Last Updated on January 23, 2026 by Martina McKeough
Thanksgiving is nearly here which means a whirlwind of long car rides, busy airports, cooking marathons and post dinner walks. It is lovely to spend time catching up with family and friends but there is one thing most people forget about which is their feet. Choosing the right shoes to wear can make a huge difference between navigating the season with ease or ending up painful tired feet. So I thought I would talk about the best shoes for Thanksgiving travel and the busy days inbetween.
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Best Shoes for Thanksgiving Airport Travel
If there is one thing I know about airports and plane travel is that you spend lots of time either standing in queues, walking long distances to terminals and sitting in tiny seats with little leg room sometimes for hours on end. Of course you need to dress comfortably for the aiport but one of the first things I always think about is what am I going to put on my feet.
You are potentially going to be wearing your shoes for hours on end with little opportunity to change them so you need something that isn’t going to be causing you any discomfort during the time you are away. The best travel shoes for Thanksgiving aiport travel should be supportive, breathable and easy to take on and off.
1. Slip-On Sneakers
Slip-on sneakers are a lifesaver for airport travel. They’re easy to remove at security checkpoints and comfortable for walking through terminals. Brands like Allbirds, Rothy’s, and Skechers offer stylish options that give you both cushioning and support.
I can’t count the number of times I’ve been asked to take off my footwear for security checks and I soon learned that lace up shoes are not the way to go. If I wear them I’m flustered trying to untie them whilst there is a line of people behind me and then I’ve got to find a seat once I’ve gone through security to put them back on again.
This problem is even worse if like me you have limited mobility because of a hip operation. This means I need a seat that is just the right height to be able to bend sufficiently to do laced shoes up
Sketchers Glide-Step-Pursuit Hands Free Slip-ins Sneaker
These have been a game-changer for me for air travel as the backs of these sneakers don’t bend or contort when I slip my feet into them. This means I can put them on and take them off easily without bending down. They also are really comfortable and supportive which is great for when I’m walking around.
Yes I know they aren’t the trendiest of sneakers but sometimes practicality wins out.
2. Travel Loafers
For a polished look without sacrificing comfort, travel loafers are a great choice. Look for cushioned insoles, flexible soles, and breathable materials like leather or knit. Loafers can also double as dinner shoes, saving valuable suitcase space.
Hey Dude Wendy Sox
Hey Dude do a great line in this style of shoes which are great for airport travel. Whilst I wouldn’t want to wear them much outside in Autumn they are perfect for wearing in airports and on a plane. Plus they are really lightweight to pack.
3. Supportive Flats
Not all flats are created equal. When traveling, look for flats with built-in arch support, shock absorption, and padded soles. Vionic and Naturalizer offer travel-friendly flats designed with ergonomics in mind.
If you regularly read my blog you will know I am a huge fan of these brands with a particular love of Vionic shoes. They do a great line of slip-on flat sneakers which are trend led.
Vionic Kearney Sneaker
Shoes To Wear For Long Thanksgiving Drives
Of course not everyone flies to their destination on Thanksgiving. If you are one of those people who have a long drive ahead of you then getting the right shoes to wear in the car is super important.
All of the shoes that I mentioned for airport travel are also great for wearing in the car. Just make sure that the footwear you put on isn’t falling off your feet and has reasonable traction so you don’t slip off the car pedals.
Calvin Klein Women’s Lisa Loafer Flat
I actually keep a pair of leather driving loafers in the car instead of using my normal shoes and sneakers. Pick a leather pair if you can for Thanksgiving driving as you want something on your feet that can deal with Autumn weather without getting your feet wet.
Stylish Yet Practical Thanksgiving Day Footwear
What you wear on the actual day of Thanksgiving depends on what you are going to be doing.
If you are the person preparing the food then you want to be wearing something comfortable when you are standing around in the kitchen. Remember you can always slip into something a little more comfortable for the main meal if you are all dressing up.
The sneakers I mentioned earlier work great but if you have been wearing them the previous day for travel sometimes you want to give them a day off.
Birkenstock Boston Clogs
I like my Boston clogs which are great comfort when I doing any cooking. I can slip them on and off plus they have reasonable arch support.
When its time for the main meal I just switch out my shoes for one of the following:
Chunky Loafers
Chunky loafers are both on-trend and comfortable. Look for pairs with padded footbeds and a slight heel to give you height without pain. These work well with dresses, skirts, or tailored trousers.
I tend to pack these for when I have room in the car when I’m driving. They are perfect for Autumn plus I can wear them for post dinner strolls. However they are heavy which isn’t always ideal if you are flying and have restrictions on your baggage allowance. If that is the case switch them out for something lighter.
Steve Madden Women’s Lotto Penny Loafer
Low Block Heels
If you prefer heels, go for block heels under two inches. They’re easier on your feet than stilettos and give you more stability. Brands like Clarks and Sam Edelman and Vionic give you some great options to wear.
Vionic Women’s Pump Heel Sandal Carmel Shoes with Arch Support
Leather Ankle Boots
Leather ankle boots are also really versatile and you can dress them up or down for the occasion. Plus they are more supportive than ballet flats. I have a whole article about the best ankle boots for fall which will give you some options for the Thanksgiving feast.
Ballet Flats
Finally ballet flats are easy to pack, look smart and are also comfortable. They are great for occasions where you want to look put together but really don’t want to wear heels.
The only issue is that if the weather is really bad you need another pair of shoes or boots to wear if you are going to be outside. Tory Burch Minnie ballet flats do however also work at airports so they could save you valuable packing space.
Tory Burch Women’s Reva Ballet Flats
Comfortable Shoes for Post-Dinner Walks
Finally when the meal is over are you a family that likes to stretch your legs and go for a walk. Whether you are just doing a stroll with the dog or are trying to burn off some of those Thanksgiving meal calories you are going to need something on your feet that is warm, comfortable and weather appropriate.
Sneakers like the ones I’ve mentioned earlier are fine if it isn’t too cold or wet underfoot however it is worth thinking about bringing something a little bit more substantial with you.
Waterproof ankle boots are generally my favorite choice and there are loads on the market you can choose from.
I’m a little bit in love with the Sorel brand at the moment as the soles on their shoes are iconic. Plus their boots and sneakers are really comfortable.
Again think about your packing space if you are flying as boots take up more room but sometimes they are essential if you are going somewhere colder or wetter.
SOREL Women’s Kinetic Impact Conquest Plus Waterproof Boot
Footwear Tips for Thanksgiving Weekend Packing
The key for packing for the Thanksgiving weekend is to avoid bringing multiple pairs of shoes with you that take up lots of room. Footwear is usually the heaviest item in your luggage apart from toiletries so do some planning to minimize how much you are going to bring with you.
I can usually get away with two or three pairs of shoes without a problem.
Choose Versatile Colors
Stick to neutral tones like black, brown, taupe, or navy. These will pair well with most fall outfits and reduce the need for multiple pairs of shoes that you don’t need.
Prioritize Multi-Purpose Shoes
Pick one pair that can do double duty like stylish ankle boots that are also weather-resistant, or sneakers that work at the airport but can also be used for after dinner walks.
Check the Weather
Always check the forecast before you pack. If rain or snow is expected, waterproof options become essential. You can always put a pair of lightweight shoes like ballet flats into your case to wear at dinner.
Use Packing Aids
Use shoe bags to keep dirty soles off your clothes and consider compression packing cubes to maximize space.
Don’t Forget Cozy Socks
Good socks make a difference. Pack thermal or cushioned socks to pair with boots and prevent blisters. Remember don’t bring new shoes that you haven’t worn before with you. This isn’t the time to try to break them in. Stick to old faithfuls that you know are comfortable on your feet.
Choose Shoes That Keep You Cozy and Mobile
Choosing the best shose for Thanksgiving travel doesn’t have to be hard if you stick with my tips.
Remember you want footwear that is comfortable, supportive and that doesn’t cause you any foot pain. Whether you’re traveling across the country or just heading out for a family stroll after dinner, the right shoes should carry you through the holiday season with ease.
So take a moment before the holiday rush to plan your footwear now. That way you will be prepared and ready to go when the time to travel comes round.
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