The 15 Best Colorful, Comfortable Sneakers for Travel

Look, I love a pair of classic white sneakers as much as anyone. It’s a simple style that elevates any outfit and goes with just about everything — which means it also comes in handy for streamlining your carry-on packing list. That said, sometimes it is fun to spice up your footwear, and what better way than adding a pop of color? 

As you may have noticed — either by scrolling on social media or observing fashion-savvy people out in the world — vibrant sneakers (often with a vintage vibe) have been having a moment this summer. From bright pink Adidas shoes to baby blue Pumas, these multicolored kicks have people ditching their neutral footwear for something a little more fun. I’m personally a big fan of this trend since these sneaker styles also make phenomenal travel shoes. If you’re looking to give your vacation wardrobe a little more pizzazz, I’ve rounded up 15 of the best colorful sneakers based on my own experience and top reviews. 

Cariuma OCA Low Canvas Sneakers

Cariuma shoes were already a favorite of Travel +Leisure editors and several celebrities for their unparalleled comfort, and now they’re bonafide closet staples for their on-trend range of stunning colors and prints. I’m partial to this rose option, but the shadow blue one is also a great choice for wearers who want to spice things up without dramatically turning heads. Like all of the brand’s shoes, these Cariumas are hand-crafted with sustainable, vegan materials — like a cork insole and organic cotton canvas uppers. What’s more, the brand even has its own reforestation program in Brazil: for every sneaker purchase, Cariuma plants a pair of trees in the Brazilian rainforest. 

SeaVees Women’s Monterey Platform Sneakers

All of SeaVees’ shoes feature a cool, retro look — and for good reason. The California brand was launched in the ’60s but went out of business until the current founder relaunched it 40 years later. The classic style of these canvas sneakers speaks to the brand’s history, now including modern features — like recycled material and a cooling, memory foam footbed. I’ve also tried out the brand’s Acorn Trainer, and I’m obsessed with the vibrant green color. What’s more, the brand donates 1 percent of revenue to environmental causes.

Nike Air Force 1 ’07 Next Nature SE Sneakers

Nike Air Force 1s will forever be one of my go-to sneakers — both for everyday wear and travel. The supportive, cushy footbed is unbelievably comfortable, like walking on a cloud. Truly, I can wear them all day long and my feet never feel tired or achy. I’ve pretty much worn out my all-white pair, so now I’m eyeing these pretty blue AF1s or this violet pair. Bonus: both are sporting rare discounts at Nordstrom right now. 

Adidas Men’s Gazelle Sneakers

In my humble opinion, the Adidas Gazelle shoe is the icon of summer 2024. I personally love this shoe for travel (it’s one of my staples for European travel) since it’s lightweight yet sturdy, and comfortable enough to wear for hours of sightseeing. I’m obsessed with this bright pink-blue hue, but it’s also available in over 50 (yes, 50) different colors. 

Puma Women’s Palermo Leather Sneakers

I recently tried out these sneakers for the first time, and now I’m wearing them everywhere I go. They’re the perfect everyday sneakers and add an effortlessly cool feel to any outfit. This summer, I’ve worn mine paired with flowy skirts, tailored trousers, and jeans — both in Los Angeles and New York City. This style is actually a revival from the Puma archives: the Palermo shoe came out in the early ’80s, and now it’s back and better than ever. 

Palladium Women’s Troop Outcity Runner Sneakers

This French footwear brand is consistently coming out with the coolest shoes on the market, and these sneakers are no exception. I love this multi-colored pastel style, which features a chunky heel with ample cushioning. Their grippy soles make them ideal for any activity, whether you’re catching a flight, walking through an outdoor market, or meeting friends for a hike. 

Sorel Women’s Kinetic Breakthru Tech Sneakers

I spotted a fellow traveler friend wearing these a few months back and immediately became obsessed. She mentioned she wears them on all of her trips, as they’re perfect for outdoor adventures and everyday excursions. She says they’re wildly comfortable and this funky green shade is such a fun addition and unexpected compliment to any outfit. 

Adidas Women’s Spezial Sneakers 

If Adidas’ Gazelle is the star of the summer, Spezial is the very memorable supporting actor with its eye-catching colorways, which stand out from the neutrals on the street but are still subtle enough to wear with anything. In addition to earning plenty of five-star reviews touting their comfort, these stylish sneakers are also a great option for travel thanks to their supportive footbeds, flexible design, and sturdy soles. One Adidas shopper said, “The shoe is very comfortable [and the] arch support is great. It’s a very stylish shoe [and] goes with a lot.” 

New Balance Women’s 574 Sneakers

It’s hard to beat a classic New Balance sneaker, but I have to say, adding a fun vibrant color may be taking this beloved style to the next level. This silhouette first debuted in the ’80s, but it’s just as popular today as ever — and for good reason. It’s durable and functional, and features a lightweight foam cushioning that feels like a cloud beneath your feet.  

Alohas Women’s Rife Sneakers

I’ve been spotting these sustainable sneakers all over social media, and they’re getting rave reviews from travelers — many of whom noted this style is everywhere in Europe. The brand makes its shoes “on demand,” which means they only produce what customers order, which helps reduce waste. All its shoes are designed in Barcelona and produced locally in Spain or Portugal. They come in so many gorgeous colors, but I’m partial to this energetic pink hue.

Merrell Women’s Alpine Sneakers

In case it’s not already clear, I’m a big fan of brands bringing back their classic styles from decades past. Take these Merrell Alpine sneakers for example: They feature a fun retro vibe while bringing in modern technology like an EVA midsole and advanced traction on the outsole, a combo that provides style, comfort, and support on any adventure. I love that you can take these from trail to street effortlessly. 

Kizik Unisex Irvine Sneakers

I recently discovered this brand, and I’ve been such a fan of its comfortable and innovative sneakers. This breathable canvas style would make a great addition to any packing list. Don’t let the laces fool you: they’re slip-ons and feature a rebounding heel that springs back up for easy on and off, so it’ll save you the hassle of getting them on when you’re in a hurry or navigating TSA (for that reason, they’re also great for anyone with mobility issues). 

Gola Women’s Elan Sneakers

Don’t be surprised if you start seeing these sneakers everywhere now. Gola’s Elan Sneakers will deliver that pop of color your travel footwear collection’s been missing with its bold color combinations. Perfectly vintage in every way, the shoes have that trendy already-lived-in look with their saturated hues — plus the support of active sneakers with their gym shoe-style gum soles that make them the ideal multipurpose trainers. 

Reebok Women’s Club C Grounds UK Sneakers

A timeless, tennis-inspired style, the Reebok Club C Grounds UKs are both elevated and simple. They feature a full suede upper and a streamlined silhouette that works whether you’re running errands or going out to dinner. I am obsessed with this soft blue and coral color combination and love that the price tag is less than $100. 

On Women’s Cloudaway Hiking Sneakers

On makes fantastic running and training sneakers — including these Cloudaway hiking shoes, which are ultra lightweight and feature the cloud-like cushioning that On is known for. And, honestly, this fun style would look just as great paired with a cute travel outfit as it would on the trails with your cargo pants and trekking poles.  

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