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The best airplane shoes for every type of traveler
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The best airplane shoes for every type of traveler

Understanding what to wear at the airport it’s almost as difficult as deciding what to pack in your suitcase. TSA lines are rarely short, and wearing the right shoe can speed up the security process or even allow you to run to the gate if necessary.

“We might not think about it, but airports always involve a lot of walking and sometimes even running,” says travel content creator Alexa Moore. “For this reason, it’s essential to find shoes that balance comfort and style that you can realistically wear all day.” To figure out which ones they might be, we tapped Moore and stylist Beverly Osemwenkhae for their best tips and advice when it comes to airplane shoes (Hint: Leave the stilettos at home and opt for functional footwear, such as sneakers or shoes instead).

Meet the expert

  • Alexa Moore is a travel content creator who has been to over 40 different countries.
  • Beverly Osemwenkhae is a stylist and fashion consultant based in New York and London. She is the founder Project Beewhich offers styling services for travel and beyond.

So whether you’re a seasoned traveler looking to upgrade your footwear or need inspiration for your first flight, keep scrolling for 13 travel-friendly shoes you can wear on a plane.

Slip-On Sneakers

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Slip on sneakers are versatile enough to complement any casual airport outfit. You can pair them with anything from a baseball cap and jeans to a t-shirt dress. “Laces can make things complicated, so slip-ons are by far one of the most comfortable options for air travel,” says Moore. “Easy to take off at any point in your flight, especially before airport security. But the lack of laces provides overall comfort for your feet.”

loafers

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Sneakers not your style? There one elegant loafer come in According to Osemwenkhae, this polished shoe style is “comfortable and timeless, making it easy to style with any airport outfit.” She recommends pairing loafers with a knit lounge set or, for a more modern look, opt for baggy jeans and a chunky sweater.

Since most loafers are made of leather, Moore suggests breaking in your chosen pair before heading to the airport to ensure comfort. “But if you don’t have time to make a new pair, go for the backless version,” she adds. “You’ll be much more comfortable walking around the airport or getting on the plane.”

Birkenstocks

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“I have a love-hate relationship with my Birks, but they always come on holiday trips,” says Osemwenkhae. Not only are these shoes comfortable, but the double toe straps also provide support.

She suggests a fur-lined pair for extra comfort and functionality, but if you’re traveling in the summer months, traditional buckled Birkenstocks work just as well and come in a variety of colors. With such a casual shoe, recommends Osemwenkhae arrange your birkenstocks with boyfriend jeans, a band t-shirt and a blazer.

slideshow

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Similar to Birkenstocks, slides are one of the easiest shoes to wear to the airport. They slip on and off easily, so you can quickly toss them in the TSA bin or, as Moore notes, slip them into your carry-on bag if you’re planning to change shoes on the plane.

“If you want extra support, get a pair with arch support or memory foam,” she recommends. “And if you want to enhance the slick look, go for a sleeker leather design.” Worried about going through TSA barefoot? Wear flip flops with socks or keep a pair in your travel bag to use when needed.

clogs

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For a slip-on shoe (read: not a sneaker) that offers a little more protection for your toes, reach for clogs, say Moore and Osemwenkhae. According to Moore, this style of shoe is “the perfect combination of ease of use, comfort and versatility.” In addition, more casual clogs have a back strap that provides extra support.

“If you’re someone whose feet swell during flights, these are a great adjustable option,” she adds. “And if your feet get cold on the plane, opt for a fur-lined clog for added comfort.” To pick up your clogsOsemwenkhae suggests styling them with a slip skirt and duster jacket or a button-down shirt and wide-leg knit pants.

Flats

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To elevate a simple airport outfit, go all out Flats. Moore recommends collapsible ballet flats, which can be slipped into your handbag or personal item. “They’re also comfortable enough to wear on long flights and don’t provide any hassle for trips to the plane toilet,” she adds.

While simple classic shoes are always a good choice, Osemwenkhae suggests that if you want to “spice up your ballet flats,” go for a style that’s “a little more playful and textured.” Mary-Jane flats give major balletcore vibes, while a pair of studded pumps is a bolder choice that feels modern.

mule

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Leave your high-heeled mules at home and opt for a flat pair or one with a the kitten’s heel when you’re getting ready for a long day of travel. “Flat mules are the easiest to travel with because they are comfortable and chic,” says Osemwenkhae. “Gives your feet room to breathe and move during your ride and can easily slide and come off in the air.”

For an ultra-cool look, she suggests teaming your shoes with a simple t-shirt and distressed jeans or a cropped sweater and relaxed trousers. Headed to a tropical location? This shoe style looks great paired with a printed sundress or linen set.

Kitten-Heel Boots

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Heels aren’t the first choice for most travelers, but if even a flight can’t keep you from heels, opt for kitten-heel boots. Osemwenkhae says these shoes give you the sleek and sophisticated look of a high heel, but “still provide the comfort you need for commuting.”

If you need a boot with a little more support for a long ride, consider a kitten heel boot with a thicker boot block heel. As for styling, she recommends tucking into a pair of boot-cut jeans with a white top, or opting for a cozy look with a hoodie and leather shorts (add tights for extra coverage).

Platform shoes

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Enhance your sneaker collection with a platform version. This style is modern but still practical enough for air travel. “I love all things flat because it gives you a little height, but always makes your outfit a little more fun,” says Osemwenkhae.

“With this style, I’d wear it with a slip dress and a moto jacket, or pair it with a mini skirt and a varsity sweater.” When choosing your platform sneakers, opt for low-tops rather than high-tops, as this design can be more difficult to remove at TSA due to the extra laces.

Sports sandals

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Sports sandals for dad they became the go-to fashion models off duty. “Because these sandals are typically designed for outdoor activities, they tend to be much more versatile and durable no matter where you’re traveling,” says Moore.

“Sport sandals are often designed with cushioned soles and breathable materials so that they are comfortable to wear throughout the flight. These sandals are great because they are usually waterproof and/or quick drying in case of unexpected spills or if you encounter rainy conditions on your way to or from the airport.” While a classic black or white pair will go with any of your travel outfits, consider a bold print or pop of color if you’re looking for a style that makes more of a fashion statement.

Chelsea boots

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Everyone loves a good boot, and luckily, they’re a great choice for air travel in the fall and winter months. “When you’re traveling, you want boots that you can take on and off with ease and provide maximum comfort,” says Moore. “A classic Chelsea boot it’s the perfect option for airplane days and complements any airport outfit.” To add some extra flair to your airport ensemble, Osemwenkhae suggests a combat boot design that would pair well with a shirt dress or oversized blazer and a denim maxi skirt.

Whichever style you choose, be sure to consider the weight of your Chelsea boot. “While a thick boot serves its purpose in the winter, it can be a lot for walking around,” says Moore. “For added comfort, research the boot’s material and opt for something built with lighter materials.”

White tennis shoes

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You can never go wrong with classic white tennis shoes for your travel days. Osemwenkhae says this shoe base is “very good for all climates and very transitional,” so they’ll be comfortable on and off the flight, whether you’re headed to Boston or the Bahamas.

For a pair that offers “enhanced comfort for long hours,” Moore recommends opting for sneakers with a memory foam insole that molds to your feet. “If you plan to land at your destination and explore right away, these shoes are a great and versatile pair for exploring new destinations,” she says. “And a cute neutral pair can rock airport outfits or even a fun maxi dress.”

Sneakers with socks

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Another travel-friendly sneaker option is a sock sneaker that is easy to remove and less constricting than a traditional pair. Additionally, Osemwenkhae explains that with these shoes, “not having to fiddle with the laces is one less thing to think about while traveling.”

She says it’s best to go for a lightweight pair that won’t weigh you down, so you may want to avoid ones with a heavy platform or very thick fabrics. To style, Osemwenkhae recommends pairing your sock sneakers with a pair of trendy cargo pants or an oversized sweater dress and a baseball cap.