When you’re embarking on a solo journey or heading out for your next adventure, finding the perfect walking shoes is crucial. Comfort, support, and durability are key, especially for women travelers who are exploring cities, hiking trails, and everything in between.
“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. To help you choose the best walking shoes for your travels, we’ve gathered recommendations from our amazing community of solo female travelers who have tested these shoes on their own adventures.
Below, you’ll find shoes that are not only super cute but also perfect for all-day comfort.
Best travel shoes for women walking in the city
Best for: Stylish Comfort & Versatile Travel
Another Sole’s Anytime Shoes are a versatile and stylish option for women travelers seeking a comfortable yet chic shoe that can handle all-day wear. Made with a unique, flexible design, these shoes are perfect for solo female travelers who want to go from sightseeing to dinner with ease. With a minimalist look and exceptional comfort, the Anytime Shoes are perfect for any travel situation.
Community Quote:
“Anothersole is amazing. Free international shipping too. Very pretty and super comfortable. I only wear them for everything now, including travelling for months! Bonus points – they match everything. Even dresses so you don’t have to compromise style for comfort. I don’t work for them I’m just a huge fan.”
— Mandy, SoFe Travel Member
Why They’re Great for Women Travelers:
The Anytime Shoes are designed to be lightweight, flexible, and durable, making them perfect for women who need a shoe that’s easy to pack, comfortable to wear for hours, and stylish enough to transition from day to night. Whether you’re exploring a new city or attending a casual evening event, these shoes have you covered.
Best for: Comfort & Breathability
Allbirds Tree Runners are known for their lightweight feel and soft, breathable fabric, making them ideal for long days of sightseeing or casual strolls. These shoes are made from eucalyptus tree fiber, making them sustainable and easy on the environment.
Community Quote:
“AllBirds are excellent and can be thrown in the washing machine. I prefer the wool ones (no, my feet don’t overheat in summer) but they also do ones made from bamboo. They’re not the cheapest shoes but I think they’re great value. Comfy. Look smart. Have a variety of styles. No blisters. I live in mine.”
— Victoria, SoFe Travel member
Why They’re Great for Women Travelers:
Allbirds are lightweight and provide exceptional comfort. They’re also quick to dry, which makes them a perfect option for traveling in warmer climates or rainy days. Their slip-on style also makes them perfect for navigating airport security or quickly getting in and out of places.
Best for: Outdoor Adventures & Water-Friendly Activities
The Teva Tirra Sandal is a fantastic choice for women travelers who enjoy outdoor activities, from hiking to water sports. These sandals are known for their excellent support, comfort, and quick-drying material, making them perfect for exploring beaches, waterfalls, or walking trails. With adjustable straps and a cushioned footbed, they offer a secure fit that’s both supportive and versatile.
Community Quote:
“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.”
— Anne, SoFe Travel Member
Why They’re Great for Women Travelers:
The Teva Tirra Sandal is designed with adventure in mind. Whether you’re hiking rugged trails, exploring coastal areas, or just need a durable, water-friendly sandal for city walks, these sandals have you covered. Their adjustable straps ensure a customizable fit, while the quick-drying fabric makes them ideal for unpredictable weather or water activities.
Best for: Durability & All-Day Comfort
The Chaco Women’s Wayfarer Sandal is a great choice for women travelers looking for a durable sandal that offers both comfort and style for long days of exploration. Known for their robust design and supportive straps, these sandals are perfect for solo female travelers who need a reliable shoe for outdoor adventures and urban exploration alike. Whether you’re walking on uneven terrain or sightseeing in a new city, the Wayfarer provides support and comfort without compromising on style.
Community Quote:
“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?”
— Dawna, SoFe Travel Member
Why They’re Great for Women Travelers:
Chaco Women’s Wayfarer Sandals offer fantastic support with their adjustable straps and contoured footbed. The sandals are designed to handle both outdoor adventures and casual outings, making them versatile for women who want to combine comfort with durability. Their sturdy construction ensures they last through a variety of terrains, from city streets to nature trails.
Best travel shoes for women hiking
Best for: Trail Running & Rugged Terrain
The Hoka Speedgoat 4 GTX is the ultimate trail running shoe for women travelers who are tackling rugged landscapes and challenging hikes. Known for its cushioned sole and exceptional grip, this shoe is built for those who need stability, support, and durability during long treks. The waterproof Gore-Tex material ensures your feet stay dry no matter the weather, making it a perfect choice for unpredictable outdoor adventures.
Community Quote:
“Hoka speedgoats. I wear them for my thru hikes of 400km (250 miles). Altra Olympus are super cozy too. ”
— Kirsstina, SoFe Travel Member
Why They’re Great for Women Travelers:
The Hoka Speedgoat 4 GTX is designed for serious adventurers. Its aggressive tread and high cushioning offer stability on even the most uneven and rocky trails. Plus, the waterproof Gore-Tex lining ensures comfort in wet conditions. Whether you’re hiking through mountains, trekking in the rain, or running on rugged trails, these shoes will keep your feet protected and comfortable.
Best for: Hiking & All-Terrain Comfort
The Merrell Siren Edge 3 is a trail-ready hiking shoe that combines lightweight design with superior support, making it ideal for solo female travelers who love exploring rugged trails. With its Vibram outsole and advanced cushioning, this shoe is perfect for those seeking comfort during long treks on uneven or rocky terrain. It’s also great for those who plan to hike in tropical or humid climates, as the breathable mesh upper helps to keep your feet cool.
Community Quote:
“I have these, they were perfect for all the hikes I did, including in Borneo. They also seemed to be leechproof as my feet were completely leech-free while other people were less fortunate.”
— Caroline, SoFe Travel Member
Why They’re Great for Women Travelers:
The Merrell Siren Edge 3 offers exceptional comfort and traction, especially on wet and uneven surfaces. The shoe’s lightweight construction reduces fatigue, making it an excellent choice for all-day hikes. The added benefit of the leech-resistant properties is a fantastic feature for women traveling in tropical regions, where leech exposure can be a concern during rainforest hikes.
Best for: Comfort & Versatile Hiking
The Columbia Redmond Women’s Hiking Shoes are built for women who need reliable and comfortable footwear for hiking and outdoor adventures. These shoes offer a balance between rugged durability and lightweight comfort, with a Techlite cushioning midsole and an Omni-Grip outsole that provides superior traction, making them ideal for a variety of terrains. Whether you’re tackling a mountain trail or strolling through a city park, these shoes are designed to keep your feet secure and comfortable.
Community Quote:
“As voted by Rachel: I have these and they’re the best thing I’ve ever bought. Super comfy, didn’t take long to break in and 100% waterproof.”
— Rachel, SoFe Travel Member
Why They’re Great for Women Travelers:
The Columbia Redmond Women’s Hiking Shoes are lightweight yet sturdy, offering excellent grip and stability. The waterproof design ensures your feet stay dry, even during wet hikes, making them perfect for rainy days or stream crossings. The breathable mesh upper also helps keep your feet cool and comfortable during long walks, while the supportive cushioning ensures all-day wear without discomfort.
Final Thoughts on the Best Walking Shoes for Women Travelers
Choosing the best walking shoes for women travelers is essential to ensure that your adventures are as comfortable and enjoyable as possible. Whether you’re trekking through the mountains, walking the streets of a vibrant city, or exploring rural villages, the right pair of shoes can make all the difference.
From lightweight sneakers for easy sightseeing to rugged hiking boots for outdoor escapades, the recommendations above are tried and tested by real solo female travelers. Each shoe brings something unique to the table, whether it’s extra cushioning, waterproof protection, or breathability for hot and humid conditions.
If you’re gearing up for your next adventure, don’t forget to pick the right shoes to keep your feet happy and supported every step of the way.
Planning your first solo hike? Read these tips first.
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