:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/tal-cross-retailer-editor-favorite-airport-shoes-tout-97f688cbd0914ec097886222aae5b78e.jpg "28 T+L Editor-Approved Comfortable Airport Shoes")
When I asked my coworkers what shoes they actually wear at the airport, I thought I’d get some predictable sneaker options. Instead, I left with a shopping list (and more browser tabs than I care to admit). From comfortable sneakers that can handle a 6am flight to clogs and mules Stylish enough to use right out of a weekend itinerary, the recommendations covered every possible day-trip scenario and checked all the boxes for support, versatility, and ease of use.
However, what really stood out were the overlays. Several editors mentioned the same brands, Adidas, Reebok, Birkenstock and more, and two even made it to the category exact same pair: The On Cloud 6. That’s how you know a shoe is good: when a bunch of travel editors, who basically live in airports, are raving about it. Below, you’ll find the airport shoes every editor wears: a combination of comfort, style, and just the right amount of TSA-friendly swagger.
Best Airport Shoes Overall
“When it comes to airport shoes, I’m strictly a sneaker person. I’ve tried everything from slippers to boots to sneak under the luggage weight limit, but it’s never worth the blisters that follow. Now, I only look for sneakers that combine ease, comfort, and style, because travel days demand all three. Slip-On Shoes Steve Madden Verdict and On cloud 6 They’re my two staples: they go on and off effortlessly (yes, I’m a mid-flight boot remover, but always with socks) and they’re stylish enough for any travel outfit. I reach the Steve Maddens When I use neutral colors, the brown tone is very fashionable and the in the clouds They work as gym and walking shoes thanks to their lightweight feel. He New Balance 530s are my choice for long days of travel or marathon connections (looking at you, Charles de Gaulle), while my colored reeboks brings a fun pop that instantly brightens any airport look.”
“Comfort is always my top priority during travel days, which is why my Birkenstock Boston Clogs They are generally the shoes I reach for regardless of my destination. They are easy to put on and take off and are roomy enough to pair with comfortable socks; Plus, they go with everything from sweatpants to jeans to long skirts, so I always wear them a lot during my trip too. However, if I don’t wear clogs, the only other pair of shoes I will wear during travel days is the adidas samba. They are super light and comfortable to stand on for long hours, and I don’t have to worry about them slipping if I have to run through the airport to catch my flight. I also love wearing these sneakers when sightseeing, so I’m always happy to have them on my feet or in my suitcase while traveling.”
“After flying to more than 30 countries and more airports than I can count, I’ve learned one universal truth: the right footwear makes or breaks your travel day. When I’m running through terminals on 24-hour trips, my Hoka Clifton L Suede Sneakers are my do or die: cloud-like cushioning, tons of bounce, and the perfect energy of chunky dad sneakers that still look stylish with pants or jeans. I have also become obsessed with sports. Adidas Handball Specialespecially in chocolate brown (my new neutral). I saw them everywhere on my recent fall trip to Germany and Spain: the airport of choice and the tourist footwear of locals and tourists alike. For easy on and off airplane and TSA security, I recommend compression socks paired with Oofos Clogs—A recovery shoe so comfortable that even the nurses rave about it. And when I want the maximum feeling of hygiene in mid-flight, my Glerups wool slip-ons Feel like airport-approved sneakers that are also breathable, sweat-wicking, and odor-free!
“For carry-on only, I keep my shoes to a minimum and pack versatile pairs that I can wear at every stage of my trip. When I know I’ll be doing a lot of walking, I always reach for my Saucony Ride 18 running shoes for its well-padded design; They’re also great for busy days at the airport and long-haul flights, as their soft knit upper makes them roomy (in the warmer months, I’ll wear my Rothy Braided Clogs since they are put on and taken off and are comfortable to walk in). If I need something that can go from day to night, I bring my all-white dress. Puma Carinas They go with everything and are perfect for the intermittent energy of the airport terminal. But for short flights and everyday adventures, my reebok nano x4s are the best choice with their sturdy soles, supportive fit, lightweight fit, and pain-free memory foam cushioning.”
“I have always followed the rule of wearing my heaviest shoe on the plane. However, recently, I have worn my Rothy’s casual clogs to maximize my comfort, even on a recent overnight flight to Amsterdam. The footbed is cushioned and contoured, and I loved not having to be stuck stuffing my swollen feet into tight shoes during a long flight.
On that same trip, I needed extra luggage space, so I was glad my Rothys were easy to pack and used my other trusty airport shoe, the Adidas Vl Court Bold Sneakers. These platform sneakers take up a lot of space in your luggage and, fortunately, are extremely comfortable to wear, even on a long flight. “They’re flexible, which is great if my feet swell a little during the flight, and the cushioned footbed allows me to wear them comfortably from the flight to whatever my next adventure is.”
“I’ve been using my Brooks Glycerin Stealthfit Slip-on Sneakers since they first debuted in 2022. They are by far the lightest and most comfortable walking shoes I have ever owned; Not only do they make you want to walk on clouds, but they are also almost as light as one. My favorite feature of these running shoes is their sock-like opening; You don’t have to tie or untie the laces, just put them on and you’re ready to go.
I’m a big fan of the clog trend right now, and my favorite pair for traveling, after the Birkenstock Boston clog, are the brand’s. Tokyo clog. Just like my Bostons, these Birkenstock clogs are versatile and look great with almost everything. However, what makes them shine is their adjustable ankle strap. “I can confidently wear them on and off the plane without worrying about my feet slipping.”
“My choice of airport shoes depends on where I’m going and the itinerary, but comfort is non-negotiable. They should be cushioned, versatile, and ready for big strides. On a recent hiking trip to the Pacific Northwest, I wore my On Cloud sneakers—They’re lightweight but supportive, perfect for going straight from the plane to the trails. For trips that require a lot of walking but a slightly more polished appearance, I use my Veja Campos either Cariuma Tocasthat easily go from day to night. And when I head straight to my hotel or Airbnb to relax, I put on my dresser Birkenstock Boston shearling clogs for maximum comfort in transit; “They even make perfect slippers once I’m settled in.”
“I need my travel shoes to be reliable, cute, and easy to pack so I never have to sacrifice suitcase space for them. If I need a sturdy shoe on a long day of travel, I use my Salomon Rx Marie-Jeanne sneakers. They give me a stylish look with the reliability of a running shoe. I’ve worn these shoes on a five-hour layover, walking over 25,000 steps, and going out to dinner without any discomfort. He Mule Steve Madde Rafe Black leather is where comfort meets style. These slip-on mules make it easy to get through airport security and allow me to easily take them off on flights when my feet need a break. “They are great for when I need to start work and go straight from the airport to an event where I want to look like I didn’t just get off a long flight!”
“I’m that girl at the airport who usually rides in her heaviest and/or ugliest shoes for the sake of packing space and comfort. Over the summer, I biked between Kane Revive Recover Sneakers and Teva Hydratrek water sandals, since they are easy to get on and off through TSA. Even though it looks a little horrible, I always wear them with compression socks because my feet get cold and I don’t want to touch the gross airport floor. Disgusting.
Now that it’s fall, my rotation is focused on Chelsea boots, which I also wear on my trips to save luggage space. My current favorites are Danner Eastwood Chelsea Bootswhat are they so comfortable, on and off the plane. I swear too Teva ReEmber Camp Slip-On Trainers“which are practically travel-proof slippers – the perfect cozy pair to wear on your holiday trips this winter.”
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