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.
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.
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- So, are Birkenstocks good for travel?
- Which Birkenstock sandal style is the favorite and why are they the Best Summer Travel Shoes?
- Why are Birkenstock sandals so good for summer travel or everyday wear: Benefits
- When is the best time to wear Birkenstock Sandals?
- 🧳 Bonus Travel Tip: How I Scored Birkenstocks in Europe for Cheap
- 🛍️Shop our Favorite Birkenstock Pics for Travel:
- Need to Bring More Travel Shoes? Here are our Favorites:
- Keep Reading for More Travel Inspiration
So, are Birkenstocks good for travel?
They are great for travel because they are perfect for walking (even long distances)!
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.
Why I Love Them: They’ve supported my feet on every trip. The cork footbed molds to my feet, and the thong style is surprisingly comfy even for all-day wear.
Best For: All-day sightseeing and city walking
Footbed: Classic
🛍️ Shop Gizeh [Amazon] → 👟 Shop Gizeh on Zappos →
Which Birkenstock sandal style is the favorite and why are they 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 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 from Europe to U.S. cities to tropical islands, 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.
- ✨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 come in medium or narrow widths.
Why Birkenstocks?
- Comfort & Durability: After trying many brands, Birkenstocks remain my go-to for their balance of comfort and durability.
- Variety: I alternate between models like Arizona, Florida, and Gizeh depending on space and need.
- Favorite Style: Gizeh all the way! — perfect for all-day walking with a supportive footbed.
- Material Quality: Known for their cork footbed, which offers both support and flexibility.
- Historical Craftsmanship: Birkenstocks have been crafted since the 1700s, ensuring top-notch quality.
Why are Birkenstock sandals so good for summer travel or everyday wear: Benefits
- 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 your feet to sweat and become uncomfortable.
- Even Podiatrists such as River Podiatry have discussed the benefits that wearing Birkenstocks offer benefits for healthy feet and comfort.
When is the best time to 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 [Great prices on Amazon] They pair great with casual sundresses or skirts. They also have these Birks 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 too!
- 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 out Amazon’s great price!
⚠️ A Few Things to Know Before You Buy Birkenstocks
Even though I swear by my Birks, here are a few honest challenges you might want to consider:
- They’re not ideal in rainy weather unless you opt for the EVA waterproof Birks styles or use the cork footbed sealer (find it on Amazon).
- The break-in period can take a few days (though worth it in the long run!)
- They run on the casual side — not for every dressy dinner unless you go with a metallic Birks or Big Buckle style
- The price can be a bit steep — but they last for years
- Your toes are exposed, so watch your step in crowds!
- They use European sizing so always look at their size chart to make sure they fit well. I wear a 10 U.S. and 41 in Birks.
✅ That said, I always bring at least one pair on every trip — and I’ve never regretted it!
There are many Great Birkenstock styles for guys too!
💡 Want the Best Deals on Birkenstock Sandals for your Travels?
Here are our favorite places to check and compare prices:
- ✅ Amazon – Latest models + Prime shipping
- 👟 Zappos – Great for returns + size options
- 🛍️ T.J.Maxx – If you’re lucky, huge discounts! ✨Search “German Sandals” because you can’t search by brand there.
- 📌If you happen to visit Munich (or elsewhere in Europe) try a T.K.Maxx. Hopefully, you will find a bargain too!
- 🛍️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.
🧳 Bonus Travel Tip: How I Scored Birkenstocks in Europe for Cheap
✨ Click to read my Birkenstock bargain story 💬
When I visited Munich, I was beyond excited to shop at a real Birkenstock store… but I was surprised to find that prices were actually higher than in the U.S. — even for the same styles! Then I wandered into a T.K. Maxx in the city center (yep, that’s the European T.J. Maxx) — and it was a goldmine. I found two pairs of Birkenstocks for under €40 each — including the waterproof EVA pair and Big Buckle Arizonas! I went back every day to check restocks and ended up buying so many pairs I had to buy an extra bag just to bring them home. Moral of the story: If you’re traveling in Europe, don’t skip the discount stores — you might just walk away with your new favorite travel sandals at a steal.
day of Birkenstock walking 🙂
🛍️Shop our Favorite Birkenstock Pics for Travel:
These are the exact styles we’ve used and loved on trips — and they’re all available online right now:
- 🖤 Gizeh Sandals
Our go-to for long walking days in Europe or anywhere.
👉 Shop Amazon 🔹 👉 Shop Zappos - 💧 Arizona EVA Sandals
Perfect for beach or poolside days. Waterproof and easy to pack.
👉 Shop Amazon 🔹 👉 Shop Zappos - 🌟 Big Buckle Arizona
A little more polished, great with sundresses or maxi skirts.
👉 Shop Amazon 🔹 👉 Shop Zappos - ✨ Florida 3-Strap Style
Supportive and cute, ideal for narrow feet or long sightseeing days.
👉 Shop Amazon 🔹 👉 Shop Zappos
Need to Bring More Travel Shoes? Here are our Favorites:
Birkenstocks aren’t our only favorite travel shoes. Here’s our other comfy travel must-have shoes.
- Need closed-toe travel shoes too? Our closed-toe best walking faves: On Cloud 5 tennis or Jambu Mary Jane slip ons.
- Need cute, but dressy shoes? We bring comfortable Clarice pumps by Easy Spirit that are travel-tested.
- Need a carry-on weekender bag with a compartment for travel shoes? We love the budget-friendly Etronik Travel Bag [Amazon]
- Do you have a favorite summer travel shoe? Let us know in the comments!
🔹Find even more travel must-have essentials with our Favorite Travel Gear Guide 🧳
Happy Traveling and comfortable walking!
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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.