‘I would walk 500 miles and I would walk 500 more….’ but only in the right footwear! A good pair of shoes not only lasts you years, but also lives your adventures along with you as a trusted, reliable and utterly-essential gear item. Here’s our selection of the best walking shoes out there right now.
“Help! I’m going on a trip and am looking for a comfortable pair of walking shoes – what do you recommend?” Questions like this come up often on our FB group and we always love reading the responses. From day walks to Camino hard slogs to preparing for your first solo walk, our community knows just what shoes to recommend based on tried-and-tested experience.
Best shoes for CIty walking
As voted by Anne: Check out Teva Tirra sandals. I find them very comfortable for walking long distances over different surfaces. When my feet tend to swell (e.g., when flying), I adjust the straps. They’re just as effective around water, and they transition from daywear to smart casual in the evening. Look for a colour that will blend with your capsule wardrobe, for me, that’s brown or black.
[These would be the ideal shoe for our Ecuador meetup!]
As voted by Dawna: I’ve also done pretty well with one set of Tevas and a set of Chacos. The Chacos I have are leather and are a little dressier looking, but unfortunately, I think they’ve discontinued that model… But maybe they have something new that’s similar?
[Readers, we’ve got you! We’ve listed a recent version of Chacos in leather.]
Best shoes for hiking
As voted by Kirsstina: Hoka speedgoats. I wear them for my thru hikes of 400km (250 miles). Altra Olympus are super cozy too.
We’re firm believers in testing shoes out in-store to make sure they are the right fit for your specific shape, however, this list will get you started in the right direction. Take the time to wear your shoes in before embarking on a trip – your feet will thank you later – and be sure to pack moleskin for blisters and wear wool socks.
Planning your first solo hike? Read these tips first.
Ed’s note: This post contains affiliate links to help support the running of the SoFe Travel team and SoFe community at large. Wherever possible, we support women-owned businesses and ethical, sustainable organisations. Got any product recommendations? We’d love to hear about them! email us on [email protected]