Limiting the number of shoes is one of the greatest challenges facing packing light travellers. While the number and type will depend on the length, purpose, and season of your trip, most light packers aim for two- or three-pair limit. More often than not, that includes a pair of comfortable walking sandals. These limitations raise an important question: What are the best walking sandals for travel?

What are the best walking sandals for travel?

Podiatrists, experts in foot health, generally agree that arch support, cushioning, adjustability, traction, and toe protection are key features to look for in a sandal. Another feature is achieving the right balance between flexibility and rigidity. A shoe that’s too firm won’t feel comfortable, and one that has too much bend won’t offer enough support.

The best walking sandals are ones that align with the shape of a foot. A foot with high arches requires a shoe with a similar height in the mid-foot while a foot with a low arch needs a shoe with an arch that rises to a comfortable height.

Proper sizing is also a major consideration. I’ve read reports suggesting that 50% of people are wearing footwear in the wrong size. Therefore, it’s important to be measured by a professional and asking for advice on the type of sandal that is the right choice for the specialized needs of your feet.

My choice: Teva Tirra

On a travel adventure with three friends, the subject of sandals came up. We were sitting on the deck of our apartment rental on the Greek island of Rhodes, having just returned from swimming off the rocky beach below. Someone lamented the fact she hadn’t packed water shoes. Instinctively, we shifted our gaze to our feet. All but one person were wearing Teva Tirra sandals, still damp from our early morning swim. What followed was a discussion about why we chose these particular sandals.

Here’s a summary of what we discussed.

1. Versatility

While the multitude of colours offers plenty of choices, I’ve found the chocolate brown or black versions blend better with most outfits. Described as an athletic sandal, they’re stylish enough to take the traveller from an active day to an evening out on the town. They won’t cut it for fancy occasions, but they’re dressy enough to wear with a casual outfit.

2. Comfort

Comfort trumps style and ‘cute’ when it comes to active travel. A comfortable pair of shoes is a pivotal part of a packed itinerary, and comfort is an area where these shoes excel. They function equally well on country trails, sandy beaches or city streets, remaining comfortable hour after hour.

The soles are thick and durable, with a shock pad at the heel, and an elevated toe bumper. They have excellent traction in wet, steep, or rocky conditions. Teva’s proprietary ‘Spider Rubber’ likely has something to do with it. Ridges on the insole discourage sticking or slipping from perspiration. The fabric lining on the straps is smooth and soft. These contribute to great arch and ankle support. The straps are adjustable in three different places to achieve just the right fit for feet of all ages and characteristics. My own feet are a nightmare to fit, but they’re compatible with the Teva Tirra.

Chances are they can be worn comfortably straight out of the box. Just before leaving for Taiwan, my chocolate brown sandals were looking a little tired so I ordered a new pair in black. They arrived a few days before departure, and I wore them around the house for several hours. They performed marvellously on my trip, with no blisters, chafing, or discomfort.

3. Adaptability

Teva Tirra sandals perform well in a variety of conditions and circumstances. They’re easily adjusted on long flights when feet tend to swell. Being water-friendly, they’re great for wading or swimming. While most people pack flip-flops for showering, in a pinch the Tirra will do.

4. Packable

Each shoe weighs 8.5 ounces (241 grams). The straps flatten so they take up little space when packed. Both fit comfortably in one shoe bag, or separated to squeeze into smaller spaces. They’re light enough to clip to the back of a daypack when going barefooted on a sandy beach, or to attach to a backpack to dry. The loop on each heel strap is a durable and secure attachment point.

5. Serviceable

They’re easy to slip into with no laces to tie, or buckles to fasten. A quick tightening of the strap and they’re good to go. The Velcro at each adjustment point remains where it’s positioned. They’re also easy to clean. Trail dust or beach sand rinses off easily, or a quick scrub with an old toothbrush and dish soap freshens them up.

But…

There are no ‘buts.’ I honestly can’t find fault with any feature of my Teva Tirra sandals. If and when my current pair looks a little tired in a few years, I’ll purchase my third pair.

Mind you, there are likely other products that respond better to the unique needs of individual travellers. Plenty of reputable companies offer strong contenders for a comfortable walking sandal. Check out Birkenstock, Chacos, Keen, Merrell, Naot, and Vionic for possibilities.  

But the reality is, once I’ve found shoes that are a good fit with my feet and my travel style, there’s no need to make a change. For me, Teva Tirra sandals check all the boxes.

Might you be interested in my review of an extremely comfortable closed-toe walking shoe ? If so, see Allbirds Merino Wool Runners Review of a Travel Favourite.

If you found this post helpful, please share it by selecting one or more social media buttons. What are your best walking sandals for travel? Please share your thoughts in the comments. Thank you.

Care to pin it for later?

The Amazon links are affiliate links. If you use one of them to buy something, you don’t pay more, but Packing Light Travel earns a small commission that helps with the costs of running the site. So, thank you.

SaveSave