The 10 Best (and Most Stylish) Sneakers to Pack for Your Next Vacation

One of the things we’ve always loved about Clarks is its emphasis on comfort. So, the next time you’re on a cruise and have a day of pasta-making excursions ahead of you, consider something agile like the Hero Air Lace. This classic-looking, streamlined shoe (available in colors that range from olive suede to navy for all sexes) with Clarks’ Active Air cushioning fits the bill wonderfully as your partner for the day.

In an unofficial poll of pedestrians walking around central Barcelona one day, we estimated that roughly 45% of people were wearing Stan Smiths. Of course, we can’t blame them; the sneaker feels great on your feet and has a timeless look. These three new Stan Smith, Forever iterations continue the tradition of subtle elegance, but they do so with an End Plastic Waste initiative calling for recycled uppers and outsoles. Earth-inspired graphics and embroidery complete some of the looks while 90% recycled paper composes the box.

If you’re the only one in your circle who hasn’t joined the Allbirds flock, the time to migrate over has come. On the surface, the Tree Dasher is a performance shoe with a one-piece upper made of eucalyptus tree fibers, merino wool-lined heel pads, and rubber traction that’s perfect for a morning run. But, the thoughtful footwear has more on its mind than working out. With its seamless side profile and vibrant color options (see: women’s geyser and men’s flame), it proves a stylish travel companion, as well.

When this shoe debuted back in 2018, most of the talk surrounded the oversized Air Bag on its heel. That signature attribute is still present in this latest version of the fun, breathable shoe. Only now, with a few years under its belt, the color selections have expanded. And you know what that means for the resort’s evening luau, right? You and your family can match with the black-and-white 270s or go classic with a blue-on-white pair.

If your boat shoe decided to go in for a mommy makeover, it would come out looking a lot like this shoe. Available in head-turning styles for ladies that go from the limited Anchor to the almost-luxe Camo Cat, the lightweight, slip-on Sneaker is a statement maker wherever it goes. But like every other environmentally conscious release from Rothy’s, The Sneaker’s loudest message remains in its makeup, where recycled water bottles are knitted to create the signature fabric.

It makes sense that the company that’s made a name off the transparency in which it runs its business would create a shoe that keeps things ridiculously simple. The Forever Sneaker doesn’t make many headlines with its vintage, Keds-like design, yet it’ll earn a place in your suitcase because of its durability (100% organic cotton upper), flexibility (easily pairable with shorts or a flowy floral dress), and cleanability (machine-washable).

When you visit major metropolitan cities, travel experts advise against wearing gaudy jewelry or showy clothing, as to not garner the wrong kind of attention. Luckily, the new Mirage Tech, a shoe inspired by the loud, vibrant world of EDM music, offers just the right amount of pop with its castlerock-elektro green or Puma black-high-risk-red colorway. You’ll turn heads with the hues and multi-layered design, sure, but the only people following you will be those wanting to ask where you purchased your kicks.

Though the Birkenstock name is renowned for its uber comfy sandals, it’s slowly making a foothold in the sneakers market now. Make sure the Bend is in your luggage if you’re looking for a shoe that delivers a strong, subtle silhouette that’s only enhanced by leather and suede uppers. Notice the band of cork around the heel? That’s not just a wink to the sandals’ famed cork cushioning; it’s an indicator that this gender-neutral shoe means business when it comes to shock absorption.