We independently evaluate all recommended products and services. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation. Learn more. Travel Products The 20 Best Sneakers for Men of 2024 Kick off your next trip with a fresh pair of kicks. By Joel Balsam Updated on December 5, 2023 In This Article Expand In This Article Our Top Picks ReviewsTips for Buying Frequently Asked Questions Why Trust T + L Photo: Travel + Leisure / David Hattan Frequent travelers know that a pair of sneakers can make or break a trip. Whether you’re walking through the airport, traversing the countryside, or wandering through the city, having a pair of sneakers you feel good in is key. And you don’t have to be a sneakerhead to also want a pair of kicks that shows off your unique personality. Fortunately, there are plenty of men’s sneakers that combine comfort, style, and most importantly for travel, versatility, because you probably won’t be traveling with as many shoes as you have in your closet at home. While there are a lot of great options to choose from, we feel that Hoka’s Clifton 9 is the most versatile and suitable for most travelers. But if these chunky-soled sneakers aren’t for you, read on for 19 more options from a wide array of brands including New Balance, Nike, Merrell, Forsake, and many more. Our Top Picks Best Overall: Hoka Men's Clifton 9 Running Shoe at REI ($145) Jump to Review Best White: New Balance 550 White Sneakers at Newbalance.com (See Price) Jump to Review Best Sustainable: Allbirds Tree Dasher 2 at REI ($135) Jump to Review Best for Arch Support: Brooks Ghost 15 at Amazon ($200) Jump to Review Best for Narrow Feet: New Balance Running Shoes at Amazon ($200) Jump to Review Best for Wide Feet: Merrell Men's Embark Sneaker Moc Wide at Merrell.com (See Price) Jump to Review Best Size Range: Vans Old Skool Core Classics at Amazon ($57) Jump to Review Best Dress Sneakers: Cole Haan GrandPrø Crew Wingtip Sneakers at Nordstrom ($170) Jump to Review Best Budget: Reebok Club MEMT at Amazon ($55) Jump to Review Best Splurge: APL Techloom Defender at Athleticpropulsionlabs.com (See Price) Jump to Review Best Overall Hoka Men's Clifton 9 Running Shoe PHOTO: Zappos $145 At REI $145 At Nordstrom $145 At Dick's Why We Love It It’s a versatile travel shoe for running, walking, and everything in between. What to Consider They’re pretty casual, so you’d need a dressier pair if you’re going to business meetings or nice dinners. In recent years, these shoes, which were founded in the French Alps, have caught fire in the fashion world due to their extreme comfort and unique look – and we think they’ll become your go-to travel sneakers. The Clifton 9 is Hoka’s everyday style with a breathable upper that’s perfect for warm destinations and a sole that supports your arch for workouts, runs, and walking around. The bottom of the shoe also has a good amount of grip if you’re looking to do some hiking. The Clifton 9s are also highly customizable. You can get them with a regular breathable upper or in Gore-tex, which is waterproof. There are regular and wide sizes. You can also get them in a range of psychedelic colors, or simply in all white or black if you’re looking for something more versatile. The Details: 7 to 16, wide sizes available | Knit upper, CMEVA midsole, rubber outsole | 1.14 pounds Best White New Balance 550 White Sneakers PHOTO: New Balance View On Newbalance.com View On Ssense.com View On Footlocker.com Why We Love It These are comfortable classics that don't look like dad shoes. What to Consider They’re better suited for wearing on the street or for playing basketball than for more formal occasions. New Balance sneakers have had a major resurgence in the last couple of years – it’s hard to look around on the street of any major city without seeing a pair or two. That said, it’s still easy to stand out as there are so many different New Balance styles. The all-white 550s are based on the 1989 New Balance basketball shoes, and they’re both classic and cool. Wide feet? These come in wide sizes as well. The Details: 7.5 to 14, wide sizes available | Leather upper, rubber outsole | 1.2 pounds Best Sustainable Allbirds Tree Dasher 2 PHOTO: Allbirds $135 At REI $135 At Nordstrom $135 At allbirds.com Why We Love It These are designed for everyday exploring as well as running and working out. What to Consider The upper is delicate and may wear out easily. Allbirds has been a leader in sustainable footwear for years, and it’s only getting better. After debuting its wildly popular Wool Runners, Allbirds developed a unique eucalyptus tree fiber fabric that’s used in the Tree Dasher 2s. According to the brand, the tree fiber fabric uses 95 percent less water than conventional cotton and has a third of the carbon footprint of nylon, making these shoes certifiably better for the planet than many other options on the market. The midsole is sustainable too, as it’s made from sugarcane. But this shoe isn’t just a do-gooder. It’s also great for walking around, running, and working out, so it’s perfect for daily wear on long trips. After personally trying these out, I couldn’t believe how bouncy the sole is. The Details: 8 to 14 | TENCEL Lyocell (eucalyptus tree fiber) upper, SweetFoam midsole made with sugarcane-based green EVA, merino wool back, rubber outsole | 10.2 ounces Best for Arch Support Brooks Ghost 15 PHOTO: Zappos $200 At Amazon $110 At Zappos $130 At Dick's Why We Love It It’s a great running shoe for everyone, especially those who need arch support or narrow and wide sizes. What to Consider The style may not be for everyone. Brooks has long been a go-to brand for people with foot problems and those who generally care about their feet. The Brooks Ghost 15 continues this tradition by being supportive, well-cushioned, and available in a variety of sizes, including the rare options of narrow and extra-wide. These sneakers are also certified PDAC A5500 Diabetic shoes. Another great benefit is that they’re made with 57 percent recycled materials, which diverts the equivalent of 6.58 plastic bottles from landfills. They also come in 40 different styles so you can find a color that suits you. The Details: 7 to 15, narrow, wide and X-wide sizes | Recycled mesh fabric upper, DNA Loft V2, made with EVA foam and rubber | 10.1 ounces Best for Narrow Feet New Balance Running Shoes PHOTO: Zappos $200 At Amazon $200 At Nordstrom $200 At Zappos Why We Love It Comfortable, stylish, and versatile – these trendy dad shoes have it all. What to Consider They’re not suited for more formal settings. These sneakers are the epitome of dad shoes – but maybe dad has it right. These shoes are comfortable, reliable, and very on-trend right now. They’re also versatile, having been originally designed for running back in the spring of 1978. But what makes them really stand out is the wide variety of sizes and fits that you can select. Those with narrow feet can get them in X-narrow or narrow, which can be a lifesaver when there are very few men’s narrow sneakers on the market. They also come in standard, wide, X-wide, and XX-wide, and run up to size 16. The Details: 7 to 16, X-narrow to XX-wide | Pigskin and synthetic overlays, mesh underlay | 13.2 ounces Best for Wide Feet Merrell Men's Embark Sneaker Moc Wide PHOTO: Merrell View On Merrell.com Why We Love It This is a comfortable slip-on sneaker with plenty of grip for rough terrain. What to Consider Slip-on shoes don’t have as much support as laces, so look for an alternative if you plan to do more strenuous activities. We’ve already mentioned a few wide-foot options on this list, but the Merrell Embark earns our top pick both for coming in wide sizes and being a slip-ons. They’re also quite comfortable, with an excellent foam midsole and trail-ready grippy Vibram outsole. Merrell gets green points for these, too, as they’re made with recycled materials throughout including a 60 percent recycled knit upper. Last but certainly not least, it’s tough to beat this price. The Details: 8 to 13, wide sizes available | Recycled knit upper, recycled EVA foam midsole, Vibram outsole | 1.3 pounds Best Size Range Vans Old Skool Core Classics PHOTO: Amazon $57 At Amazon $70 At Nordstrom $70 At Dick's Why We Love It These have been in style since 1977, and offer so many colors and styles that you can easily get a matching pair with your partner or kids. What to Consider They don’t offer a lot of arch support. There’s no denying the timelessness of these classic low-top Vans skate shoes. They come in a near-infinite catalog of styles and plenty of sizes, including wide, so you can choose your own adventure. They’re also great for travel since you can simply slip them on and go, whether you’re in the TSA security line at the airport or getting ready to disembark a long-haul flight. The Details: 3.5 to 16, wide sizes available | Suede or canvas upper, EVA midsole, rubber outsole | 1 pound Best Dress Sneakers Cole Haan GrandPrø Crew Wingtip Sneakers PHOTO: Zappos $170 At Nordstrom $122 At Zappos View On Colehaan.com Why We Love It It’s a dress shoe that’s both stylish and comfortable. What to Consider If these are still too casual, Cole Haan has dressier options that still have comfortable soles. These aren’t your grandpa’s dress shoes — times have changed. Comfortable dress shoe options are everywhere and Cole Haan is at the forefront of making dress shoes that are both stylish and actually comfortable enough to wear for hours at a time. From above, these look like classy wingtips, made with high-quality leather. But the secret is in the midsole, which is both comfortable and sustainable as it’s partially made from dandelions. They’re also very lightweight and come in five attractive colorways. The Details: 7 to 13 | Leather upper, FlowerFoam EVA midsole made from a minimum of 25 percent natural dandelion rubber, rubber outsole made with 30 percent bio-based rubber | 7.2 ounces Best Budget Reebok Club MEMT PHOTO: Amazon $55 At Amazon View On Reebok.com Why We Love It It’s a classic look at an unbeatable price. What to Consider They aren’t made for intense activities like running. Another classic, Reebok’s Club MEMT sneakers are definitely back in style, especially in the sleek all-white color option. If you do go all-white, they’re pretty easy to clean, too, by wiping them off with a wet cloth, which certainly helps for traveling. In terms of versatility, these sneakers were originally made to be tennis shoes, so they’ll do you well walking around a new city on your travels, though they aren’t meant for more intensive activities like running. We can’t complain about the affordable price tag, either. The Details: 3.5 to 15 | Leather and mesh upper, removable EVA foam sock liner, rubber outsole Best Splurge APL Techloom Defender PHOTO: APL View On Athleticpropulsionlabs.com Why We Love It This is a shoe that’s as adventurous as you are. What to Consider They’re high-tops, so they will be bulkier to pack in your luggage than a shorter pair of shoes. If you’re able to spend a little more, the APL Techloom Defender is more than just a great-looking sneaker. It’s also built for adventure, with a water-resistant coating that protects up to the upper ankle. These sneakers also deploy Athletic Propulsion Labs’ expertise in comfort and cushioning – the same kind of thinking that got its shoes banned from the NBA for giving wearers too much of a competitive advantage. The Techloom Defenders are also unbelievably light for high-tops. They come in 11 different colorways to suit your style. The Details: 7 to 14 | Water repellent, non-stretch TechLoom with TPU overlays, FutureFoam midsole, ULTRACT outsole | 14.5 ounces Best High-tops Freshy Bounce PHOTO: Freshy View On Freshyworld.com Why We Love It They feature a retro look, with extra cushion for comfort. What to Consider They’re more expensive than many on this list. When you think of high-tops, you probably think of Nike Air Jordans or Converse All-Stars. But if you want to push the boundaries and try something different, Freshy is doing some bold things with sneakers and these Bounce high-tops are a perfect example. Unabashedly retro, these look as fresh as the company name suggests, but they aren’t just about looks. The footbed of the shoe is made with memory foam to conform to your foot and there’s velvet inside for extra comfort. The Details: 8 to 13 | Leather and suede upper Best for Running On Men's Cloudstratus 3 PHOTO: On View On On-running.com Why We Love It It’s a superior running shoe that also looks and feels great when walking around. What to Consider The average traveler may not need a pair of runners of this caliber. On has a dizzying lineup of running shoes, but the Cloudstratus 3 is an excellent versatile option for runners who travel. This model, an update from the already-popular Cloudstratus, adds extra cushioning and better grip to the outsole, which is another travel benefit. If you’re an experienced runner, you’ll appreciate that these shoes are fit for both long-distance running and sprints alike. The Details: 7 to 14 | Recycled mesh upper, Helion Superfoam midsole, rubber outsole | 10.2 ounces Best for Basketball Nike Air Jordan 1 Mid PHOTO: Nike $125 At Dick's $125 At nike.com View On Footlocker.com Why We Love It These are the epitome of classic basketball shoes. What to Consider Basketball shoes have improved, so if you’re looking for something with more on-court performance you might want to consider a newer model. These classic sneakers have recently made a comeback thanks in part to the movie “Air,” which detailed how Nike signed Michael Jordan against all odds. Besides being stylish, these kicks are extremely comfortable and are perfect for wearing from the court to walking the streets of a new city. And they offer excellent ankle support, which is great for cobblestoned streets and uneven terrain, too. While the red-and-white or all-white versions are classics, Amazon has more than 60 options to choose from. The Details: 8 to 18 | Synthetic leather upper, rubber outsole | 15.5 ounces Best Everyday Adidas Ozweego PHOTO: Amazon $130 At Dick's $72 At adidas.com Why We Love It These are fun throwbacks that work great for travel. What to Consider They don’t have the best grip for rougher terrain. With the ‘90s/early ‘00s style revival in full swing, the Adidas Ozweegos will have you looking on point – and they’re still super comfy. The thick midsole is made with cushy Adiprene+ and EVA, which will keep you comfortable after hours on your feet. These shoes are easy to clean, too – just wipe them off with a damp cloth. While there are more athletic travel sneakers available, these were originally made for running, so they could also work for light runs and workouts – though they’re probably not the best for a muddy trail. The Details: 4 to 14 | Mesh and suede upper, EVA midsole, rubber outsole | 1.11 pounds Best Casual NinetyNine Products The Carver PHOTO: NinetyNine Products View On Ninetynineproducts.com Why We Love It These are comfortable sneakers that are also a fun conversation piece. What to Consider These are all about style, and less about function for active travelers. The folks behind NinetyNine Productions had spent 20 years building sneakers for brands like Nike, Yeezy, Cole Haan and Everlane before breaking off to do their own thing, and the result was the creation of some mighty fine sneakers. These baby blue Carver sneakers are super stylish and feature a unique nature graphic on the back. The Carver, which pays homage to an environmentalist and farmer, also comes in a bright and bold Composite colorway. If you prefer something a little more subtle, NinetyNine Productions sells The Point, which boasts more of a late-‘90s to early-‘00s style. The Details: 4.5 to 17 | Canvas upper, rubber sole Best Slip-on OluKai Slip-On Sneakers PHOTO: OluKai $100 At Amazon $100 At REI $100 At Nordstrom Why We Love It These are super lightweight and have great slip protection. What to Consider They don’t offer arch support for those with flat feet. Perfect for walking from the resort to the beach, these slip-on shoes from OluKai have a unique feature that allows you to step right over the heel and slide in or flip over the heel for a more secure fit. They are very lightweight and made with a special rubber sole that resists slips on wet surfaces. OluKai is also a Certified B Corporation, so you can rest assured you’re supporting a brand that cares. Along with its excellent sandals, OluKai has a big lineup of sneakers if you prefer something you can wear around town. For instance, the full-grain leather Lae'ahi Li 'ILI sneaker is a dressier option. The Details: 7 to 15 | Mesh microfiber lining, PU footbed, EVA midsole, WetGrip rubber sole | 9.8 ounces The 8 Best Slip-on Shoes for Men of 2024, Tested and Reviewed Best for Hiking Vasque Here Lightweight Shoe PHOTO: Vasque View On Amazon View On Vasque.com Why We Love It It’s a lightweight and breathable sneaker with plenty of traction for rough terrain. What to Consider Some might not like the outsole protruding from the back of the sneaker. These unique, cool-looking sneakers from American brand Vasque do a great job at combining two seemingly irreconcilable features – being both lightweight and having terrific grip for hiking. They’re made with sustainable materials as well, like Bloom EVA (from algae) and AHR (partially from sugarcane), as well as a fully recycled mesh upper. The sole protruding from the back of the sneaker might be awkward for some, but it can be a lifesaver in terms of stability on a rough trail. This Vasque sneaker also comes in a taller version, the Here Mid. The Details: 7 to 14 | Recycled polyester mesh upper, Bloom EVA footbed, AHR (EVA and 20 percent sugarcane) midsole, R2T | 1.8 pounds Best Trail Runners Salomon Sense Ride 5 Trail Running Shoes PHOTO: REI View On Amazon $70 At REI View On Salomon.com Why We Love It These will work for trail runs, hikes, and walks around the city. What to Consider The style may not be for everyone. If you expect to experience a lot of rough terrain during your trip, though not all the time, these trail runners from Salomon are a terrific versatile option. They have rugged tread, but not so much that they’ll feel too awkward while walking on the road. An underrated feature is the brand’s coveted Quicklace system, which saves you from having to stop and tie up your shoes. This is an overall great-quality shoe at an affordable price. Salomon also sells the Sense Ride 5 with a Gore-tex coating if you’re looking for something that’s waterproof, but know that they won’t be as breathable. The Details: 7 to 14 | Mesh upper, rubber outsole | 10.3 ounces Best Waterproof Forsake Waterproof Sneaker Boot PHOTO: REI $135 At Amazon $140 At REI $140 At Zappos Why We Love It It looks like a comfortable sneaker but it’s actually a comfortable hiking boot. What to Consider They’re thick and waterproof, but they may overheat your feet. If you’re looking for a sneaker, but also a waterproof hiking boot, Forsake has the shoes for you. These look like comfortable leather high-top basketball shoes – but they’re actually excellent hiking boots with rugged traction and a waterproof coating. They’re completely sealed to make sure the water stays out, and are made with plenty of sustainable materials including Bloom, which comes from algae. Forsake also sells higher and lower-cut sneaker boots. The Details: 7 to 14 | Leather upper, 20 percent Bloom footbed, EVA midsole, Peak-to-Pavement rubber outsole | 1.12 pounds Best Water Shoes Tropicfeel Canyon PHOTO: Tropicfeel View On Tropicfeel.com Why We Love It It’s surprisingly useful to have water shoes that you can also wear in the city. What to Consider They aren’t built for running and don’t have great tread for rougher terrain. Rather than being waterproof, these renowned travel sneakers from Tropicfeel embrace getting soaked, making them perfect for walking through streams, canyoning, kayaking and other sports in and out of water. Once they’re wet, they dry off super quickly, and since you can wear them without socks you’ll be off on the next step of your journey in no time. They look great whether they’re dry or wet, and are nice enough to wear around town. If you’re not keen on your feet getting soaked, Tropicfeel also sells the waterproof Canyon HDry. The Details: 6 to 12.5 | Recycled polyester upper, EVA insole and midsole, rubber outsole | 14.1 ounces Tips for Buying Men’s Sneakers Consider versatility While you might love the look of a certain pair of sneakers, you’ll want to consider what you’ll be doing on your travels before committing. If you want a shoe that’s good for many different trips and occasions (e.g. walking around a city, working out, hiking, or even going to a nice restaurant) go for the most versatile pair you can find. Also, consider what you plan to wear with them — from comfy sweatpants and joggers to jeans and slacks. Prioritize support Traveling will likely have you spending much more time on your feet than you’re used to, so make sure your sneakers have good arch support and generous cushioning to keep you comfortable for a full day. There’s no quicker way to ruin a trip than wearing uncomfortable shoes that don’t offer enough support – especially if your travels have you exploring a city on foot, wandering through museums, and hitting the bars all in a single day. Frequently Asked Questions How should men's sneakers fit? When was the last time you measured your feet? Even if you think you know your size, your foot shape can change, particularly in width, so make sure you get them measured. When you have your sneakers on, the most important thing is that they don’t fit too tight or too loose. Your heel shouldn’t be lifting up when you step, and there should be no hotspots or chafing for the right fit. What's the best way to pack sneakers? You don’t want your sneakers to be bent or crushed in your luggage, so we recommend stuffing them with socks so they keep their shape. Try putting your sneakers into your suitcase first and packing the rest of your clothes around them to make sure there’s enough space for everything and that your shoes don’t get squished. You may also want to consider packing them in a shoe bag or plastic bag to keep the rest of your belongings clean, and be sure to wipe down any visible dirt or debris from the shoes before throwing them in your suitcase. How do I wash sneakers? Simply wipe them with a wet cloth and warm soapy water. If that doesn’t work, read the care instructions for your specific pair before throwing them in the washing machine. If they can be washed, put them on a gentle, cold water cycle to save both the sneakers and the machine from damage, then air dry. Why Trust Travel + Leisure Travel + Leisure writers are experts when it comes to traveling, walking, and sightseeing in comfort. For this story, writer Joel Balsam, a full-time traveler who has hiked in the Himalayas and climbed volcanoes in the Azores, Mexico, and Guatemala, reviewed many of the best sneakers on the market and made his picks based on versatility and style. The 15 Best Men’s Snow Boots of 2024, Tested and Reviewed Love a great deal? Sign up for our T+L Recommends newsletter and we’ll send you our favorite travel products each week. Edited by Sophie Mendel Sophie Mendel Sophie Mendel is a Commerce Editor at Travel + Leisure with Dotdash Meredith where she assigns, edits and publishes the product reviews and recommendations that help guide travelers toward the best shoes, apparel and accessories for their needs. Sophie has traveled to 50 countries and has lived in five, and is bilingual in English and Spanish. She has more than five years of experience as a writer, editor and copywriter. learn more Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Tell us why! Other Submit