Travel Editors Share Must-have Shoes for Airport Days

After I requested my coworkers what footwear they really put on to the airport, I believed I’d get just a few predictable sneaker picks. As a substitute, I walked away with a purchasing checklist (and extra browser tabs than I’d wish to admit). From comfortable sneakers that may deal with a 6 a.m. flight dash to clogs and mules trendy sufficient to put on straight right into a weekend itinerary, the recs lined each doable journey day situation and checked all of the packing containers for help, versatility, and ease of wear and tear.

What actually stood out, although, had been the overlaps. A number of editors referred to as out the identical manufacturers, Adidas, Reebok, Birkenstock, and extra, and two even landed on the actual identical pair: the On Cloud 6s. That’s how you realize a shoe’s good—when a bunch of journey editors, who mainly dwell in airports, are all raving about it. Forward, discover each editor’s go-to airport footwear—a mixture of consolation, model, and simply the correct quantity of TSA-friendly swagger.

Finest Total Airport Sneakers

“In relation to airport footwear, I’m strictly a sneaker particular person. I’ve tried every part, from slippers to boots, to sneak below the bags weight restrict, but it surely’s by no means well worth the blisters that observe. Now, I solely attain for sneakers that mix ease, consolation, and elegance—as a result of journey days demand all three. The Steve Madden Verdict Slip-ons and On Cloud 6s are my two staples: each slip on and off effortlessly (sure, I’m a mid-flight shoe remover, however all the time with socks) and are trendy sufficient for any journey outfit. I attain for the Steve Maddens once I’m carrying neutrals, the brown shade is so on-trend, and the On Clouds double as gymnasium and strolling footwear due to their featherlight really feel. The New Balance 530s are my choose for lengthy journey days or marathon connections (taking a look at you, Charles de Gaulle), whereas my colorful Reeboks deliver a enjoyable pop that immediately brightens up any airport look.”

“Consolation is all the time my high precedence throughout journey days, which is why my Birkenstock Boston Clogs are normally the footwear I attain for no matter my vacation spot. They’re simple to slide on and off and are roomy sufficient to pair with cozy socks—plus they match every part from sweatpants to denims and maxi skirts, so I all the time get loads of put on out of them throughout my journey, too. Nevertheless, if I’m not carrying my clogs, the one different pair of footwear I’ll put on throughout journey days is the Adidas Sambas. They’re tremendous light-weight and cozy for lengthy hours on my ft, and I don’t have to fret about them slipping off if I have to run via the airport to make my flight. I like carrying these sneakers whereas sightseeing, too, so I’m all the time comfortable to have them on my ft or in my suitcase whereas touring.”

“After flying to 30+ international locations and extra airports than I can rely, I’ve discovered one common reality: the appropriate footwear make or break your journey day. After I’m sprinting via terminals on 24-hour journeys, my Hoka Clifton L Suede sneakers are my ride-or-die—cloud-like cushioning, tons of bounce, and the right chunky dad-sneaker vitality that also appears to be like stylish with trousers or denims. I’ve additionally change into obsessive about the sporty Adidas Handball Spezial, particularly in chocolate brown (my new impartial). I noticed them all over the place on my current fall journey to Germany and Spain—the chosen airport and sightseeing footwear of each locals and vacationers. For straightforward-on, easy-off consolation for TSA safety and the airplane, I swear by compression socks paired with Oofos clogs—a restoration shoe so soft even nurses rave about them. And once I need peak hygge vibes mid-flight, my Glerups wool slip-ons really feel like airport-approved slippers which might be additionally breathable, sweat-wicking, and odor-free!”

“To remain carry-on-only, I maintain my footwear to a minimal by packing versatile pairs I can put on on each leg of my journey. After I know I’m going to do a number of strolling, I all the time attain for my Saucony Ride 18 Running Shoes due to their well-cushioned design; they’re additionally nice for busy airport days and long-haul flights since their mushy, knit uppers make them roomy (within the hotter months, I will put on my Rothy’s Braid Clogs since they slip on and off and are comfortable to stroll in). If I want one thing that may go from day to nighttime, I deliver my all-white Puma Carinas that go along with every part and are excellent for the stop-and-go airport terminal vitality. However for brief flights and on a regular basis adventures, my Reebok Nano X4s are the perfect choose with their sturdy soles, supportive match, light-weight match, and ache-free reminiscence foam cushioning.”

“I’ve all the time adopted the rule of carrying my heaviest shoe on the airplane. Nevertheless, not too long ago, I’ve worn my Rothy’s The Casual Clogs to maximise my consolation, together with on a current in a single day flight to Amsterdam. The footbed is cushioned and contoured, and I beloved that I wasn’t caught shoving my swollen ft into tight footwear on an extended flight.

On that very same journey, I wanted further baggage house, so I used to be glad my Rothy’s had been simply packable, and I wore my different trusty airport shoe, the Adidas Vl Court Bold Sneaker. These platform sneakers take up a number of baggage room, and fortunately, they’re extraordinarily comfortable to put on, even on an extended flight. They’re versatile, which is good if my ft swell somewhat on the flight, and the cushioned insole lets me comfortably put on them straight from the flight to no matter my subsequent journey is.”

“I’ve been carrying my Brooks Glycerin Stealthfit slip-ons since they first debuted again in 2022. They’re by far probably the most light-weight, comfy strolling footwear I’ve ever owned—not solely do they really feel like strolling on clouds, however they’re almost as mild as one, too. My favourite function of those trainers is their sock-like opening; you don’t need to tie or untie your laces, simply slip them on and also you’re able to go.

I’m an enormous fan of the clogs development proper now, and my favourite pair for journey—second to the Birkenstock Boston clog—are the model’s Tokio clog. Identical to my Bostons, these Birkenstock clogs are versatile and look nice with nearly every part. What makes them shine, although, is their adjustable ankle strap. I can put on these confidently on and off the airplane with out worrying about my ft slipping out of them.”

“My airport shoe alternative is determined by the place I’m headed and what’s on the itinerary—however consolation is non-negotiable. They should be ultra-cushioned, versatile, and prepared for logging steps. On a current mountaineering journey to the Pacific Northwest, I wore my On Cloud sneakers—they’re light-weight but supportive, excellent for going straight from the airplane to the paths. For journeys that require plenty of strolling however a barely extra polished look, I attain for my Veja Campos or Cariuma Tocas, which transition simply from day to nighttime. And once I’m heading straight to my resort or Airbnb to unwind, I slip on my cozy Birkenstock Boston shearling clogs for max consolation in transit—they even double as the right slippers as soon as I’ve settled in.”

“I want my journey footwear to be reliable, cute, and simple to pack so I by no means need to sacrifice suitcase house for them. If I want a sturdy shoe on an extended journey day, I put on my Salomon Rx Marie-Jeanne sneakers. They offer me a classy look with the reliability of a working shoe. I’ve worn these footwear on a five-hour layover, to stroll greater than 25,000 steps, and out to dinner with none discomfort. The Steve Madde Rafe Mule in black leather-based is the place consolation meets model. These slip-on mules make going via airport safety a breeze and permit me to simply take them off on flights when my ft want a break. They’re nice for once I have to hit the bottom working and go straight from the airport to an occasion the place I wish to appear to be I didn’t simply get off of an extended flight!”

“I’m that lady within the airport who is often slogging round in her heaviest and/or ugliest footwear within the identify of packing house and luxury. Over the summer season, I cycled between Kane’s Revive Recover Sneakers and Teva’s Hydratrek Water Sandals, since they’re simple to get on and off via TSA. Regardless of it wanting considerably hideous, I’ll all the time pair them with compression socks as a result of my ft get chilly and I completely don’t wish to contact the gross airport floor. Yuck.

Now that it’s fall, my rotation is heavy on Chelsea boots, which I additionally put on on my travels to avoid wasting on packing house. My present favourite are Danner’s Eastwood Chelsea Boots, that are so comfortable, on and off the airplane. I additionally swear by Teva’s ReEmber Camp Slip Ons, that are virtually travel-proof slippers—the right, cozy pair to rock in your vacation travels this winter.”

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