Having perfect minimalist travel shoes allows for seamless travel while also keeping you looking chic. We compiled a list of some good options, some we already own and some we've been keeping an eye on.

These lightweight and comfortable options are designed to provide maximum flexibility and support, without weighing you down or taking up too much space in your luggage.

From hiking trails to city streets, these shoes are versatile enough to handle any terrain while still providing ample protection for your feet. So pack light and get ready to hit the road with confidence knowing that you have the best footwear for the job.

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Long-Lasting Minimalist Shoes

If you want to travel light, investing in a minimalist shoe is a must. You want to look for shoes that are easy maintenance and long-lasting.

When selecting your own perfect pair consider the following traits...

1. Versatility: Shoes that can easily transition from day to night or from a city tour to a hike are essential for any minimalist traveler. With easy-to-clean materials, you won't need to worry about mud or dirt ruining their look.
2. Cost-effective: By choosing shoes that require little maintenance, you'll save money on replacements in the long run. Plus, having durable footwear means not having to buy new pairs every time they wear out.
3. Ease of packing: Lightweight, easy-to-clean travel shoes take up less space in your luggage and don't add unnecessary weight to your backpack.
4. Sustainability: By investing in long-lasting travel shoes, you're also doing your part for the environment by reducing waste and minimizing your carbon footprint when it comes to shoe production and disposal.

By prioritizing durability and ease of maintenance when choosing minimalist travel shoes, you'll have more time and energy for exploring instead of worrying about keeping them clean or replacing them frequently.

Vivobarefoot Primus Lite III

If you're looking for a shoe that not only offers natural movement but is also eco-friendly and ethically designed, the Vivobarefoot Primus Lite III might be just what you need. This is the brand that Philip owns and has been wearing for the past four years.

These minimalist travel shoes are also stylish and comfortable. They have a simple yet sleek design that can be dressed up or down for any occasion.

You'll appreciate their lightweight feel, allowing you to pack them easily in your luggage without adding extra weight. Its thin and flexible sole allows for maximum ground-feel and proprioception, giving you a better sense of balance and control with every step.

With its wide toe box, your toes can spread out naturally as if you were barefoot. It really is a life changing shoe when you realize how cramped your toes were in the shoes you have been wearing your whole life.

Vivobarefoot sells a lot of style options so you can always find one that is the best fit for you. Phil owns both the running shoes and the hiking boots.

Eco-Friendly and Ethical Design

For a mindful, eco-friendly, minimalist these shoes are a dream. They are ethically designed minimalist travel shoes from a company that gives back.

These shoes are made with sustainable materials, such as recycled PET bottles and bio-based TPU, which reduce waste and carbon emissions.

The company also ensures fair labor practices by partnering with factories that follow ethical standards for working conditions and workers' rights. They also offer a shoe recycling program and a shoe repair/secondhand program which supports their sustainability even further.

These eco-friendly and ethically designed minimalist travel shoes are a great choice for anyone looking to make a positive impact on the environment while still maintaining style and comfort on their travels.

Wide Toe Box for Natural Movement

Your feet are designed to move naturally, and cramming them into narrow shoes can cause discomfort, pain, and even long-term foot health issues. Minimalist shoes with a wide toe box allow your toes to spread out naturally as you walk or run, promoting better balance and stability.

The natural movement of your feet is crucial for maintaining healthy joints, muscles, and ligaments. When your toes have enough space to spread out, they can grip the ground more effectively, improving your overall balance and reducing the risk of falls or injuries.

Additionally, a wide toe box can help prevent common foot problems such as bunions, hammertoes, or plantar fasciitis by reducing pressure on sensitive areas of your feet. So if you're looking for the best minimalist travel shoes that will keep your feet healthy and happy during long walks or hikes, make sure they have a roomy toe box that allows natural movement.

Thin and Flexible Sole

Having a thin and flexible sole is important for feeling the ground beneath your feet and allowing your foot muscles to work naturally. When it comes to minimalist travel shoes, the increased flexibility has many benefits.

• Allows for better balance: With a thin sole, you can feel the ground beneath you, which helps improve your balance.
• Enhances natural movement: A minimalistic design with a flexible sole allows your feet to move more naturally as they were designed to do.
• Provides comfort: Thin soles also make shoes lighter, which translates into less fatigue on your feet after hours of walking or standing.
• Offers better grip: A thinner sole provides better traction on slippery surfaces.

Another amazing aspect of the shoe being so thin and flexible is you can actually roll them up in your suitcase. No more having to jam shoes into your suitcase or backpack, you can easily fit them in anything!

Merrell Trail Glove 5

This shoe features a minimalist design that allows for maximum flexibility and natural movement. The Barefoot technology ensures that you get the most out of your steps, providing stability and support without sacrificing comfort.

The Merrell Trail Glove 5 is perfect for those who love to travel light. It takes up minimal space in your luggage but still provides the necessary protection and durability for all kinds of terrain.

The shoe boasts a Vibram sole that offers excellent grip on both wet and dry surfaces, making it ideal for hiking, running or even just strolling around town. In addition to its practical features, the Merrell Trail Glove 5 is also stylish enough to wear with any outfit.

Whether you're exploring a new city or hitting the trails, this shoe will keep you looking fashionable while also keeping your feet happy. Its breathable mesh upper keeps your feet cool in hot weather, while the protective toe cap ensures that your feet stay safe from any unexpected bumps along the way.

If you're looking for a lightweight and versatile travel shoe with a minimalist design and Barefoot technology, look no further than the Merrell Trail Glove 5. With its unbeatable combination of comfort, functionality, and style, this shoe is sure to become your go-to footwear choice for all your adventures.

Adidas Ultraboost 21

Featuring cutting-edge technologies and a sleek design, the Adidas Ultraboost 21 is a popular choice among those seeking comfortable and versatile footwear for various activities. These shoes are made with an innovative Boost midsole that provides exceptional cushioning, making them perfect for long walks or runs.

Kelsey is an avid runner and now only buys Adidas running shoes. She typically buys some version of the Ultraboost shoe or a similar option but in the Women's.

The upper is crafted from Primeknit material, which offers breathable comfort while hugging your feet for a snug fit. In addition to their comfort and performance features, the Adidas Ultraboost 21 also comes in a variety of color options that allow you to customize your look.

Whether you prefer bold and bright colors or more subtle tones, there's sure to be an option that suits your style. You can even personalize your pair with custom embroidery on the tongue or heel tab.

Kelsey prefers the black and white look as it matches more her wardrobe. She also swears by the padding and says it feels like running on clouds.

Overall, the Adidas Ultraboost 21 is an excellent choice if you're looking for minimalist travel shoes that offer both comfort and style. With their lightweight construction, flexibility, and customization options they're perfect for packing in your suitcase or wearing on long flights.

As an extra perk, Adidas strives for sustainability. They have a campaign to try and end plastic waste in an effort to give back to the environment.

Xero Shoes Z-Trail

These shoes are perfect for minimalist travelers who want to feel connected to the ground beneath them. The Z-Trail is designed to provide maximum comfort while still being durable enough for any terrain.

Durability vs. flexibility is always a concern when choosing travel shoes. The Xero Shoes Z-Trail strikes a balance between these two attributes by offering an abrasion-resistant sole that can handle rocky trails or city sidewalks without sacrificing flexibility or comfort. This feature makes these shoes versatile enough for both outdoor adventures and urban exploration.

The Z-Trail's design incorporates two other interesting designs that make it stand out from other minimalist travel shoes:

• The FeelTrue rubber sole provides excellent grip on wet or dry surfaces (Kelsey is always most worried about grip when it comes to shoes) and allows your feet to move naturally throughout each step.
• The adjustable heel strap keeps your foot securely in place while providing support and stability during more challenging hikes or trail runs.

Xero Shoes Z-Trail is an excellent choice for minimalist travelers looking for lightweight, comfortable, versatile footwear that can tackle any terrain. So, slip on a pair of these stylish yet functional shoes and hit the road, knowing you're ready for the trails and the city.

Toms Classic Alpargata

Toms Classic Alpargata are the OG travel shoe for looking stylish in comfort. The classic look is simple enough to go with anything but dressy enough to wear on a date night.

These lightweight and comfortable slip-ons are perfect for casual city exploring, whether you're wandering through cobblestone streets or strolling along the waterfront. With their simple and versatile style, these shoes are sure to become a staple in your travel wardrobe.

When gallivanting around Thailand with Phil's family his mom bought a pair of these shoes and they were perfect for the trip. She had no problems walking around every day while sightseeing.

Classic and Timeless Design

The Toms Classic Alpargata has a simplicity to its design that makes it versatile for any outfit or occasion. Its iconic silhouette and minimalistic features make it a staple in any wardrobe, whether you're traveling the world or running errands around town.

The Toms Classic Alpargata's timeless appeal is what sets it apart from other travel shoes. It's perfect for those who want to pack light and still look fashionable on the go.

You can dress them up with a sundress or down with jeans, making them an ideal choice for any adventure. With its comfortable fit and sleek design, you'll find yourself reaching for these shoes time and time again - they truly are a must-have for minimalist travelers!

Lightweight and Comfortable

If you're searching for a pair of shoes that won't weigh you down and will keep your feet feeling cozy all day long, these Toms are it. They're incredibly lightweight, which makes them perfect for packing in your luggage without adding extra weight.

This is especially important when traveling because every pound counts. Plus, the Toms' design ensures that they will take up minimal space in your luggage.

Ideal for Casual City Exploring

When exploring a new city, nothing beats slipping on a pair of casual and comfortable shoes like these Toms. Not only are they the best minimalist travel shoes for their sustainability and affordability, but they also offer versatility and style that can take you from daytime sightseeing to evening dining.

Toms are known for their commitment to sustainability, making them an ideal choice for eco-conscious travelers. Their classic canvas slip-ons are made with materials such as recycled plastic bottles and natural hemp, reducing their environmental impact.

And at an affordable price, you won't have to break the bank to invest in a high-quality pair of shoes that will last you through your travels. Plus, with a variety of colors and designs available, you can choose a style that fits your personal taste while still being practical for city exploring.

Birkenstock Arizona EVA

If you're looking for a water-friendly and lightweight option for your next adventure, the Birkenstock Arizona EVA may be just what you need. They are also one of the more popular options we see other people wearing.

These are the only non-sneakers on our list but they are still very durable for travel. These sandals feature a supportive and comfortable footbed that'll keep you going all day long.

And when it's time to clean up, they're easy to clean and durable enough to withstand even the toughest conditions.

Supportive and Comfortable Footbed

The sole of these shoes is designed to provide you with the necessary support for your feet, especially when you're on long walks or hikes. The footbed is cushioned, so it absorbs impact and reduces pressure on your feet, making them perfect for people who suffer from foot pain.

Additionally, these shoes are orthotic compatible, meaning they can accommodate custom-made insoles. If you have specific needs for your footwear due to medical conditions such as flat feet or plantar fasciitis, these shoes will provide the support you require.

They also feature arch support, which helps to distribute weight evenly across your feet and prevent strain on your arches. With these shoes, you'll be able to explore new places without worrying about discomfort or fatigue in your feet.

Easy to Clean and Durable

These durable and easy-to-clean kicks will stand up to whatever adventures you have in store and will stay looking great with minimal effort. Kelsey has worn hers to a beach, to a spa, and to many different cities.

When you're traveling, the last thing you want is to be bogged down by a pair of shoes that are difficult to maintain. So why not invest in a pair that requires little upkeep?

How to Find The Right Minimalist Travel Shoe for You

All of the above shoes are some of our favorites but you don't have to pick one of ours! To make your shopping experience easier, here are some buying tips to consider when looking for lightweight and comfortable minimalist travel shoes from top brands:

1. Look for shoes made with breathable materials such as mesh or knit fabric to keep your feet cool and dry.
2. Consider slip-on styles that don't require laces or straps, making them easy to put on and take off at airport security checkpoints.
3. Choose shoes with cushioned soles to provide comfort during long walks or hikes.
4. Don't forget about style - choose a versatile color that can be worn with multiple outfits to save space in your luggage while still looking fashionable on your travels.

Select the Perfect Minimalist Travel Shoe and Explore the World

We love our shoes because they go with so many of our outfits and work in a variety of settings. Having versatile shoes allows us to pack lighter without limiting us while exploring.

When traveling, we typically have about 2-3 pairs to choose from. The shoes we wear while traveling and then 1-2 other options in our bags.

This way we have options for any adventure but aren't running out of space in our luggage. At times Phil will only wear his trail running shoes and pack nothing else or will wear his hiking boots while traveling and pack the slimmer shoes in his bag.

Kelsey often wears her gym shoes while traveling but then makes sure to have shoes that can get wet like the Birkenstock sandals and some cute slip-ons like the Toms.

What's important is that you find the right fit for you and pick options that you like and will want to wear. The more versatile you can get, the better.