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    1. Fashion
    2. Spring Fashion

    I’m Walking 20,000+ Steps on My European Vacation—4 Comfortable Shoes I’m Packing With Me

    These sneakers and flats made the cut.

    Brooke Knappenberger's avatar
    By Brooke Knappenberger
    Published 7 April 2026 In News

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    A guest wears New Balance sneakers shoes , outside Dolce & Gabbana, during the Milan Fashion Week Menswear Fall/Winter 2025-2026 on January 18, 2025 in Milan, Italy.
    (Image credit: Getty Images)
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    • Adidas Samba Jane Sneakers
    • New Balance 740 Sneakers
    • Rothy's The Square Mary Janes
    • Puma Speedcat Metallic Sneakers
    • Other Comfortable Shoes I Considered
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    After months spent cooped up in my apartment, I'm heading on a two-week dream getaway around Europe. As the type of traveler who has to see anything and everything on vacation, I need comfortable shoes that can withstand hours of walking (read: more than 20,000 steps a day). After much consideration (and even some testing on the streets of New York City), I've landed on the four styles I'm bringing with me.

    It should come as no surprise that most of the shoes on my packing list are sneakers, or at least sneaker adjacent. The trending styles I've picked from Puma and New Balance offer both style and plenty of comfort while still looking cute. My shoes need to carry me from a museum tour straight to dinner, so they need to be the perfect combination of cute and comfortable—and yes, I've found a pair of chunky sneakers that fit the bill. I'm also bringing along ballet flats from Rothy's to add some diversity to my rotation.

    Ahead, I'm sharing why these four wear-everywhere styles made it into my suitcase. Whether or not you have a vacation booked, I'm willing to bet these spring-ready shoes will go the distance in your wardrobe.

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    Watch full video here:

    Adidas Samba Jane Sneakers

    adidas mary jane sambas on pink patterned rug

    (Image credit: Brooke Knappenberger)

    After watching the steady rise of ballet sneakers over the last couple of seasons, I finally caved and bought a pair—and I couldn't be happier with the Adidas style I chose. I've stepped out in my Mary Janes plenty of times ahead of my vacation, and every time I do, I've received compliments. They look especially cute with barrel pants and baggy jeans, and I plan on wearing them with spring dresses when I return from my trip. And yes, they're just as comfy as your usual pair of sneakers.

    adidas, Samba Jane Sneaker

    Adidas
    Samba Jane Sneakers
    $100
    SHOP NOW

    New Balance 740 Sneakers

    new balance 730 sneakers on pink patterned rug

    (Image credit: Brooke Knappenberger)

    I know chunky dad sneakers are quietly on their way "out" in favor of slimmer silhouettes, but hear me out: The New Balance 740 style is the most comfortable pair I own. The extra padding on the soles makes them the perfect choice for long days spent walking down cobblestone streets. I'll be wearing them on the airplane with sweatpants, and then with jeans or chic linen pants when I land. It doesn't hurt that they come with Hailey Bieber's stamp of approval, too.

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    New Balance 740 Sneakers

    New Balance
    740 Sneakers
    $115
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    Rothy's The Square Mary Janes

    black rothys mary jane flats on pink patterned rug

    (Image credit: Brooke Knappenberger)

    I know I'll need at least one pair of dressier shoes for dinners and evenings, but I also know that kitten heels won't last on Italy and Greece's cobblestone streets. So, I'm packing my favorite Rothy's shoes: the Square Mary Janes as an alternative. I can confidently say they live up to their hype as the most comfortable flats out there. A simple black colorway and round-toed silhouette make them easy to dress up or down. The fact that I can pop them in the washer at my Airbnb is a huge bonus, too.

    The Square Mary Jane - Black

    Rothy's
    The Square Mary Jane Flats
    $159
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    Puma Speedcat Metallic Sneakers

    silver lack pume speedcat sneakers on pink patterned rug

    (Image credit: Brooke Knappenberger)

    My personal style leans toward minimalism, so I'm not really a fan of trendy colors. However, I've decided to add a pair of "fun" shoes to the mix—and I've landed on metallic Puma Speedcat sneakers. Not only are they a favorite among A-listers like Rihanna and Jennifer Lawrence, but the shiny silver hue is a major spring sneaker trend. When I team them with my minimalist basics, I'll feel like a true fashion girl.

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    PUMA, Speedcat Metallic Women's Sneakers

    Puma
    Speedcat Metallic Women's Sneakers
    $100
    SHOP NOW

    Other Comfortable Shoes I Considered

    If I had unlimited room in my suitcase, I would have packed these pairs. From the ultra-slender Adidas Tokyos to the Dakota Johhnson-approved Nike V2K Runners, these are the sneakers I wear on a weekly rotation around New York City.

    adidas, Tokyo Low Top Sneaker

    Adidas
    Tokyo Low Top Sneakers
    $90
    SHOP NOW

    I've been really into Adidas Tokyo sneakers recently.

    Tokyo Sneaker

    Adidas
    Tokyo Sneakers
    $90
    SHOP NOW

    These were my second choice of ballet sneakers.

    Asics, GEL-1130 Sneakers

    Asics
    GEL-1130 Sneakers
    $110
    SHOP NOW

    I love these just as much as my favorite New Balances.

    Nike, V2k Run Women's Shoes

    Nike
    V2k Run Women's Shoes
    $125
    SHOP NOW

    Ever since I saw Dakota Johnson in these Nike sneakers, I haven't been able to stop thinking about them.

    Xt-6 Sneaker

    Salomon
    Xt-6 Sneakers
    $180
    SHOP NOW

    I was very tempted to test out the Salomon sneaker trend.

    Speedcat Ballet Suede

    Puma
    Select Speedcat Ballet Sneakers in Suede
    $90
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    This colorway speaks to my minimalist personal style.

    Gola, Torpedo Sneaker

    Gola
    Torpedo Sneakers
    $120
    SHOP NOW

    I've heard great things about Gola sneakers.

    Super Lowpro Sneaker

    Vans
    Super Lowpro Sneakers
    $48
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    Vans' new silhouettes feel so fresh for the season.

    Maddox Ballet Flat

    Nordstrom
    Maddox Ballet Flats
    $80
    SHOP NOW

    Multiple reviews mention how comfortable these high-vamp flats are.

    ALOHAS, Tb.490 Rife Sneaker

    Alohas
    Tb.490 Rife Sneakers
    $210
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    These brown Alohas sneakers have been on my wishlist for a long time now.

    PUMA, Speedcat Go Women's Sneakers

    Puma
    Speedcat Go Women's Sneakers
    $90
    SHOP NOW

    Puma is at the forefront of the ballet sneaker trend.

    Nike, Zoom Vomero 5 Women's Shoes

    Nike
    Zoom Vomero 5 Shoes
    $170
    SHOP NOW

    My sister, who works on her feet all day in healthcare, swears by these Nikes.

    adidas, Gazelle Indoor Shoes

    Adidas
    Gazelle Indoor Shoes
    $120
    SHOP NOW

    I have these Adidas Gazelles and can confirm they're comfortable.

    Dr. Scholl's Time Off Sneakers

    Dr. Scholl's
    Take Time Platform Sneakers
    $80
    SHOP NOW

    These sneakers have gone viral on TikTok for being the best vacation shoes.

    adidas, Handball Spezial Shoes

    Adidas
    Handball Spezial Shoes
    $120
    SHOP NOW

    It was between these and the Puma Speedcats for my "fun" pair.

    Explore More
    shoes sneakers
    Brooke Knappenberger
    Brooke Knappenberger
    Social Links Navigation
    Former Associate Commerce Editor

    Brooke Knappenberger is the former Associate Commerce Editor at Marie Claire, where she specialized in crafting shopping stories—from sales content to buying guides that span every vertical on the site. She also oversaw holiday coverage with an emphasis on gifting guides as well as Power Pick, our monthly column on the items that power the lives of MC’s editors. She also tackled shopping content as Marie Claire's Editorial Fellow prior to her role as Associate Commerce Editor.

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