10 Best Lightweight Travel Shoes for Women in 2024

Cazzy Magennis
Written By:
Cazzy Magennis
Last Updated:
January 3, 2024
Here's a rundown of the best lightweight travel shoes for women currently available. Find out how to choose the best shoes for your next travel adventure!
Best Lightweight Travel Shoes for Women

After spending several years on the road, I know exactly how important it is to have proper travel shoes.

And, I know exactly how hard it is to find high-quality, lightweight travel shoes!

Over the years, I’ve tried and tested plenty of name brand travel shoes for women- some worked, and many didn’t.

To save you the trouble of trying pairs and pairs of travel shoes, I’ve curated this list of the 10 absolute best lightweight travel shoes for women.

Each and every one of these travel shoes is sustainably made, as well as lightweight enough to fit easily into a backpack or carry-on.

Not to mention, these shoes are all incredibly comfortable and stylish.

This list has quite the variety, from totally waterproof sneakers, to stylish yet supportive flats. 

Below, I’m going to take you first through some important factors to consider when shopping for women’s travel shoes, and then break down the best lightweight travel shoes for women!

Want a quick answer? Go for the Alstead by OTBT (Use code 02dreambigtravelfar for 15% off!).

travel shoes for women
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5 things to consider before buying lightweight travel shoes for women 

1. Are they actually lightweight? 

One of the most important aspects of a lightweight travel shoe, is that they are, in fact, lightweight! 

Especially if you’re a backpacker, then you certainly don’t want to be lugging around heavy travel shoes.

This is even more important when it comes to actually wearing the shoes themselves.

If your travel shoes are bulky and heavy, they’re not only going to be annoying to keep in your backpack, but they’re also not going to be very comfortable to wear walking around, which is where this next point comes in…

2. Are they comfortable? 

This is perhaps the most important thing to consider when it comes to picking out the best travel shoes. 

When traveling around, you will typically be spending a ton of time on your feet. If your shoes for traveling aren’t comfortable, it can ruin your trip. 

That’s why when you’re choosing your travel shoe, comfort is a HUGE factor. We know exactly how important that is, which is why we’ve rounded up only the most comfortable women's travel shoes!

3. Are they functional? 

One of the fun yet most difficult parts of packing for a trip is narrowing down what to bring! This might mean opting to only bring along 2 pairs of shoes on your trip.

It’s highly important that those shoes are functional too, meaning you’ll need them to cover absolutely everything, from hiking, to evenings out. 

To determine if a pair of travel shoes are functional, first think about the type of trip you’re taking, and what you want to do on that trip. 

Then, make sure the shoes you're bringing will cover all of those bases.

4. Are they sustainable? 

When shopping for a travel shoe, it’s incredibly important to keep sustainability in mind. 

If you shop for a sustainable shoe, you are actively contributing to reducing product waste, the reduction of harmful chemicals used in the manufacturing process, and saving the planet!

Sustainability isn’t just about how the shoes are made either. It’s also about the longevity of a product. 

While some travel shoes may be appealing because they’re so cheap, if they only last a few weeks, they’re just going to end up in a landfill.

In the long run, it’s worth it to invest a little more up front in a sustainable, built-to-last travel shoe. Not only will this keep you from having to frequently replace your shoes, but it’s also much better for the planet!

5. Do they suit your style?

Just because something is practical and lightweight doesn't mean it can’t look good! Make sure you still opt for something that suits your style. 

While it’s important that a travel shoe is comfortable, it’s equally important that it makes you feel happy and confident while you’re wearing them around.

We’ve included a pretty wide variety of travel shoes on this list, so there’s a shoe for everyone and every style!

10 Best Lightweight Travel Shoes for Women

1. The Alstead by OTBT  - Best lightweight travel shoe for women

the alstead by off the beaten track

If you’re looking for the all around best travel shoes for women, look no further than The Alstead by OTBT!

These stylish walking shoes for women check all the boxes.

They’re lightweight, and specifically designed for travelers, which means that they condense down a ton in a backpack, and take up half the size of a normal sneaker!

The Alstead is also designed with the planet in mind- they’re made with a recycled rubber sole, and lined with vegan suede.

Crafted with only the most durable materials, these travel shoes are built to last, so you can rest assured that you won’t need to buy more pairs of travel shoes trip after trip. 

Not only are these minimalist travel shoes sustainable, stylish, and lightweight, but they’re also incredibly comfortable.

Those cushy rubber soles are built to sustain hours and hours on your feet, and the vegan suede is soft and cozy. 

Since these shoes are so comfortable and stylish, they’re perfect for both a night out on the town, city tours, and even sprinting in the airport terminal to catch a quick connection! You won't regret having these shoes especially if you plan to go on an all-out adventure in places like Thailand!

The Alstead by OTBT is an incredible travel shoe, and easily some of the best women's shoes for travel.

alstead travel shoes

** If you love the Alstead but are looking for a travel shoe more suitable for hiking, consider the Buckly Hiking Boots by OTBT!

They’re a sneaker/hiker hybrid, and just perfect for travelers looking to incorporate some hiking off the beaten path into their adventures.

Key Features:

  • Created with vegan suede and recycled rubber soles
  • Designed specifically for travelers
  • Perfect for either a night out or a city tour
  • Fit perfectly in a backpack or carry on, and take up half the space of normal sneakers
  • Comfortable & have enough support to withstand hours of walking around
GET 15% OFF WITH OUR OTBT DISCOUNT CODE: 02dreambigtravelfar

2. Explorer V2 by 8000 Kicks - Best Eco-Friendly Travel Shoes

8000 Kicks Explorer V2 review

The 8000 Kicks Explorer V2 is the first waterproof hemp shoes in the world.

If you’re looking for the best sustainable and eco-friendly travel shoes, this is it! Engineered in Portugal, it’s 100% vegan while still being super comfortable and durable.

Hemp is known for being anti-microbial and anti-bacterial, as well as temperature-regulating properties, which are great for the insoles as they ensure both comfort and safety in terms of killing bad bacteria. 

Meanwhile, the Bloom Foam algae bottom ensures better durability. It can also remove any harmful algae from the bottom of your shoes.

The style itself is minimalist and simple, but has a chic enough design that it’s suitable for most occasions, from sightseeing to a high-end dinner in the city.

These shoes are also waterproof and dustproof. Perfect for travellers and globetrotters!

There isn’t much I don’t like about the Explorer V2. One thing is that the loop on the back of the shoes that’s meant to help get your foot inside is too small. I tried to get all my finders into it but they don’t really fit.

And while these shoes are relatively easy to clean, it’s not as quick as when you’re cleaning leather shoes. There’s still a useful care guide you can follow; it just will take a little longer.

Aside from these minor drawbacks, I absolutely adore these 8000 Kicks shoes!

Key Features:

  • World's first waterproof hemp shoes
  • Anti-microbial and anti-bacterial properties
  • Lightweight and durable
  • Sustainable and 100% vegan
  • Super light Algae Bloom soles
Check out our full 8000 Kicks review here!

3. Jibs Classic

The Jibs Classic women’s travel shoe is all about the intersection of comfort and fashion.

My first impressions are that they’re super well-made and comfortable, functioning well for walking around but still stylish enough to dress up for a nice dinner!

These stylish travel shoes come in many different colors, but I was excited to try the white one. In addition to its sleek design, white is such a versatile color that goes easily with most of my outfits.

Granted, the white color may take on dirt more easily than darker shades, but thankfully the leather makes it really easy to clean.

The shoes themselves are easy to slip on, while the diamond perforated leather contours to your feet very snugly.

A memory foam insole provides plenty of arch support, whereas the rubber soles are grippy to make it easier to walk around.

Also, I love that the cork insole is removable, so you can use your own insole with the Jibs Classic.

Not to mention that the materials inside the shoes are all odor-free. The moisture-wicking cork are very breathable and this nice airflow ensures that your feet don’t get all sweaty!

Overall, my favorite thing about this Jibs shoes is that it feels like casual wear, but can pass off as a fancy pair.

Tackling two things at once, definitely a plus point for me as a traveller!

Key Features:

  • Fun and fashionable travel shoe
  • Perfect for summer and fall travels
  • Comes in both classic and fun colors, including shiny metallics
  • Cushy memory foam insole
  • Can use your own insole
  • Odor-free and breathable materials
Check out our full JIBS review here!

4. Tropicfeel Sunset Shoes- The best travel shoe for water lovers

sunset shoes

The Tropicfeel Sunset Shoes are the perfect combination of style and functionality.

These lightweight traveling shoes are chic and trendy for walking around town, and they’re also waterproof!

Drainage holes built into the bottoms of these sneakers make them the only travel shoes you can swim in.

With every pair of Tropicfeel Sunset shoes made, Tropicfeel uses six recycled water bottles in the production process. Sustainability is a major priority with these travel shoes. 

When worn normally, the Sunset shoes are chic sneakers. However, you can fold down the backs of them and wear them as slippers too! 

Talk about dual functionality!

Plus, they easily compress down to fit into your travel bag and take up as little space as possible.

These shoes are perfect for travelers who love adventuring in style, and whose travels frequently take them exploring rivers, lakes, oceans, and any other bodies of water! So if you are planning to go on an adventure trip in places like Bali, these shoes are definitely recommended.

Or, if you ned something with a little more cushion, check out the Tropicfeel Lava shoes.

Key Features:

  • Made from recycled materials
  • Super stylish sneakers
  • Best women’s waterproof walking shoes for travel
  • Transform into slippers
  • Great for all terrains

5. Belmont by Woolloomooloo - Best premium wool sneakers

Woolloomooloo Belmont Merino Wool Sneakers review

Woolloomooloo specializes in premium merino wool shoes, and the Belmont is one of the brand’s signature models.

These are the shoes for you if you’re looking to get into merino wool, which is known for its comfortable, lightweight, and sustainable qualities.

Woolloomoolo does it best as they knit the wool, instead of boiling them, and thus bringing out the material’s natural elasticity and breathability

They’re very comfortable and require no breaking in period, and can be used for adventures and evening wear alike.

The Belmont might not look lightweight at a glance, but they’re surprisingly not heavy at all! It’s not as flexible as some of the other brands, but can be worn daily and for long hours…

One thing is to just be aware of the material on top, which I feel might rip easily if caught on something.

Woolloomooloo Belmont Merino Wool Sneakers

Plus, you might get small stones caught in the Tread pattern on the bottom of the shoes.

That said, I love how it cleans very effortlessly, as these shoes are machine washable (on a gentle cycle, of course).

And not to mention that these are sockless shoes, which can be great for travel!

Key Features:

  • Digitally knitted Australian Merino wool
  • Extremely comfortable
  • Machine washable
  • Odor and water resistant
  • Sockless shoes

6. Women's Tree Loungers by Allbirds - Stylish yet supportive travel shoes

The Tree Loungers by AllBirds fit the bill just right for the most stylish women’s travel shoes! 

These slip-ons are perfect for anyone who wants a comfortable and supportive travel shoe that is also dressy enough to wear on a night out.

Women’s Tree Loungers by AllBirds are extremely sustainably made.

The lightweight knit material in the shoes is made from responsibly sourced eucalyptus fiber that is ultra-breathable and prevents your shoes from getting smelly even after hours and hours of wear. 

These travel shoes are comfortable too, with cushioning made from a combination of merino wool and castor oil- highly sustainable alternatives to commonly-used manufacturing materials!

Thanks to the lightweight materials used in the Tree Loungers, these travel shoes will slip right into your travel bag and take up hardly any space.

I also love that the shoes are true to size, and it's definitely one of the best slip-ons I've tried.

Tree Loungers are perfect for getting a little more dressed up, and are the best stylish walking shoes for Europe!

Check out our full review of the Allbirds Tree Loungers!

Key Features:

  • Dressy yet supportive women’s walking shoes
  • Made with eucalyptus fiber and merino wool
  • Good for travel in warm locations
  • Washer machine safe 
  • Slip on travel flats
Buying from the USA? Then buy here

7. Tree Runners by Allbirds - Best Everyday Travel Shoes

ALLBIRDS TREE RUNNERS

The Tree Runners are one of my go-to everyday travel shoes. They’re lightweight and suitable for daily walking and wear.

Made from a thermoregulating material, the eucalyptus fiber makes them super comfortable and breathable, and especially great for warmer weather.

While I won’t suggest these for running, I’ve tried doing HIIT workouts and going on long walks, and these Allbirds shoes were impressive, to say the least!

In terms of sizing and colour, I found them to be accurate. 

The colour options are extremely varied, with several limited edition designs, and versatile enough that they can be dressed up and down.

This is a huge plus for travel shoes!

I also love how soft the insole is and that it’s removable to wash.

Not to mention that the Tree Runner is a carbon neutral product, manufactured using both sustainable practices and materials.

If I had to nitpick, I would’ve loved a loop at the back to make getting into the shoe easier. And while they’re easy to clean, the material isn’t a wipeable surface.

All in all, this is an amazing travel shoe that is adaptable!

We've also written a full review of the Tree Runners here...

Key Features:

  • Thermoregulating eucalyptus fiber
  • Sustainable materials
  • Great for warm weather
  • Versatile design and various colours
Buying from the USA? Buy here! 

8. Tropicfeel Canyon

tropicfeel canyon shoes

The Tropicfeel Canyon is a sporty travel shoe that is ideal for all types of adventures. 

Whether you’re on a city walking tour, hiking, or in between locations on a long travel day, these shoes are a great option. 

They come in a wide range of colors, so you can pick the ones that best suit your style. 

These shoes were created with both functionality and comfort in mind. They offer great support with their 3D dual cushioning which is great for both walking and hiking.

Like the Tropicfeel Sunset shoes, the Canyons are completely waterproof, making them great for more vigorous hikes where you might also want to go for a swim. 

These shoes are made with an ultra lightweight material that easily folds down and compresses into your travel bag! 

For every pair of Canyon travel shoes made, Tropicfeel uses 8 recycled water bottles, as well as 20% recycled EVA. 

The Tropicfeel Canyon is best for walking around and exploring all sorts of terrain, from cobblestone streets, hikes, to lakes and rivers.

Key Features:

  • A sporty, waterproof sneaker
  • Great for hikes
  • Packs easily into a carryon
  • Comes in a wide variety of colors
  • These travel shoes are extra supportive

9. Lems Women’s Primal 2 - Vegan shoes with wide toe box

Lems Women’s Primal 2 review

The Primal 2 is an ultra-minimalist everyday shoe that’s super lightweight and perfect for packing away.

It’s great for long walks, hikes, and adventures, making them the ideal travel shoe.

It has a bit of bounce ith a great midsole and outsole to ensure the best support with any activity, and I love the sense of weightlessness it gives you!

The design is excellent as the outside of the shoe curves to your toes, while the wider fit means your toes won’t feel crushed.

The Primal 2 is also completely vegan, from the microfiber material to the laces and glue, which is always a bonus!

It has a Zero Drop design, which means it places the forefoot and heel flat to the ground encouraging better posture and aligning your spine. 

Moreover, the shoes are very flexible and cat fit easily inside your backpack or small luggage.

Lems Women’s Primal 2

My only thing would be is that they are not waterproof.

Plus, they’re not as flattering on me because I’m used to shoes with a midsole platform.

I also wish I went for the olive or black colour instead of cloud, just because they’re much easier to match with my everyday outfit.

Other than that, this Lems shoe is a solid and versatile choice for travelling!

Check out our full review of the Lems Primal 2 shoes

Key Features:

  • 100% vegan materials
  • Comfortable wide toe box
  • Very lightweight and flexible 
  • Zero-drop to correct posture

10.The Zilker Gum by Suavs

The Zilker Gum Shoes by Suavs
source

The Zilger Gum by Suavs is a fashionable sneaker that is great for everything from hiking, to long days on your feet, and even going out! 

These sustainably knitted sneakers are lightweight, and slip right on. They’re made to be very breathable, and the knitted material actually packs down flat so they fit flat in your luggage!

Sore feet won’t be an option with these travel sneakers- they have a comfortable gum sole that is built to flex with the movement and shape of your feet. 

Style is a big factor with these shoes, they have a trendy and unique look that you can dress up or down depending on the excursion.

These shoes are also made with 100% recycled materials and are vegan friendly!

The Zilker Gum shoe by Suavs is ideal for stylish travelers who want to be able to wear the same shoe on a city tour, and out to a nice dinner.

Key Features:

  • Lightweight, breathable lace-up sneaker
  • Can be worn with or without socks
  • Pack down completely flat
  • Super stylish womens travel shoe
  • Made from 100% recycled materials

Lightweight Travel Shoes for Women FAQS

What type of shoe is best for traveling?

This really depends on the type of traveling you’re doing, so the best type of shoe for traveling might be different for everyone! 

Overall, the best type of shoe for traveling will be durable, comfortable, and suitable for all of the activities you have planned on your trip. 

What makes a good travel shoe?

A good travel shoe will be sustainably made, constructed from quality materials, and a good fit for your personal travel style!

It will also need to be lightweight so that it can fit easily into your travel bag.

How do I choose the best travel shoes?

Consider the type of travel you’ll be doing, and pick a shoe that will meet your needs!

If you’re going to be in a warm, summer destination where you plan on spending a lot of time near water, you might want to go for the Tropicfeel Sunset Shoes.

If you’re going somewhere colder where you may be doing some hiking, the Buckly Hiking Boots by OTBT could be a better pick.

How many pairs of shoes should you travel with?

This depends on the person, but a good number to go with is 2 pairs of travel shoes. You can have one pair that’s great for hiking, walking around, and even exploring beaches and rivers, and then another pair that’s a little dressier for a night out on the town.

What are the best lightweight women’s travel shoes?

We recommend The Alstead by OTBT for the best lightweight women’s travel shoes. They’re designed specifically for travelers, lightweight, sustainably made, and they’re also super stylish! 

Remember you can get 15% off at OTBT with our code: 02dreambigtravelfar

How much do lightweight travel shoes cost?

Quality lightweight travel shoes will cost anywhere from $50-$150. That might seem like a lot at first, but the shoes on this list will last you through years of travel, which is a way better investment than having to buy a new pair of cheap sandals for every trip.

Plus, quality travel shoes are also an investment in your health and comfort! 

Which Lightweight Travel Shoe is Best for You?

That’s a wrap on our guide to the 10 best lightweight women’s travel shoes! 

Each of these shoes are sustainably made, lightweight, stylish, and comfortable, and I hope that this list has made your search for the perfect women’s travel shoe a little easier. 

Now over to you…

Which of these travel shoes is your favorite?

Are there any lightweight travel shoes that we missed?

Drop a comment below!

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