When I went to Europe for the first time in my young 20’s, I decided to stay for 4 months with nothing but a backpack full of clothes and two pairs of shoes. Most of the time, I looked very grungy — but that’s because I didn’t have the luxury of dressing up for my adventures!
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Fast forward about 6 or 7 years — long gone are those backpacking days! These days, I need real hotels and want to actually dress up when I’m on trips! And that includes pairing my outfits with shoes that are actually cute.
If you’re anything like me, your past walking shoe dilemma might have involved a constant battle between unsightly running shoes that clashed with your fashion choices and flats that, although cute, left your feet uncomfortable, sweaty, and, let’s face it, not smelling like roses (TMI, but you get it).
For years in my young 20s, I had stuck with the jeans + tennis shoe look because that was all I knew about comfort. Comfortable walking shoes = running shoes. Right?
Well, I’m definitely not about wearing Nikes with skinny jeans anymore. I’ve grown. Over the years, I’ve discovered some truly cute walking shoes that are perfect for walking around Europe!
The shoes in my list below will give off more of a casual walking shoe look as opposed to shoes that look way too sporty and “tennis shoe”-like. I know that look is trending, but I’m not here for it.
These shoes are going to be stylish and cute to the point that you’re going to feel comfortable wearing them with shorts, pants, and even a dress!
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👉 In a nutshell: My go-tos are the ECCO Soft 7 Sneakers and the Vionic Winny Casual Sneaker. That said, if you don’t mind the running-shoe look, the HOKA Bondis are among the best shoes for comfort and foot health (you can usually find the cutest colors at Free People and Anthropologie).
SHOES FEATURED IN THIS GUIDE:
Table of Contents
1. ECCO Soft 7 Sneakers
TWE FAVORITE
Available for both men and women
If you’ve read any of my other posts, chances are you’ve probably seen me recommend these bad boys before. I LOVE these shoes dearly — both my partner and I have a pairs of our own, and we never go anywhere without packing them with us! (I have three pairs myself.)
If you’re not familiar with the brand, ECCO is loved by nurses and other professionals who need to be on their feet all day long. That’s because ECCO shoes are designed for comfort and support, and the Soft 7 Sneakers are no exception. They have incredible arch support and cushioning, making them perfect for walking around all day.
And the best part? They’re super stylish! It’s truly the perfect low-profile, everyday sneaker that exudes a more refined look due to the smooth leather they’re made with. They come in a range of classic earth-toned colors (with white and black being my faves), so you can easily pair them with just about any outfit.
When it comes to travel, the ECCO Soft 7 Sneakers are a staple for me.
Want a pair that can handle the rain? They also have a waterproof Soft 7 version made with GORE-TEX.
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2. Vionic Winny Casual Sneaker
TWE FAVORITE
Available for women
The Vionic Winny Casual Sneaker is a popular walking shoe that’s easy on the eyes, simple, cute, and has also received the APMA Seal of Acceptance! It’s a quadruple win!
One of the standout features of the Vionic Winny Casual Sneaker is its arch support. The shoe is designed with a contoured footbed that provides excellent arch support, which can help alleviate foot pain and discomfort. This makes the shoe a great choice for people with conditions such as plantar fasciitis or flat feet.
In addition to its foot health benefits, the Vionic Winny Casual Sneaker is also stylish and versatile. It comes in a range of neutral colors and materials, including leather and suede, so it can be dressed up or down depending on the occasion!
The shoe also looks sporty without giving “dad shoe” or “running shoe” vibes, so it’ll look great with lots of different outfits. Yes, they’ll look good even with jeans!
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3. Dr. Scholl’s Time Off Lace-Up
Available for both men and women
Dr. Scholl’s Time Off Lace-Up sneakers feature a retro-inspired platform design that effortlessly blends style and comfort, making them a great option for your European travels.
In the reviews section on Amazon, you can see tons of photos of girls wearing these while traipsing around Europe. Apparently, they went viral on TikTok for a while, too!
These sneakers come with a platform sole that provides extra lift, which can be great when you have to trudge through lots of cobblestone streets — or just want a bit of added height. They also include a cushioned insole, a hallmark of Dr. Scholl’s comfort technology, offering support for your feet during extended walks.
The laces are clean and simple, which makes this a super versatile shoe that pairs well with almost anything.
That said, if you’re someone who’s already super tall and doesn’t want the extra height or bulk of a platform shoe, you might want to pass on these. Personally speaking, I love, love, love the overall look of these, but I don’t need to look any taller than I already do!
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4. HOKA Bondi or Clifton
Available for both men and women
HOKA ONE ONE shoes are undoubtedly the most “running shoe” looking option on this list, but I couldn’t resist including them because of their exceptional comfort for both walking and running.
HOKA has built a long-standing reputation in the world of athletic footwear, and it’s no surprise that marathon runners and hikers trust this brand to deliver all-day comfort.
Plus, they’re one of the only ones on this list that are APMA Seal Approved, meaning they have been evaluated and found to promote good foot health. I ended up buying a pair of the limey yellow Cliftons and I’m totally obsessed with the comfort I get from them.
In fact, almost all the active people I’m around own a pair! My mom does her daily walking in these, and my partner wears these for work as he’s on his feet all day long. His mom, who’s a nurse, also has a few pairs that she cycles through.
Their shoes provide such a plush, pillowy feel under the feet!
PRO TIP: Anthropologie and Free People always have them in the cutest colors!
EXPLORE HOKA CLIFTON ON:
EXPLORE HOKA BONDI ON:
5. Allbirds
Available for both men and women
Normally, I would recommend the Allbirds Wool Pipers because of how stylish they look. But since we’re talking about Europe, you’re going to experience a lot of cobblestone streets, and the Wool Pipers just don’t work with cobblestones. The sole is just not thick enough, meaning you’re going to feel pretty much everything underneath your feet.
If you’re planning to walk through Europe’s cobblestone streets, you’ll want a pair of Allbirds shoes with a thicker and more supportive sole for added comfort and durability.
The Allbirds Tree Dashers, Tree Runners, and Wool Runner Mizzles are some of their models with thicker soles and good cushioning, making them suitable for walking on uneven surfaces like cobblestone streets.
These shoes are designed for more active and extended wear, offering the necessary support and comfort for long walks and city exploration. Be sure to choose the model that fits your style!
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6. Skechers GO WALK Line
Available for both men and women
The Sketchers brand might have you reminiscing about how ugly their shoes were in the 2000s, but this brand has undergone a renaissance over the years. They’re actually making cute and travel-friendly shoes these days!
If you’re looking for a pair of laceless shoes for walking around Europe in, the Skechers GO WALK 5’s are some of the best in the market today. These slip-ins make it incredibly easy to put on and take off, eliminating the hassle of dealing with laces or buckles while you’re on the move.
You’ll appreciate the lightweight and responsive ULTRA GO® cushioning, which reduces fatigue, allowing you to explore on foot all day long. The Air-Cooled Memory Foam® cushioned insole molds to your foot’s shape, delivering a customized and cloud-like cushioning experience. Plus, the high-rebound ultra-lightweight Hyper Pillars® offer excellent support and shock absorption, ensuring your feet stay comfortable even on the busiest days.
If slip-ons aren’t your thing, not to worry. They’ve got all sorts of styles for both men and women in their GO WALK product line, all offering the same exceptional comfort and walkability.
Don’t want to take my word for it? Let the reviews speak for themselves! Almost all of the GO WALK shoes have tens of thousands of positive reviews.
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7. Ilse Jacobsen Hornbaek Tulip Slip-On
For women and men
When I’m feeling like a pop of color, I reach for my adorable yellow Ilse Jacobsen Tulip Slip-Ons!
Ilse Jacobsen is a brand that’s loved by women who prioritize functionality but don’t want to sacrifice style. These cute little slip-ons are made from high-quality leather, which makes them incredibly breathable and comfortable to wear all day long.
I first discovered this brand while exploring Santa Barbara, CA years ago. While strolling through town, I randomly popped into one of those mom-and-pop shoe stores. I saw the array of colors these shoes came in and knew I NEEDED a pair.
These days, I have em in multiple colors. Honestly, I’m blown away every time I slip these on — it feels like a soft hug along the top of your foot, while the bottom of your foot is like walking on clouds.
And the best part? There’s just about every color of the rainbow available, so you can find a pair that matches your style perfectly. At the time of writing, these shoes come in at least 50 different colors and patterns.
Highlights:
- Great for pairing with pants, leggings, jeans, and dresses
- Super breathable so sweat won’t get trapped on your feet
- Comes in a huge variety of colors and patterns to match your style
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8. Birkenstock Mayari Sandal
For women
Now, I know when some people think of Birkenstock, they might picture those “Jesus” sandals that old dads used to wear, but let me tell you, the Birkenstock Mayari Sandals are way cuter than that!
These sandals are perfect for summer travel because they’re made of high-quality leather that’s both supportive and comfortable. Birkenstock footbeds feature soft suede leather topsoles and a cork/latex blend midsole with pronounced arch support and deep heel cups.
All of that is to say — if you’re someone who can’t wear flip-flops due to their utter lack of support, then you’ll love the Mayari Sandals.
They have a contoured footbed that conforms to the shape of your foot, providing you with the support you need to walk around all day without any discomfort. I have been able to walk 10+ miles in Europe with these on in one day with no foot pain afterward. They’re incredible and I’m already on my second pair (my first pair lasted me 5 years until the strap broke, boo!).
Not only are these sandals functional, but they’re also stylish (well, at least to people who can appreciate the look of Birks). The leather straps are delicate and feminine, making them perfect for dressing up or down. You can wear them with a cute sundress or a pair of shorts and a t-shirt.
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9. Naot Kayla Wedge Sandal
Available for women
The Naot Kayla Wedge Sandal is the other sandal option on this list — but this one’s different in that it’s wedged and has a backstrap built in. This comfortable and stylish shoe is perfect for travel, especially on sunny days when you want to wear a sundress!
This sandal features a wedge heel that adds a bit of height without sacrificing comfort, making it a great choice for prolonged walking, sightseeing across Europe, and even wearing out to fancier dinner outings.
Not only does the sandal’s contoured footbed provide excellent arch support and cushioning, but the Naot Kayla Wedge Sandal is also stylish and versatile. It comes in a dozen (or more) variations of colors and materials, including leather and suede.
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10. Blundstone Boots
Available for both men and women
Okay, we’ve covered a good amount of shoes that are best for happy, sunny, and warm weather, but how about when rain is in the forecast? What shoe is best for these wet scenarios?
I will personally opt for Blundstones. Yes, they are way bulkier than your average walking shoe, but I love not having to worry one bit about getting these shoes wet or dirtied in rainy conditions.
What kind of vacation would it be if you had to stare down at your shoes with every step to avoid puddles or splashes? That would not be a vacation at all! That would be considered work!
Whenever I travel during the months of November to May, Blundstones are likely in the rotation of travel shoes I bring with me. Blundstones = legendary durability and comfort!
Blundstone is a brand that’s been around for over 150 years, and they’re loved worldwide for their dependability and durability. Their boots are made from high-quality materials, including premium leather and durable rubber, making them perfect for any adventure.
Despite being a boot, the Blundstone Boots are actually great for walking. They have a cushioned footbed and a supportive sole, making them comfortable for long walks and even mild hikes in Europe. Plus, they’re waterproof, so they’re perfect for rainy days.
Their waterproof feature is the #1 reason why I bought them. In cases of sad, rainy weather, you won’t have to worry about getting your feet wet or ruining your shoes.
I have the Original #510s since I wanted an all-black look to pair with anything and everything I own, but they also have other color combos you can choose from with The Original #500s. You can see their complete collection on REI here.
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More on Europe, travel gear, and packing:
- 10 Best Carry-On Travel Bags For Your Next Trip
- 8 Smarter Tips For Packing Shoes For Travel
- 9 Best Compression Packing Cubes For Travel
- 9 Best Women’s Travel Vests For Style, Safety And Smarter Travel
- The Ultimate Packing Checklist for Europe
France:
- 4 Fun-Filled Days In Paris: A Travel Itinerary With No Museums!
- 14 Famous Bridges In France You Must See For Yourself
- 16 Fantastic Day Trips from Paris by Train
- 15 Famous Streets in Paris You Must Visit
- 10 Best Castles in France You Should Add To Your Itinerary
- 24 Best Things To Do In Chamonix In The Summer
Portugal:
- 50 Fun Things To Do In Lisbon, Portugal (Massive Guide To Lisbon!)
- 3 Days In Lisbon: A Detailed Itinerary For What To See, Do, and Eat
- 20 Best Things To Do In Evora, Portugal For An Unforgettable Trip
- How To Spend 3 Perfect Days In Porto: Detailed Itinerary!
What is the brand of shoe that is in the top photo on the left, the yellow ones? I have a gray pair that are almost worn out and I am looking to replace them. I can’t find the brand anywhere.
Hey Cynthia! Sorry for the delayed reply — those are Ilse Jacobsen HORNBÆK Tulip Shoes. I can’t believe I forgot to list them in this post! They’ve been added so you can read up on them.
Thanks for your terrific selections on footwear for traveling thru Europe.
Greatly appreciate your tips while traveling anywhere in the world.