Best Walking Shoes for Europe Trip (Comfortable, Durable Picks for Long Days)

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Published: January 4, 2026 · By
Best Overall Comfort
HOKA Clifton 9

Plush, stable cushioning that eases long city days—cobblestones, stairs, and miles—while staying presentable in photos.

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Best Walking Shoes for Europe Trip

Your Europe itinerary can turn into 15,000 steps on hard sidewalks, slick stone, and uneven streets. The right walking shoes keep your feet happy without screaming “gym shoes” in every photo.

Best Overall
Clifton 9 is the kind of shoe that disappears under you, which is exactly what you want when you’re bouncing between museums, transit stations, and long walks back to the hotel.
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Best for Wide Feet
Ghost 16 is a safe, dependable choice when you want predictable comfort and a more traditional running-shoe feel.
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Best Plush Cushion
If your trip includes marathon-level walking days, the 1080v13 shines by keeping impact from stacking up in your feet and knees.
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In-depth Reviews

HOKA Clifton 9

Heel-to-Toe Drop
5 mm
Approx. Weight (Men’s)
9.8 oz
Approx. Weight (Women’s)
8.0 oz
Support Type
Neutral
Widths
Regular, Wide (availability varies)
Real Talk: Clifton 9 is the kind of shoe that disappears under you, which is exactly what you want when you’re bouncing between museums, transit stations, and long walks back to the hotel. Cushioning stays soft without feeling unstable, and the rocker-like stride helps you keep a steady pace when you’re tired. It also handles rough sidewalks and uneven pavers well, without beating up your arches.
✅ Pros
  • All-day cushioning that stays comfortable on hard city surfaces
  • Smooth, efficient stride that reduces fatigue late in the day
  • Works well for a wide range of foot shapes with minimal fuss
❌ Cons
  • Bulky look compared with casual leather sneakers
  • Not the best option if you want a very firm, ground-feel ride
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Brooks Ghost 16

Heel-to-Toe Drop
12 mm
Approx. Weight (Men’s)
10.1 oz
Approx. Weight (Women’s)
8.8 oz
Support Type
Neutral
Widths
Narrow, Regular, Wide, Extra Wide (availability varies)
Real Talk: Ghost 16 is a safe, dependable choice when you want predictable comfort and a more traditional running-shoe feel. The platform feels steady on uneven sidewalks and cobblestones, and it transitions well from long walking stretches to quick sprints for a closing metro door. It’s also a strong pick if you tend to get foot fatigue from shoes that feel too soft or too tall.
✅ Pros
  • Stable, balanced feel on uneven streets
  • Comfortable for long days without feeling mushy
  • Easy fit experience for many foot shapes
❌ Cons
  • Less “bounce” than some newer max-cushion shoes
  • Style reads more athletic than versatile travel sneaker
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New Balance Fresh Foam X 1080v13

Midsole Foam
Fresh Foam X
Support Type
Neutral
Upper
Engineered mesh (varies by colorway)
Typical Use
Road running and walking
Widths
Multiple widths (availability varies)
Real Talk: If your trip includes marathon-level walking days, the 1080v13 shines by keeping impact from stacking up in your feet and knees. It feels noticeably plush underfoot, especially on hard museum floors and long sidewalk slogs, but it still flexes naturally when you’re weaving through crowds. The fit tends to feel accommodating, and the ride is comfortable at both strolling and fast-walk paces.
✅ Pros
  • Very forgiving cushioning for high-mileage days
  • Comfortable on hard floors where many shoes feel harsh
  • Flexes well for natural walking movement
❌ Cons
  • Plush feel can be too soft for people who prefer a firmer platform
  • Less sleek for dressier outfits
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On Cloud 5 Waterproof

Heel-to-Toe Drop
8 mm
Waterproofing
Waterproof membrane upper
Lacing
Speed laces (includes standard laces)
Support Type
Neutral
Outsole
CloudTec pods with rubber traction
Real Talk: When weather is unpredictable, this shoe is a practical travel problem-solver. The waterproof upper helps keep feet dry during light to moderate rain, and it’s a clean-looking sneaker that doesn’t dominate your outfit. Underfoot, it feels snappy and nimble, which is nice for travel days with lots of stops and starts. It’s especially convenient when you want a shoe you can slip on quickly and keep moving.
✅ Pros
  • Keeps feet noticeably drier in wet conditions
  • Quick on and off for airports, trains, and hotel lobbies
  • Sleeker look than many waterproof options
❌ Cons
  • Runs warmer than breathable mesh sneakers
  • Traction is good for city use but not a true hiking outsole
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ECCO Soft 7 Sneaker

Upper
Leather
Footbed
Removable inlay sole
Outsole
Direct-injected PU
Closure
Lace-up
Style
Low-top casual sneaker
Real Talk: Soft 7 is the pick when you want one shoe that can handle daytime sightseeing but still looks right in a nicer restaurant. The leather upper elevates simple outfits, and the cushioning is comfortable for steady city walking without feeling like a stiff dress shoe. It also tends to look better longer on the road, especially if you wipe it down after rainy sidewalks or dusty streets.
✅ Pros
  • Polished look that pairs well with travel-casual outfits
  • Comfortable for walking-heavy itineraries for a leather sneaker
  • Easy to clean and keep presentable
❌ Cons
  • Not as cushioned as dedicated running-style walkers
  • Leather can feel warm in peak summer heat
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Buying Guide

If your trip looks like…Look for…Top pick
All-day city sightseeing on hard surfaces (museums, sidewalks, transit stairs) High cushioning that still feels stable, plus a smooth stride to reduce fatigue HOKA Clifton 9
You need extra room or usually struggle with toe box pressure Multiple width options, a balanced platform, and a fit that doesn’t pinch when feet swell Brooks Ghost 16
Mixed forecasts or frequent rain where you’re going A true waterproof upper, easy on and off, and reliable traction on wet stone On Cloud 5 Waterproof
You want one pair that can walk all day and still look nice at dinner A clean leather upper, supportive footbed, and comfort that holds up past sunset ECCO Soft 7 Sneaker

Travel Shoe Game Plan: Break-In, Rotation, and Blister Defense

Break them in the right way. Aim for a few real-world walks before you fly: errands, a brisk neighborhood loop, and at least one longer outing. If you feel rubbing, fix it now with different socks, a lace adjustment, or an insole, not on day two of your trip when every street is stone and every stop is a mile away.

Rotate shoes if you can. Two pairs that feel different underfoot is often better than one “perfect” pair. Alternating reduces repeated pressure in the same spots and gives sweaty shoes time to dry out fully overnight, which helps with odor and comfort. Even a lighter, dressier sneaker as a second pair can give your feet a break.

Pack a tiny blister kit and use it early. Bring blister tape or hydrocolloid patches, plus a small amount of anti-chafe balm. The moment you feel a hot spot, stop and treat it, even if it feels inconvenient. Five minutes of prevention beats limping through the Louvre or cutting a day short.

💡 Editor’s Final Thoughts

Final verdict: The HOKA Clifton 9 is our top pick because it stays comfortable for long, hard-surface walking days while still feeling light and easy to move in. If you expect steady rain, swap in the On Cloud 5 Waterproof to keep your feet dry without jumping all the way to a heavy boot.

See also

If you’re packing light, pair your shoe plan with our laundry routines for travel clothes so socks dry fast and odors stay under control, and consider portable fans and cooling gadgets for hot trains and stuffy hotel rooms.

Frequently Asked Questions ▾

Should I size up for a Europe trip?

Only if you regularly swell or you’re between sizes. A better rule is to leave about a thumb’s width in front of your longest toe and make sure your heel stays locked down when walking fast. If you size up too much, your foot slides forward on downhill streets and you get toe bang and blisters. Try your shoes on in the afternoon with the socks you’ll travel in.

Are waterproof walking shoes worth it in Europe?

Waterproof shoes are great for shoulder seasons, cities with frequent showers, and days that include parks and damp stone streets. The trade-off is that waterproof uppers usually run warmer and can feel less breathable in summer. If you’re traveling in peak heat, many people do better with breathable shoes plus quick-dry socks and a small umbrella. For mixed weather, one waterproof pair can save a trip.

How many pairs of walking shoes should I pack?

Two pairs is the sweet spot for most trips: your primary pair for heavy walking and a second pair that feels different underfoot. Rotating helps hot spots calm down and gives shoes time to dry out overnight. If you can only pack one pair, prioritize all-day comfort over fashion and bring blister care and supportive insoles as backup.

What’s the fastest way to prevent blisters on long sightseeing days?

Start with the right socks: look for a snug, seam-minimized performance sock rather than thick cotton. Before you leave the hotel, add friction protection where you usually rub, like heel, pinky toe, or arch, using blister tape or a thin gel patch. Keep laces tuned so your heel does not lift, especially on stairs and downhill streets. If you feel a hot spot, stop and treat it immediately.

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