I’ve officially been in Europe for one month now, Croatia to be specific, and I’ll be traveling through a few more European countries before heading off to Asia. And now that I’m averaging anywhere from 10,000 to 20,000+ steps a day, it’s safe to say I can speak to the best shoes to pack for your next international vacation (or let’s be honest, even a trip to Disney).
Here’s the thing nobody tells you: walking in Europe is a completely different sport. Back home I’m already hitting close to 10k steps a day, but that’s hot girl walks and dog walks, always in a comfortable sneaker or sandal, never anything that needs to look elevated. In Europe? I’m walking to dinner, walking to the grocery store, walking through museums, walking down winding cobblestone streets, and I need my shoes to do all of it without destroying my feet or my outfit.
So if you’re looking for the best walking shoes for Europe that are actually cute enough for a night out, buckle up babe, because I’ve got you covered. Let’s get into it.
If You Only Have Room for Two Shoes in Your Suitcase, These Are It
If you only had room for two pairs of shoes in your suitcase, these would without a doubt be my top recs.
First up, the Croc Miami Toe Loop Sandal. I’ve owned these for years and have walked what feels like hundreds of thousands of miles in them, and the quality has never let me down. The look, the feel, the durability, honestly they outperform every hundred dollar plus shoe I’ve ever bought. I keep coming back to them trip after trip and I simply cannot recommend them enough.
The second shoe I’d consider non-negotiable is the Adidas Adistar Sneaker. Think Hoka-level comfort but make it actually cool. It comes in a ton of colorways, and the specific blue, brown and silver chrome one I brought somehow works with everything. Maxi skirts, linen pants, jeans, activewear, you name it. This sneaker is the true workhorse of the bunch.
The 7 Best Walking Shoes for Europe, Straight From My Suitcase
Not all shoes are created equal when it comes to European travel. Beyond comfort and style, you want to think about heel height, sole grip for cobblestones, and how much weight each pair is adding to your suitcase. Stilettos are a hard no, wedges can be beautiful but tend to run heavy, and anything you’d only wear for one specific occasion probably isn’t worth the suitcase real estate. Every shoe on this list earns its place by being versatile, walkable, and cobblestone approved.
1 | Croc Miami Toe Loop Sandal (the everyday workhorse)
If I were stranded on a deserted island and could only bring one pair of shoes, it would be these. No question. I love how they look, I love how they feel, and I have worn them so much this trip that I have a permanent tan line of the shoe structure across the top of my foot. That is how much I am living in these.
They work for everything, they go with everything, and here’s a bonus tip for anyone headed to Europe specifically: the beaches here are not the soft sandy situation we’re used to back home. Think rocks, cobblestone, and sea urchins in the water. You need a shoe you can actually wear into the water, and the Crocs Miami Toe Loop Sandal is exactly that.
2 | Adidas Adistar Sneaker (the sneaker that goes with everything)
sneakers: at nordstrom | at adidas
I love these sneakers so much that I did a full roundup of different ways to style them, which you can find here. And despite not being a neutral shoe at all, they somehow pull off the most neutral, goes-with-everything energy.
similar top | leggings | sneakers | hat
The cushioning is next level, they are wide-foot-approved, and the comfort level from morning to night is just unmatched. You are going to feel cool in these, and your feet will thank you too!
3 | Jeffrey Campbell Jelly Micro Heel (the fancy shoe that won’t break your ankle)
These sandals are my go-to when I want to feel a little more elevated, whether that’s for dinner, an evening out, or just a day when I want my outfit to feel more intentional. The best part? These are fully cobblestone approved. This is not a cab to dinner situation at all. You could absolutely stroll home after a long night and your feet would be completely fine.
similar top | leggings | sandals | similar bag
For anyone who wants a shoe that bridges the gap between comfort and feeling genuinely fancy, this is it.
4 | Adidas Taekwondo Ballet Flat (the cool girl stamp of approval)
sneakers: at Nordstrom | at Adidas
If you want a shoe that feels edgy, cool and incredibly comfortable all at once, the Adidas Taekwondo ballet flat is your answer. Every influencer on social media has been wearing these, and for good reason. They are so incredibly comfortable and such a no-brainer to pack for European travel. They give your outfit that cool girl edge without any of the foot pain.
similar top | leggings | sneakers
5 | Bibi Lou Studded Sandal (the night out sandal that won’t wreck your feet)
These are the sandal you reach for when you want your outfit to feel elevated without sacrificing your feet. The suede upper feels luxurious, they pair beautifully with dresses and skirts, and they are the perfect shoe for a night out.
similar top | jeans | bag | sandals
I wore mine for a girls night in Split where we walked and danced the entire night away, and my feet were completely happy the whole time. I felt so cute and put together and didn’t think about my feet once. That is the gold standard for a travel shoe.
6 | Birkenstock Lutry (the optional but versatile daytime shoe)
mules: at Nordstrom | at DSW | at Zulily
Full transparency, out of everything I packed, the Birkenstock Lutry is the one pair you could technically live without. But here’s the thing, I am not a Birkenstock girl. Never have been. And yet these ones actually converted me. The Lutry has a more elevated, luxurious feel than your classic Birkenstock, which I think is exactly why they work for me. They’re incredibly comfortable, great for walking around the city, perfect for daytime activities, and can carry you into a casual evening too. If you’ve always been Birkenstock curious but never fully committed, these might be your gateway pair.
7 | Puma Palermo (the sneaker rotation secret weapon)
If you’re going to walk 10,000 to 20,000 steps a day, wearing the same sneaker every single day will eventually catch up with you. Your foot starts developing weird pain points from the same pressure spots being hit over and over again. The solution? Rotate your sneakers.
top | pants | sneakers | similar bag
The Puma Palermo is my second workhorse sneaker and a top competitor to the Adistar. Swapping between the two on alternating days has been a total game changer for keeping my feet happy on the longest walking days. Don’t underestimate this tip.
At the end of the day, the best travel shoe is the one that lets you say yes to everything! Yes to the spontaneous night out, yes to the extra long walk home, yes to the beach detour, yes to dancing until midnight in Split. Europe will humble you with its cobblestone streets, its hills and stairs, and its “we walked how far?” moments, but the right shoes make all of it feel effortless.
These seven pairs have carried me through Croatia and beyond, and I can honestly say not a single one has let me down. Pack smart, rotate your sneakers, and don’t forget your Crocs. Your feet will thank you later.
XX – Kat @thekatrinanichole on IG
Love this – great field-tested recommendations! Enjoy your travels!