are made with Rothy's signature thread, which is spun from plastic water bottles! And, since these don't have much stretch to them, reviewers recommend ordering half a size up.
Promising review: "These are the only white sneakers I will ever buy. I've had them for a couple of years and pre-COVID, these were my go-to vacation shoes where I would walk miles in them on various terrain and they remained extremely comfortable. During a trip to Spain, I trekked through mud and of course they were very dirty by the time they made it back home. I popped them in the washer and they came out good as new, bright white. I was shocked. I took a toothbrush to the rubber sole to get the last remnants of mud off. These are truly amazing shoes. I wear these with everything from jeans, to shorts, to dresses." —Melissa B.
Get it from Rothy's for $125 (available in sizes 5–13 and 13 colors).
19. A snazzy pair of heeled slip-ons for a cute, no-fuss shoe to take out on the town. That thick heel will keep you nice and stable, and since they come in lots of cute colors, go ahead and collect 'em all!
Promising review: "Reaching for these sandals more and more because they’re comfy, cute, and elevate my outfits! They didn’t require any breaking in and I’ve worn them for an entire day out and had no issues with long term wear. Fit was true to size. Going to get another color since I love them so much!" —Nidhi Patel
Get it from Amazon for $26+ (available in sizes 6–10 and 30 designs).
20. A beautiful pair of Greek gladiator-inspired sandals that are as airy as your favorite flip-flops, but so much chicer. They're made of 100% genuine leather, and the lightweight rubber soles will take you from your leisurely lunch to your leisurely dinner in comfort.
Christina Christi makes gorgeous leather creations — from bags and shoes to jewelry — at her home in Athens, Greece!
Promising review: "Lovely and comfortable. Easy to slip on and off. Barely feel the shoe. No 'wearing in,' these are great from day one. Speedy delivery. Great follow up with seller emailing to check sizing to make sure I received the right fit. Great small business practice and service. Thanks." —Nikkiolivia
Get it from Christina Christi on Etsy for $54.58 (originally $68.23; available in sizes 5–10.5 and three colors).
21. A super popular Italian leather flat for anyone who refuses to sacrifice style for comfort. They'll go with practically every outfit in your suitcase, and are the perfect shoe for a day of museum and cafe hopping.
The soft leather adapts to the shape of your foot for the perfect fit, and they even have tiny side vents to keep your feet from sweating during long walks!
Promising review: "The most comfortable flat ever. I love how the shoe conforms to my feet. I can wear them all day long! This is my second pair!" —hanleyfam
Get it from Everlane for $115 (available in sizes 5–11 and seven colors).
22. A cushy Skechers slip-on made with breathable mesh to keep your feet happy for hours on end. Multiple reviewers dubbed this shoe "Disney Approved," so go throw on your Mickey ears and get a photo with Jasmine!
Promising review: "18,000 steps a day in Manhattan = comfy! I bought this pair of shoes just before a three-day vacation to NYC. I am so happy they were fabulous walking shoes! So comfy...and no sore feet! No rubbing, blisters, etc. I have plantar fasciitis and I worried, but need not have." —INcatlady
Get it from Amazon for $31+ (available in narrow and wide sizes 5–13 and 27 designs).
23. A pair of Swedish wooden clogs for anyone who likes a little extra height, but doesn't want to wobble down the street. These sturdy shoes come with a strap for extra reinforcement, and reviewers say they're surprisingly lightweight!
Based in Poland, LeatherWorld Designs makes quality leather clogs for adults and kids in a wide array of lovely designs. Oh, and these ship for free!
Promising review: "I absolutely love these clogs. Not only are they stylish, they’re also extremely comfortable. I’m a teacher who stands and walks around the classroom throughout the workday, and these clogs truly make my job pain-free. Thank you!!" —Laurelin
Get it from LeatherWorld Designs on Etsy for $88.20 (originally $98, available in sizes 5–10 and 22 colors).
24. A pair of — hear me out — Crocs sandals you'll fall in love with even if you're just not that into the brand's signature clogs. Not only do these babies come in a slew of fun colors and designs, they're also incredibly lightweight and flexible for pool and beachside comfort.
Promising review: "So comfortable. I wore these on the plane for vacation — I averaged 12,000 steps a day. I overpacked and brought shoes for different outfits but kept going back to these. They were the only shoes I could tolerate. So happy with my purchase!" —Karen
Get it from Amazon for $16.22+ (available in sizes 4–11 and 23 designs).
25. A super springy Hoka One One sneaker that's so lightweight, you'll feel like you're walking on clouds rather than ancient cobblestone streets. And, since it's technically a running shoe, it's also a great pick if you're looking to squeeze in a workout or two.
26. A soft Clarks loafer with juuust enough extra height for some welcome heel support. Plus, its OrthoLite footbed will keep your feet nice and cushioned during that walking tour your S.O. insisted on.
Promising review: "I broke the cardinal rule and took new shoes to Europe for vacation, but I relied on the past history I've had with many Clarks I've bought in the past and wasn't disappointed. These shoes were troopers through all the cobblestone streets and climbing an ungodly amount of flights of stairs to visit castles." —cheekymonkey
Get it from Amazon for $27.23+ (available in sizes 5–12, including wide sizes, and in 21 designs).
27. An ergonomic FitFlop designed to offer so much more support than those flimsy styrofoam ones ever will. Pack these on your next warm weather getaway and your feet will thank you!
It's got the APMA Seal of Acceptance, so you know it's legit!
Promising review: "Love these! They look like a classic simple pair of black flip-flops but are sooo comfortable. I wore them my whole European vacation, which included hours spent walking around Venice, Florence, etc. and not a single blister!" —Kerr
Get it from Amazon for $21.05+ (available in sizes 4–11 and 19 colors).
Reviews have been edited for length and/or clarity.
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