The Comfortable Sneakers Our Editors Have Traveled the World In

The newest addition to my shoe lineup is this fun, suede sneaker from Rothy's, my most-trusted footwear brand for travel. I've been wearing them nonstop the past few months, from pumpkin picking and apple cider donut chasing to strolling through the city and commuting to the office. Most of my everyday sneakers are white and fairly simple looking, whereas these cheetah print shoes add a little flare to any outfit. They're incredibly lightweight while offering enough support and cushioning for a full day on my feet. My favorite thing about them is the incredibly grippy outsole. They remind me of the nonslip shoes I used to wear during my days working at a restaurant—but way, way cuter. I don't worry about slipping in them or missing a step, even when I'm walking on rainy sidewalks in NYC.

Once reserved for soccer, the Adidas Samba made a big comeback a few years ago—and we have no plans to stop wearing them. The low-top sporty shoes complete any street style look, all while providing plenty of comfort. Editorial assistant Kat Chen swears by these practically weightless sneakers. “They are my ride or die. I got this newest pair last summer, but the ones I had before I wore for literally a decade until they finally wore down,” says Chen.

I'm also a fan; I reach for them when I need something casual and comfy to wear with jeans or trousers. I've even worn them for a full day walking around DC, and most recently, a dance-filled Harry Styles concert at Madison Square Garden without any complaints.

Associate editor Charlie Hobbs isn't shy about his long-standing love for New Balance dad shoes. His claim: They are the ultimate travel shoe. Among his favorites are the popular 9060 sneaker. “They are the only sneakers I pack," says Hobbs. “My conservatism is rewarded. I am obsessed with these sneakers and they are so comfortable.” They shine for both style and comfort, and work well year-round. “The shoes don't merely survive such 30,000 step days—they improve, becoming softer, easier to wear, and never staining with the dust of the Tiergarten,” says Hobbs.

I know what you're thinking: a platform shoe…for travel? Yes, really. The Gazelle comes highly recommended by several of our editors, especially commerce director Madison Flager who says they were comfortable from the very first wear. They add just a little bit of height (about an inch) without the discomfort of a heeled bootie or sandal. “I’ve put them on for concerts in which I knew I'd be standing for a few hours straight and on a trip with no regrets,” says Flager. “Most recently, they came with me to Nashville on a particularly rainy weekend and stayed in good shape without me having to avoid puddles.” She does recommend sizing down half a size as they run a bit big.

Possibly the most iconic shoe on our list, you can't go wrong with a pair of high-top Converse. They've been around for more than a century, loved by athletes and travelers everywhere, including senior commerce editor Hannah Chubb, who wore them to the US Open this past summer. “I've owned my fair share of white Converse over the years—low-tops in high school, high-tops post-college—because they're just so darn classic,” she says. “They never go out of style, add a little tomboy flair to any outfit, and keep my feet happy no matter how many miles I put on them.”

Despite their low profile, these lightweight Adidas offer an impressive amount of support. They carried associate social media manager Pooja Nayyar through a two-week Euro trip this summer—cobblestone streets and all! They've quickly become her go-to pair for everyday wear too. “Not only do they match every outfit, but they are extremely comfortable,” says Nayyar. “And as a pleasant surprise, they didn’t get destroyed when I got caught in a rainstorm.”

I've been wearing these New Balance 574s for over four years. They're a perfect balance of practical and cute, and are neutral enough to match nearly anything in my carry-on. Looks aside, they are extremely comfortable. From long commutes to the office to city walking tours around Boston, they've kept my feet comfortable every time. What stands out most to me is how lightweight they are—despite giving off the cool dad shoe vibe, they aren't clunky or heavy at all. They've also stayed in excellent condition over the years, which is more than I can say about most of my white sneakers.

If you're looking for a polished white sneaker that can work with multiple outfits in your suitcase, this pair from Atoms has you covered. “I admit, I have a lot of white sneakers in my closet, but these are the ones I take out the most, whether I'm walking around New York City or packing for a trip,” says Flager, who has had this pair for over two years. “They're super lightweight, comfortable, and have never given me any blisters or irritation, even when I'm wearing no-show socks. As bright white shoes, they do get scuffed fairly easily, but I've been able to keep them looking new by spot-cleaning with laundry detergent.”

For something a little more fun than your everyday white sneaker, this pair from Onitsuka Tiger is a nice addition to your closet—and they're just as comfy as they are cool. Senior features editor Megan Spurrell regularly travels with them in her suitcase. “They have a super low profile but still offer great arch support,” she says. Best of all: “They always remind me of being in Japan.”

Alo's Sunset Sneaker is another pair of comfortable daytime shoes I reach for often. They are practically weightless on my feet and the low profile gives them an effortlessly cool look. The neutral colorway makes them versatile, while the 100% suede material looks super polished. I've worn these with low-rise jeans, trousers, skirts, and even exercise dresses thanks to their sporty look. And because they're so lightweight, I've been able to pack them in my carry-on without much added bulk.

Commerce writer Jessica Chapel swears by this pair from Adidas. “I've always been an Adidas girl—whether it be the OG Stan Smith's or this fun, newer take on an old classic,” says Chapel. “I slip them on to run to the grocery store, walk to the park, or brunch all around town. They're the definition of practical: Even when they get dirty, the outer material makes it easy to clean off with a damp towel.”

Salomon sneakers are having a moment; you've probably seen them everywhere from coffee shops to hiking trails. The popular XT-6 is durable enough for an active day and chic enough to elevate your travel ’fit. Commerce writer Jessica Sulima has had her trusty Salomons for more than four years. “I love wearing them to the airport because I don’t have to worry about frantically untying laces at security; the Quicklace closure allows you to slip them on and off with ease,” she says. “I’ve brought them on every kind of trip, from hiking excursions (ankle support) to city romps (gorp-core chic), and they do equally as well wherever they go.”

If you need something study and supportive for rugged adventures, Alo's sleek Trail Sneaker is a safe bet. The brand is known and loved for its activewear, but its sneakers deserve some hype too. Commerce producer ElleAnna Revell recommends them for morning walks and long hikes. “They are super flexible and comfortable while still being very durable,” says Revell. “I have them in black, and they are so easy to style and go with absolutely everything.”

The sneaker that completes my in-flight uniform every single time is this pair of Hoka Cliftons. I fly in them, I work out in them, I go on walks in them—I trust these shoes with my life. They're the only athletic pair of sneakers I pack on every trip. They have what looks like a thick platform, and that extra cushion and shock absorption only adds to the shoe’s comfort level. The EVA foam midsole provides a ton of support and makes your feet feel like they're on a pillow. I've had them for over two years and they are easily my most-worn shoe.

You probably know On for its best-selling running shoes, but they're great for busy travel days too. “As a blister girlie that’s also quite fashion-conscious, I’m very picky about my sneakers,” says Chubb. “On’s Cloud 6 sneakers have been my go-to on recent travels because they feel light as air, don’t rub on my heels (I swear every shoe does this to me), match with all my athleisure fits, and are easy to slip on and off at the airport thanks to the bungee laces.”