3 Comfortable Yet Chic Sandals Europeans Wear While Traveling

wdc tv news staff

7 hours ago

3 Comfortable Yet Chic Sandals Europeans Wear While Traveling

I travel a lot, which means I spend a lot of time in airports. I’ve become accustomed to all the chaos and travel drama by sticking to my routine and keeping my head down. I locate the perfect charging port—equidistant from the snack kiosk to my gate—and wait patiently for the now-boarding call. As a fashion editor, though, my eyes always wander and wonder who’s wearing what? (Ha!). Usually, the airport shoe game is pretty predictable—trusted Adidas Sambas, slip-on Birkenstock Bostons, or a reliable pair of New Balance. Yet, in all my travels, nothing could have prepared me for this European shoe trend.

On-line for security. Ordering coffee. On standby for boarding. Everywhere I looked, the dogs were out. Open-toed sandals weren’t just the odd outlier. They were the new norm. Athens airport has first-class sandals. From pedicured to buffed, this bungee-breathable style took over the airport runway.

But who let the dogs out? Intentionally Blank, Xero Shoes, and Teva are all in on it—delivering hiker-chic, foot designs with comfort as the central focus. I didn’t expect it, but these styles have completely changed my travel routine. They’re light. Packable. But more importantly, they're wildly comfortable. Now, don’t ask me what happens when you go through security. Just know I’ll be packing an extra pair of socks.

Intentionally Blank

Intentionally Blank

Bungee Strappy Sandals

Intentionally Blank’s Bungee-Strappy Sandals come in three colorways (cherry red, blue, and black-and-white). Their square toe-silhouette and adjustable heel strap offer slip-on ease with a criss-crossed design. Sporty and ready for all your adventures once you land, these strappy sandals should definitely be on your radar. I'm imagining these styled with a pair of baggy shorts and an oversized tee for a sporty-chic airport ‘fit.

Xero

XERO SHOES

Genesis Rope Style Barefoot Sandal

Take a look at the Genesis Rope Style Barefoot Sandal from Xero Shoes. Their ultra-thin, ultra-light soles allow for movement and flex. The thong design promotes motion and comfort, perfect for long travel days full of walking, standing, sitting, and sprinting to your gate. Under-$50, these almost barefoot sandals will support your soles from take-off to landing.

Teva

Teva

Midform Infinity Sandal

And of course, the gladiator-inspired, Teva Midform Infinity Sandal. The adjustable ankle bungee and molded midsoles are made to support you for all-day wear and all-day comfort. Teva supplies a wide range of comfortable sandals that support sustainable initiatives and are designed to move with you. Spotted these on my airport style crush, and haven’t stopped thinking about them since (the sandals, I mean).

Shop More Flight-Ready Sandals

This is your fashion editor speaking—it’s time to let the dogs out. Inspired by these three open-toed, strappy sandals, I went on a deep dive for all the utilitarian-chic styles on the market. I’ve rounded up 27 travel-ready pairs for you to pursue, style, and slip into for your next airport ‘fit.