ByWhen traveling through Europe, having a comfortable and reliable pair of walking shoes is essential. The combination of long sightseeing days, cobblestone streets, and diverse terrains requires footwear that provides both support and durability. According to the American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA), wearing well-cushioned and supportive shoes can help prevent foot fatigue and pain during extended periods of walking.
To help you find the best pair, we’ve compiled a list of best women’s walking shoes for travel in europe based on expert recommendations, traveler reviews, and extensive testing. These selections balance style, comfort, and functionality—ensuring you can explore European cities without discomfort.
| Photo | Title | Buy |
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On Women's Cloud 5 Sneakers | Check Price |
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Dr. Martens Women's Rometty Chelsea Boot | Check Price |
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HOKA ONE ONE Clifton 9 Womens Shoes | Check Price |
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Brooks Women’s Ghost 16 Neutral Running Shoe | Check Price |
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Allbirds Women's Tree Runner Go Everyday Sneakers | Check Price |
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Skechers Women's Go Walk Joy Sneaker | Check Price |
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Nike Motiva Women's Walking Shoes | Check Price |
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HOKA Transport Womens Shoes | Check Price |
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Merrell Women's Classic Hiking Boot | Check Price |
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Blundstone Original 510 Series Unisex Chelsea Boots | Check Price |
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Best Women’s Walking Shoes
On Cloud 5 Sneakers
Best for: Lightweight and breathable wear
The On Cloud 5 Sneakers blend performance-driven design with a sleek, modern look, making them a go-to choice for travel, daily errands, or long walks. Designed with a lightweight, breathable upper, these sneakers keep your feet cool and comfortable no matter where the day takes you.
What sets the Cloud 5 apart is its signature speed-lacing system—elastic laces that provide a snug fit while allowing you to slip the shoe on and off effortlessly. The Zero-Gravity foam midsole delivers plush cushioning without unnecessary weight, and the updated Speedboard enhances energy return, making each step feel light and responsive.
Unlike bulky running shoes, the Cloud 5 has a streamlined silhouette that transitions seamlessly from a workout to a casual city stroll. The round toe and flexible design ensure all-day comfort, preventing pinching or discomfort during long wear. Whether you’re catching a flight or exploring a new city, these sneakers offer the perfect balance of support, style, and ease of movement.
Dr. Martens Rometty Chelsea Boot
Best for: Edgy style and durability
The Dr. Martens Women’s Rometty Fashion Boot combines the brand’s signature toughness with a sleek, fashion-forward silhouette. Built on the iconic air-cushioned sole, this boot provides excellent comfort and support, making it ideal for long hours on your feet. The burnished Wyoming leather gives it a slightly rugged look, with a rich grain and subtle shine that darkens at the toe and heel for added depth.
What makes the Rometty stand out is its chunky-yet-streamlined platform sole, which adds height without compromising stability. The Goodyear-welted construction ensures long-lasting durability, while the slip-resistant rubber sole provides excellent grip on various surfaces. Classic Dr. Martens DNA is all over this boot, from the grooved edges to the signature yellow stitching and heel loop.
Unlike traditional lace-up Docs, the pull-on Chelsea boot style makes these easy to slip on and off—ideal for busy days or travel. However, they run large, so sizing down is recommended for the best fit.
Hoka Clifton 9 Womens Shoes
Best for: Superior cushioning and arch support
The HOKA Clifton 9 is a high-performance running shoe that blends lightweight cushioning, breathability, and durability to support both casual runners and serious athletes.
Designed with HOKA’s signature Meta-Rocker technology, this shoe ensures a smooth heel-to-toe transition, reducing fatigue and encouraging a natural stride. The soft, responsive midsole foam provides exceptional shock absorption, making it perfect for long-distance runs or all-day wear.
Its engineered mesh upper keeps your feet cool and comfortable, while the lace-up closure ensures a secure, customizable fit. The durable rubber outsole offers excellent grip and stability on various surfaces, whether you’re running on pavement, hitting the gym, or taking a long city walk.
Beyond performance, the Clifton 9 comes in a variety of stylish color options, so you can match it with your workout gear or casual outfits.
Brooks Ghost 16 Neutral Running Shoe
Best for: Balanced comfort and durability
The Brooks Ghost 16 is a neutral running shoe designed for runners who want a smooth, cushioned ride without distractions. With a refined 3D Fit Print upper, it offers a secure yet breathable fit, adapting comfortably to your foot while keeping airflow in check.
Built for versatility, the nitrogen-infused DNA Loft v3 cushioning provides lightweight, responsive comfort, making it ideal for road running, walking, cross-training, or everyday wear. The Segmented Crash Pad ensures effortless heel-to-toe transitions, absorbing impact and promoting a natural stride.
What sets the Ghost 16 apart is its eco-conscious design—it’s a certified carbon-neutral product and even carries the APMA Seal of Acceptance for foot health. The durable RoadTack rubber outsole, made with recycled silica, offers a reliable grip without adding unnecessary weight.
Allbirds Tree Runners
Best for: Sustainable and breathable comfort
The Allbirds Women’s Tree Runner Go is a lightweight, breathable sneaker designed for all-day comfort, making it an excellent choice for travel in Europe. Made from natural tree fibers, this sneaker offers a cool and airy feel, ideal for walking through bustling cities, historic sites, and scenic streets. The updated design features a roomier toe box and extra foam cushioning, ensuring a secure yet flexible fit for long-distance walking.
What sets the Tree Runner Go apart is its sleek, minimalist design combined with eco-conscious materials. The machine-washable upper keeps them looking fresh, while the springy midsole provides a responsive feel with every step. Whether you’re strolling along the cobblestone streets of Paris or exploring a museum in Rome, these sneakers offer lightweight support without bulk.
However, these shoes are best suited for dry and urban environments. The soft sole lacks strong traction, making them less ideal for rainy conditions or rugged terrain. Travelers needing extra arch support may also find that adding insoles enhances comfort for extended wear.
Skechers Go Walk Joy Sneakers
Best for: Budget-friendly comfort
The Skechers Women’s Go Walk Joy Sneaker is a lightweight and budget-friendly option for travelers seeking comfort and ease while exploring Europe. Designed with responsive 5Gen midsole cushioning and a Skechers Air Cooled Goga Mat insole, this shoe offers high-rebound support to keep your feet feeling fresh, even after long hours of sightseeing.
One of the standout features is the breathable mesh upper, which helps keep feet cool, making it perfect for walking through warm Mediterranean cities like Barcelona or Athens. The flexible rubber outsole provides good traction on paved streets, but may not be as grippy on wet or cobblestone paths.
Another plus is its machine-washable design, allowing travelers to easily clean their shoes after a day of exploring. However, for those needing extra arch support, adding an insole might be beneficial.
Nike Motiva Women’s Walking Shoes
Best for: Shock absorption and multi-terrain walking
The Nike Motiva Women’s Walking Shoes are designed for all-day comfort and smooth movement, making them a great choice for travelers. Featuring Comfortgroove innovation, the outsole absorbs impact and provides extra cushioning, reducing strain on your feet during long walks.
A key highlight is the exaggerated rocker design, which helps propel you forward with each step, making walking feel effortless—ideal for navigating through airports, museums, and city streets. The soft foam waterfall collar and stretchy mesh upper offer a snug yet breathable fit, while the widened forefoot and toe box ensure added comfort for those with slightly wider feet.
The durable rubber outsole provides traction on various surfaces, but for uneven cobblestone streets, a more rugged sole might be preferable. Additionally, the 1/2-inner sleeve makes these shoes easy to slip on and off, perfect for security checks or quick outfit changes.
Hoka Transport Women Shoes
Best for: Stylish and supportive urban travel
The HOKA Transport Women’s Shoes are designed for urban explorers and travelers who need a comfortable, supportive, and stylish walking shoe. Whether you’re strolling through European cities, hiking scenic trails, or navigating airports, these shoes offer all-day comfort with a lightweight yet cushioned feel.
Built with HOKA’s signature cushioning, the Transport absorbs impact, making it ideal for long sightseeing days. The 100% synthetic upper ensures breathability, while the durable outsole provides reliable traction on various terrains, from cobblestone streets to smooth pavements.
With a sleek, minimalist design, these shoes transition seamlessly from casual sightseeing outfits to athleisure looks, making them a versatile choice for travel.
Merrell Women’s Classic Hiking Boots
Best for: Cold weather and outdoor adventures
The Merrell Women’s Classic Hiking Boot is designed for adventurous travelers who need a durable, waterproof, and comfortable boot for exploring rugged trails and cold-weather destinations. Whether you’re trekking through European countryside, exploring mountain paths, or navigating wet and rocky terrains, these boots provide all-day support and protection.
Built with a waterproof membrane, the boots keep your feet dry while allowing moisture to escape, preventing discomfort during long hikes. The full-grain leather and knit upper ensure durability, while the rubber outsole offers excellent traction on uneven surfaces like muddy trails, cobblestone streets, and forest paths.
A SOLARCORE Aerogel insole provides warmth and cushioning, making these boots an excellent choice for cold-weather travel. The calf-length construction and bellows tongue help keep out debris and snow, ensuring a secure, comfortable fit.
Blundstone 510 Series Chelsea Boots
Best for: All-weather durability
The Blundstone Original Chelsea Boots are a travel-friendly choice for women exploring Europe’s diverse landscapes—from city streets to countryside trails. Designed with premium water-resistant leather, these boots keep your feet dry and comfortable in unpredictable weather, making them one of the best women’s walking shoes for traveling in Europe during fall and winter.
Blundstone’s SPS Max Comfort System and cushioned midsole provide shock absorption, reducing foot fatigue during long sightseeing days. The durable TPU outsole ensures excellent traction, while the pull-on Chelsea design makes them easy to slip on and off—perfect for airport security checks or quick outfit changes. Plus, with a removable comfort footbed and XRD Technology in the heel, these boots offer customized comfort for long journeys.
How to Choose the Best Women’s Walking Shoes for Traveling in Europe
When traveling in Europe, you’ll likely be walking for hours through cobblestone streets, museums, and public transportation hubs. The wrong shoes can lead to foot pain, blisters, and discomfort—which is the last thing you want on vacation.
To help you find the best women’s walking shoes for traveling in Europe, here are expert-backed factors to consider:
1. Prioritize Comfort & Cushioning
According to podiatrist Dr. Miguel Cunha, founder of Gotham Footcare, shoes with shock-absorbing midsoles and arch support help prevent foot fatigue and joint pain during long walks. Look for:
✅ Memory foam or EVA midsoles for soft, responsive cushioning
✅ Arch support (important for those with flat feet or high arches)
✅ A padded insole for extra underfoot comfort
💡 Recommended shoe: Skechers Go Walk Joy—lightweight, cushioned, and breathable.
2. Choose Lightweight & Flexible Shoes
Heavy shoes can slow you down and take up too much luggage space. Opt for:
✅ Shoes under 1.5 lbs per pair for effortless walking
✅ Flexible soles to allow natural foot movement
💡 Nike Motiva Walking Shoes are a great choice—they feature a “Comfortgroove” outsole for a soft, smooth ride.
3. Prioritize Durability & Traction for European Streets
Europe’s streets often have uneven surfaces, wet tiles, and slippery cobblestones. Shoes with rubber outsoles and deep treads provide grip and stability on various terrains.
✅ Non-slip rubber outsoles
✅ Thick tread patterns for better traction
✅ Goodyear-welted or durable stitching for longevity
💡 Blundstone Original Chelsea Boots are stylish yet rugged, making them ideal for all-weather European travel.
4. Opt for Breathable & Weather-Resistant Materials
European weather can be unpredictable, so you need shoes that work in hot summers, sudden rain showers, and cool autumns.
✅ Mesh uppers for breathability in warm climates
✅ Water-resistant or waterproof shoes for rainy days
✅ Leather or synthetic materials that dry quickly
💡 HOKA Transport Shoes offer a breathable yet weather-resistant design, perfect for year-round travel.
5. Slip-On Convenience for Airports & On-the-Go Travel
When going through airport security or hopping between destinations, easy slip-on shoes can make life easier.
✅ Chelsea boots or slip-on sneakers for quick wear
✅ Stretchy mesh uppers for a secure yet flexible fit
💡 Merrell Women’s Classic Hiking Boot has a side-zip design for easy on-and-off wear, making it great for both city and outdoor adventures.
Final Thoughts
Selecting the right walking shoes can significantly impact your travel experience. Investing in a pair that offers the right balance of support, cushioning, and breathability will keep your feet comfortable as you explore Europe’s stunning cities and landscapes.
For the best experience, consider breaking in your shoes before your trip and pairing them with high-quality socks designed for walking. If you’re unsure which pair suits you best, visiting a specialty shoe store for a personalized fitting can be beneficial.
By choosing the right walking shoes, you’ll be able to fully enjoy Europe’s historic streets, breathtaking landmarks, and hidden gems—without foot pain slowing you down!
