Best Shoes for Travel – Thoughts from a Physical Therapist
This post starts with a spoiler…there is no one “perfect” shoe for all of us. Some shoes will work great for many people but not for you. The only way to know if a pair of shoes will work for you for travel requires time and testing. For most of us, traveling means we are on our feet and are walking much more than we normally do. Finding shoes that give you support and cushion will be important because of this. This also means that tennis shoes/sneakers will be the most supportive and comfortable option for you. Tennis shoes are also in style now so you will be in good company practically anywhere you travel!
Having said this, learning what you require in a travel shoe will help you narrow down the endless options out there. In this post, we will cover features of shoes, what to look for specifically for your needs and why good return policies are so important! If you want to learn more about how tennis shoes are structured, visit our Anatomy of a Tennis Shoe post.
Features of a Tennis Shoe and what YOU Need
There are endless options when it comes to tennis shoes. For a more in depth explanation of the components of a tennis shoe, read our Anatomy of a Shoe post. Read below to learn about important features you will want to consider for a travel shoe that you will spend so much time walking and standing in.
Waterproof vs. Breathability
Depending on the time of year and type of trip you are planning, you will be much more comfortable in a shoe that fits the weather. If you’ll be in Rome in the middle of the summer – you will want a breathable shoe. Remember, hot weather will increase the risk of your feet swelling. Mesh on the top portion of the shoe will help with breathability.
If you struggle with lower leg/feet swelling in warm weather or with prolonged standing, you may want to order 1/2 to a full size up in your shoes. Again, you will want to be able to test out shoes while replicating the trip environment as closely as you can.
Do you frequently travel in the offseason or enjoy cooler climates? Waterproof shoes may be a wise option for you to keep up with the weather. It is important to keep in mind that waterproof shoes are often heavier than breathable shoes. Your feet will also stay warm so think about the swelling component we have already mentioned. If you do struggle with swelling when you travel, read our post on Compression Socks and Travel.
Toe Box
The width of the toe box is another important consideration. Some brands, like Brooks, offer a wider toe box than other brands. You should not feel any compression of your toes when standing or walking in your tennis shoes. If you have toe issues such a bunions (hallux valgus), you will want a wider toe box.
Heel
The heel height of tennis shoes vary. The less buildup you have in the heel of a shoe, the less shock absorption you will have. A flatter shoe will also create more pull on your Achilles tendons. Look at other shoes you currently wear that work well for you. Do they have some buildup in the heel or is the shoe relatively level? Whichever works for you in your typical shoes will likely work for a travel shoe. If you are a heavy heel striker when you walk, a built-up heel will help to absorb the shock forces you are creating, especially if you expect to walk on stone or concrete.
Outsole
This is the bottom of the shoe – the tread and traction of the shoe. Do you slip easily or will you be traveling to a rainy place? Options to assist with slipping include shoes with greater tread or slip-resistant shoes. It is important to note that I have had patients who have fallen and blame wearing slip-resistant shoes. If you are used to shuffling or scuffing your feet, slip-resistant shoes will stop you from doing so which can cause you to lose your balance forward (your shoe stops but the rest of you does not). If you tend to walk this way, it would likely be beneficial for you to see a PT for a balance assessment. In any case, keep it in mind when looking for shoes.
Another consideration is to look at the bottom of your current walking/travel shoes. How are they wearing? Is one side of the heel more worn down than the other? Is the wear pattern the same for the right shoe and the left shoe? More wear on the outer side of the shoe likely means you over-supinate while more wear on the inner side means you likely over-pronate. In these cases, orthotics may be a helpful option for you. It is valuable to bring your old pair of shoes to a walking/running store or to a medical provider so they can see how you have walked overtime. This will allow them to provide you with better recommendations.
Cushioning
The sole of the shoe is what cushions your foot and provides arch support. If you have Achilles issues or flat feet, you will want to ensure the shoe has added support or that you are able to add additional support. If your feet get sore and tired, shoes with more cushion, like Hoka, may be favorable for you. Do you have your own orthotics? Make sure the insoles of the shoes are removable – this way you can add your orthotic or buy an over the counter orthotic to add more cushion. Here is a post from RunRepeat on the best cushioned walking shoes.
Return Policies
*I highly recommend you only buy a pair of tennis shoes for travel from a company with a generous return policy.*
This is important. Walking a couple laps in the shoe store will not be enough to let you know if you are in right shoes. Companies such as REI and Brooks have extremely generous return policy for shoes. See Brooks’ Run Happy Promise. They give you 90 days to use their gear and you can return it for free if it’s not working out for you. Hoka gives you 30 days (60 days if you join their member club)
If the shoes do not feel comfortable or some of your old musculoskeletal complaints start to present after you have started using the new shoes, return them! When you do finally find a pair that works for you, buy another pair or two of the same shoe if you can! Companies discontinue certain styles or redesign styles frequently which may lead you to searching for new shoes again in the near future.
Getting Assistance
Are you still unsure of how to tackle finding the right shoes for you? Scheduling an appointment with a physical therapist could be a good start. They will assess your standing posture, your gait, look at your foot structure and discuss your movement and musculoskeletal history with you. Remember to bring your current or old pair of walking shoes with you so they can see how they have worn. The physical therapist will then be able to recommend what to look for in shoe wear and/or certain shoes for you to try. Visiting a podiatrist or a sports medicine physician can be useful too. Any of these providers may also recommend that you buy over the counter orthotics or get custom orthotics. They will help you with where to have custom orthotics made if their clinic does not provide this service.
Walking and running shoe stores can also provide you with feedback on what types of shoes are best for you. They should measure your foot and may have you stand on plates that assess where you put most of your weight when standing. This can be especially useful if you expect to stand more than you walk. Education level and training of employees at these stores vary widely so do not hesitate to call first or visit their website to see how they will assess what shoes are best for you.
Top 3 Tips to Remember
I hope this helps you find your perfect travel shoes!
See Have Age Will Travel’s other Mobility-Related Travel Gear Posts:
PT Approved Travel-Friendly Exercise Equipment
Travel Essentials for Mobility
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