Finding the right shoes for travel can make or break your trip, especially when you’re exploring new cities or rushing through airports. Teens today want kicks that look good in photos but won’t leave their feet aching after hours of walking. The best travel shoes blend current trends with real comfort, so you can focus on the adventure instead of blisters. Here are thirteen pairs that teens are actually wearing right now—styles that work for everything from museum marathons to casual airport fits.
1. On Cloud 5
Editors at Forbes Vetted recently crowned this sneaker the best walking travel shoe for men, and it’s easy to see why teens are obsessed. The Cloud 5 feels incredibly light on your feet—almost like you’re wearing nothing—but still gives you solid cushioning for those unexpected airport sprints.
On’s signature CloudTec sole looks futuristic and pairs well with joggers, jeans, or even shorts. The brand has exploded in popularity this year among younger crowds who want performance without sacrificing style.
Whether you’re dashing between gates or spending hours wandering a new city, these sneakers keep your feet happy. They’re breathable enough for warm climates and streamlined enough to pack without taking up half your suitcase.
2. Hoka Clifton (9/10)
Taylor Swift was recently spotted wearing Clifton 9s, which tells you everything about their celebrity appeal. But beyond the star power, these shoes deliver serious comfort with a plush midsole that feels like walking on clouds.
Condé Nast Traveler editors consistently recommend Hokas for travel, and the Clifton series strikes the perfect balance. You get maximum cushioning without the bulky look that makes some running shoes feel too sporty for everyday wear.
Long travel days become way more manageable when your shoes absorb impact with every step. The Cliftons work equally well for morning runs in a new city or full days of sightseeing when you rack up thousands of steps.
3. New Balance 990v6 (and 574 if you want cheaper)
The Strategist placed the 990v6 at the top of their expert-vetted walking list for good reason—these shoes deliver unmatched support and durability. Cobblestone streets and uneven sidewalks don’t stand a chance against the solid construction New Balance is famous for.
Gen Z has embraced the whole “dad shoe” aesthetic, turning what used to be purely functional footwear into a fashion statement. The 990v6 comes with a higher price tag, but the 574 offers similar vibes at a more budget-friendly cost.
Museum marathons and metro hopping require shoes that won’t quit on you halfway through the day. These deliver arch support and shock absorption that keep your feet feeling fresh even after hours of exploration.
4. adidas Samba
Walk through any high school or college campus right now and you’ll spot Sambas everywhere—they’ve become one of Gen Z’s most recognizable sneakers. Marie Claire featured them as a travel staple, though they’re admittedly flat, so adding a thin insole helps for longer days.
The retro soccer aesthetic works with almost any outfit, from vintage jeans to athletic wear. Their slim profile makes them incredibly easy to pack, sliding into tight suitcase spaces without adding bulk.
These shine on lighter travel days when you want to look put-together without trying too hard. They’re not built for hiking or intense walking, but for café hopping and casual exploration, Sambas deliver that effortless cool factor teens crave.
5. adidas Stan Smith
Condé Nast Traveler editors keep coming back to Stan Smiths for city trips, and it’s because these minimalist sneakers never go out of style. Their clean white leather design works whether you’re wearing athletic shorts or trying to look slightly more polished for dinner.
Packability is a huge plus—they’re thin enough to tuck anywhere in your luggage. The simple silhouette means they transition easily from daytime exploring to smart-casual evening plans without needing a shoe change.
While they don’t offer tons of arch support right out of the box, many travelers add insoles to boost comfort. For shorter walking days or when style takes priority, Stan Smiths remain a reliable travel classic that photographs beautifully.
6. Nike P-6000
Gen Z editors at Who What Wear say the P-6000 is rising fast this year, bringing back that early 2000s runner aesthetic with modern comfort. These shoes offer way more cushioning than flat court sneakers, making them practical for actual travel.
The retro-tech design looks fresh in vacation photos without screaming “tourist shoes.” Teens appreciate footwear that feels current and Instagram-worthy while still supporting their feet through long exploration days.
If you want to stay on-trend but need real walking support, the P-6000 bridges that gap perfectly. The chunky silhouette might not be for everyone, but for those who love Y2K revival fashion, these deliver both style points and genuine comfort.
7. Salomon XT series (incl. Sandy Liang collabs)
Trail running DNA means these shoes bring real support to the table—not just fashion-forward looks. The Sandy Liang collaborations have made Salomon mega-popular with Gen Z, proving that technical footwear can absolutely be trendy.
Who What Wear highlighted the XT series as a go-to for teens who want outdoor capability without looking too serious. The aggressive tread handles wet city streets and light hikes equally well, making them incredibly versatile.
Parks, rainy urban adventures, and even casual trails become way more manageable with proper grip and cushioning. These shoes hold up for hours of wear while adding an outdoorsy-cool element to any outfit, whether you’re actually hiking or just want that vibe.
8. Vans Old Skool / Classics
Vogue has covered how celebrities keep Vans in regular rotation, and teens have never really stopped wearing them either. The Old Skool silhouette is instantly recognizable and works with virtually any casual travel outfit you can imagine.
For actual travel comfort, adding supportive insoles is key since Vans are notoriously flat by default. Once you upgrade the interior, they become much more viable for moderate walking around new cities.
Airport fits and short urban strolls are where these shine brightest. They’re not marathon-walking shoes, but for that classic skate aesthetic paired with reasonable comfort, Vans remain a teen staple that transitions seamlessly from home to travel destinations.
9. Kizik Hands-Free Sneakers
Business Insider editors tested these and were genuinely impressed by how effortlessly you can step in without bending down. That feature becomes incredibly handy at TSA checkpoints when you’re juggling bags and trying to move quickly through security.
The hands-free technology isn’t just a gimmick—it’s genuinely comfortable for all-day wear. Adults and kids alike appreciate not having to stop and re-lace throughout busy travel days.
If convenience ranks high on your priority list, Kizik delivers without sacrificing support or style. They look like regular sneakers but function like advanced slip-ons, making them perfect for travelers who value efficiency. The cushioning holds up well even when you’re rushing between connections or exploring unfamiliar terminals.
10. Skechers GOwalk (slip-ons)
The Strategist recommends GOwalk slip-ons for long walks, praising their solid arch support at an incredibly affordable price point. Not every teen has unlimited shoe budget, and Skechers proves you don’t need to spend a fortune for decent comfort.
These slip-ons feel cushy right out of the box with minimal break-in time needed. The easy on-off design works great for travel situations where you’re constantly removing shoes—planes, hostels, or hotel rooms.
Casual itineraries that involve moderate walking benefit most from this style. They won’t win fashion awards, but for budget-conscious travelers who prioritize comfort over trends, GOwalk delivers reliable performance that keeps feet happy throughout the day.
11. Dr. Scholl’s Slip-Ons (Nova / Madison Cloud)
InStyle praised these as podiatrist-approved options that actually survive very long walking days without torturing your feet. Reviewers consistently mention zero break-in period, which matters when you’re traveling and can’t afford painful first-wear experiences.
The Nova and Madison Cloud styles offer low-profile designs that look surprisingly sleek for comfort-focused shoes. You get serious cushioning without the chunky appearance that some orthopedic-style footwear carries.
Long travel days demand shoes that prioritize your feet’s health while still looking presentable. Dr. Scholl’s nails this balance, delivering support that prevents fatigue even when your step count climbs into five figures. For teens who want comfort without advertising it, these slip-ons work beautifully.
12. UGG Tasman / Classic Mini
The National Sporting Goods Association noted UGG’s surge in teen popularity this year, with Minis and Tasmans appearing everywhere in fall airports. That cozy sheepskin lining feels amazing during flights when temperatures drop and airplane air gets chilly.
Hotel lobbies and chill exploration days are where UGGs truly shine. They’re not built for heavy walking or athletic activity, so smart travelers pack a more supportive pair for intense sightseeing.
Evening relaxation and casual outings benefit from the comfort and warmth these provide. Teens love how UGGs photograph and the instant coziness they deliver, making them perfect for travel days focused more on transportation and downtime than active exploration.
13. ASICS GEL line (Kayano, Nimbus, 1130)
Teen Vogue has covered how ASICS styles like the GEL-1130 and Kayano keep dropping fresh colorways that stay hot with younger crowds. The “technical with a twist” aesthetic appeals to teens who want performance footwear that doesn’t look too serious.
Well-cushioned construction means these shoes genuinely support you when step counts climb past twenty thousand. The GEL technology absorbs impact effectively, protecting joints during marathon exploration days.
Athletic shoe review sites consistently rank ASICS highly for walking comfort and durability. New releases keep the brand feeling current while maintaining the reliable support that makes them actually functional for travel. When you need shoes that work as hard as you play, the GEL line delivers without compromise.
