11 Best Walking Shoes for Europe in 2024
Are you Europe-bound this summer? Don’t let your sightseeing itinerary get marred by blisters. To keep your feet feeling pampered no matter how many cobblestoned capitals you visit, the trick is to find the right walking shoes. Check out our top picks for walking shoes for a European vacation in 2024.
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11 best walking shoes for cobblestone streets in Europe
1. Best overall walking shoes for Europe: Allbirds
Do you feel like everyone and their mom is sporting Allbirds sneakers? There’s a reason. These one-of-a-kind sneakers are lightweight, breathable, and silky-smooth to give you all-day comfort no matter how long you’re on your feet. Featuring Allbird's proprietary knit, the Women’s Tree Runners are made out of responsibly-sourced eucalyptus tree fiber with a sugarcane-based green EVA midsole and bio-based TPU eyelets. Combining style, sustainability, and sole-soothing comfort, these walking shoes are a must-have for any trip to Europe.
Price: starting at $105
2. Best water-friendly sneakers for Europe: Tropicfeel
With a water-friendly design and quick-drying capabilities, the Dune shoe from Tropicfeel is the perfect solution for someone who is looking to explore Europe by boat or who is planning to be near water. The lightweight construction, foldable heel, and slip-on design provide convenience and easy packing, while the breathable AirTechTM Mesh keeps your feet cool and comfortable. Stay steady on any terrain with the high-grip rubber outsole, and enjoy odor-free wear thanks to the treated materials.
Price: starting at $119
3. Best canvas sneakers for Europe: Cariuma
Nothing’s more fitting for a summer vacation than canvas sneakers—and this pick from Cariuma is pretty tough to beat. A modern take on Rio’s street and beach culture, the OCA Low is an elegantly simple sneaker that will suit every outfit you pack for your European vacation—from sightseeing tours to lunches in the park to nights out on the town. The handcrafted canvas is at once robust and breathable, keeping your feet comfy and cool whether you’re stomping the pavement or chilling at the beach. It also delivers an extra boost of comfort with a 100% vegan insole made from organic mamona oil and cork that will make you want to kick your old sneakers to the curb.
Price: starting at $79
4. Best thick-soled sneakers for Europe: ECCO
When you have a completely booked travel itinerary, there’s no time to stop to take care of your blistered feet. To help keep your feet feeling pampered even as your Fitbit racks up the miles, turn to the Women’s Golf Tray Shoe from ECCO. Created with their signature ECCO FLUIDFORM™ Direct Comfort Technology, this sneaker is the go-to for those seeking maximum comfort during walking tours in Europe. The one-of-a-kind E-DTS™ TWIST outsole gives you multi-directional traction while the OrthoLite® insole delivers long-term cushioning and breathability, so you can strut down Europe’s dreamiest cobblestone alleys from day ‘til night without ever getting a blister.
Price: starting at $130
5. Best versatile walking shoes for Europe: Crosskix
The Tetra Shoes from Crosskix are the ideal walking companion for your European adventures. These versatile water shoes are designed to provide exceptional comfort, durability, and style, making them perfect for long walks and exploring city streets. With their lightweight and breathable construction, your feet will stay cool and comfortable even during extended periods of walking. The slip-resistant outsole ensures stability on various surfaces, while the sleek design adds a touch of flair to your travel ensemble. Say goodbye to sore feet and embrace the versatility and comfort of the Women's Tetra Shoes as you navigate the charming streets of Europe.
Price: starting at $100
Read our full review of Crosskix’s Tetra Closed Toe Dri-Fit Shoe here.
6. Best slip-on walking shoe for Europe: Dr. Scholl's
Does double-knotting the laces on your sneakers sometimes make you feel like you’re in 3rd grade again? We feel you. Ditch the memories of gross school lunches and smelly yellow school buses with a modern walking shoe that’s a little more grown up and a lot more practical. The Women’s Madison Slip On Fashion Sneaker from Dr. Scholl’s is the ideal combo of understated chic and long-lasting comfort. Available in 28 different colors and patterns, this slip-on walking shoe features a padded collar and twin stretch gore panels so you can spend more time enjoying your vacation and less time tripping over your laces.
Price: starting at $48
7. Most comfortable sandals for Europe: Nisolo
When the weather is scorching hot and you’re headed for European sand and sun, the last thing you want to do is be caught with socks and sandals on the beach. (Cringe!) Instead, save yourself from committing this major fashion faux-pas with a pair of cushy, comfortable sandals. Whether you’re spending the whole day on the beach or you’re going back and forth between the city, you can’t go wrong with the Go-To Flatform Sandal from Nisolo. With an easy hook & loop closure and soft, breathable leather, these sandals will give you the support you need to stay comfy (and stylish) from sunup ‘til sundown.
Price: starting at $110
8. Best leather sneakers for Europe: Keds
There’s something about Keds that just screams endless summer—and the Women’s Courty Core Leather Sneaker is no exception. The white-on-white leather and rubber sole gives upscale Wimbledon vibes that’ll compliment any summer look, from sundresses to shorts. Plus, the 100% leather construction also gives you durability so you can sightsee day and night from Madrid to Budapest without ever worrying about uneven cobblestones tearing up your new kicks.
Price: starting at $38
9. Best comfortable ballet flats for Europe: Skechers
Dad sneakers may be having a moment, but if you won’t touch a sneaker with a 10-foot pole (no matter how many Instagram pics you see of girls sporting classic white trainers), don’t sweat it. You do you. For a comfortable walking shoe that isn’t a sneaker, we love the Women’s Go Walk Lite Ballet Flat from Sketchers. Made with responsive 5Gen cushioning and featuring Skechers’ Goga Max high-rebound insole, these ballet flats can guarantee maximum comfort for your European vacation so you can say goodbye to sneakers now and forever!
Price: starting at $65
10. Best knit sneaker for Europe: Ryka
Specifically designed for a woman’s unique foot shape, the Echo Knit Slip-On Sneaker from Ryka just might be the most comfortable walking shoe you can find for a vacation packed with European sightseeing. Compared to a men’s sneaker, this knit sneaker has a narrower heel, a roomier toe, and softer foot cushioning, giving you custom comfort with a made-for-women fit. Plus, the no-lace design means it quickly slips on and off, making it easy to pass through airport security when you’re jetting from capital to capital.
Price: starting at $70
11. Best sock sneakers for Europe: DOUSSPRT
Love them or hate them, sock sneakers are having a moment right now. And while their funky style is anything but classic chic, you can’t deny them one thing: They sure are comfortable. So whether you’re packing up for Germany or France or somewhere else in Europe, these slip-on sock sneakers from DOUSSPRT may just be your new go-to for a comfortable walking shoe. Made out of a unique mesh fabric with an air cushion sole, these sock sneakers have what it takes to make a long day of sightseeing comfy. Plus, their perforated arch design gives maximum ventilation and breathability to keep sweaty (and smelly) toes at bay when the temperature starts to climb.
Price: starting at $34
Walking shoes for Europe - common FAQs
What are the best shoes to walk around Europe in summer?
The best shoes for walking around Europe in the summer are comfy, slip-on sneakers that will let you sightsee and stroll on cobblestones for hours without developing blisters. If you're not a sneaker fan, cushioned sandals are another good choice for walking in Europe in the summer.
What shoes are best for walking?
Hands-down, the best shoes for walking are sneakers. Sneakers provide cushioning, slip-free soles, and are shock-absorbant, so you can walk the cobblestones of Europe all summer long without having to worry about blisters or aching soles.
Is it worth getting comfortable walking shoes for Europe?
Absolutely! If you've ever spent the day with aching feet or bleeding blisters, then you know that it's worth getting comfortable walking shoes for Europe. Especially when you're on vacation time, you don't want to waste a minute fretting about your shoes or your hurting feet when you could be enjoying yourself and taking in the sights.
