We Tested Dozens of White Sneakers to Find the Most Comfortable Ones for Travel (2024)

Olukai is one of our favorite shoe brands, especially the Pehuea slip-ons for women. These mesh sneakers are super comfortable right out the box and we love that there are true white and off-white colors to choose from. For times when you’re rushing through the TSA security line, these shoes have a unique drop-in heel design that allows you to slide the shoe on and take it off without having to use your hands. The heel can also stay folded down if you’re at the beach or by the water, or you can keep the heel up for more support when walking long distances. While we found the mesh upper material to be a bit stiff at first, it quickly loosens up and molds comfortably around the foot. And it’s super breathable, so say goodbye to stinky feet while traveling.

The Details: Sizes 5 to 12 | Mesh, rubber | Removable and washable insoles

A lightweight pair of shoes is super important for traveling, especially when some airlines have strict weight limits on luggage. These Kizik sneakers are impressively lightweight thanks to the breathable knit upper and patented rabbit foam sole and we could step into them without using our hands. Although the shoes don’t weigh much, we particularly love that they still felt supportive and sturdy when we were on our feet for long periods of time. The heel and toe on the outsole have traction pods so these sneakers help with stability on slick surfaces, and the knit material has just the right amount of compression to keep the shoe securely fastened. Since the sneakers have a sporty look thanks to the faux laces, we think these are best for leisurely activities rather than style, but they come in many stylish colors including eggshell white and white creme.

The Details: Sizes 5 to 13 | Knit fabric, rabbit foam | Removable and washable insoles

If you’re in the market for a pair of comfortable sneakers that won’t empty your pockets, then we suggest these ones from Dr. Scholls. Prioritizing comfort, these shoes offer plenty of arch support and cushioning in the foam midsole. The upper canvas or faux leather materials have lots of give due the twin gore panels that stretch when the foot slides into the shoe and then tightens up to mold around the foot for a snug fit. The best part is that we didn’t get any blisters the first time we wore the shoes, and we chocked it up to the handy microfiber heel bumper that secures the heel into the shoe to reduce friction. We think the sneakers run true to size, but the regular width is narrow, so consider opting for the wide size for more room if needed.

The Details: Sizes 5 to 13 | Recycled faux leather, canvas, flannel, polyurethane, microfiber

For summer travel, you’ll want to invest in these breathable On Cloud 5 sneakers. Made with a recycled polyester mesh, the perforated upper fabric allows a nice breeze to filter through so our feet never got overheated while wearing the sneakers. To give the shoes a refresh after a trip, the insoles can be removed and cleaned, and we love that the shoes have an antimicrobial lining to ward off that stinky shoe smell that can occur. Besides the airy upper, we love that the sneakers have the brand’s CloudTec cushioning to support the foot and absorb shock. Plus, the speed-lace system makes it easy to slip on the sneakers and adjust the fit, or you can opt for the traditional laces included with the shoe.

The Details: Sizes 5 to 11 | Recycled polyester, zero-gravity foam, rubber

These rocker-style running shoes from Adidas are some of the most comfortable sneakers we’ve ever tested. From the soft cushioning of the midsole to the flexible knit upper, there are so many reasons to invest in these supportive white sneakers. The sneakers are designed with the brand’s linear energy push system in the midsole to help with stability and bounce with every stride whether you’re walking or running. While the upper material has a compression fit that is similar to the feel of the sock, the heel comes up higher than other running shoes, so we did experience some light chafing from the height, but the shoe is lined with soft textile.

The Details: Sizes 5 to 12 | Primeknit fabric, rubber

If your upcoming travels include walking tours or all-day sightseeing, then these Orthofeet sneakers are essential. Designed with pain-free walking in mind, these hands-free slip-on sneakers have thoughtful features that will make being on your feet all the more comfortable. The white sneakers come with two fitting spacers in different sizes and removable orthotic insoles to align the foot with better arch support. Although the shoes come in standard, wide, and extra wide size options, we think the standard works well for wider feet since there’s ample room in the wide toe box. The water-repellent knit upper is also super stretchy and compressive at the same time. Our only improvement notes are that the upper knit fabric could be a bit more breathable, and we recommend following the brand’s recommendation to size up. And the best part is that all you have to do is step into the shoes and you can be on your way.

The Details: Sizes 5 to 12 | Knit, rubber

These mission-backed sneakers from Cariuma are comfortable, durable, and eco-friendly, so what’s not to love? Crafted with bamboo knit fabric, sugarcane EVA foam, and cork, the slip-ons are super lightweight, which makes them easier to pack in a suitcase. The knit upper is breathable and does an excellent job of circulating a breeze to prevent sweaty feet from (literally) stinking up your vacation. For any post-trip cleaning, the insoles are removable and can be wiped down and cleaned to breathe more life into the sneakers. These sneakers were mostly comfortable right out of the box, but we did notice some like redness on the heel during the first wear. You may want to break them in for a day or two before a trip since the discomfort went away after the upper knit material loosened up a bit.

The Details: Sizes 5 to 13 | | Bamboo knit, memory foam and cork insoles, sugarcane EVA | Removable insole

The ultimate airport sneaker, we can’t get enough of the Asics Gel-Nimbus 25 when it comes to comfort. Of all of the white sneakers we’ve tested, these stood out for having the best balance of cushioning and springiness thanks to the brand’s special puregel technology. The sneakers have a soft and bouncy layer of gel cushioning in the heel that absorbs shock while still keeping the foot responsive for the next stride. We found these to be comfortable right out of the box and the shoes didn’t require any break-in time. During some one-legged exercises, we experienced some slight imbalance, so these weren’t the most stable for that situation, but they were plenty supportive and sturdy for walking long distances.

The Details: Sizes 5 to 13 | Recycled knit, rubber

The On Cloud Cloudsurfer running shoes are a solid option for joggers looking for a multi-purpose sneaker. Designed with running top of mind, the sneakers boast a neutral arch support that isn’t too high or low, and the cushioning has the right balance of comfort and bounce while running. They run true to size, though we found that the toe box could be a little narrow or tight for those with wider feet, which is something to consider in a pair of running shoes. Made with knit polyester and lightweight foam, the shoes also excel in balancing weight and sturdiness to allow the shoe to mold around the foot without weighing it down or feeling too soft and flexible. These sneakers are runner-approved and earned high scores in the comfort category, so we also think they work well as walking shoes for everyday wear, too.

The Details: Sizes 5 to 11 | Recycled polyester, cloudtec phase foam

One of the priciest pairs of white sneakers we tested, these ones from APL are worth the money since you can wear them for practically any reason. Joggers, walkers, sightseers, and errand runners can all wear these lightweight and supportive sneakers that are both sporty and stylish. While technically designed for running, the sneakers have a compressive knit upper material that molds around the foot, a speed lacing system to quickly slide them on or off, and the EVA foam midsole offers plenty of support and cushioning when you’re on your feet for long periods of time. Plus, the traction is excellent for slippery surfaces and offers a sturdy grip with every stride. We recommend sizing up if you have wider feet since the fit is on the narrower end for a pair of running shoes.

The Details: Sizes 5 to 11 | Techloom fabric, propelium foam, rubber

The Vince Warren Platform Sneakers are perfect for travelers looking to invest in a pair of stylish and comfortable slip-ons for a trip. The sneakers are made with a premium white leather to match the thick rubber outsole with a 1.5-inch platform. Sometimes platforms can be tricky to walk in, but these offer tons of stability so you walk over cobblestone or brick without rolling an ankle. The midsole has slight cushioning to add a bit of comfort, but you may want to wear thin no-show socks since leather isn’t the most breathable material. Once you wear the shoes a few times, you’ll notice that the leather upper starts to mold around the foot so you get a customized fit after the material loosens up a bit. The shape of the slip-ons is a bit narrow, so these also might not work well for wider feet.

The Details: Sizes 5 to 13 | Leather, textile, rubber

It’s no secret that white sneakers won’t stay white forever, so these machine-washable slip-ons from Allbirds can prolong the crisp white colors of the shoe. All you have to do is stick the sneakers in a delicate bag (or old pillowcase), run them through a gentle cycle, and let the shoes air dry, and they should look refreshed and ready to wear again. The upper material is made with a recycled knit fabric that compresses around the foot like a glove, and the sole is an ultra-lightweight sweetfoam EVA material, which makes these shoes a breeze to pack in a suitcase. The only downside we ran into is that the materials feel like they could wear out quicker than other sneakers we tried. However, they are super comfortable for leisurely activities like walking a dog or strolling through the streets.

The Details: Sizes 5 to 11 | Recycled knit, sweetfoam EVA

Frequently Asked Questions

• How do I clean white sneakers?

  Not all white sneakers are machine-washable, but, typically, fabric sneakers can go in the washing machine on a gentle, cold cycle in a delicate bag or pillow case. Leather sneakers should be wiped clean with water and soap and shouldn’t go in the washing machine. Most importantly, you need to check the cleaning instructions of each sneaker to ensure you’re properly maintaining the materials.

• What do I wear with white sneakers?

  White sneakers are extremely versatile and can be worn with virtually any outfit, which is what makes them such a good travel shoe. You can opt to wear white sneakers with jeans, leggings, dresses, skirts, and more.

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