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Any airport look requires a pair of shoes that are both comfortable and cool at the same time. And to take it a step further, they should serve you throughout the trip – not just on travel days. Whether it’s seeing the sights, hitting happy hour, taking a trip through train stations or taking the long route to dinner, variety is key here.
With equal regard to style and support, these time-tested walking shoes check every box. They are lightweight yet durable, durable yet breathable, easy to fit but never boring. They’ve also been worn dozens of times, from international travel to booked, busy workdays (yes, every one of these picks has made its way through… THROur offices).
Below, seven tried-and-true travel sneakers that don’t compromise fashion for function, or vice versa.
The best travel sneakers of 2026
Better overall
Golf Le Fleur x Converse 1908 Jogger
Everything about this retro-inspired edition from Converse and Tyler, The Creator is clear – day-to-day comfort, creative colors and craftsmanship (that only gets better with time). They also fill a big gap in any wardrobe stacked to the brim with more chunky sneaker styles.
Given the simple, streamlined design of the 1908 Jogger, it can easily be dressed up or down – with a summer dress, a cardigan or biker shorts, a graphic T-shirt and a pair of socks. This makes them the perfect pair to take you straight from the airport to happy hour. At this price point, there is no cooler pair of sneakers on the market.
The most versatile
Nike Zoom Vomero 5
First and foremost, metallic silver is a neutral, which means these Nike shoes have all the benefits of a classic white sneaker without the monotony (and this is coming from a white sneaker loyalist). It’s also the perfect “dad” sneaker without being a “dad” too.
Perhaps my best purchase of 2026, the Vomero 5 is also suitable for flying cross-country or commuting around town. Although it’s technically a running shoe, it’s maintained its status as a street style staple thanks to its 2000s aesthetic and effortless “cool” factor. From the gym to the plane to the vineyard (perhaps paired with a midi skirt), these sneakers have versatility at their core.
The highest
Sandro Lightwave metallic leather sneakers
Returning to low-profile silhouettes, Sandro’s Light Wave sneaker is a sophisticated take on a classic sneaker. And if you can get your hands on the silver pair, it’s the perfect blockbuster metal moment.
Everything from the contrast laces and stylish embroidered logo to the embellished details and supple leather body make them some of the ultimate luxury shoes. In fact, the leather is of good quality and will begin to mold to your feet after just a few wears. And while these sneakers check the same boxes as the 1908 Joggers, thanks to this pair’s all-over leather construction, they can skew even dressier.
Best for sneaker skeptics
Bimba e Lola ballerina shoes 13 28
For a more feminine alternative to your standard walking shoe, opt for a sneaker (ballet flat sneakers), like this suede and nylon pair from Spanish women’s clothing brand Bimba y Lola. These hybrid shoes offer all the traction and stability of a sneaker with the subtle profile and lacing details you get from a ballerina.
While the pair above leans more toward a sneaker, other models — like the Sporty Sneaker from Intentionally Blank — more closely resemble a ballet flat. Additional sneaker favorites include Puma’s favorite Speedcat and this retro number from Tory Burch (especially the olive green and red colorway).
Related to: 11 toiletry bags so well-designed, you’ll want to carry them to dinner
The most comfortable
On cloudtail
As a long-time fan, I was skeptical about the speed of the Cloudtilt laces (also known as non-tie laces). I thought my feet were going to slip. I also thought they would look kind of geeky. In fact, neither has been proven to be true. But don’t take my word for it, Zendaya liked them so much that she created a special edition pair, the Cloudtilt Moon, alongside her longtime “image engineer” Law Roach.
Beyond easy slip-on security (thanks to its slip-on nature), the Cloudtilt is lightweight and exceptionally cushioned, even providing a slight bounce with every step. The mesh is breathable and the ombre-like colors are aesthetically pleasing. I took my actual size and there was no slippage in the heel at all.
Best for all day wear
K-Swiss KSRC Conejo
Get it while you can: KSRC Konejo Revival from K-Swiss is a limited-run reimagining of the classic Y2K game. Extremely comfortable from first wear, these classic shoes are an unexpected, “if you know, you know” choice in the world of chunky sneakers.
If, like me, you love (and can’t stop wearing) the Nike Vomero 5, these are the perfect pair to switch things up. I find myself turning to them when I want something a little more stylish than my favorite Nikes, and although Nikes are a little more flexible, the South Korean runners feel a little more stable and supportive. For an effortlessly cool look, pair with loose denim and your favorite white tee.
Best running shoe
Hello runner
For an ultra-lightweight running shoe that takes you from the trail to travel day, the Alo Runner is a no-brainer. With its sleek, sporty style and monochrome color offerings, the unisex sneaker will quickly become a staple in the athleisure world.
While the other sneakers on this list lean more toward lifestyle than training, the Alo Runner truly feels like a performance shoe—the best choice for taking you from workout to airport. While the all-white and black models are clean and classic (I own both and wear them often), Alo offers a limited-edition seasonal colorway if you’re looking to spice up a basic piece.
About the author
Erin Lassner THRE-commerce writer. She covers shopping content across fashion, beauty and lifestyle, and has nearly a decade of experience testing and reviewing the best skincare, clothing and wellness products.
