I'm a big shoe person and honestly don't have too many criteria when shopping for them. I just go with what I like, but travel shoes are a whole different story. With every single pair of shoes I add to my shopping cart, I ask myself if they'd be good for travel. It's not always a deal-breaker if they're not, but I am more inclined to order a pair of shoes if I can see myself packing them for a future trip (or wearing them to the airport).
My ideal travel shoe isn't bulky or too heavy, it isn't made of a material that could easily be damaged (sorry, satin and light-colored suede), and it's a bit trendy. (I live in the South and work from home, so I like to pack my most trend-forward outfits when I travel.) With spring and summer travel season coming up, I took it upon myself to scroll through Nordstrom's vast shoe inventory with these bullet points in mind. Scroll on to shop the travel-friendly fruits of my labor.
Sam Edelman
Sam Edelman Miranda Mary Jane Flats
Will we ever grow tired of Mary Janes? Not on my watch.
adidas
Adidas Gender Inclusive Sl 72 Rs Sneaker
A trendy pair of sneakers is a must-pack for me.
Jeffrey Campbell
Jeffrey Campbell Persona Slingback Pumps
These would be perfect for nights out year-round.
Nordstrom
Nordstrom Carolina Slide Sandals
These aren't a want—they're a need.
Prada
Prada Triangle Logo Driving Loafers
I might even look forward to my next flight if I get to wear these.
Reformation
Reformation Sally Slingback Sandals
It's the little bow for me.
Dolce Vita
Dolce Vita Reyes Mary Janes
Another lovely pair of Mary Janes for your consideration.
Jeffrey Campbell
Jeffrey Campbell Thomnas Slingback Half D'orsay Cap Toe Pumps
How these haven't sold out yet is beyond me.
Tory Burch
Tory Burch Pierced Mules
Rumor has it that these are super comfortable.
On
ON The Roger Centre Court Tennis Sneakers
To wear with all of your cute tennis-y travel looks.
Nordstrom
Nordstrom Friss Mule
Kitten heels are pretty much the only heels I travel with.
Allyson Payer is senior editor at Who What Wear, where she started her career in fashion nearly ten years ago. She's currently based in Raleigh, NC, and reports on everything from the latest trends to celebrity style news to red carpet coverage to the best shopping the internet has to offer. Additionally, Allyson ideated The Great Try-On for Who What Wear, based on her desire to show what popular brands' clothes really look like IRL. The series has continued bi-annually since 2020. Prior to fashion, Allyson worked in the entertainment in Los Angeles, but is happy to get to write about fashion and shopping all day now.