Most trips involve a lot of walking. It’s important to find the best quality summer travel shoes (this review) to help your feet stay comfortable on vacation.
I have tried almost every comfort-related shoe out there and keep coming back to my favorite summer travel shoes: Birkenstock sandals. (Amazon has great prices on them too so compare prices!)
There are other shoes that travel with me as well if there is packing space because I have to switch it up to avoid sore feet on a vacation (to also avoid issues with Plantar Fasciitis), but my Birkenstocks never let me down.
So, are Birkenstocks good for travel?
They are great for travel because they are great for walking (even long distances)!
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I will say that I am pretty hard on shoes and don’t mind spending more for quality ones that will last for me, but I also love a good bargain when I can find one. The photo above is just a few of my favorite (and well-worn) Birkenstock sandals.
Add these comfortable Birkenstock Arizona Sandals to your travel shoe collection!
Which Birkenstock sandal style is my favorite and why do I think they are the Best Summer Travel Shoes?
- I like wearing all of the styles pictured (Arizona, Florida, Big Buckle Arizona, and Gizeh) and rotate them when traveling when space allows.
- My absolute favorite ones are the Disney Mickey Sketch Gizeh style that I found in Germany! The Gizeh style hugs my feet and just supports them in a really comfortable way for walking all day on a trip. I can’t even wear thong-style flip flops in other brands, but these are amazing. These shoes have walked many vacation miles in many destinations and I hope they last forever!
- They rank best for travel (for me) because of quality craftsmanship of the cork footbed. This is a main reason that I love wearing them and I find that it offers solid support, but enough “give” to be comfortable.
- They have been crafted since the 1700’s!
- A note on breaking them in: The classic footbed ones take about a week for me and the “soft footbed” ones only take a day or two. I actually prefer the classic footbed rather than the soft. They also come in medium or narrow widths.
Why are Birkenstock sandals so good for summer travel or everyday wear?
- I mentioned earlier about how I sometimes have issues with Plantar Fasciitis. Well, John Davis of Runnersconnect.com has an article on the latest studies and shoe recommendations and Birkenstocks are shown to be helpful because they offer rigid support and mold to your feet. This is one of the main reasons I think they are comfortable for walking long distances on vacation.
- Another reason they are great for summer travel is that they are sandals (of course!) and the cork footbed doesn’t cause the feet to sweat and become uncomfortable.
- Even Podiatrists such as River Podiatry have discussed the benefits that wearing Birkenstocks offer for healthy feet and comfort.
When should you wear Birkenstock Sandals?
- I really do wear them all year and every season. I have even worn them with socks (sorry, not sorry) when it is cold out or on a flight.
- The Big Buckle and Arizona style or metallic ones are the ones I choose if going out and wanting something a little less casual. They pair great with casual sundresses or skirts. They also have these sandals with heels; Birkenstock Soley (great price on Amazon!)
- They are available in vegan leather styles too!
- If there is going to be miles of walking on a trip I make sure to bring at least one pair because Birkenstocks are great for walking!
- The EVA Arizona Birkenstock sandals (the all-silver ones in the photo above) are great to wear at the pool or on the beach. I don’t find that they mold to my feet like the cork footbed ones, but they are comfortable for beachwear or if you need something waterproof and stylish. Update: I just got a pair of the white waterproof Gizeh EVA Birkenstock sandals and I love them!
- They are also not just for women! Most of the styles are available in men’s sizing and models as well.
Birkenstock Florida with 3 straps! I love these and check Amazon’s price!
What I don’t like about them:
Although they are our personal favorite and the subject of our Best Summer Travel Shoes Review, there are a few things that I don’t like.
- They are not great in rainy weather (except the Water-friendly EVA models), but they make a waterproofer that fixes this problem so it is not an issue.
- Price point (although they’ve lasted for years for me). High quality shoes cost more. It is just a fact that I’m ok with.
- They are on the casual side if you need dressy shoes for night out (I still use the patent metallic ones with some of my dressy outfits)
- I did have a pair of the leather, lace-up tennis Birkenstocks that were silver (shiny) and I hated them. They looked like clown shoes on me (I have large feet) and I wound up giving them away. They were still comfortable, however.
- If you are in a crowd and someone steps on your foot (it has happened to me many times) it is more exposed because they are sandals so be careful.
There are many Great Birkenstocks for guys too!
Looking for where to buy Birkenstock sandals for travel?
- If you happen to visit Munich (or elsewhere in Europe) try a T.K.Maxx. Hopefully, you will find a bargain too!
- Looking for other amazing comfort shoes that are great for travel? End of Season SALE – Lowest Prices of the Year! Save on ABEO, Dansko, Clarks & More!
- Also, check new Birkenstock styles that are great for travel and on sale at the The Walking Company
website or the main U.S. Birkenstock Website.
- Sometimes you can find great deals at Zappos Shoes on Birkenstocks!
- Happy Feet Store also carries Birkenstock Sandals: HUGE Selection Shop Now!
Budget/secret place that I’ve found Birkenstocks:
- The best place that I found by accident is the T.K. Maxx in the city center of Munich. When I went to Germany I was so excited to visit a Birkenstock store, but soon found out that they were just as expensive or more so there even though they had styles that weren’t available yet in the U.S. I happened to walk into the T.K. Maxx and found 2 pairs that day in my size for under 40 Euros each! (The EVA ones in the photo at the top and the Big Buckle ones!). I then went back each day because they restocked regularly. I actually had to buy an extra bag at the end of the vacation to bring home to hold all of the Birkenstocks that I bought on that trip!
day of Birkenstock walking 🙂
Other travel shoes or tips on what to bring on a trip:
Birkenstocks aren’t my only favorite travel shoes (the focus of this review). There are others that I also love. Check out comfortable travel shoes at The Walking Company(NEW Markdowns! Casuals & Walking Styles from $30!
)
- If there is space or if I need a different type shoe depending on the travel activities that we have booked I bring my favorite On Cloud 2.0 tennis or Jambu Mary Jane Mules. I also love Frye boots and shoes! Frye: Shop Women’s Footwear and Accessories Sale – Up To 50% Off
- Comfortable shoes are important, but so are comfortable travel clothes! Betabrand: Shop Dress Pant Yoga Pants Featuring Wrinkle Resistant Fabric and 4-Way Stretch
- For more dressy apparel I bring comfortable pumps by Easy Spirit that I love.
- Brookstone: Get $10 Off Your First Order of $100+
They have a great travel section from gadgets to comfort!
- See more tips for travel in our recent article to help make your trip more rewarding.
- After your find your comfortable travel shoes we have a great new hiking trails article on spots near Little Rock, Arkansas.
- Do you have a favorite summer travel shoe? Let us know in the comments!
Also, find great things to do in South Beach Miami with our new guide!
Happy Traveling and comfortable walking!
Due to a serious foot injury in 2013, after surgery and trying everything else, my doctor told me to try Birkenstocks because of their lateral arch (only two brands have this!)….. they did the trick! I can walk comfortably with no pain or limp in Birks. They have been a miracle shoe for me! I get unusual ones, sometimes from their licensed brands like Betula and Tatami, and I buy on eBay often ( new, not used). Although they often have great used ones. . I have FOUR pair of Birkenstock boots!!!! At one time I had nearly 200 pair of Birkenstocks! I am now in the selling mode, since I can’t wear all those shoes! Birkenstock even makes high heels (NOT real high!) but I can’t wear those unfortunately! Anyway, that’s my Birkenstock story! Be sure to get “ real” ones and not knock-offs… they may look the same, but don’t last the same or feel the same! Your feet will love you!!!!!
I’m so glad I’m not alone in my Birkenstock love! Your tip on getting authentic ones is right on because I’ve tried several knock-off ones and they do not mold to my feet like the real ones do.