The Best Travel Shoes for Women Over 50 (2024)
Finding the right travel shoes for a woman over 50 can be challenging. We always tend to do a lot more walking when traveling.
I can’t begin to tell you how many pairs of shoes and sneakers are tucked in my closet and worn only once or twice. If you are reading this post, it’s likely you’ve had the same experience.
My Fall From Grace in Italy
I learned the importance of wearing sensible travel footwear on a trip to Italy. While walking on the cobblestone streets of Como, I took a nasty tumble.
I was looking up, down, and all around me (rather than in front of me) when one of my sandals got caught on a steel utility plate on the street, propelling me through the air for what seemed like minutes (although it was probably a split second).
Accidents always happen in an instant.
When I finally landed, both my knees were bloodied and skinned. Fortunately, nothing cracked or broke. As one might expect in Italy, a compassionate, good Samaritan waiter emerged from nowhere to help, carrying ice and linen napkins that turned bright red when we applied them to my knees.
My husband helped me hobble into the restaurant to sit down, check out the damage, apply multiple Band-Aids, and sip a refreshing alcoholic beverage in appreciation of the wait staff’s kindness and to assuage my embarrassment.
Since then, I have always searched for sensible—but stylish—footwear for travel.
Characteristics of Good Travel Shoes
The National Institutes of Health (NIH) outlined the attributes of proper shoes as follows. The shoes:
- Have low heels and non-slip soles
- Fit well, leaving no marks on your feet when you take off your shoes and socks
- Completely surround the foot, meaning no backless and toeless shoes, and
- Support your feet
A graphic from the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons illustrates “A Good Shoe.”
The Essential Shoes for Travelers
There are my two favorite brands of travel shoes:
Best Everyday Travel Shoes: Rothy’s Ballet Flats
Whether I’m traveling on land or sea, there are times when I want a more attractive shoe to wear to dinner or to meet friends.
A pair of black or tan flats or ballet slippers can be worn with almost any outfit, eliminating the need for multiple dress shoes. The nautical blue ones are great with jeans. I love the foot-flattering “v” design on the top.
I always travel with Rothy’s ballet flats because they are so lightweight, durable, and comfortable. The shoes weigh about 9 ounces and are easy to pack.
They have cushiony, soft insoles, and the woven knit material of the outers is attractive and accommodates any foot imperfections (like my bunion). The rubber sole helps avoid slips, and the shoes are sustainably made from 100% recycled plastic bottles.
They are machine washable, but spots can be removed with a damp cloth. Available in 15 different solids and combinations, it’s easy to find the ones that match your trip and your personality.
Rothy’s have become my go-to shoe for home and travel. They come in various styles, including rounded, square, and pointed toes, and with or without straps. I prefer the classic round ballet flat model.
Best Travel Sneakers/Walking Shoes: Deckers X Lab X-SCAPE 2.0
A public relations company invited me to try out a pair of Deckers X Lab sneakers. I had never heard of the brand and didn’t know what to expect.
Jean-Luc Diard, the co-founder of the famous HOKA brand, developed these shoes. Deckers (the parent company of Ugg, Teva, and other brands) bought Hoka in 2012, and Diard heads up the larger company’s innovation lab.
Designed for gymnasts, runners, and break dancers, the shoes absorb stress from different angles, helping keep feet balanced on uneven surfaces.
My pink sneakers, X-SCAPE NBK 2.0, are the most comfortable sneakers I’ve ever worn. I love their arch support, cushioning, and the breathability of the materials (nubuck and a nylon-type material), which accommodates my otherwise painful bunion.
The long fabric tongue is easy to pull out, and the loop at the heel makes it easy to ensure the back is fully pulled up. They are lightweight and easy to pack, although I wear them when I know I’ll be walking through an airport where distances can be lengthy.
Buying Travel Shoes? Choose Wisely
Traveling can be hard on your feet and shoes. You want to choose sensible shoes that don’t compromise your vanity because one blister can spoil the best of trips.
These travel shoes work for me, but everyone is different. The American Academy of Orthopaedics website offers shoe-buying tips and other consumer-friendly information on various foot problems.
Disclosure: I earn a small amount of affiliate earnings from qualifying purchases at no additional cost to you that help support my blog.
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