When I went to Europe for the first time in my young 20’s, I decided to stay for 4 months with nothing but a backpack full of clothes and two pairs of shoes. Most of the time, I looked very grungy — but that’s because I didn’t have the luxury of dressing up for my adventures!
Fast forward about 6 or 7 years — long gone are those backpacking days! These days, I need real hotels and want to actually dress up when I’m on trips! And that includes pairing my outfits with shoes that are actually cute.
If you’re anything like me, your past walking shoe dilemma might have involved a constant battle between unsightly running shoes that clashed with your fashion choices and flats that, although cute, left your feet uncomfortable, sweaty, and, let’s face it, not smelling like roses (TMI, but you get it).
For years in my young 20s, I had stuck with the jeans + tennis shoe look because that was all I knew about comfort. Comfortable walking shoes = running shoes. Right?
Well, I’m definitely not about wearing Nikes with skinny jeans anymore. I’ve grown. Over the years, I’ve discovered some truly cute walking shoes that are perfect for walking around Europe!
The shoes in my list below will give off more of a casual walking shoe look as opposed to shoes that look way too sporty and “tennis shoe”-like. I know that look is trending, but I’m not here for it.
These shoes are going to be stylish and cute to the point that you’re going to feel comfortable wearing them with shorts, pants, and even a dress!
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👉 In a nutshell: My top picks of stylish shoes for walking around Europe are the ECCO Soft 7 Sneakers and the Vionic Winny Casual Sneaker! But if you don’t mind the running-shoe look, HOKA Bondi’s are some of the best shoes for both running and walking.
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Dr. Scholl’s Time Off Lace-Up
Available for both men and women
Dr. Scholl’s Time Off Lace-Up sneakers feature a retro-inspired platform design that effortlessly blends style and comfort, making them a great option for your European travels.
These sneakers come with a platform sole that provides extra lift, which can be great when you have to trudge through lots of cobblestone streets — or just want a bit of added height! They also include a cushioned insole, a hallmark of Dr. Scholl’s comfort technology, offering support for your feet during extended walks.
The laces are clean and simple, which makes this a super versatile shoe that pairs well with almost anything.
However, if you’re someone who’s already super tall and doesn’t want the extra height or bulk of a platform shoe, you might want to pass on these. Personally speaking, I love, love, love the overall look of these, but I don’t need to look any taller than I already do!
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Dr. Scholl’s Take It Easy Lace-Up
Available for women
A sustainable and super comfortable lace-up sneaker — what more could you ask for?
Dr. Scholl’s is known for its comfort-focused footwear, and the Take It Easy sneakers are designed with cushioning and support in mind. These features are a MUST when it comes to walking long distances on city streets.
Dr. Scholl’s Take It Easy Lace Up’s are nice because they don’t look like your average running shoe, meaning it’s way more versatile, allowing you to wear the same pair of shoes for things like date night, sightseeing in cities, and even light hiking in more rural areas.
Some of the color options are actually not that cute but I really like the style and look of this shoe in black leather because you can’t see that weird arrow shape that you can see on the white leather colors.
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HOKA ONE ONE Sneakers – Bondi or Clifton
Available for both men and women
HOKA ONE ONE shoes are undoubtedly the most “running shoe” looking option on this list, but I couldn’t resist including them because of their exceptional comfort for both walking and running.
Plus, they’re one of the only ones on this list that are APMA Seal Approved, meaning they have been evaluated and found to promote good foot health!
In fact, almost all the active people I’m around own a pair! My mom does her daily walking in these and my partner wears these for work as he’s on his feet all day long. His mom, who’s a nurse, also has a few pairs that she cycles through.
HOKA has built a long-standing reputation in the world of athletic footwear, and it’s no surprise that marathon runners and hikers trust this brand to deliver all-day comfort.
Their shoes feature generous cushioning and a unique midsole geometry that provides a plush, pillowy feel underfoot. This design not only gives you a comfortable experience but also helps to reduce the impact on your joints during high-impact activities like walking, running, and hiking.
HOKA ONE ONE has truly mastered the art of combining performance and comfort, making their shoes a reliable choice for anyone looking to tackle a day of walking or running with ease. Whether you’re hitting the pavement, exploring the trails, or spending a day at Disneyland, HOKA shoes are there to provide that extra cushion and support you need to make the most of your adventures.
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Vionic Winny Casual Sneaker
TWE FAVORITE
Available for women
The Vionic Winny Casual Sneaker is a popular walking shoe that’s easy on the eyes, simple, cute, and has also received the APMA Seal of Acceptance! It’s a quadruple win!
One of the standout features of the Vionic Winny Casual Sneaker is its arch support. The shoe is designed with a contoured footbed that provides excellent arch support, which can help alleviate foot pain and discomfort. This makes the shoe a great choice for people with conditions such as plantar fasciitis or flat feet.
In addition to its foot health benefits, the Vionic Winny Casual Sneaker is also stylish and versatile. It comes in a range of neutral colors and materials, including leather and suede, so it can be dressed up or down depending on the occasion!
The shoe also looks sporty without giving “dad shoe” or “running shoe” vibes, so it’ll look great with lots of different outfits. Yes, they’ll look good even with jeans!
It also meets certain safety standards, such as slip resistance, which makes it a good choice for people who need to be extra wary of slip and fall accidents.
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What are some other APMA Seal Approved walking shoes?
Examples of APMA Seal Approved and Accepted products include running shoes designed to provide adequate arch support and cushioning, insoles that help alleviate foot pain and discomfort, and socks that provide extra padding and support. Here are a few other types of shoes from their list of approved footwear:
- Running Sneaker: New Balance Fresh Foam X More v4 (for men and women)
- Running Sneaker: New Balance Fresh Foam X 860 v13 (for men and women)
- Running Sneaker: New Balance Fresh Foam X 880 v13 (for men and women)
- Casual Sneaker: REVITALIGN Avalon Sneaker (women)
- Casual Sneaker: Vionic Winny Casual Sneaker (women)
- Casual Sneaker: Vionic Pismo Casual Supportive Sneaker (women)
- Sandal: Naot Kayla Wedge Sandal (women)
- Boot: Naot Helm Ankle Bootie (women)
Allbirds
Available for both men and women
Normally, I would recommend the Allbirds Wool Pipers because of how stylish they look. But since we’re talking about Europe, you’re going to experience a lot of cobblestone streets, and the Wool Pipers just don’t work with cobblestones. The sole is just not thick enough, meaning you’re going to feel pretty much everything underneath your feet.
If you’re planning to walk through Europe’s cobblestone streets, you’ll want a pair of Allbirds shoes with a thicker and more supportive sole for added comfort and durability.
The Allbirds Tree Dashers, Tree Runners, and Wool Runner Mizzles are some of their models with thicker soles and good cushioning, making them suitable for walking on uneven surfaces like cobblestone streets.
These shoes are designed for more active and extended wear, offering the necessary support and comfort for long walks and city exploration. Be sure to choose the model that fits your style!
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Allbirds: How To Choose Between The “Wool” or “Tree” Models?
Allbirds Wool – made from merino wool, which is naturally insulating and provides warmth. They are ideal for cooler seasons and colder climates, offering comfort in chilly weather.
Allbirds Tree – made from eucalyptus tree fibers, which are highly breathable and ideal for warmer weather. They provide excellent ventilation and keep your feet cool.
If you prefer warmth and comfort in cooler weather, Wool may be the way to go. On the other hand, if breathability, lightweight feel, and sustainability are your priorities, Tree models are worth considering.
ECCO Soft 7 Sneakers
TWE FAVORITE
Available for both men and women
Have you heard about or seen ECCO Soft 7 Sneakers? If you’ve read any of my other blog posts, chances are you’ve probably come across them. I love these shoes dearly — both my partner and I have a pair of our own and we never go anywhere without packing them with us!
If you’re not familiar with ECCO, ECCO is a brand that’s loved by nurses and other professionals who need to be on their feet all day. That’s because ECCO shoes are designed for comfort and support, and the Soft 7 Sneakers are no exception. They have incredible arch support and cushioning, making them perfect for walking around Europe all day long.
And the best part? They’re super stylish! It’s truly the perfect low-profile, everyday sneaker that exudes a more refined look due to the smooth leather they’re made with. They come in a range of classic earth-toned colors (with white being my faves), so you can easily pair them with just about any outfit.
When it comes to travel, the ECCO Soft 7 Sneakers are a staple for me.
Want a pair that can handle the rain? They also have a waterproof Soft 7 version made with GORE-TEX.
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Skechers GO WALK Line
Available for both men and women
If you’re looking for a pair of laceless shoes for walking around Europe in, the Skechers Slip-ins GO WALK are some of the best in the market today. With a hands-free design, these slip-ins make it incredibly easy to put on and take off, eliminating the hassle of dealing with laces or buckles while you’re on the move.
You’ll appreciate the lightweight and responsive ULTRA GO® cushioning, which reduces fatigue, allowing you to explore on foot all day long. The Air-Cooled Memory Foam® cushioned insole molds to your foot’s shape, delivering a customized and cloud-like cushioning experience. Plus, the high-rebound ultra-lightweight Hyper Pillars® offer excellent support and shock absorption, ensuring your feet stay comfortable even on the busiest days.
For men too, anything in the GO WALK product line offers the same exceptional features. The Go Walk Slip-ins are bestsellers that are known to make every step feel like a soothing massage for your feet!
And just like their counterparts for women, they are crafted with 100% vegan materials, making them an eco-conscious choice for those who value sustainability without compromising on quality or style.
If you don’t want to take my word for it, let the reviews speak for themselves! Almost all of the GO WALK shoes have tens of thousands of positive reviews!
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Birkenstock Mayari Sandal
For women
Birkenstock is a brand that’s been around for ages and is loved by people worldwide who prioritize function, foot health, and comfort when it comes to shoes.
These sandals are perfect for summer travel because they’re made of high-quality leather that’s both supportive and comfortable. Birkenstock footbeds feature soft suede leather topsoles and a cork/latex blend midsole with pronounced arch support and deep heel cups.
All of that is to say — if you’re someone who can’t wear flip-flops due to their utter lack of support, then you’ll love the Mayari Sandals.
They have a contoured footbed that conforms to the shape of your foot, providing you with the support you need to walk around all day without any discomfort. I have been able to walk 10+ miles in Europe with these on in one day with no foot pain afterward. They’re incredible and I’m already on my second pair (my first pair lasted me 5 years until the strap broke, boo!).
Not only are these sandals functional, but they’re also stylish. The leather straps are cute and feminine, making them perfect for dressing up or down. You can wear them with a cute sundress or a pair of shorts and a t-shirt.
If you’re planning on doing some hot summer travel where a lot of walking is required of you, be sure to pack a pair of these sandals in your suitcase!
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Naot Kayla Wedge Sandal
Available for women
The Naot Kayla Wedge Sandal is the other sandal option on this list — but this one’s different in that it’s wedged and has a backstrap built in. This comfortable and stylish shoe that is perfect for travel, especially on sunny days when you want to wear a sundress!
This sandal features a wedge heel that adds a bit of height without sacrificing comfort, making it a great choice for prolonged walking, sightseeing across Europe, and even wearing out to fancier dinner outings.
The sandal is designed with a contoured footbed that provides excellent arch support and cushioning, which can help alleviate foot pain and discomfort. This makes the shoe a great choice for long walks and extended periods of standing.
In addition to its foot health benefits, the Naot Kayla Wedge Sandal is also stylish and versatile. It comes in a dozen (or more) variations of colors and materials, including leather and suede, so it can be dressed up or down depending on the occasion.
People also love it for its slip-resistant sole, which can help prevent slips and falls on wet or slippery surfaces!
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Blundstone Boots
Available for both men and women
Okay, we’ve covered a good amount of shoes that are best for happy, sunny, and warm weather, but how about when rain is in the forecast? What shoe is best for these wet scenarios?
I will personally opt for Blundstones. Yes, they are way bulkier than your average walking shoe, but I love not having to worry one bit about getting these shoes wet or dirtied in rainy conditions.
What kind of vacation would it be if you had to stare down at your shoes with every step to avoid puddles or splashes? That would not be a vacation at all! That would be considered work!
Whenever I travel during the months of November to May, Blundstones are likely in the rotation of travel shoes I bring with me. Blundstones = legendary durability and comfort!
Blundstone is a brand that’s been around for over 150 years, and they’re loved worldwide for their dependability and durability. Their boots are made from high-quality materials, including premium leather and durable rubber, making them perfect for any adventure.
Despite being a boot, the Blundstone Boots are actually great for walking. They have a cushioned footbed and a supportive sole, making them comfortable for long walks and even mild hikes in Europe. Plus, they’re waterproof, so they’re perfect for rainy days.
Their waterproof feature is the #1 reason why I bought them. In cases of sad, rainy weather, you won’t have to worry about getting your feet wet or ruining your shoes.
I have the Original #510s since I wanted an all-black look to pair with anything and everything I own, but they also have other color combos you can choose from with The Original #500s. You can see their complete collection on REI here.
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WALKING SHOES FEATURED IN THIS POST:
More on Europe, travel gear, and packing:
8 Smarter Tips For Packing Shoes For Travel
9 Best Women’s Travel Vests For Style, Safety And Smarter Travel
10 Best Carry-On Travel Bags For Your Next Trip
The Ultimate Packing Checklist for Europe
50 Brilliant Ways To Travel Europe On A Budget
How I Traveled Europe For 3 Months For Under $8,000
France:
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16 Fantastic Day Trips from Paris by Train
15 Famous Streets in Paris You Must Visit
10 Best Castles in France You Should Add To Your Itinerary
24 Best Things To Do In Chamonix In The Summer
Portugal:
50 Fun Things To Do In Lisbon, Portugal (Massive Guide To Lisbon!)
3 Days In Lisbon: A Detailed Itinerary For What To See, Do, and Eat
20 Best Things To Do In Evora, Portugal For An Unforgettable Trip
In Photos: Portugal
Italy:
20+ Unmissable Things To Do In Bologna, Italy
Cinque Terre, Italy: Travel and Hiking Guide
Cinque Terre, Italy: Guide To The Five Villages
Hiking the Tour du Mont Blanc: Itinerary and Description
