The best travel shoes for women, according to stylish jet-setters

These chunky sneakers are unbelievably comfortable and lightweight for long days of walking. They don't rub anywhere or cause blisters, and the grey color doesn't show dirt or wear.

They come in an inclusive size range. They offer ample support and come in regular, wide, and extra-wide fits. While the insoles that come with the shoes are super comfy, I prefer to buy my usual size in a wide fit so there's a little extra room to add my own custom arch-support insoles.

They're aesthetically versatile. These sneakers look just as cute with leggings and tall socks as they do with wide-leg jeans or trousers, and the grey color hides dirt super well. They can't exactly be dressed up, but they can be styled to look super trendy.

Your feet won't get exhausted wearing these. Unlike most chunky sneakers, these ones are pretty lightweight. They aren't particularly compact or easily packable, which is why I almost always wear these as my airport shoes — but the fact that they're lightweight means that my legs don't get fatigued at all. — Sally Kaplan, executive editor, Insider Reviews

Featured in our guide to the best walking shoes for women, the Allbirds SuperLight Tree Runners are the ideal sneaker if you can't afford to tip the bag scale at the airport.

Just like the name says: they're super light. "If you're going on a trip and want to take a pair of sneakers that will barely take up any weight or room in your suitcase, these are it." says style editor Samantha Crozier. They clock in at just over five ounces.

They're durable and take no time to break in. "[…] even though they weigh almost nothing, they don't feel cheap or like they'll fall apart," continues Samantha. "Plus, I love the extra bit of padding on the heel right where most sneakers will give you blisters."

They're breathable and well-ventilated. We like to pack these travel shoes when our destination is somewhere hot and humid. Their mesh uppers are made with a eucalyptus tree fiber, which lets air flow through their interiors.

Read more in our full Allbirds SuperLight review.

They have a water repellent finish. Raindrops will bead on their uppers, but they brush off with a simple swipe. You couldn't wear these as waders, but they're a more stylish alternative to rubber rain boots. Whenever I receive compliments on them, I'm excited to share that they're waterproof, too.

They're padding doesn't weigh them down. Inside, they're lined with a terry knit that keeps my feet warm, and the diamond-quilted footbed is layered with arch support and shock absorption around the heel and midsole.

Their shafts can stretch and fold into a neat bundle. Usually knee-high boots are cumbersome to pack, which is unfortunate because I like to wear them with skirts. But since these are sock boots, I can wrap them up and they're hardly wider than a pair of sneakers.

If you're traveling for your job, you ought to have a pair of comfortable loafers on you. I see these worn by other commuters in New York City year round. After you break them in, they're an essential for work trips.

They're comfortable and collapsible. I like the Vionic Uptowns because they have excellent support for my high arches and I can squeeze and stack them into the corner of my weekender bag, where they lay almost flat.

They feel like a sneaker. The accordion footbed means I can flex my foot, and the shoe will flex with me. Still, they have enough structure to correct the position of my instep, meaning my arches are less sore at the end of a long day spent on foot. I like that they have deep heel cups, too.

Yet they look like a loafer. It comes in suede or leather in both medium and wide sizes. The leather is highly durable, if not a bit stiff at first, and will mold to your foot over time.

If you're headed somewhere for a wedding or formal ceremony, you can assume you're going to be standing for a good portion of the day. In that case, we recommend dress shoes from Frankie4, the podiatrist-founded shoe brand.

They're highly versatile. "These are one of the pairs that I wear the most often because of their manageable height, neutral color, and all-around comfort," says style editor Samantha Crozier. "I even paired them with silk pants and wore them to the airport, which is a huge testament to their walkability."

You can walk like a pro in these. "They're two inches high, so they give you a little bit of height without looking like stilts," Samantha continues. They also have gel forefoot cushions, so they're some of the most comfortable heels for people prone to metatarsal pain.

Flats are a fail-safe option when it comes to deciding on the best travel shoes: they have a slim profile, and they go with just about everything. We like traveling in Allbirds' Tree Breezers because they're consciously crafted and supremely comfortable.

You can fold them up and they'll retain their shape. "These are the flats you'll want to pack in your suitcase because a) they're very light and you can fold them up to maximize packing space, and b) you can walk around in them all day long," says former reporter Connie Chen.

They're easy to clean. "You'll need to hand-wash the insoles, but you can throw the rest of the flat in the washing machine, then let them air dry. If they've been damaged, Allbirds sells replacement insoles for $15," she writes in her Allbirds Tree Breezer review.

Zero break-in time needed. "They're soft and mold to your feet upon first wear, but don't have that thin, unsupportive feeling of some other flats. I wore them for more than 12 hours one day, first to work and then to a concert, and they had no problem keeping up with the prolonged walking and standing," adds Connie. We also like how stretchy their collar is, so when your feet swell in the heat, you'll still be comfortable.

Freelance writer and fitness gear expert Rachael Schultz put five sandals to the test on her "hot girl walks," and the Teva's Zymics proved to be her favorite pair.

They're cushioned for high arches. "During testing, I wore them all day and, unlike with other walking sandals, my feet didn't feel sore underneath or strained on top," writes freelance reporter Rachael Schultz. "My arches were supported and even on the first wear, I didn't get any hot spots on an 85 degree walk."

They're amphibious. "I love that the outsole has some traction so you can wear them on light hikes or in the water without slipping," she says.

They have a distinct "gorpcore" flair. "These sandals come in four colors and, while they're certainly an outdoorsy aesthetic, they give off a cool retro vibe," adds Rachael.