12 Most Comfortable Shoes on Podiatrists’ Wish List

Shoe shopping can be a challenge for anyone, but it becomes an increasingly harder feat when it's being done for someone else. This is especially true when buying shoes for a traveler as you'll have to consider things like spatial restrictions from their suitcases and designs that offer equal parts support and style. 

“There's such a variety of factors to ensure comfort, style, and durability during travel,” board-certified podiatrist Dr. Saylee Tulpule told Travel + Leisure, adding, at a bare minimum, “travel shoes should provide cushion, arch support, and a proper fit.” Every traveler will require a different type of shoe, she explained. For outdoor fun, consider options that are waterproof, lightweight, and have good traction. For airport shoes, consider lightweight styles that are easy to slip on and off, she advised. For beach vacations, try waterproof sandals with arch support and cushioned soles. 

Though there are plenty of tried-and-true walking shoes out there, even experts like Tulpule can't help but covet the latest footwear trends and advancements. Below, Tulpule and six other podiatrists share the most comfortable shoes from their holiday wish lists, including top-rated picks from classic brands as well as some innovative finds perfect for long walks, flights, drives, and more (psst: they also make excellent gifts for travelers). 

Brooks Women's Adrenaline GTS4 Supportive Running Shoes

Travel shoes should be versatile, which is exactly why Dr. Tulpule loves Brooks' Adrenaline GTS 24s, and will be adding the popular style to her collection in another color. “I wear them for airport travel, sightseeing, or even hitting up the gym while on travel,” she shared. In fact, she typically advises her clients who travel most to invest in a solid athletic shoe: “Most athletic shoes have cushioning, arch support, adequate toe box room, and a removable insole to accommodate an orthotic.” 

On Women's Cloud Runner 2 Running Shoes

Travel shoes should also offer stability, according to Tulpule, who also highly recommends gifting the On Cloud Runner 2s for their cushion, support, and shock absorption. “I have been dealing with plantar fasciitis, or heel pain, for almost a decade and these are excellent for managing this condition,” she said of the shoes' stability. If you’re suffering from foot pain or a foot injury, Tulpule noted that arch support and shock absorption are extremely important features, especially for patients who overpronate or have flat feet. 

Lissom Women's Flyte Ballet Flats

When traveling, Emily Splichal, DPM, MS, CES appreciates a comfortable shoe that is easy to slip on and off at security or after a long drive, and has support for extended periods of walking. Lissom's Flyte flats check these boxes and more for Splichal, noting that the shoes are “breathable and can be worn easily for long hours if needed.” The slight heels offer function and fashion as they give you some lift for more walking than you’re used to, she says. They make a great gift for the practical fashionista as they add a pop of style that can easily be dressed up.

Hoka Women's Bondi 8 Running Shoes

Hoka has famously become a favorite brand among travel enthusiasts. While the nostalgic style of a chunky sneaker certainly plays into its popularity, Jacqueline K. Donovan, DPM, FACFAS, at Erie Foot and Ankle Center praises them for their adaptability to various travel scenarios, ranging from city strolls and light hikes to simply standing for prolonged periods of time.

“The Bondi series is known for its plush midsole, which absorbs shock and reduces fatigue, perfect for long days on your feet,” she explained. “The engineered mesh upper provides airflow to keep feet cool, while the shoe construction ensures it can withstand heavy use.” Though she recommends the Hoka Bondi 8 Sneakers to many patients, she especially urges those with foot conditions like flat feet, bunions, or heel pain to invest in these supportive shoes.

Vionic Women's Uptown Loafers

For Dr. Casey Ann Pidich, a New York City-based podiatrist and the owner of Dr. Glass Slipper, a fashionable travel shoe that still offers foot support and comfort is always on her wish list. “This shoe combines incredible support with a polished, versatile style,” she explained. Available in 23 different colors and two widths (regular and wide), the loafers can be styled with tailored pants, shorts, skirts, jeans, and pretty much anything in your luggage. Plus, she added that they “easily transition from sightseeing to dinner, which reduces the need to pack unnecessary shoes.” 

As for comfort, the Vionic Uptown Loafer, Pidich explains, “is designed with a podiatrist-approved footbed that provides arch support, stability, and cushioning. These shoe qualities are essential for walking on uneven surfaces or spending hours on your feet sightseeing.”

New Balance Women's 327 Sneakers

When it comes to sneakers, Pidich always packs her New Balance 327 Sneakers. “I've worn them for miles around my hometown of New York City. They are currently the most comfortable sneakers in my closet,” she shared. And, they don’t sacrifice your outfit, she quipped, as the shoe combines retro-inspired style with modern comfort: “It's lightweight, with a cushioned midsole for shock absorption, making it ideal for walking long distances.” She also pointed out that the rubber outsole “provides a grip for navigating old European cobblestone streets or uneven overlook trails. Its sporty look pairs well with casual travel wardrobes.”

Mephisto Women's Helen Sandals 

If you're heading on a warm-weather trip, or shopping for a sandals enthusiast, Pidich points to the Mephisto Helen Sandals. The asymmetrical thong sandals with an adjustable buckled strap made from leather and cork deliver support and stability while offering a stylish break from closed-toe shoes. Pidich also shared that the contoured footbed will make you walk confidently: “It’s great for offering arch support in a lightweight, breathable design.”

OluKai Men’s Mahana Slippers 

Isaac Wilhelm, DPM at San Mateo Podiatry Group, has the perfect recommendation for hard-to-shop-for travelers: the OluKai Mahana Slippers, which are his personal favorites. “For the airport and plane ride, I like to wear my OluKai Mahana Men’s Slippers because they are easy to slip on, lightweight, and provide enough space for my toes,” he said. The slippers also feature a patented drop-in heel design that keeps the foot supported, and are lined with a soft terry cloth that adds to the comfort for extended wear.

Asics Men's Nimbus 25 Running Shoes

When it comes to “everyday wear” while traveling, Wilhelm trusts his Asics Nimbus 25, which he most recently tooled around in South Korea: “I like the cushioning and the soft knit upper, which makes it breathable and comfortable.” Wilhelm also advised that not every foot is the same, so it’s important to go into a store rather than purchase shoes online. He continued, “For most patients, we tell them to pick a shoe with a stiffer sole (one that does not fold or twist easily), firm heel counter, and has good cushioning, especially if you expect to do a lot of walking.”

Oofos Ooahh Slides

Wilhelm assured the traveler on your list won't regret having the Oofos Ooahh Slides in their suitcase. Though many hotels offer slippers to keep your toes warm, they are oftentimes flimsy and counterintuitive to Wilhelm’s previous tip of purchasing a travel shoe with a stiffer sole. “They feel great after being on my feet all day,” he said. The Oofos Slides are outfitted with proprietary design features that help absorb shock, reduce shock on the joints, and can even double as a pair of sandals to throw on for walking down to the beach or pool in comfort. 

Hoka Women's Gaviota 5 Running Shoes 

Dr. Chanel Perkins, DPM, FACFAS, DABPM, compares picking her favorite shoe to choosing her favorite movie: “I have so many, each in a different genre,” she joked. However, Perkins honed in on one: the Hoka Gaviota 5s, which shine on trips that will involve “essentially a whole lot of walking,” whether on sightseeing tours or racing through the airport to catch your flight.  

“These shoes are supportive in the arch and offer a good amount of firmness,” she explained. “They also feel lighter on, since they are designed for speed, performance, and a variety of other movements.” Perkins shared that she always reminds clients to never sacrifice comfort for looks: “No one wants blistered feet during travel. Always make sure your shoes are comfy, supportive, and appropriately fitting.”

Commbi Line Woolie Burro Clogs

These slip-on mules boast removable footbeds designed in collaboration with celebrity-trusted podiatrist Dr. Bobby Pourziaee to prevent overuse injuries. “It is specifically designed to give you arch support, which is so important while traveling and taking extra steps on different types of surfaces,” Pourziaee said. The style's footbeds have deep heel cups, provide comfort with memory foam, and can be swapped out for different comfort profiles and looks. He continued, “It has the support of an athletic shoe with the ease of a slip-on and it looks good with all my travel looks.” 

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