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. Croc platforms that *may* just be cute enough to convert the Never Croc-er™ amongst us. They're ultra-comfortable, waterproof, and can take a serious beating, too, if you need to shove them in the exterior water bottle pouch of your backpack because you bought more souvenirs than anticipated.
I have these in all black (as pictured above) and I am OBSESSED with them. They are my go-to travel/all-day walking shoe. They have gone around the world with me and walked 20,000-step days in NYC without so much as a hint of a hint of a blister. They're super easy to get on and off, v cushy, and are impossible to stain. I had my last pair for two years and they didn't even scuff at all — I had just completely worn off the soles so it was time to replace them.
Promising review: "I was hesitant to buy these because most sandals that are made of 'rubber' will have your foot slip-sliding around with even a bit of sweat (remember those '80s jelly shoes?!) Well, these are NOTHING like that. They are very comfortable and fit my wide foot well. I worried they might squeak or the back strap may flop about. Nope. None of that. These are perfect travel shoes because they can be worn with everything! I have the black ones but am now curious to see if other color choices are available. Try them!" —Monique
Get them from Amazon for $39.99+ (available in sizes 4–11 and in 13 colors/patterns).
2. Adidas Cloudfoam sneakers because the eighth layer of hell — the one Dante totally forgot to mention — is getting an excruciating blister on day one of your vacation and then having to either cancel all your walking-intensive excursions or suck it up and hobble through them.
Promising review: "I purchased these for a vacation and am so glad I did. I walked 12 miles in them on day one of our trip and my feet were tired but also comfortable! I did get a tiny blister on the top of my ankle where the tongue rubbed above my sock, but considering the amount of walking we did, this is pretty darn good! They are stylish, cute, and not too bubbly. (I hate the new style where the sole of the shoe bubbles out around your foot.) They are classic and so comfortable, easy to slip on and off at the airport, and super stylish!" —Alicia
Get them from Amazon for $57.99+ (available in sizes 5–12 and in eight colors).
FYI, if you have Amazon Prime, you can give these a spin before you buy them!
3. Quick-drying Teva sandals with a grippy outsole that make them ideal for all sorts of outdoor activities. One reviewer says they averaged 17,000 steps per day on their last trip and were the only one in their group to not get blisters, thanks to these bbs!
Promising review: "I love these Tevas. Bought two pairs for myself and wear them constantly around the house and take them to the beach. They clean up quickly. So comfy. Great for travel when you are walking all day sightseeing! The only thing I found wrong was the Velcro wears out on the arch strap. Both pair went about the same time. However my local shoe shop fixed them permanently." —Gladys Smith
Get it from Amazon for $39.95+ (available in sizes 5–12 and 13 designs — not all designs available in all sizes).
FYI, if you have Amazon Prime, you can give these a spin before you buy them!
4. Or some extra water-friendly Tevas (they float!) *so* dang comfortable and lightweight, reviewer's say they work beautifully for flat feet ~and~ super-high arches as well as swollen pregnant feet and even those with tendinitis.
Promising review: "These are so comfortable!! I bought them for my trip to Hawaii. I have plantar fasciitis and need good arch support or the pain is unbearable. These are super lightweight. The foam made them perfect for going in and out of water and hiking. I live in Washington state and left in January, so wore socks with them for the travel. The only downside is that I did get a blister from them. Probably my fault for not wearing them a bit before heading out on a trip where I walked a LOT everyday!!" —Regina Randall
Get them from Amazon for $20.70+ (available in sizes 5–13 and in 12 colors).
FYI, if you have Amazon Prime, you can give these a spin before you buy them!
5. Water-resistant Dr. Scholl's slip-on sneakers you can slide on and off in a snap whether you're going through security or just don't have the patience to fuss with shoelaces. Travelers swear by them for their wide toe box, cushioning, flexibility, and removable (aka replaceable) insoles, which one reviewer with plantar fasciitis calls a game-changer!
Promising reviews: "Travel tested and approved — LOVE!! My hairdresser friend recommended these since she’s always on her feet. They were so reasonable so I ordered them for my South Africa honeymoon trip. They were INCREDIBLE!!! My feet never hurt and I walked a ton of miles in them. They also went with a ton of outfits, so I was very happy!!! I highly recommend!" —Leah Gwin Hoefling
"These shoes were recommended as comfortable walking shoes. They absolutely are the best! I bought these shoes to have a stylish, casual shoe for a NYC/DC seven-day tour. I walked an average of 7–8 miles a day even in a downpour. Not a single blister or pain of any kind. If you are searching for stylish, casual, and comfortable, then these are it. Easy on and off, water-resistant, and coordinates with all outfits." —S. Lee
Get it from Amazon for $50 (available in sizes 5–13, including wide sizes, and in 20 designs).
FYI, if you have Amazon Prime, you can give these a spin before you buy them!
6. Super springy Hoka Clifton 9's which provide soft and even cushioning so your feet won't be any worse for wear even after a day of 20,000+ steps.
Promising reviews: "I recently bought yet another pair of Hoka Cliftons because I'm going to be doing some vacation traveling and I wanted a shoe that looked a little cleaner and nicer than my everyday Cliftons...which are very well worn! I bought them in baby blue...and I love them! I've already broken them in — they are my favorite Hoka shoe." —SFGiantsLover55
"Finally found the shoes I've been looking for! These were so comfortable right out of the box, they feel like walking on air. All that cushioning but they're still so light. Great travel shoes!" —walkaboutsheila
Get them from Amazon for $159.99+ (available in sizes and 6–10.5 and 12 designs) or Nordstrom for $145 (available in sizes 5–12 and 16 designs — not all designs available in all sizes).
Want more? Check out a full review of Hoka sneakers here!
7. Birkenstocks Arizona sandals so good, that they've gone practically unchanged since they first started popping up on people's feet in 1973.
Former BuzzFeed shopping editor Ciera Velarde says, "I am a hugeeee fan of Birkenstock, and this is my second pair I've owned. My first pair were basic black, and they still look good after about eight years of wear. I bought these was because I loved how the gold straps looked, and two years after buying them, they are without a doubt my most-worn shoe!! That's me on the left on my honeymoon — I wore them all throughout Italy, whether we were on the beach, on a boat tour, or walking around cities for miles on end. I love wearing them with dresses because the gold really *pops* and you end up feeling so comfortable, unlike when I wear less supportive sandals or heels. To make these last even longer, don't forget to use their shoe care kit to protect the cork and make the shoe waterproof!"
Get them from Amazon for $89+ (available in sizes 4–15.5 and in four colors/styles) or Birkenstock for $110+ (available in sizes 4–17.5 and hundreds of colors/styles).
FYI, if you have Amazon Prime, you can give these a spin before you buy them!
8. Or some Birkenstock ultra-lightweight EVA slides with the same ~superior~ level of comfort as the brand's iconic leather options.
Promising reviews: "I have arthritis in both feet. These sandals are so comfortable! This is my second pair. They are just as comfortable (possibly more) than my leather Birkenstocks." —CoolCarol
"This is my third pair of EVA Arizona sandals — I love them! They are great for summer and way more comfy than the usual flip-flops. Perfect for travel and hanging poolside." —GottaLuvLabs
Get them from DSW for $49.96 (available in sizes 5–10.5 and in eight colors).
9. Reebok Club C Sneakers that 1) are hella comfy and 2) match just about everything so you have no excuse to pack multiple sets of shoes when one can do the job.
I have three pairs of these babies because they're just so comfortable straight out of the box. You don't have to worry about blisters and they don't look out of place with dresses and skirts. They're also simple enough to slip on and off when going through the airport so they check all of my travel boxes!
Promising review: "Love these shoes! I saw them in store at UO but they didn't have my size. Obviously I turned to Amazon because what doesn’t this site sell, and lo-and-behold, y’all had it. I try to pair these with almost every outfit because they’re so comfy and stylish! Recently went to Philly, where I had to walk everywhere because we didn't rent a car and these were only pair of shoes I brought (I travel light). These didn’t cramp up my feet at all as I walked over seven hours daily over the course of five days. Definitely recommend! But one thing hurts my heart...the creasing at the front of the shoe that comes with loving these shoes so much.😢" —Alli J
Get them from Amazon for $53.33+ (available in sizes 5–11 and in various colors/patterns).
FYI, if you have Amazon Prime, you can give these a spin before you buy them!
10. Ankle-wrap Rothy's flats knit with the brand's supremely comfortable signature thread (which is spun from plastic bottles) that's freaking WASHABLE!!! The second they get ~funky,~ you can just pop out the cushy insoles and toss the shoes into the washing machine for a refresh.
PS: The ankle tie is removable so you can wear them as traditional ballet flats, too.
Promising reviews: "The square wrap is very comfortable and I appreciate they can be worn with or without the 'wrap.' They will be my go-to traveling shoe as they can be dressy or casual." —Claire Y.
"Super lightweight and comfy, and also versatile so these are all I need for my long weekend trips!" —Yoshiko G.
Get them from Rothy's for $165 (available in women's sizes 5–13 and in six colors).
11. Thesus Weekend Boots — the ideal choice for adventure travelers everywhere thanks to their seam-sealed water-resistant upper, anti-slip rubber lug sole, and temperature-control lining. While they're perf for hikes and other demanding activities, the versatile design lends itself just as well to brunch, window shopping, and putzing around town.
These boots generally fit true to size, but if you plan on wearing thicker socks or if you're between sizes, it's recommended to size up.
Thesus is a mission-driven, Ontario, Canada-based small biz creating outdoor footwear that's easy on the planet, the eyes, and your feet! Their materials are 90% sustainable and traceable — and they're working toward 100%. This brand is all about the details, taking years to develop each collection, and traveling the globe to seek out the best materials for the health of both people and the planet.
Promising review: "I took these hiking in the Rockies and they held up very well. The thicker sole also helped cushion my feet from rocky terrain. They look good too!" —Alice
Get it from Thesus for $198 (available in EU sizes 36–46 and 11 colors).
12. Reviewer-loved flatforms that are *so* comfortable and cute, people just keep returning to buy more colors. Luckily, there are 30 to choose from, so they won't soon run out.
Promising review: "These shoes are a MUST buy! I ordered a 7.5 (my usual size) in the natural tan and the black and they fit as expected. I wanted a cute and versatile sandal for my vacation that was also comfortable to walk in all day, and let me tell you, they are very comfortable as well as versatile! You can literally wear them with anything, from jeans and shorts to skirts and dresses. These were my go to shoes the entire vacation." —AKM
Get them from Amazon for $29.99+ (available in sizes 5.5–11 and in 30 colors/prints).
13. Neoprene espadrilles with a pull-on design and non-skid rubber sole so you can bounce from the beach to the boardwalk to the boat without having to change.
Sea Star is a small biz!
Promising review: "Bought these espadrilles for myself and my husband and they were the most wonderful shoes for navigating the boat, the beach, and the rocks in Bermuda. What a treat for our feet!" —Leslie Reed
Get them from Amazon for $53.75+ or Sea Star for $55+ (available in sizes 6–12 and 13 colors).
14. And/or some neoprene slingback sandals if you're after a water shoe that doesn't look like a water shoe. 🙏
BuzzFeed Shopping editor Elizabeth Lilly has these and says, "I walked all around Sarakiniko Beach in Milos, Greece, in these with a sure footing that was as good as if I were wearing athletic sneakers."
Promising review: "I loved my first pair so much that I bought two more pairs! I have always loved classic espadrilles but can’t wear them in rainy weather. These you can wear no matter what. And they are soooo comfortable! That makes them perfect for traveling — especially as they are lightweight — but I want to wear them all the time so bought more. They look great with skirts, pants, jeans or beachwear. The stretchy fabric and stretchy sling back heel make for comfort no matter how much feet may swell in hot weather. I just love these and am thinking about a fourth pair!" —Merlyn Greenwood
Get them from Amazon for $78.72+ or Sea Star for $125 (available in sizes 6–12 and seven colors).
15. Waterproof Columbia hiking boots with reinforced toe and heel barriers and an extended outsole that guards key wear points so once you break them in, you can wear them for years and years of adventures to come.
And here's what BF editor Jenae Sitzes — who owns these boots — has to say:
"Reviewers swear these don't even have a break-in period, making them a great pickup for that last-minute outdoorsy trip where hiking and rough terrain are on the docket. Note that it's recommended to go up a half size in these boots to accommodate thicker hiking socks, and I found that to be true when I picked up these shoes myself — I'm normally an 8 but found an 8.5 in these to be totally comfortable. I also found that they hold up well even on my first hike — though I did admittedly still have some soreness around my heel area, this was after a hard, 7+ mile hike with lots of rocks and climbing, so I don't blame the shoes. They felt comfortable right out of the box and super supportive when I was clamoring over rocks and rough terrain. And though I only stepped in water a couple of times briefly, my socks stayed dry too. I got the brown color with red laces as pictured above, and they're even cuter in person, which is just another plus."
Promising review: "These boots are so comfortable, no break-in period needed. Bought them a week before traveling to Utah where I hiked in Bryce Canyon and Zion National Park. They were a dream!!! I am a standard size 8 but bought a size 9 to allow for more wiggle room and thick socks. I would consider sizing up." —Kerri
Get them from Amazon for $53.14+ (available in sizes 5–12, including wide sizes, and 16 colors).
FYI, if you have Amazon Prime, you can give these a spin before you buy them!
16. Lightweight, cushioned flatforms sure to ~elevate~ your look and mood since your feet will be nice and comfy, no matter how many miles you're walking!
The sandals feature three different cushioning densities — medium at the toes, soft in the middle, and firm at the heel — so they take the brunt of impact, not your feet.
Promising review: "Lovely. I suffer from plantar faciitis so I have to be careful what I wear. I have numerous trainers from Fitflop but wanted something lighter for summer. These are perfect holiday sandals. Can wear for casual or dress up. Leather is butter soft and love the height. Very comfortable with good arch support. Like all Fitflops they are not cheap, and I was reluctant to pay over $100 for sandals, but I thought I would try them and return if I didn't like them. They are fabulous and I feel I will get a lot of wear out of them." —nmcm
Get them from FitFlop for $110.50 (available in sizes 5–11 and in three colors).
17. Everlane Italian leather "glove" flats that've won over thousands of reviewers thanks to their buttery soft leather design, which eventually molds to the wearer's foot for a custom-like fit.
Plus, they even have tiny side vents to keep your feet from sweating during long walks!
Promising review: "These shoes are so comfortable, they can take me all through the work day, to dinner and running errands on the weekend! You don't really see the rubber sole, so they look more dressy. When I travel and need a more formal evening look but still need to walk, I attach jeweled shoe clips and tada! I have these in 6 colors and am on the waitlist for another color. These are that good!" —StyleAndComfort
Get it from Everlane for $101 (originally $135; available in sizes 5–11 and 12 colors — not all colors available in all sizes).
18. Allbirds Wool Runners should you be the type of person who says "It's only 25 minutes away?? We can totally walk there!" even if you forget you're spending time in the suburbs and not NYC.
Promising review: "I have bought 6 or 7 pairs over the years for traveling and wearing at home. I do not wear socks and yet my feet are never cold in the winter or hot in the summer! My most recent pair is for a trip to Greece — they will not have to be broken in because they are comfortable from the start!" —Sue W.
Get them from Allbirds for $98 (available in women's sizes 5–11 and 10 colors).
19. Handwoven Plaka sandals with stretch-to-fit nylon straps sure to be your foot's BFF — not nemesis.
Promising review: "I have three pairs of these now! They feel great. The straps are comfy. When I bought my first pair I worried the straps would make it difficult to get the shoes on and that they might be uncomfortable / cause chafing. I was pleasantly surprised at how comfortable they really are though!!! I alternate the colors and wear them nearly daily now (perfect summer shoes). We went on a beach vacation... We walked for hours at a time and I never once got a blister or felt any discomfort. I didn't have any issues with my feet sliding around uncomfortably when wet (whether from sweat or when it rained). They were great for walking on the beach, too!! These are seriously the best summer shoe!" —Stark
Get them from Amazon for $34.95+ (available in sizes 5–11 and in 24 colors).
20. Simple flats that are easy to slip on and off at the airport and take up next to no room in your bag so you can go ahead and pack that sweater that you def won't need on your Caribbean trip but... like... what if you do and then you regret not bringing it??
Those 46,500+ 5-star ratings don't lie!
Promising review: "I bought these for traveling as I wanted something comfortable and easy on/off for the airport. They totally exceeded my expectations! These flats are very comfortable. Fit is great. I have a wide foot and the wide width in my size was perfect. The snakeskin print looks very nice in person." —Allyson Cohan
Get it from Amazon for $23.75+ (available in sizes 5–15, including wide sizes, and 30 styles).
FYI, if you have Amazon Prime, you can give these a spin before you buy them!
21. Strappy flip-flops for those ready to graduate from Old Navy $1 flip-flops and onto something bigger and better (read: more durable). Baby steps, grasshopper, baby steps.
Promising review: "First: I hate flip-flops... I always break them or twist them sideways somehow. These are not your typical flip-flops. These are the most comfortable flip-flop sandals I’ve ever owned. I love these shoes! The extra strap makes all the difference in added comfort. I ordered these to take on vacation for wearing to/from the pool. Ended up not even unpacking the other shoes I packed. These were so comfortable and versatile that not only were they pool shoes, but also walking on the beach shoes and dinner shoes. I love them so much I’ll be ordering more in different colors." —Ian R.
Get them from Amazon for $24.95+ (available in sizes 5–11 and in 17 colors/patterns).
22. Aussie-adored, beat-'em-into-the-ground Blundstones that'll still bounce back after countless romps through mud puddles, snowbanks, and even cow manure.
Promising review: "I first heard of Blundstone from a friend of mine when I was living abroad in Korea. Three years later, and I now own two pairs! These boots fit the needs for everyday purposes. Not only are they beautiful, but they are also equipped with a thick sole and a soft inside for the perfect comfort level. I have worn these traveling through airports for long periods of time and never had an instance where my feet started to bother me. I would recommend these boots to anyone. Well worth the money!" —MN22
Get them from Amazon for $140.95+ (available in sizes 5–14 and in 18 colors).
FYI, if you have Amazon Prime, you can give these a spin before you buy them!
23. Iconic Chaco sandals with completely customizable straps so even if someone steps on the back of your shoe, you never step out of it! OFC half the fun of these is being left with a signature zig-zagged tan line that says, "Yes, I was vacationing somewhere warm." 😌
Promising review: "I travel to warm weather destinations and do a lot of walking. Chacos are my go-to travel shoes. They do take some time to break in, so have the bandages ready for the first week or so, but once you break them in, they're amazing. Supportive enough for long days of walking, but they also let your feet breathe." —Erica
Get them from Amazon for $38.42+ (available in sizes 5–12, including wide sizes, and in 24 styles).
FYI, if you have Amazon Prime, you can give these a spin before you buy them!
24. Handmade leather sandals that offer a barefoot feel 🦶. While they're available in standard sizes, there's also an option to get them custom-made if you have particularly narrow or wide feet!
Laboo Leather is a family-owned small biz based in Budapest, Hungary, making handmade leather sandals and wallets.
Promising reviews: "I adore my sandals! They are beautiful and the craftsmanship is amazing. Best of all they are so soft and comfy I can walk in them for hours. They’re also lightweight and pack flat so they're perfect for vacation packing.❤️" —alisa388
"Great shoes. They've been holding up to a lot of summer adventures and still look new." —barunnergirl
Get them from Laboo Leather on Etsy for $105.43+ (available in sizes 4.5–15.5 and 10 colors — you can also request a custom size for an additional cost).
25. Ergonomic FitFlops if you're simply *not* a sneaker person and are looking for a supportive alternative that lets your dogs breathe. These featherlight sandals are designed with air foam, which retains its cushioning, meaning they'll bounce back from every step you take.
They've got the APMA (American Podiatric Medical Association) Seal of Acceptance, so you know they're 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 $25.29+ (available in sizes 5–11 and 23 colors — not all sizes available in all sizes).
FYI, if you have Amazon Prime, you can give these a spin before you buy them!
26. Strappy Sorel sandals with a sporty zigzag sole and "foot-to-floor foam" that ensures ultimate comfort all day long.
Promising review: "Love these sandals! Thank you, Sorel for creating a comfortable, great quality yet trendy, artistic sandal! I have very sensitive arches that need support and my feet are wide. I have had these for 3 years now and I couldn't help but write a review. They have lasted and stood the test of time including cross country travels and daily NYC commutes — subway strides included! And my feet never feel the stressors — the leather lining and the fabric straps make them super comfortable." —j–anne
Get them from Sorel for $135 (available in sizes 5–12 and in six colors) or from Amazon for $134.95 (available in sizes 5–12 and in nine colors).
FYI, if you have Amazon Prime, you can give these a spin before you buy them!
27. Water-repellent, stain-resistant, ultra-flexible pointed Vivaia ballet flats that not only require zero break-in, but they get the stamp of approval from one BF writer who claims to be "allergic to ballet flats"!!! 😂
Here's what BF writer Emma Lord has to say:
"You probably recognize the brand name from a bajillion Instagram posts that are like 'I DANCED THE NIGHT AWAY IN THESE HEELS!!' for the heeled version of these, but damn if they aren't right. These didn't cut into the back of my heel at all, and felt comfy enough that I walked as easily as I would in my usual sneakers, if not easier since these are SO so lightweight. I took these on a recent trip to London where I was walking 20,000+ steps a day, and can confirm they hold up in rain (boy howdy did we get a lot of it). Plus anytime muck got on them it was easy to scrub it off with soap and water. I'm so excited to have finally found a pair of flats comfortable enough to trek in that I am truly sitting on my HANDS trying not to buy them in every color."
Get them from Vivaia for $97 (available in sizes 5–11 and in 34 styles).
Check out the Instagram-famous Vivaia heels for more options!
28. And some cute and casual Sperry sneakers with a delightfully durable design that includes rustproof eyelets, an elastic back that won't be easily ruined when you kick them on and off, and a lightweight removable footbed that also offers excellent arch support.
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 $40.75+ (available in sizes 5–12, including wide sizes, and dozens of colors — not all colors available in all sizes).
FYI, if you have Amazon Prime, you can give these a spin before you buy them!
Reviews in this post have been edited for length and/or clarity.