17 Best Sneakers That Have Traveled the World With Us

Associate editor Charlie Hobbs isn’t shy about his long-standing love for New Balance dad shoes. His claim: They are the ultimate travel shoe. Among his favorites are the popular 9060 sneaker. “They are the only sneakers I pack,” says Hobbs. “My conservatism is rewarded. I am obsessed with these sneakers and they are so comfortable.” They shine for both style and comfort, and work well year-round. “The shoes don’t merely survive such 30,000 step days—they improve, becoming softer, easier to wear, and never staining with the dust of the Tiergarten,” says Hobbs.

Commerce writer Jessica Sulima has had her Salomon XT-6s for more than three years. “I love wearing them to the airport because I don’t have to worry about frantically untying laces at security; the Quicklace closure allows you to slip them on and off with ease,” she says. “I’ve brought them on every kind of trip, from hiking excursions (ankle support) to city romps (gorp-core chic), and they do equally as well wherever they go.”

Once reserved for soccer, the Adidas Samba made a big comeback a few years ago—and we have no plans to stop wearing them. The low-top sporty shoes complete any street style look, all while providing plenty of comfort. Editorial assistant Kat Chen swears by these practically weightless sneakers. “They are my ride or die. I got this newest pair last summer, but the ones I had before I wore for literally a decade until they finally wore down,” says Chen. They’re also a go-to of mine whenever I need something casual and comfy to wear with jeans or track pants. I often wear them commuting on the subway or walking around Hoboken.

My in-flight uniform isn’t complete without a supportive sneaker, and for me, that’s my Hoka Cliftons. I fly in them, I work out in them, I go on walks in them—I trust these shoes with my life. They’re the only athletic pair of sneakers I pack on every trip. They have what looks like a thick platform, and that extra cushion and shock absorption only adds to the shoe’s comfort level. The EVA foam midsole provides a ton of support and makes your feet feel like they’re on a pillow. I’ve had them for over two years and they are easily my most-worn shoe.

Senior features editor Megan Spurrell is trying to save suitcase space, she turns to this pair of do-it-all Sauconys. “They’re cushy and comfy, and actually feel practical for long days of walking around,” she says. “I abandon comfort for style on a regular basis at home, but luckily they straddle that line well. If you’re trying to pack light and can only bring one shoe (or one sneaker) for a multi-day trip, this one is versatile and supportive.”

I’ve been wearing these New Balance 574s for over four years. They’re a perfect balance of practical and cute, and are neutral enough to match nearly anything in my carry-on. Looks aside, they are extremely comfortable. From long commutes to the office to city walking tours around Boston, they’ve kept my feet comfortable every time. What stands out most to me is how lightweight they are—despite giving off the cool dad shoe vibe, they aren’t clunky or heavy at all. They’ve also stayed in excellent condition over the years, which is more than I can say about most of my white sneakers.

For something a little more fun than your everyday white sneaker, this pair from Onitsuka Tiger is a nice addition to your closet. They’re another tried-and-true sneaker for Spurrell that are equally cool and comfy. “They have a super low profile but still offer great arch support,” she says. Best of all: “They always remind me of being in Japan.”

Adidas Stan Smiths might just become your most-worn sneaker—if they aren’t already. These classics are so sleek, easy to slide on and off, and versatile enough to be the only sneaker you pack to your next destination. Associate editor Matt Ortile has been swearing by these for the last eight years. And if you’re wondering where he’s taken them: “Paris, always; exploring the ancient sites of Hegra in AlUla, Saudi Arabia; and walking through the jungles of Angaur, the southernmost state in Palau.”

You probably know On for its best-selling running shoes, but they’re great for busy travel days too. “As a blister girlie that’s also quite fashion-conscious, I’m very picky about my sneakers,” says senior commerce editor Hannah Chubb. “On’s Cloud 6 sneakers have been my go-to on recent travels because they feel light as air, don’t rub on my heels (I swear every shoe does this to me), match with all my athleisure fits, and are easy to slip on and off at the airport thanks to the bungee laces.”

For something a little bit more bold than the Adidas Samba, the Gazelle features a platform sole that helps dress up a simple outfit. This one comes highly recommended by several of our editors for its fun look and even comfier feel—commerce director Madison Flager has been putting these to use regularly lately, including during an hours-long concert, and has had no complaints about how comfortable they are. One tip: Consider going down a half-size, as they do run a little big.

The Sunset Sneaker from Alo has become a regular in my rotation of comfortable daytime shoes. They are practically weightless on my feet and the low profile gives them an effortlessly cool look. The neutral colorway makes them versatile, while the 100% suede material looks super polished. I’ve worn these with low-rise jeans, trousers, skirts, and even exercise dresses thanks to their sporty look. And because they’re so lightweight, I’ve been able to pack them in my carry-on without any added bulk.

If you’re looking for a polished white sneaker that can work with multiple outfits in your suitcase, this pair from Atoms has you covered. “I admit, I have a lot of white sneakers in my closet, but these are the ones I take out the most, whether I’m walking around New York City or packing for a trip,” says Flager, who has had this pair for almost two years. “They’re super lightweight, comfortable, and have never given me any blisters or irritation, even when I’m wearing no-show socks.”

The newest addition to my shoe lineup is this retro-inspired sneaker that just launched from Kizik. The Siena is a nice switch-up from usual everyday sneaker and add a little bit of something to simple outfits. As soon as I slipped them on, I could tell how much cushioning and support they have to offer. What I love most about them, though, is the high back that completely covers the back of my ankle—meaning no blisters! They’re also designed to be stepped in and out of without untying, making them the ultimate travel shoe.

Perhaps no shoe on this list is as classic as a crisp white pair of Nike Air Force 1s. The perennial favorite is beloved by several of our editors, including commerce producer Erik Buckingham. “I’m always surprised at how well they hold up on long walks in the city and even on hikes,” says Buckingham. “It’s the shoe that saves me when I forget to pack something more appropriate: They work as hiking boots, gym shoes, or an easy sneaker to wear on a night out—just make sure you pack a travel-size shoe cleaner for an easy touch-up.”

We love Vejas as a slightly elevated take on the everyday casual sneaker. The Campo is minimal in design, but manages to look polished with every outfit, from jeans to dresses. Global digital director Arati Menon tells us that the Campo sneaker requires much less break-in time than other Veja styles. “I’ve taken my Campos on rugged national park adventures and European city breaks, and use them as workwear staples,” says Menon. If you need something sleek in your suitcase that will match anything you throw on, pack these.

Commerce writer Jessica Chapel swears by this pair from Adidas. “I’ve always been an Adidas girl—whether it be the OG Stan Smith’s or this fun, newer take on an old classic,” says Chapel. “I slip them on to run to the grocery store, walk to the park, or brunch all around town. They’re the definition of practical: Even when they get dirty, the outer material makes it easy to clean off with a damp towel.”

Ideal for a busy travel day, Kizik’s Milan sneaker can be slipped on and off easily, no hands needed. “I’ve worn them to work, all across New York City and New Jersey, and even on a trip to Maine,” says commerce writer Paris Wilson. “I haven’t complained once about my feet thanks to the ultra-cushioned foam insoles.”