The Arcopedico Sneakers Are the Best Travel Shoes

I used to stress over which shoes to bring every time I packed for a trip. Choosing clothes was easy because I have a go-to capsule wardrobe I rely on but, as I’ve learned the hard way, nothing ruins a trip faster than the wrong shoes. 

When I randomly discovered Arcopedico LS in a little indie shoe store in Baltimore, I had no idea these knit beauties would become a game-changer for me. I was originally drawn to them because of their gorgeous colors and the fact that they looked so soft and cushy. But, after clocking 18,000 steps through the arrondissements of Paris in them, I realized they have so much more going for them. These go-to comfortable walking shoes have accompanied me across the globe, from Longyearbyen, Norway (the most northern city in the world) to Ushuaia, Argentina (the most southern). Really, the only times I don’t wear them are when it’s pouring (they’re water-resistant but not waterproof) or I’m attending a formal event (although all bets are off if my skirt is long enough). 

Arcopedico LS

Made of a soft — and I mean soft — knitted nylon, these Arcopedico shoes are like walking on a cloud (a very supportive cloud). I’m continually amazed by the excellent arch support and grip these squishable, lightweight shoes provide. I really don’t understand how the family-run Arcopedico does this, but it feels like they made these shoes specifically for my feet! I’ve worn them on all different types of terrain: through lava fields in Iceland, on unpaved roads in Kenya, through sand in Egypt, and on a slippery cruise ship deck in Antarctica. In all of these places, they’ve risen to the challenging conditions every single time.

What’s especially wild to me is the fact that I rarely wear socks with these shoes. (Don’t worry: they use special SanSmell technology to keep them odor- and bacteria-free.) Unless it’s freezing out or I’m wearing compression socks because I’m flying, the soft interior is just too inviting. Although the shoes do have laces, they’re basically slip-ons that reassuringly hug your feet while giving them room to breathe, which my bunions appreciate. 

Arcopedico LS

I love that these comfortable shoes are also surprisingly versatile. They’ve been just as appropriate for me to wear when I got to open the doors to the Vatican with the head clavigero as when I volunteered at the Elephant Nature Park in Thailand. And, when they get dirty, I can remove the insole, toss them in the wash, and let them air dry. 

Because they’re so flexible, they’re ideal for traveling, especially for traveling light (they weigh only 7 ounces). They come in almost two dozen eye-popping colors, of which I now own six. I don’t go anywhere without my Green Earth pair, but I often end up packing a back-up pair in maybe blue or orange since their knit design makes them so easy to smush into a corner of my carry-on. 

I get so many compliments on these shoes — I can’t tell you how many times people have stopped me around the world to ask about them. My friends have bought multiple pairs after seeing me literally walk the walk in them. They’ve basically become my signature: when I visited one of my kids in Portland, they made an Instagram story about being able to recognize me walking through the crowded airport just by my shoes.

In short, these classic knit shoes from Arcopedico are simply the best traveling companions ever.

If you’re after more tried-and-true pairs, here are a few other great travel shoes I have in my closet.

More Comfortable Shoes to Shop:

Rothy’s The Loafer

These knit Rothy’s loafers may also look too cute to have much support but that’s what makes them so special. Thanks to their surprisingly cushy, removable insoles, I’ve been able to spend full days walking around cities like New York and Lisbon without needing to stop and give my feet a break. Rothy’s are always a good travel option because they’re machine washable and easy to pack, and their style is versatile enough for both casual and dressier looks. These slip-ons, in particular, are a classic with a twist: the super-soft material is made from recycled plastic bottles, so they’re as good for the planet as they are for your feet. Choose from three neutral colors and a gorgeous herringbone. Pro tip: go up half a size for the best fit.

Vivaia Margot 2.0

Sharing many of Rothy’s best qualities, including packability, machine washability and sustainability, these pretty knit flats come in more than 30 colors and prints, making them as appealing to fashionistas as frequent flyers. One pair in black and another in a splashy hue are really all you need for a week of sightseeing, fancy dinners and business events. It has a roomy square toe box and both regular and wide sizes, plus the shoe itself is designed for all-around comfort. It features padded heels to prevent blisters — no more bandaged ankles! — as well as a midsole made of yoga mat material for serious shock absorption. There’s plenty of arch support and an insole with additional cushioning for extra comfort.

Pikolinos Jerez

I instantly fell in love with these buttery-soft leather loafer, and then bought an extra pair in case they were ever discontinued. Artisan crafted from 100-percent calfskin, each pair is unique and so comfortable, your feet will be convinced they’re cuddled in your favorite old slippers. Pikolinos is a family-run company in Spain that has been making high quality shoes for 40 years. Their styles are drenched in rich, Mediterranean shades that add a touch of elegance to jeans or leggings. Polish and dust them off regularly and they’ll also age gracefully.

Oofos Oomg Low Shoe

If you’re looking for a real workhorse that will reduce stress on already sore feet, knees, backs, and joints, these are the shoes for you. My husband, who has walked the Camino de Santiago three times, swears by the men’s version and replaces them annually because he simply wears them out from so much mileage. Backed by the American Podiatric Medical Association with their Seal of Acceptance, Oofos shoes feature the brand’s own unique foam technology to ensure the soles absorb 37 percent more impact than traditional shoes. They also boast a patented footbed for amazing arch support. Best of all, they’re lightweight and made of a stretchy mesh fabric that conforms to your feet and keeps you moving.

Kizik Madrid Slip-on Sneakers

With bendable heels that spring right back into place, these slip-on Kizik shoes are truly hands-free, making them the perfect option for long flights because you can take them off and put them back on easily and quickly. They’re also great for long days of sightseeing once you arrive. Breathable and made from plastic bottles, the knit shoes are eco-friendly as well as foot-friendly. They offer great traction, which has been helpful when walking on slippery cobblestones throughout Europe, and the washable insoles provide cloud-like cushioning. They come in a variety of colors, although some are a little orthopedic-looking to me. I’m partial to the Heathered Grey. 

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