Comfortable shoes are an absolute must for travel, whether your goal is logging tons of steps, exploring a new city, hiking in the backcountry, or looking cute for a casual evening out. By this point in my well-seasoned travel career, I accept nothing less than fully comfortable footwear, otherwise, it won’t earn a spot in my tightly curated luggage.
Good news: Now’s an excellent time to stock up on comfortable travel shoes of all kinds, since you can take up to 70 percent off at Zappos ahead of its big Memorial Day sale. We shopped the site for you to curate the best deals on running shoes, lifestyle sneakers, comfy sandals, hiking boots, and more.
Top brands like Adidas, Reebok, Ryka, Sorel, Columbia, The North Face, Clarks, and more are all marked down right now, so you can get a jump on the sale that unofficially kicks off the summer season. But you probably want to “add to cart” quickly; styles and sizes are already selling out (and inventory might not make it to the holiday weekend).
Best Running Sneaker Deals
Zappos’ Memorial Day sale slashed prices on all the big-name brands in running shoes, so it’s a good time to stock up for staying fit on the go (whether you prefer to do so on the hotel gym’s treadmill or out around town). Adidas’ lightweight sneakers are now a full 35 percent off, with just about all sizes still in stock (for now). Saucony’s cool neon running shoes are 25 percent off, and Brooks’ contrast-colored trainers are now 20 percent off, both the lowest prices we’ve seen in a month.
Brooks Revel 6 Running Shoes
These running shoes come in 11 colors and styles — including standout prints like tie-dye and more neutral hues like gray or black — so there’s something for everybody’s style, and at a price that’s the lowest we’ve seen all month. The cushioning strikes the just-right balance between soft and responsive for a comfy run. And they’re lightweight and streamlined for travel but with plenty of room in the toe boxes.
Saucony Kinvara 14 Running Shoes
These cool-looking running shoes are currently 25 percent off, bringing them down to their lowest price in 30 days. Saucony’s classic lace-up sneakers have padded collars and tongues for excellent cushioning, plus great traction for when you’re spending most of the day on your feet. And they weigh a scant 7 ounces for streamlined packing.
Ryka Influence Running Sneakers
These shoes were made for high impact, but they are super light and packable with an ultra-thin synthetic material structure. The tongues and collars are padded for comfort, and there are removable insoles for extra protection against impact, whether you’re starting the day with a run before a work meeting on the road — or just sprinting through the airport.
New Balance DynaSoft Nergize Sport V2 Running Shoes
These lace-up, round-toe sneakers have slim profiles for both a sleek look and a lightweight fit, giving them the perfect, compact silhouette for packing. The padded footbeds are ultra-cushioned for a comfortable run. Bonus: They come in medium and wide sizing options.
Adidas Originals NMD R1 Sneakers
These sneakers are ready for the trail with their high traction, but still stylish and lightweight enough to pack for everyday streetwear (and wear on the plane), too. The zebra-printed, neon-yellow back panels zhush them up from strictly functional to just plain cool. The dual-layer mesh uppers are breathable, with reflective accents that make them safer to wear in the dark, especially when you’re in an unfamiliar destination.
Best Lifestyle Sneaker Deals
A good pair of everyday sneakers is a packing essential for comfort and functionality at just about every destination. Reebok’s tennis-inspired sneakers are comfy and timeless, and they’re marked down 25 percent off right now. Or keep it easy and breezy with slip-on sneakers including Ecco’s woven style and Vionic’s easy-on sneakers, both deeply discounted.
Ecco Soft Woven Slip-on Shoes
These elevated woven shoes are made with leather sourced from a tannery that earned a top rating for environmentally friendlier impact from the Leather Working Group. The woven look is made from two layers of leather so it feels soft on both sides, and you don’t have to worry about blisters. These slide on and off easily thanks to their dual goring. Multiple colors are on sale, but the deepest discount is on the gold version — so it pays to make a statement.
Vionic Beach Malibu Slip-on Shoes
These sneakers are lightweight, breezy, and easy to pack and wear for summer travels. With frayed fabric uppers, these are vegan-friendly and machine washable to boot. Pull them on and off without fussing with laces on the go, a feature that makes them a solid choice as a practical and comfy airport shoe.
Reebok Lifestyle Club C 85 Sneakers
Tenniscore is having a moment, and these sneakers will help you embrace the trend, while still sticking with a timeless look that will never go out of fashion. They have leather uppers for durability and wipe-off learning on the go. The green piping is subtle, vaguely retro-tinged, and oh-so-cool for summer.
Sperry Crest Vibe Triple Canvas Shoes
To me, these washed-linen sneakers just scream summer travel; they have that strolling-around-Europe-stopping-for-frequent-spritzes vibe. They have rawhide laces with barrel tying at the ends for a look that feels more elevated than your typical sneakers, but they’ll feel just as comfy with their memory foam cushioned insoles.
Best Sandal Deals
Sandals are a non-negotiable for summer travel, for both style and ventilation amid the heat. You can score my favorite travel sandals, the big-buckle Birkenstocks, for 31 percent off at the Zappos sale, along with other highly discounted sandals from Reef, Crocs, Dr. Scholl’s, and Clarks.
Clarks Laureann Kay Leather Sandals
These breathable sandals are made for performance and durability, with leather uppers and OrthoLite footbeds that conform to your foot with serious support. The adjustable ankle straps with hook-and-loop closure keep the fit just right and hold them on securely so you don’t have to worry about sliding out while you jaunt around town. They come in both black and brown (though the black is currently discounted slightly more in the sale).
Dr. Scholl’s Original Sandals
I have been wearing these iconic Dr. Scholl’s slides for decades; the style is timeless and classic — and somehow always on-trend. The uppers are made of leather and the footbeds are contoured so they’re supportive and comfortable. Adjust the buckle for a close fit. The silver color is so chic and versatile for summer travel, and it’s more than half off ahead of Memorial Day.
Birkenstock Arizona Big Buckle High Shine Sandals
I bought these adorable and polished-looking big-buckle Birkenstocks last summer and wore them all over Europe; it was my best comfy travel shoe purchase of the year. Now, you can score them for up to 31 percent off in select colors. The cork footbeds mold to the shape of your foot for supreme comfort for walking in the city.
Reef Cushion Bloom Hi Sandals
These are the perfect summer vacation sandals — but with so much more support than your flimsy pair of flip-flops. The broad criss-cross straps hold the foot securely, the footbeds have substantial cushioning, and the chunky soles offer a bit of a lift. White is the only color on sale in this style, but it’s a versatile and seasonal choice ideal for the season.
Crocs Brooklyn Slide Sandals
Crocs’ comfort is simply undeniable. Whether or not you can get behind the classic clog silhouette, this slide-in version is ideal for summer travel with its breezy slip-on style and wedge heel for a bit of added height. It’s a chic way to get the Crocs comfort without sacrificing your travel style. They come in three colors — black, bone, and warm brown — each versatile for summertime wear.
Best Hiking Boot and Shoe Deals
Whether your hiking style is all about performance or you prioritize style in a big way, too, there’s something in this sale for you and your travel plans. Cole Haan’s fashionable waterproof hiking boots are marked down a full 60 percent off, and Columbia’s functional and cool, suede hiking boots are just $69 right now.
Columbia Newton Ridge BC Hiking Boots
With a particularly lightweight construction, these hiking boots are supremely packable (as hiking boots go) with excellent traction and stability. The waterproof exterior is done with a unique suede fabrication, which is both built to last and also sets the look apart in a cool pale gray hue.
The North Face Vectic Fastpack Mid Futurelight Hiking Boots
This is a great time to score an investment boot at a discounted price. These ankle-high boots are well-cushioned with tough synthetic uppers to handle whatever the trail throws at you. The OrthoLite footbeds include recycled rubber content for support and comfort. And, you’ll always get that just-right fit thanks to their lace-up closures with a double-punched row of eyes.
Cole Haan 5.Zerogrand Explore Hiker Waterproof Boots
Even if you’re not a hiker, the depth of the discount on these elegant designer hiking boots might be enough to encourage you to stock up — just in case. Score a full 70 percent off these waterproof shoes with leather upper. The lace-up closure with metal eyelets creates a perfectly snug fit (and a rugged-chic look). The caramel leather color is timeless, and the sheepskin cuff elevates the look even more.
Sorel ONA 503 Hiker Boots
These Sorel boots are versatile for all terrains, on and off the trail. They have suede and textile uppers with D-ring eyelets to fine-tune the lace-up fit. Three on-sale colorways are available — brown, light pink, and green — each offered at varying price points. (Psst, the green is the best markdown right now at well over half off.)
Adidas Outdoor Terrex Free Hiker 2 GTX Hiking Shoes
You might not immediately associate Adidas with hiking footwear, but this performance-driven pair might get you thinking differently. The mesh uppers feature molded toe caps for extra protection, and their Gore-Tex linings ensure that your feet are always dry and comfy. The classic lace-up closure plus the pull tabs at the back make for easy off-on, and they’re sleek enough to wear to lunch after your hike.