Do you consider yourself a bit of a jet-setter? If you’re planning your holidays for this year (and beyond), you’ll want to factor in the best shoes to get you there. Find out more about the best sandals for travelling below.
Why are sandals the best shoes for travelling?
With their lightweight, breathable design and easy slip-on style, sandals are the perfect shoes for travelling: ideal for everything from airport sprints to beach strolls. Whether you’re driving for hours or crammed into an economy-class seat, you’ll be fighting for those little moments of comfort.
Sandals are great for travelling, helping your feet to stay cool and comfortable, whatever your holiday itinerary:
- They’re easy to take on and off, so you don’t need to worry about fiddling with laces as you go through security, or booting the person next to you on the train as you adjust
- They can be styled with just about any outfit, making them a versatile style to have in your holiday wardrobe
- They’re more breathable than other shoe options, keeping your feet cool as a cucumber, perfect for summer days away
What are the best sandals for travelling?
The best sandals for travelling are ones that keep your feet cool, comfortable and supported. They’ll be easy to slip on and off, and won’t rub your feet when you’ve got a lot of ground to cover. Bonus points if they’re light weight and can fit easily into a travel bag. Not sure how to narrow down your sandals to the perfect, travel-friendly pair? Don’t worry: here are our top 5 style picks for the best sandals for travelling:
1. Sliders
The definitions of “slip-on-and-off”, men’s sliders and women’s sliders are the ultimate comfortable option. Light, comfy and oh-so-on-trend, slides look just as good as they feel. You can opt for a spongy pair of foam sliders for a trip on a plane or train, or more sturdy wooden slides if you’re driving. Best of all sliders are super affordable (you can snag a pair for as little as £3.99), so you can grab multiple pairs for your holiday, and not worry too much if you accidentally leave them by the pool.
Why are sliders great for travelling?
- No laces means no hassle- sliders are easy to slip on and off at the airport, at the poolside, and everywhere in between
- Sliders are designed to be lightweight, so they won’t have you paying that extra baggage fee
- Both comfortable and easy to style, sliders can be worn on both travel days and beach days
Here are our top sliders for travelling this summer:
2. Chunky sandals
These may not be for everyone, but a chunky pair of sandals on a travel day certainly has its perks. Whilst they may not be as lightweight as other options, chunky sandals are just as easy to slip on and off if you need to. A chunkier sole means great levels of comfort, whilst still keeping your feet cool- handy if you’re stuck on a coach with no aircon! Chunky sandals can vary in their price point, with affordable styles from as little as £7.99, whilst branded options made with luxurious materials can be closer to £70.
Why choose chunky sandals for travelling?
- Extra padding under the foot keeps your feet comfortable all day long, so there’s no need to pack the plasters!
- Chunky sandals are as tough as they are trendy, with thick soles that are built to handle cobbles, curbs, and café stops
- Wider straps keep your feet locked in and ready for whatever the day throws at you
Check out our picks for the best chunky sandals for travelling:
3. Closed-toe sandals
Like a bit of extra protection, but don’t want sweaty feet? Closed-toe sandals are the perfect middle-ground option. The closed toe means an extra layer of protection when power walking through packed airport terminals, whilst strappy designs keep the rest of your foot cool and comfortable.
- Closed-toe sandals are perfect for rocky roads or city paths, helping you to avoid stubbed toes or ruining your holiday pedicure
- Their closed-toe design gives you all the airflow of a sandal, but with a bit of extra coverage
- Closed-toe designs are especially great for active days out, from light hikes to playground missions with the kids
Our travel friendly closed toe sandal picks for this summer are:
4. Clogs
The OG travel style, clogs are a firm favourite for travellers. Looking like a shoe but feeling like slippers, clogs are the ultimate way to travel in comfort. And best of all? Gone are the days when men’s mules and women’s clogs weren’t cool- they’ve even made our list of the best sandals for summer 2025!
- Clogs are easy to chuck on and go, so you won’t miss your train, your dinner reservation, or your flight home!
- Clogs combine cushioned soles with a roomy fit, meaning your feet stay happy, even on long travel days
- Mud, sand, spills? No drama: Clogs are easy to rinse and clean, so you can throw them back on without holding up a security queue, or missing the bus back from the beach
Our fave clog picks for this summer include:
5. Flip flops
You’ll have heard the unmistakable sound of flip-flops slapping on an airport terminal’s floor, and for good reason. Flip flops are a cheap and cheerful holiday staple, and not just one you should keep in your suitcase. Stylish and comfortable, men’s flip flops and women’s flip flops are an easy, breezy start to your holiday, before you’ve even arrived!
- Flip flops are quick to slip on, perfect for sandy toes and sunny strolls
- They’re light as a feather and take up barely any space in your bag, making them ideal for packing light
- Flip flops are fuss-free, with a simple design that makes them perfect for pool days, quick errands, or chilling at the hotel
Here are some of our picks for the best flip flops for travelling:
What to wear if you don’t want to wear sandals for travelling
Whilst sandals are the perfect travel style, some people prefer a different option. Trainers or canvas shoes are a great alternative if you want an equally lightweight option, and might even be your preference if you often find yourself running to catch your train! If you’re short on packing space and are planning some serious outdoor adventures, sports sandals can easily work as a travel shoe, whilst still giving you the support and flex you need from the best sandals for walking.
Shop sandals for travelling at shoezone, and benefit from free next-day delivery, or check out our savings on selected footwear for a pre-trip bargain.
Check out the shoezone blog for more style tips and footwear suggestions for every occasion.