The Worst Shoes to Wear for Travel (and What to Wear Instead)

Flip-flops are the ultimate vacation shoes—fun, cheap, and easy. Unfortunately, if you plan on wearing them beyond the beach or the pool, they can turn on you quite quickly. According to the American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA), flip-flops can cause major foot pain due to a lack of arch support, heel cushioning, and shock absorption. Plus, insufficient traction on the cheap rubber soles can cause slipping on wet surfaces.

What to Wear Instead

• Women: FitFlop's Lulu Thong Sandal – biomechanist-designed midsole for orthotic support, helps reduce overpronation; patterned tread for traction; lightweight midsole with rubber footbed.

• Men: ECCO's Men's Yucatan Sandal – leather footbed with rubber sole for traction and shock absorption; three adjustable straps; footbed inhibits bacterial growth to reduce odor.

Rain boots are a perfect storm of foot problems—their moist environment can be a breeding ground for fungus and bacteria, plus heavy boots can cause foot fatigue and uncomfortable rubbing. Skip the thick, non-breathable rain boots and look for regular boots that offer water resistance.

What to Wear Instead

• Women: Blondo Mayes Waterproof Chelsea Boot - stylish and supportive chelsea boots with Blondo’s trademarked AquaProtect seal to keep you dry.

• Men: Sorel's Carson Moc Waterproof Boots – lace-up for secure fit; loafer-style upper works with dressier rainy-day attire.

Ballet flats have made a major fashion comeback lately, which is bad news for your feet. Dr. Gbolahan Okubadejo, a spinal and orthopedic surgeon, recommends avoiding ballet flats entirely, saying, “Ballet flats may be convenient or stylish, but they offer little to no arch support, heel cushioning, or shock absorption. That lack of structure forces your feet to work harder to stabilize every step, which can lead to strain in the plantar fascia, Achilles tendon, and even your lower back over time.”

What to Wear Instead

For people who do a lot of walking on their travels, Dr. Okubadejo advises wearing supportive footwear with a firm sole, cushioned heel, and good arch support. “Look for walking shoes or sneakers that keep the foot in a neutral position and distribute weight evenly,” he says. “If you prefer something more stylish, there are now orthopedic-friendly brands that make supportive sandals and dress shoes that don’t compromise on appearance. It’s not just about comfort, it’s about protecting your spine, hips, and knees with every step.”

• Women: Vionic Alameda Mary Jane Flat – the look of ballet flats but with straps for the perfect fit, biomechanically designed footbed for support, and removable insoles that help with alignment.

• Men: Vionic Uptown Loafer – sleek loafer-adjacent design with contoured arch support, shock-absorbing cushioning, and a deep heel cup for stability.

The companies promoting toning shoes make such lofty promises: Wear them and get an amazing workout without doing anything extra! Unfortunately, as past settlements have made clear, those claims are nothing but lies. The Joint Chiropractic notes that toning shoes can actually lead to knee and back injuries by altering your gait in posture in an unnatural way.

What to Wear Instead

• Women: Aetrex Danika Arch Support Sneaker – designed for alignment and pain-free support; breathable mesh upper and antimicrobial insole to reduce odor.

• Men: Hoka Bondi 8 Shoes – APMA-approved; offer cushioning and stability for active travel days.

Pointed-toe dress shoes have made a fashion comeback for men and women, which is bad news for your feet. This type of footwear can put pressure on the front of your foot, causing issues such as nerve pain, bunions, blisters, and hammertoes. When traveling, opt for something with a wide, rounded toe box instead.

What to Wear Instead

• Women: Rothy’s The Flat - wide, almond-shaped toe is better for your feet, soft knit fabric prevents blisters or bunions.

• Men: Kenneth Cole's Unlisted Half Time Oxfords – roomy toe box, padded lining, cushioned footbed.