Shoes Off or Keep Them On?

We get it: long-haul flights aren’t exactly comfortable, and slipping off your shoes might feel like a shortcut to comfort and getting cozy, especially if your feet are prone to swelling. But going barefoot on a plane isn’t just inconsiderate to fellow passengers (because of course your feet couldn’t possibly stink)—it’s also pretty unhygienic. As pilot and author Patrick Smith previously told Travel + Leisure, cabin cleanings between flights are often rushed, meaning floors may not be vacuumed or sanitized. Worse yet? Walking barefoot to the bathroom could be exposing yourself to bacteria, viruses, or even fungal infections, according to former aircraft cleaning product developer David Krause.

Convinced to keep your shoes on but still on the search of a pair that’s comfy enough to not make you want to take them off to begin with? We’re here to help. Below, we’ve rounded up the 10 best sneakers, sandals, and slides to consider as your new go-to travel shoes—all fitted with cushy insoles, breathable exteriors, and boasting styles you’ll be excited to wear. Plus, prices start as low as $14 so you can keep your travel budget intact without skimping on high-quality construction. 

Dr. Scholl’s Women’s Time Off Sneakers

Loved by flight attendants for their comfort and style, these simple white sneakers are an unbeatable choice to travel in if you’re struggling to conquer the temptation to slip off your shoes mid-flight. The Amazon best-sellers are crafted with well-cushioned insoles alongside a lightweight design, providing the arch support you need to feel comfortable during all parts of your travel day. Fellow passengers will also be thrilled to learn that these sneakers are instilled with anti-odor technology for even the sweatiest summer days—and right now they’re on sale for $75.

Kidmi Women’s Suede Clogs

Slip-on shoes are a great choice for long-haul flights since even if you do opt to slide them off while seated (while wearing socks, of course), they’re easy to slip back on when heading to the bathroom. After all, it’s been reported that flight attendants aren’t actually required to deep-clean the bathrooms in-between flights other than a cursory wipe down, so you can never really be sure what you’re stepping in. The Kidmi Suede Clogs are cushioned with cork footbeds that mold to your unique foot shape for supreme support that’ll make you actually want to keep your shoes on in-flight, and they also come in so many beautiful shades that you’ll have no trouble styling throughout your trip.

Bronax Pillow Slippers

A best-seller at Amazon, these unbelievably cushy sandals allow you the experience of wearing slippers outside of the house, making them just about the comfiest travel shoes you could choose. It’s always a good idea to wear a pair of socks while flying (specifically compression socks if you struggle with swelling and discomfort), but paired with these sandals you’ll feel like you just left the spa, even if you’re just strolling to the bathroom mid-flight. Currently on sale for 43 percent off, the Bronax Pillow Slippers are made from a squishy EVA material that feels like walking on a cloud—and they’re slip-resistant, lightweight, and easy to pack into your personal item if you only want to wear them in the air. 

Odoly Cork Footbed Sandals

With cork insoles designed to provide optimal arch support, these wide, buckled sandals are an incredibly comfortable pick for long travel days—and you can adjust the straps to achieve a snug fit you won’t want to remove while cruising at altitude. Since the insoles will mold to the shape of your feet they’ll feel just like wearing slippers (with more travel-friendly outsoles), and while socks with sandals may be a fashion faux pas, since comfort is the priority it’s worth noting that they’ll fit perfectly over a pair of compression socks. 

Cushionaire Belinda Women’s Lace Detail Sneakers

Marrying style and comfort, these darling lace-detailed sneakers are a shockingly supportive pick to wear while traveling, and if your feet get cold in-flight you’ll be happy to have opted for a closed-toe design. The insoles of these ribbon-laced shoes are made with foam cushioning to support every step (and feel practically weightless when you’re seated), while both the tongue and collars of the shoes are also designed to provide plush comfort. They’ll make any travel outfit feel more put-together, and they’re so cute that you’ll never want to take them off. 

KuaiLu Yoga Mat Flip-flops

Seeing as these flip-flops are crafted with yoga mat footbeds, it’s safe to say they’re one of the comfiest pairs of shoes you could wear in-flight—especially if you’re headed to a warm weather destination. The straps and toe posts are lined with soft fabric so as not to chafe or cause irritation between your toes, and the insoles boast unique arch support that most standard flip-flops fail to provide. One shopper raved that wearing them feels like “stepping on a cloud,” so you can trust that they’ll leave you inclined to keep your shoes firmly on your feet no matter how long your next flight is. 

Adidas Men’s Kaptir 3.0 Shoes

Adidas sneakers are universally recognized as well-made, reliable options for everything from working out to racking up miles, and the slip-on design of the Kaptir 3.0 Shoes makes them uniquely well-suited for your travels. The insoles feature the brand’s special Cloudfoam technology that’ll feel great whether you’re trying to get situated in-flight or wearing them as your walking shoes throughout your trip, and they’re so lightweight that you’ll hardly feel them. Wider toe boxes won’t leave your feet squeezed or lacking space, and right now they’re on sale for an impressive 43 percent off. 

Rothy’s The Casual Clog

Nothing says comfort quite like a cushy pair of clogs, and the Rothy’s Casual Clogs are my personal favorites for travel since they’re glorified slippers that look great with everything and boast foam insoles that contour to your foot shape for personalized support. The knit exterior is soft and breathable so they can still be worn despite the summer heat, and they’re made from 100 percent recycled plastic bottles, putting a sustainable spin on your travel style. Best of all, they’re machine washable so at the end of your trip simply throw them into the wash so you don’t have to shiver at the thought of what you’ve stepped in throughout your trip.

Hey Dude Men’s Paul Lace-up Loafers

If the convenient slip-on design and flexible exteriors of these breathable lace-up loafers doesn’t sell you on them as travel day shoes, perhaps the multitude of customers calling them the “most comfortable walking shoes on the market” will. They’re so lightweight that they’ll practically feel like nothing on your feet, not to mention the insoles are designed to cut through odor while the breezy cotton exteriors keep your feet cool throughout your journey. The insoles are even made from memory foam to further solidifying the Hey Dude Men’s Paul Lace-up Loafers as the best way to curb the urge to take off your shoes mid-flight. 

Puma Women’s Adelina Sneaker

Sneakerinas (the stylistic blend of sneakers and ballerina flats) have rapidly gained popularity this summer, and not only are they fashionable, they’re also well-suited to stay firmly on your feet during long travel days. Breathable, super-soft sockliners will never chafe or irritate your feet while the slip-on design is made even more convenient with the addition of loops at the heels (although we’re fairly confident you’ll never want to take them off). One shopper even noted that they picked out these shoes specifically “for a long flight,” and they were so comfy that they “plan to use them for all [their] travels.” Fortunately, they’re on sale right now in a beautiful range of colors from lilac to plum.

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