Tour Guides Share Their Top 10 Most Comfortable Walking Shoes Ever—Starting at $62

Spanning 21,500 square feet, the spa at Kulm Hotel in St. Moritz is among Switzerland's largest. Right now, though, all I can think about are my tired feet, which are enjoying a reflexology treatment. This 50-minute foot massage may cost more than a new pair of shoes, but it’s worth every penny. After a day of exploring this upscale resort town and hiking the nearby mountains, my feet are definitely feeling it. When I voiced my discomfort to a tour guide, she just chuckled and replied, “Welcome to my world.”

Tour guides, who often cover over 10,000 steps a day, can’t risk foot discomfort. That’s why I always keep an eye on their footwear. Just as flight attendants know the best carry-on bags, tour guides are naturally footwear specialists. If you're in search of stylish, comfy, and durable travel-friendly sneakers to wear post-sightseeing, you’re in luck. I surveyed various tour guides to compile their favorite 10 walking shoes. Fortunately for us and our budgets, they shop at Amazon and Zappos and prefer brands like New Balance, Allbirds, and Merrell. Keep scrolling to upgrade your shoe collection before your next walking adventure—after all, the last thing a tour guide wants is a participant grumbling about blisters. 

Asics Men's GT-1000 11 Running Shoes

From a doughnut discovery tour to an exploration of true crime, Brisbane offers a myriad of options for tours. For Guy Watson, the guide of Urban Tours, the best footwear for navigating the River City’s hidden gems is the Asics GT-1000s. He remarks, "These shoes provide excellent cushioning, allowing me to maintain a lively pace," noting that his two-hour tours span 8.6 miles. At Amazon, where they're currently discounted, travelers rave about these shoes. One review stated they are "the most comfortable shoes I've ever owned" and they perform admirably even after walking "30,000 to 40,000 steps" at theme parks. 

Merrell Men's Moab 3 Hiking Shoes

When Brisbane experiences its wet season or during bush excursions, Watson relies on the Merrell Moab 3s. He shared, "These shoes offer excellent support and traction, allowing me to maneuver confidently without fearing slips on challenging terrain." Personally, I own the Merrell Moab 3 Mid Waterproof Hiking Shoes and love them so much that I skip sandals for the ride home after a hike. I've also tested $400 hiking boots, but these are undoubtedly the most comfortable I've encountered. 

Oboz Women's Sawtooth X Low Hiking Shoes

Interestingly, my 8th-grade social studies teacher, Mary Kynett, who is now an EF tour guide, recently walked an impressive 68,000 steps in a single day while touring Washington, D.C. Her preferred footwear? The Sawtooth X Low Hiking Shoes from Oboz, a company hailing from our native Montana. Although I don't own a pair myself, a travel editor friend requested I try them for a "Best of 2024" gear guide, and they excelled in the evaluation. Notably, Oboz hikers are celebrated in the industry for their superior traction and durability, making them the sole featured shoes in the guide. 

New Balance Women's 327 Sneakers

Karolina Bolek, the Shore Excursions Manager for Riverside Luxury Cruises, starts her day knowing she’ll walk at least 7 miles in her 9 to 5 role. Yet, she still aims for style. "I adore the New Balance 327s because their fashionable design adds a stylish touch to my uniform," she said, highlighting that they not only make her look great but also feel great. Their versatility stands out to her, as they’re exceptionally soft and comfy, perfect for everything from culinary tours to hiking for stunning views, and even biking adventures. 

New Balance Women's 608 V5 Cross Trainer Shoes

For nearly 20 years, Ivan Vuković has been conducting walking tours in Dubrovnik, Croatia, and he also swears by New Balance shoes, describing them as “very light and comfortable.” While his favorite model may not be the most stylish, this cross trainer is a dependable choice, boasting over 26,000 five-star ratings from travelers for its supportive foam insert and excellent arch support. One Amazon customer remarked, “[They're] worth every penny, and I intend to buy another pair,” mentioning that their physical therapist endorsed them as well.

New Balance Women's 574 Core Sneakers

I assure you, there are more brands than just New Balance on this list. However, when I inquired with Zvonimir Medvidovic, a shore excursions guide for Riverside Luxury Cruises, about his go-to shoes for his 10-mile days, he enthusiastically endorsed the 574 Core Sneakers: “They strike the perfect balance between comfort and style, making them ideal for casual outings and active pursuits.” On Zappos, one reviewer noted that "you'll feel the lightness in the sole the moment you slip them on," stating that "you can walk tens of thousands of steps without any foot soreness." 

Merrell Women’s Moab 2 Vent Hiking Shoes

Jaime Purinton enjoys leading hikes for the Anza-Borrego Foundation, the nonprofit affiliated with California’s largest state park. While her tours don’t cover all 600,000 acres of the Anza-Borrego Desert State Park, she certainly navigates plenty of uneven terrain, necessitating a dependable shoe with strong traction. “The Merrell Moab Ventilators are perfect for these conditions, thanks to their superior ventilation that keeps feet cool and dry, along with their robust construction for stability and protection on challenging trails,” she shared. With over 10,000 five-star ratings on Amazon, these shoes have rightfully earned a place in the retailer's top 10 list of Best-selling Women’s Hiking Shoes. 

Hoka Women's Clifton 9 Running Shoes

Jim Wahler, who guides the “NYC in a Day” tours, walks so extensively that he has to replace his shoes every three months. “I usually cover 35 to 50 miles weekly, and I only do it in my Hoka Clifton 9s,” he stated. “Before discovering Hoka, my feet were often sore and prone to blisters.” Now, he feels ready to tackle the New York City Marathon, wearing his Hokas year-round through temperatures from 12 to 98 degrees Fahrenheit. Unsure about them? On Zappos, this podiatrist-recommended model boasts over 2,000 five-star reviews and comes in 27 colors, making it easy to find a style you adore. 

Allbirds Men's Tree Runner Sneakers 

Five years ago, David Braha discovered his solemate: the Allbirds Tree Runners. “They are incredibly versatile for athleisure and transition seamlessly into business casual,” shared the New York City architecture tour guide. He also warned against getting bogged down in terminology: “Although they’re called ‘runners,’ these shoes are fantastic for walking too.” He loves how they feel like slippers and can be worn without socks during the summer. This popular style at Allbirds has garnered over 7,500 five-star reviews and is offered in 12 different colors. 

Kuru Women's Stride Slip-on Shoes

Enocha Edenfield may guide ghost tours in Savannah, Georgia, but she doesn't suffer from foot pain. Her go-to? The Kuru Strides. “They provide excellent support and are breathable, which is essential for our hot summers," she explained. "Additionally, they’re closed-toe, protecting my feet from the uneven sidewalks.” Not familiar with Kuru? The brand is known for its distinctive curved “heel-cupping” design, which offers added protection for one of the foot's most sensitive areas. 

If $135 feels steep for slip-on shoes, consider the Skechers Go Walk Joy Sneakers, available for just $51 on Amazon. They offer a similar style and have garnered over 67,000 five-star ratings. 

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