When I asked my coworkers what shoes they actually wear to the airport, I thought I’d get a few predictable sneaker picks. Instead, I walked away with a shopping list (and more browser tabs than I’d like to admit). From comfortable sneakers that can handle a 6 a.m. flight sprint to clogs and mules stylish enough to wear straight into a weekend itinerary, the recs covered every possible travel day scenario and checked all the boxes for support, versatility, and ease of wear.
What really stood out, though, were the overlaps. Multiple editors called out the same brands, Adidas, Reebok, Birkenstock, and more, and two even landed on the exact same pair: the On Cloud 6s. That’s how you know a shoe’s good—when a group of travel editors, who basically live in airports, are all raving about it. Ahead, find every editor’s go-to airport shoes—a mix of comfort, style, and just the right amount of TSA-friendly swagger.
Best Overall Airport Shoes
“When it comes to airport shoes, I’m strictly a sneaker person. I’ve tried everything, from slippers to boots, to sneak under the baggage weight limit, but it’s never worth the blisters that follow. Now, I only reach for sneakers that blend ease, comfort, and style—because travel days demand all three. The Steve Madden Verdict Slip-ons and On Cloud 6s are my two staples: both slip on and off effortlessly (yes, I’m a mid-flight shoe remover, but always with socks) and are stylish enough for any travel outfit. I reach for the Steve Maddens when I’m wearing neutrals, the brown shade is so on-trend, and the On Clouds double as gym and walking shoes thanks to their featherlight feel. The New Balance 530s are my pick for long travel days or marathon connections (looking at you, Charles de Gaulle), while my colorful Reeboks bring a fun pop that instantly brightens up any airport look.”
“Comfort is always my top priority during travel days, which is why my Birkenstock Boston Clogs are usually the shoes I reach for regardless of my destination. They’re easy to slip on and off and are roomy enough to pair with cozy socks—plus they match everything from sweatpants to jeans and maxi skirts, so I always get plenty of wear out of them during my trip, too. However, if I’m not wearing my clogs, the only other pair of shoes I’ll wear during travel days is the Adidas Sambas. They’re super lightweight and comfortable for long hours on my feet, and I don’t have to worry about them slipping off if I need to run through the airport to make my flight. I love wearing these sneakers while sightseeing, too, so I’m always happy to have them on my feet or in my suitcase while traveling.”
“After flying to 30+ countries and more airports than I can count, I’ve learned one universal truth: the right shoes make or break your travel day. When I’m sprinting through terminals on 24-hour journeys, my Hoka Clifton L Suede sneakers are my ride-or-die—cloud-like cushioning, tons of bounce, and the perfect chunky dad-sneaker energy that still looks chic with trousers or jeans. I’ve also become obsessed with the sporty Adidas Handball Spezial, especially in chocolate brown (my new neutral). I spotted them everywhere on my recent fall trip to Germany and Spain—the chosen airport and sightseeing footwear of both locals and tourists. For easy-on, easy-off comfort for TSA security and the plane, I swear by compression socks paired with Oofos clogs—a recovery shoe so cushy even nurses rave about them. And when I want peak hygge vibes mid-flight, my Glerups wool slip-ons feel like airport-approved slippers that are also breathable, sweat-wicking, and odor-free!”
“To stay carry-on-only, I keep my shoes to a minimum by packing versatile pairs I can wear on every leg of my trip. When I know I’m going to do a lot of walking, I always reach for my Saucony Ride 18 Running Shoes because of their well-cushioned design; they’re also great for busy airport days and long-haul flights since their soft, knit uppers make them roomy (in the warmer months, I’ll wear my Rothy’s Braid Clogs since they slip on and off and are comfy to walk in). If I need something that can go from day to night, I bring my all-white Puma Carinas that go with everything and are perfect for the stop-and-go airport terminal energy. But for short flights and everyday adventures, my Reebok Nano X4s are the best pick with their sturdy soles, supportive fit, lightweight fit, and ache-free memory foam cushioning.”
“I’ve always followed the rule of wearing my heaviest shoe on the plane. However, recently, I’ve worn my Rothy’s The Casual Clogs to maximize my comfort, including on a recent overnight flight to Amsterdam. The footbed is cushioned and contoured, and I loved that I wasn’t stuck shoving my swollen feet into tight shoes on a long flight.
On that same trip, I needed extra luggage space, so I was glad my Rothy’s were easily packable, and I wore my other trusty airport shoe, the Adidas Vl Court Bold Sneaker. These platform sneakers take up a lot of luggage room, and luckily, they’re extremely comfy to wear, even on a long flight. They’re flexible, which is ideal if my feet swell a little on the flight, and the cushioned insole lets me comfortably wear them straight from the flight to whatever my next adventure is.”
“I’ve been wearing my Brooks Glycerin Stealthfit slip-ons since they first debuted back in 2022. They’re by far the most lightweight, comfortable walking shoes I’ve ever owned—not only do they feel like walking on clouds, but they’re nearly as light as one, too. My favorite feature of these running shoes is their sock-like opening; you don’t have to tie or untie your laces, just slip them on and you’re ready to go.
I’m a huge fan of the clogs trend right now, and my favorite pair for travel—second to the Birkenstock Boston clog—are the brand’s Tokio clog. Just like my Bostons, these Birkenstock clogs are versatile and look great with just about everything. What makes them shine, though, is their adjustable ankle strap. I can wear these confidently on and off the plane without worrying about my feet slipping out of them.”
“My airport shoe choice depends on where I’m headed and what’s on the itinerary—but comfort is non-negotiable. They must be ultra-cushioned, versatile, and ready for logging steps. On a recent hiking trip to the Pacific Northwest, I wore my On Cloud sneakers—they’re lightweight yet supportive, perfect for going straight from the plane to the trails. For trips that require lots of walking but a slightly more polished look, I reach for my Veja Campos or Cariuma Tocas, which transition easily from day to night. And when I’m heading straight to my hotel or Airbnb to unwind, I slip on my cozy Birkenstock Boston shearling clogs for maximum comfort in transit—they even double as the perfect slippers once I’ve settled in.”
“I need my travel shoes to be dependable, cute, and easy to pack so I never have to sacrifice suitcase space for them. If I need a sturdy shoe on a long travel day, I wear my Salomon Rx Marie-Jeanne sneakers. They give me a stylish look with the reliability of a running shoe. I’ve worn these shoes on a five-hour layover, to walk more than 25,000 steps, and out to dinner without any discomfort. The Steve Madde Rafe Mule in black leather is where comfort meets style. These slip-on mules make going through airport security a breeze and allow me to easily take them off on flights when my feet need a break. They’re great for when I need to hit the ground running and go straight from the airport to an event where I want to look like I didn’t just get off of a long flight!”
“I am that girl in the airport who is typically slogging around in her heaviest and/or ugliest shoes in the name of packing space and comfort. Over the summer, I cycled between Kane’s Revive Recover Sneakers and Teva’s Hydratrek Water Sandals, since they’re easy to get on and off through TSA. Despite it looking somewhat hideous, I’ll always pair them with compression socks because my feet get cold and I absolutely do not want to touch the gross airport ground. Yuck.
Now that it’s fall, my rotation is heavy on Chelsea boots, which I also wear on my travels to save on packing space. My current favorite are Danner’s Eastwood Chelsea Boots, which are so comfy, on and off the plane. I also swear by Teva’s ReEmber Camp Slip Ons, which are practically travel-proof slippers—the perfect, cozy pair to rock on your holiday travels this winter.”
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