The 7 most comfortable men's travel shoes, tested for city walking, beach vacations, and beyond

Advice from your tester

When choosing the best travel shoe, start with your destination. Consider the terrain — paved, rocky, or hilly — along with the weather and whether you'll need something dressy for dinners or other occasions. These factors will help determine the right style.

Comfort is just as important, so pay attention to fit and construction. Look for enough room in the toe box to prevent blisters without excess space at the heel, which can cause chafing. Supple leather, canvas, or stretchy mesh uppers offer some give and help prevent pinching, while a shock-absorbing foam midsole adds cushioning, and a flexible rubber outsole provides reliable traction.

Lastly, the best men's travel shoes are versatile and should work with most of the wardrobe items that you've packed. I'm all about the carry-on, so I travel light, with just a few pairs of travel pants and a mix of long- and short-sleeved shirts. Whatever shoe I'm wearing has to pair well with everything, so I try to stick with one in a solid color and minimal design.

"Fewer design details mean more pairing options," agrees men's personal stylist Turner Allen. "Instead of working against your look, minimal sneakers will help support it." If you're wearing dress shoes, oxblood or burgundy-leaning tones work with black and brown accessories. "This enables you to pack one less pair of shoes and have one less thing to think about," says Allen.

There are many brands that make excellent travel shoes, but here are three that stood out in my testing:

• Kizik: The sneaker brand specializes in hands-free footwear for work and play, and has a collection of travel shoes in a range of styles. The Vegas 2 is one of its best. It's sleek, comfortable, and has an understated design that suits casual and smart occasions.
• Diadora: The Italian sportswear brand is known for athletic shoes like the Nuceleo 2. The running shoe is actually the best walking shoe in this list because it's light, breathable, and provides a springy, soft landing with every step.
• Keen: Based in Portland, Oregon, Keen knows a thing or two about rainy climates. So it's no surprise that it excels at making fantastic water-repellent footwear like the Hightrail Waterproof Hiking Shoe. Available in six cool colorways, the athletic shoe uses waterproofing technology on the exterior and interior to guarantee that feet stay dry.

How I tested the best travel shoes for men

I have a wide foot and typically wear a standard size 10. To determine the best travel shoes for men, I did a lot of walking over the course of two months in sneakers, walking shoes, dress shoes, slip-ons, sandals, running shoes, and trail shoes.

I gave each pair a run-through at least two times in New York City, testing them on smooth sidewalks, cobblestone streets, grassy and uneven park terrain, and subway stairs. A few even journeyed with me on a two-day business trip to Seattle.

After testing the shoes, I evaluated them using several different criteria. First and foremost, how comfortable they were. I considered whether the upper felt stiff or flexible, and if the outsole was rigid or moved with my foot. More importantly, I noted how much cushioning the shoe offered and whether walking on rough or uneven ground took a toll on my feet.

Since the shoes would be worn in different climates, I included some that were breathable and water-resistant. Durability and quality were also key factors. I ruled out any shoes that weren't well-made or not made for the long run. And finally, I looked at their versatility. Does the design and colorway work with casual and polished looks or should you pack a second pair of shoes? If so, how much space will they take up in a suitcase?

Best overall travel shoes for men: Kizik Men's Vegas 2

The Kizik Vegas 2 is everything you could ask for in a travel shoe. Right out of the box, the shoes were extremely comfortable — to the point that I let out a happy "Ohh!" when I slipped them on. The toe box had room for movement, and the supple leather upper needed no breaking in. Despite being shockingly lightweight, the Vegas 2 offered plenty of support and cushioning. The rubber outsole also provided excellent heel-to-toe traction as I walked the rocky, uneven path of a nearby park.

But here's where it gets better: The Vegas 2 has a sleek design that works with casual and smart looks. You can wear it with jeans and a tee for a day of sightseeing or chinos, a dress shirt, and a jacket for dinner. It comes in five colors (I like Mole/Whitecap Gray, pictured above) and two suede styles that can easily be incorporated into any wardrobe. In other words, this is the only shoe you need for your trip.

Another reason Kizik's Vegas 2 is a standout is its hands-free, "step-in" design for people with limited mobility or flexibility. Slide your foot in, and the heel compresses and springs back for a secure fit.

Whether you're hitting the road or roaming one in your hometown, the Vegas 2 will have you striding in style.

Best budget travel shoes for men: Quince Italian Leather & Suede Lifestyle Trainer

Quince's $95 sneakers are inspired by the ones worn by German soldiers for military training in the 1970s. I tested a similar pair that cost triple the price for our best office sneakers guide, and I can honestly say that Quince's gives them a run for their money. The Italian Leather & Suede Lifestyle Trainer is an elevated everyday shoe with a padded collar and removable foam insole. The leather upper was somewhat stiff out of the box but began to stretch and soften immediately as I started walking. Pro tip: Take them for a spin at least one day before you travel.

This is not a traditional "bouncy" walking shoe, so the rubber outsole has some rigidity, but my feet felt fine as I walked for hourlong stretches at a time. Quince's budget-friendly trainer comes in classic white with contrasting leather and suede, as well as a sophisticated all-black version, which I tested. Each can be worn with laid-back and smart outfits, but I find that the black hides dirt better and works with evening looks.

Best walking shoes for travel: Diadora Nucleo 2

Let's get this out of the way: Diadora's Nucleo 2 shoes are chunky. And they're technically a running shoe. But they were hands-down the best walking shoes of all the pairs I tested. In fact, during a 40-minute stroll, they left me so gobsmacked that I had to stop and text my friends, telling them, "I feel like I'm walking on two mini mattresses!" Seriously! The thick, high-density foam insole had me bouncing—in a good way—as I walked the cobblestone streets of the Meatpacking District then climbed four flights of stairs to my apartment. The shoes were so ridiculously comfortable that I didn't want to take them off, but out of respect for my downstairs neighbor, I did.

Diadora's lightweight shoe has a breathable nylon upper, and comes in 12 colors that range from lime green to light gray. I went with all black, but if you want something more zippy, you've got lots of options. The Nucleo 2's athletic design definitely leans casual, so if you have plans that call for smart or business casual attire, add a dressier pair of shoes to your suitcase.

And if the Nucleo 2 is just a little too chunky for your taste, try Teva's Hurricane Trailsetter Trail Running Shoe, which deserves an honorable mention in this category. It has most of the same attributes that I love about the Nucleo 2, with a more streamlined profile and more subtle colorways.

Best slip-on travel shoes for men: Vans Premium Slip-On Shoe

Vans's iconic footwear has long been a favorite of the skate community and has since become a streetwear staple. The Premium Slip-On Shoe takes one of the brand's classic styles and gives it an upgrade, with an upper crafted from sturdier canvas and an enhanced foam insole for all-day comfort. I sometimes have trouble getting my wide foot into slip-ons and loafers, but this shoe went on easily thanks to its elastic side panels. The cushy kicks delivered both flexibility and support, making them ideal for the streets, beachy boardwalks, and long plane or train rides.

The Premium Slip-On is lightweight and packable, with a simple, sleek design that goes with shorts, jeans, and chinos. The all-black version, which I tested, can also work with a well-tailored suit for occasions with a more relaxed dress code, like a casual outdoor wedding. I wore the slip-ons with dark denim jeans to grab coffee with a friend, who told me multiple times during our catch-up how much she loved my Vans. Same here!

Best dress shoes for travel: Johnston & Murphy Conard 2.0 Cap Toe

If you're traveling for a wedding or a special occasion that requires a suit, you're going to need a dress shoe. Thankfully, Johnston & Murphy's Conard 2.0 Cap Toe, which we named one of the best business casual shoes, is just about as comfortable as a sneaker. But I'll admit that when I first unboxed these oxfords, I was concerned. The shoes looked like they'd be narrow and stiff, much like the type that typically make my feet throb and give me blisters.

Once I took the Conards out of the box, however, I realized that they were actually very lightweight and pliable. I didn't struggle to get them on, and they didn't cut into my feet. Since they're cushioned at the footbed, tongue, and heel, I experienced no pain, just bliss. The Conard 2.0 Cap Toe has beautiful brogueing at the toe box, vamp, and counter, and comes in a Tan Full Grain color that works with a suit, jeans, and chinos. It's a very attractive dress shoe for travel, at a very attractive price point.

Best sandals for travel: G.H. Bass Reed Fisherman Mini Lug Sandal

G.H. Bass's Larson Weejuns are one of the best loafers you can buy, and its Reed Fisherman Sandal is also superb. The caged upper is made from shiny leather with a buttery-soft lining. The straps of some sandals I tested irritated my feet, but the Reed Fisherman's were silky smooth. The sandal's fit is true to size and my toes didn't feel squished or restrained. Its whale-tail buckle kept my foot securely in place and prevented it from sliding up and down in the heel cup. I also found that the thick rubber lug sole was wonderfully flexible—moreso than some of the open-toe sandals I tested. Personally, I prefer a cage sandal over an open-toe because it just looks smarter, whether you wear it with shorts, linen pants, or denim.

Business Insider Reviews writer Adam Mansuroglu also tested the Reed Fisherman Sandal and is a big fan. "The plush leather footbed also has more memory foam cushioning than I expected, giving it a more premium feel," he said. "They're polished, durable, and built to wear in nicely with every summer scuff."

While the Reed Fisherman sandals aren't flat like open-toes, they are easy to compress and fit into a suitcase.

Best waterproof travel shoes for men: Keen Hightrail Waterproof Hiking Shoe

I love visiting London in the spring but the weather is always a gamble. It can be chilly and rainy one day, and sunny and rainy the next. Either way, it will rain, which is why I'm wearing Keen's Hightrail Waterproof Hiking Shoe on my next trip. It has the cushiony comfort of a sneaker, a waterproof, mud-repelling leather and mesh upper, and an all-terrain rubber sole for stability and traction. The interior also features a proprietary "bootie" that seals out moisture and keeps feet dry. I wore the Hightrails on a rainy day in New York City and even stepped in a puddle to see if they lived up to the hype. I'm happy to report that they repelled water nicely and my socks didn't get soaked.

The Hightrail fits true to size and has a more solid and structured sole than other men's travel shoes I tested. For a hiking shoe, it's surprisingly slick. It comes in six rich earth tones and the upper utilizes contrasting colors that add character without looking busy. The Hightrail is strictly a casual shoe and not the right fit if you're traveling for a business meeting or dining at a Michelin Star restaurant. But if you're spending a lot of time outdoors, going someplace where it's always rainy season (hello, Seattle!), or hiking the trails, these shoes will take you far.