The Best Shoes for Travel In Europe – Comfortable Footwear Essentials

Last Updated on January 12, 2026 by Martina McKeough

Let’s talk about the best shoes for travel in Europe because if you are going on vacation there this summer you are going to need footwear that is practical, stylish and more importantly comfortable.

Unless you are planning to lounge on a Spanish or Italian beach for the entire holiday I can guarantee you that one thing you are going to be doing a lot of is walking especially if you are visiting one of the major European cities. If you choose the wrong shoes you are going to find that your summer vacation soon turns to agony because of blisters, shoes bites, tiredness and general discomfort.

Comfortable and stylish shoes and sneakers are a must so here’s what you need to know as well as what you can buy to make sure your trip to Europe goes to plan.

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Europe is a Big Place

I’ll start by mentioning that Europe is a big place and takes in a huge range of different environments and terrains. The best shoes for travel in Europe will very much depend on where you are planning to visit, what you are going to do there and the time of year you are visiting.

I won’t mention all the countries that make up Europe because they are many but over the years I have visited or worked in most of them including Germany, Denmark, France, The Netherlands, The Czech Republic, Iceland, Ireland, Norway, The UK, Italy and Spain. Here are some of the things you are going to need to think about before packing:

The Time of Year – Places like Norway, Iceland, Sweden and Poland can get very cold in winter. That means for a winter vacation you are going to need comfortable shoes that have a good grip. Whilst in Summer Italy, Spain, Turkey and Portugal can get very hot that means you need breathable lightweight shoes so that you have comfortable feet.

The Terrain – If you have never been to France, Italy or Spain you might not be aware of the cobblestone streets and huge hilly windy paths in the towns and cities. Alternatively in places like Switzerland or France there are plenty of opportunities for hiking so that you can see the stunning views. This means that comfortable shoes with traction become essential for your trip.

The Weather – It is a given that places like the UK and Ireland have their fair share of rain even in the summer but did you know that this is also the case in places like Italy? The worst thunderstorm I have ever been in was in Sorrento in Italy when the heavens opened and there was torrential rain and lightening. I could have really done with a pair of waterproof shoes that day.

Where You are visiting – When I’m on holiday I do a lot. I probably spend a good time walking around cities sightseeing but I will also head to the beach for some days. I might have a casual dinner one evening but then go to a five star restaurant another. Or I may take day trips to hilly, uneven areas, dusty areas (Pompeii comes to mind) to see more unusual sights. That means I need a few different types of shoes to wear on my trip.

So what should you bring knowing all this? Here’s some of the best shoes for travel in Europe that are comfortable, practical and stylish.

Is It Ok To Wear Sneakers in Europe?

The best shoes for travel in Europe are going to be sneakers.

I know there is a whole myth out there on the internet that Europeans can be super stylish so they don’t wear sneakers. Nothing can actually be further from the truth.

No matter what country you visit in Europe you will find that everyone wears sneakers because they are the ultimate comfort shoe plus with various marketing hype some brands are known to be uber trendy making them highly sought after.

Of course you can opt for the latest must have designs if you want but I am all about comfort so here is what I recommend.

Dr. Scholl’s Shoes Women’s Time Off Sneaker

Yes I know that brands like Nike and Addidas as all the rage but sometimes it is the under the radar names that actually make the comfortable shoes that people want to wear.

If you are exploring Europe you can’t go wrong with these Dr Scholl’s sneakers. When I was a kid Dr Scholl’s used to be associated with frumpy shoes and clogs but now the brand has had a bit of a glow up. In fact in reviews for this pair of sneakers people have compared them to Converse designs and even Alexander McQueen.

What you do need to know is that if you have wide feet and want arch support these are the sneakers for you. Plus they have superb cushioning and support.

If you are worried about sustainability it is also worth noting that they aren’t just comfortable but parts of the sneakrs are made from recycled bottles.

These come in a range of different colors in case you are worried about the white and make great stylish walking shoes for Europe.

 

Fitflop Women’s Sneaker

Whilst I have pairs of FitFlop shoes and sandals which I’ll talk about later I had never tried their sneakers before until my friend told me about how comfortable hers were for walking.

She has a problem with her ankle so needs supportive and comfortable athletic shoes to wear otherwise she is in a lot of pain. She found that wearing sneakers like these Fitflops made a world of difference when she was recently on holiday in Seville Spain. She loved them so much she bought two pairs.

These are great sneakers for walking around in because they have such amazing cushioning and are also light and flexible making them perfect for hotter countries.

They are also really supportive which is great when you need arch support for your feet. Plus these are made from leather making them hardwearing, breathable and great waterproof vacation shoes.

 

Skechers Women’s D’Lites Fresh Start Memory Foam Lace-up Sneaker Fashion

When writing about comfortable sneakers and athletic shoes it’s impossible not to talk about Sketchers especially as they tend to be at a great price point.

I own a number of Sketchers styles and they really do make some of the best walking shoes for Europe especially if you are on city breaks.

If you know that the weather is going to be sunny and fine for your trip then you can get away with their mesh style designs like the Go-Walk styles. However I wanted to mix up my recommendations to include shoes with a little more traction as well as waterproofing for autumn and winter in colder European countries.

These D’Lites are really affordable and have great cushioning and arch support. Plus they are mostly made from leather which increases their durability.

What I like is the rubber traction outsole what will serve you well on more uneven terrain or wet cobblestones making them great sneakers for colder, wetter weather.

 

 

Sandals To Wear in Europe

The best shoes for travel in Europe obviously include sandals. If you are heading to cities in mainland Europe like France, Italy, Spain and Portugal the spring, summer and early autumn weather tends to be hot which means it is a perfect excuse to wear sandals whilst you are walking about.

Now I do have a problem with sandals in that many of the comfortable styles tend to be relatively ugly. I do always prioritize comfort when I am exploring a city but I do sometimes cringe at some of the styles on offer. Teva sandals come to mind and a great example of practical shoes that look frumpy. They may be super comfortable but they never strike me as stylish.

So here are some possibilities you could try if you are looking for maximum comfort when walking about visiting Europe but which are stylish or neutral.

Vionic Women’s Awaken Ankle Straps Heeled Sandal

If you are a regular reader of my articles you will know that I am continually banging on about Vionic shoes and sandals as a great choice especially if you have problematic feet.

I discovered them when I was looking for shoes to help with my plantar fasciitis and after that first pair I have continued to buy their shoes again and again.

I particularly like these Awaken Sandals because they are neutral and stylish. In other words I can wear them without standing out as having ugly orthopedic sandals on.

As they are adjustable they are great for adjusting to your feet and they are really comfortable because of the cushioning.

They are great for walking on pavements and around the famous sites and would also look good in the evening if you dress up.

 

FitFlop Women’s Lulu Leather Toe-Post Thong Sandals

For those of you who are fans of flip flops but don’t find them cushioned or supportive enough then it makes sense to look at FitFlops Lulu Thong sandals.

Whilst they give a nod to the traditional flip-flops they look different because of their super thick sole. This is what gives them their super cushioning and makes them so comfortable to wear for hours on end.

Their micro wobble board technology makes them stand out and all I know is that I can walk for ages in them and my feet feel comfortable.

I still recommend a cheap pair of flip-flops to wear around the pool or on the beach. That’s because they are cheap, easy to pack and won’t get ruined in the salt water and sand. FitFlops aren’t cheap so it is worth preserving them rather than wearing them in places where they are going to get trashed.

 

Mysoft Women’s Summer Walking Sandals 

Finally if you are on a budget how about these keenly priced walking sandals.

Again I love these because they come in some great neutral colors that will match anything you choose to wear on vacation. Plus once again they don’t stand out as being old fashioned comfortable shoes.

These have a latex pad which in the midsole and an air cushion to make them comfortable whilst you are walking around.

These will look good when you are wearing casual clothes like shorts and t-shirts but also look great if you wear them with a dress. These are practical, simple and stylish and great value walking sandals.

Ballet Flats For Smarter Occasions

My experience of visiting most European countries is that I spend a good portion of the day sightseeing and then return to the hotel for a siesta before heading out to dinner in the evening.

Whilst you can of course continue to wear some of the sandals and sneakers I mentioned earlier it is nice to dress up a little which is why I love to pack a pair of ballet flats into my luggage.

The best shoes for travel in Europe need to be functional, easy to carry and suitable for your visit. This is why I love ballet flats in neutral colors because they are perfect for spring and summer and take up virtually no room in your suitcase. You can also try a variation of ballet flats which is flat mary jane shoes as well. Here are a few of my favorite ballet flats for holidays:

Tory Burch Women’s Minnie Travel Ballet Flats

If you aren’t looking for budget ballet flats then these Tory Burch shoes are a classic wardrobe staple that you will wear again and again.

These have a rubber sole for comfort and traction and are made from leather making them more hard wearing than some cheaper brands.

I particularly love the elasticated backs which means they fit more securely than some brands.

FitFlop Women’s Allegro Bow Leather Ballerinas Ballet Flat

I’ve already talked about the Fitflop brand and their sandals but I also love their ballet flats which come in a range of different colors either with or without a bow.

What I love about these is that they are cushioned and they are one of the few pairs of shoes that I have been able to wear immediately without breaking them in.

Mine are black but these cute beige or carol colors are perfect for vacation wear.

 

Naturalizer Women’s Vivienne Ballet Flat

These Naturlizer ballet flats come in a large range of neutral colors so you can choose something that matches your outfits.

These are elegant and chic and are perfect for wearing with skinny jeans, dresses or skirts on an evening out.

Again these are cushioned which is perfect if your feet are tired after a long day of walking and you need a really comfortable shoe for your night out.

 

 

 

 

Best Walking Shoes For Europe

A step up from sneakers are walking and hiking boots. I’ve added a few of these partly because people do obviously go on vacation to Europe when it is colder. Plus parts of Europe are known for their mountains and hiking routes like Switzerland and parts of France, Spain and Italy.

That means you are going to need something a little more robust to cope with the more challenging conditions.

Sorel Women’s Kinetic Impact Caribou Waterproof Shoes

I thought I would mention these Sorel waterproof shoes because these are exactly the type of footwear that is great on your feet when you are walking around icy or snowy cities like Reykjavik in Iceland, Helsinki in Finland or Stockholm in Sweden to mention a few of my favorite colder European vacation breaks.

Obviously as the weather is colder in these areas especially in the height of winter these keep your fee warm and cozy.

I partly chose these because they are built for comfort and cushioning but most importantly because of the rubber outsole for traction.

Having walked on sidewalks in Moscow, Oslo, Reykjavik and Helsinki and many other colder climates I know how slippery they can be especially when you are wearing ordinary walking shoes or boots. Whilst locals may be used to it (I saw Russians wearing high heels in the snow) I am not and with a dodgy hip I need footwear to keep me upright and so will you.

Columbia Women’s Newton Ridge Plus Waterproof Amped Hiking Boot

If you are intending going walking in Europe and by that I mean along hikes and trails you are also going to need a little bit more than sneakers.

Hiking Shoes and boots are ideal if you are doing lots of walking and there are plenty of different styles to choose from. The most popular of which is the Columbia New Ridge Waterproof boots.

These come in a range of colors so you can choose ones to match your particular needs and are created to be really durable.

Whilst they have great cushioning for comfort you are really buying them for the great traction the rubber outsole is giving you which is suitable for more problematic terrain.

These will be perfect when you are exploring Europe outside of the main cities and towns.

Deciding What Shoes To Pack For Europe

Deciding what the best shoes for travel in Europe are isn’t that difficult when you figure out where you are going and what the weather is going to be like.

Three pairs of shoes is usually more than enough when you are visiting Europe. Most people can get away with trainers, sandals and one part of smart shoes in spring, summer and autumn making packing light and easy. This makes sense especially with airlines charging so much for luggage now.

If you are heading to a colder European destination in winter remember to try and wear your heaviest shoes on the plane to prevent going over your luggage allowance.

Oh and finally don’t forget to leave room in your suitcase to bring some shoes back with you especially if you are visiting places like France or Italy that make beautiful footwear. You can often find some amazing quality shoes at great prices that you might want to bring back with you.

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