When packing for a weekend getaway or a short trip, one of the worst things is trying to fit an extra pair of shoes into your travel bag without ruining them. However, if you have a pair of foldable shoes for travel, you’ll be saved a huge amount of stress. The best foldable flat shoes for travel generally fold up small enough to fit into your handbag or backpack. Since they’re durable, you can push them into a small corner without worrying about them losing their shape. Foldable shoes for travel are also extremely lightweight, so they won’t add bulk to your luggage.
The downside to foldable travel shoes is that there are limited options available. While most of these shoes are flats, you’ll also find good foldable water shoes for women and a few options for men. Some of these are also great as walking shoes for travel.
Xero Shoes TerraFlex Men’s Trail Running and Hiking Shoe
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If you’re looking for foldable flat shoes for travel that are no-fuss and handy, the Xero Shoes TerraFlex Men’s Trail Running and Hiking Shoe is a pretty good option. These lightweight shoes are ideal for a walking trip. Featuring a minimalist design, they are free of animal products.
The sole has a non-elevated heel for balance and agility. With the patented 5mm FeelTrue sole base, you’ll feel like you’ve got nothing on your feet. However, embedded inside the sole is a hidden layer of BareFoam that enhances comfort. Also, the outsole offers great excellent traction from the wide-toe box.
The upper breathable mesh also ensures your feet won’t get too sweaty, keeping you comfortable all day. Additionally, the TerraFlex also offers optimum flexibility for your feet. When you’re done wearing the folding travel flat shoes, you can roll them up and put them into your pocket or backpack.
Pros:
- The shoes are lightweight and breathable
- These shoes can be folded easily and can be stored in your backpack or pocket
- The non-elevated heel makes it easy to walk
Cons:
- The sole is a little thin, so protruding rocks or uneven surfaces can be felt
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Chaco Men’s Hiking Shoe
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Featuring a semi-collapsible hell and webbing pull tabs, the Chaco Men’s Hiking Shoe is another excellent shoe for travel. These aren’t your typical foldable shoes for travel, but they come close. What makes these shoes stand out is their functionality. This water-ready rambler comes with a closed construction mesh stretch collar and neoprene lining, making it convenient to move from the trail to the water. It also comes with a podiatrist-certified luvseat polyurethane footbed for extra comfort.
In addition to this, you’ll find a non-marking eco tread outsole with a 25% recycled rubber compound. The outsole has siped center lugs that provide excellent traction. That’s not all that makes this a great pair of hiking shoes. With the synthetic rubber toe cap and heel riser overlay, your feet will be well-protected.
Pros:
- These shoes have a non-marking eco-tread outsole
- The siped center lugs offer good traction
- The synthetic rubber toe cap and heel riser overlay are great
- You’ll love the perforated neoprene with lycra collar lining
Cons:
- The shoes have no ankle support
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Silky Toes Women’s Foldable Portable Ballet Flats
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Most versatile for women. One of the more popular foldable flat shoes for travel is the Silky Toes Women’s Foldable Ballet Flats. These shoes are perfect for women on the go. They fold into a compact bag and can be stored in your purse. The matching carrying pouch is an added bonus. It’s an excellent wedding giveaway. These shoes are not your everyday casual shoes. They’re a great option if you’re tired of your heels and need to slip into something more comfortable. The elastic back makes them easy to wear, and the softness of the fabric enhances comfort. Although the soles are a bit thin, they provide a decent amount of traction.
Pros:
- The shoes are soft and lightweight
- These shoes fold up into a small matching pouch
- They’re great backup shoes when you want to get rid of your heels
- The soles have decent traction
Cons:
- They don’t provide any support
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Sanuk Men’s Vagabond Slip-Ons
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Best non-socks shoes. If you’re headed for a beach vacation, an impressive pair of foldable shoes for travel is the Vagabond from Sanuk. These shoes provide full coverage and collapse flat, making them easy to pack. The relaxed outdoor style makes them perfect for any vacation. These are a great alternative if you’re someone with an aversion to flip-flops.
They feature a washed canvas shoe upper and sandal bottoms for casual wear. Apart from this, they also have a high-abrasion rubber outsole for a good grip. Getting these shoes on or off your feet is easy with dual elastic goring. These shoes are designed to be worn without socks, hence the air holes for breathability. When it comes to colors, you have six different shades to choose from.
Check out this detailed YouTube review about these Sanuk Vagabond shoes.
Pros:
- These shoes offer a great casual outdoor style
- The washed canvas upper and the sandal bottoms offer excellent style
- These shoes have a high-abrasion rubber outsole for traction
Cons:
- The sizing could be an issue
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FitKicks Original Women’s Foldable Minimalist Footwear
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Best unisex folding shoes. If you’re looking for a good pair of foldable shoes for travel that can be worn in water, the FitKicks Original Women’s Foldable Minimalist Footwear is your best bet. Featuring Flex Form sole technology, they’re easy to fold and transport.
These water shoes for women are available in four different colors. The slip-on design and ergonomic fit make them easy to wear. Pull tabs and signature grip straps ensure a good fit. They’re also breathable and non-restrictive. An inner cushion enhances the comfort of wearing these. They also have a protective toe guard and durable outsole. These shoes are ideal for beach walking, but you can also run in them. Another good thing is that these best foldable flats for travel are available for men too.
Pros:
- The Flex Form sole technology makes the shoes easy to fold and transport
- These shoes boast a slip-on design, signature grip tabs, and pull tabs to provide a good fit
- The shoes are breathable and non-restrictive
Cons:
- These shoes could do with a bit more padding
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HEAWISH Women’s Ballet Flats
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Featuring interesting themed prints, the HEAWISH Women’s Ballet Flats are a good pair to add to your travel shoes. You can choose from yellow stripes representing sunflowers to red stripes showcasing generous Americana decor. Whatever print you choose, you can be sure you will make a style statement with these foldable flat shoes for travel.
Apart from the themed prints, these shoes have also been specially customized for customer satisfaction. They’re made from a skin-friendly mesh fabric to enhance comfort. This fabric makes them flexible, unlike stiff ballet flats. The shoes have an elegant pointed design, gentle lines, and a soft insole. They fold easily when it comes to packing them, making them convenient to store.
Pros:
- Women love the elegant and pointed design
- The skin-friendly mesh fabric keeps your feet feeling fresh
- The shoes fold easily and are flexible.
Cons:
- The insoles are not removable, so washing them is a bit of a problem
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Shoes 18 Women’s Foldable Ballet Flat Shoes
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Foldable flat shoes for travel that have an accompanying pouch for storage are quite popular. One such pair is Shoes 18 Women’s Foldable Travel Ballet Flat Shoes. These shoes are available in a wide range of colors to suit individual tastes.
They fold up easily and can be stored in a matching pouch. While you can wear these shoes outside, they’re definitely not for rocky places. The sole is thin, so you’ll feel any hard objects. One of the best places for these foldable shoes for travel is when you want relief from your high heels. You can switch shoes easily at an event without worrying about them looking out of place. The tiny bow and small baubles make these look quite stylish.
Pros:
- These best foldable flats for travel fold easily
- They can be kept in the accompanying pouch and slipped into your bag
- The small baubles and the tiny bow make these look quite stylish
- The sole is durable enough to wear outside but not thick enough for rocky surfaces
Cons:
- They are not very breathable
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Xero Shoes Z-Trek II Women’s Minimalist Barefoot Sport Sandals
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Another pair of footwear from the Xero brand to make it to our list of best foldable flat shoes for travel is the Z-Trek Women’s Minimalist Barefoot Sports Sandals. With these ultra-lightweight sandals on your feet, you’ll feel like you’re walking around barefoot.
You can easily roll up these 5.5mm thick sandals and fit them into your pocket or backpack. They’re 70% lighter than your regular sandals, so you’ll barely feel the weight of these. What’s also great about these shoes is that they come with a 5,000-mile warranty. The sandals have a zero-drop non-elevated heel and a non-marking FeelTrue sole. This provides a good grip and traction. They’re also water-resistant and fast drying. In addition to this, getting them on or off your feet is easy with Z-style webbing.
Pros:
- These shoes are ultra-lightweight
- They can easily be rolled up and put away
- They boast a non-marking FeelTrue sole and a 5,000-mile warranty
Cons:
- Since the soles are thin, you may feel protruding objects
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HEAWISH Women’s Floral Dress Shoes
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We’d describe the HEAWISH Women’s Floral Dress Shoes as versatile, stylish, and comfortable. Available in three different colors, beige, black, and grey, these flats are a great choice for someone looking for classy foldable shoes for travel. They’re versatile enough to be paired with different outfits.
The shoes have a graceful, slightly curved linear design. They have an anti-collision round-toe cap and are easy to slip on. The holes between the flower patterns make them breathable and stylish. You can be sure you won’t suffer the discomfort of sweaty feet in summer.
Made from PU vamp fabrics and a PVC sole, the shoes are also extremely lightweight. With the soft lining, walking in these shoes is easy. They also fold down small enough to slip into your travel bag.
Pros:
- The shoe has a versatile and stylish design
- The anti-collision round toe helps keep your toes safe
- The soft lining keeps your feet breathable
Cons:
- The shoes may feel a little tight on wide feet
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Nufoot Women’s Futsole Foldable Soft Flats
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Foldable shoes for travel don’t have to be boring. The bright colors and floral prints of the Nufoot Women’s Futsole Foldable Soft Flats will certainly add an extra touch to your travels. The flexible, lightweight soles make them foldable and easy to store in your purse or bag. Each pair includes a free drawstring bag which is convenient for storage.
The shoes feature a smooth, seamless construction that prevents rubbing. Additionally, the lycra upper comes with a four-way stretch that is comfortable and breathable. Also, the skid-resistant rubber soles provide a flexible and conforming fit. These versatile shoes can be used for various activities like yoga, kayaking, or gardening. You can also wear them around the house or at the beach.
Pros:
- The soles are lightweight and flexible
- Each pair includes a free drawstring bag for storage
- The smooth and seamless construction prevents rubbing
- The lycra upper is breathable and comfortable
Cons:
- The heel tends to slide a bit
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Isotoner Women’s Zenz Serenity Stretch Slip-On Shoe
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For someone looking for multi-functional foldable shoes for travel, the Isotoner Women’s Zenz Serenity Stretch Slip-On Shoe ticks the right boxes. These sneaker-style slip-on shoes feature a lightweight sole that is flexible enough to bend and fold.
Moisture-wicking micro terry mesh on the upper keeps your feet dry in the summer. This durable sport knit upper, inspired by athleisure footwear, has a closed-back, slip-on design. The sleek modern design and the anti-skid sole make this pair ideal for the outdoors. You can also wear them indoors.
Besides this, the revolutionary Everywear sole provides lasting arch support. The compression-resistant soles ensure your feet stay comfortable. With the elastic gore panels on both sides, getting these on your feet is easy. You can easily wash the shoes in the machine when they get dirty.
Pros:
- The soft cushioned sole makes it easy to walk.
- The patented sole is comfortable and weightless
- The sport knit upper is durable, and the lining is breathable and moisture-wicking
Cons:
- They don’t come in half-sizes, so finding the right fit can sometimes be a problem
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Hey Dude Men’s Wally Sox Loafer
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Stylish and convenient to pack, the Hey Dude Men’s Wally Sox Loafer stands out as one of the best foldable shoes for travel. These shoes are extremely popular, with over 26,000 ratings on Amazon and 88% five-star reviews.
Constructed with leading-edge technology like the Flex & Fold system, these shoes are impressive, to say the least. They’re incredibly light and offer excellent comfort. When you put these on your feet, you’ll feel like you’ve got nothing on. The shoes are easy to slip on and have elastic laces for a secure fit. The bi-component stretch knit upper is soft and breathable. As far as colors go, you’re spoiled with the wide range of choices in these best foldable flats for travel.
Pros:
- The Flex & Fold system makes the shoes very easy to pack
- These shoes are super lightweight
- The elastic laces make these shoes easy to slip on
Cons:
- The sizing could be a problem for some
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Amazon Essentials Women’s Belice Ballet Flat
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Best value for money. The number one bestseller in Women’s Flats with over 26,000 is the Amazon Essentials Women’s Belice Ballet Flat. Classic and versatile, these ballet flats are designed for daily wear. You can also take them along with you on your travels as they fold and pack easily.
The folding travel flat shoes feature a casual silhouette with a round-toe shape to give a flattering profile. The upper is made from soft, faux leather with a gently elasticized topline. In addition to this, the faux suede microfiber lining also enhances comfort. You’ll be quite confused with the wide range of options when it comes to colors.
No wonder Travel & Leisure had rave reviews to say about these shoes!
Pros:
- These shoes have a casual silhouette with a round-toe shape
- This shoe has a soft, faux leather upper and a gently elasticized topline
- The faux suede microfiber lining keeps your feet breathable.
Cons:
- You may need to order one size up
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Our Verdict!
This list of the best foldable shoes for travel is great for shortlisting your choices. But if you want to zero in on one, then you need a shorter, specialized list. Read on below:
- Best non-socks shoes: Sanuk Men’s Vagabond Slip-Ons
- Best unisex folding shoes: FitKicks Original Women’s Foldable Minimalist Footwear
- Most versatile for women: Silky Toes Women’s Foldable Portable Ballet Flats
- Best value for money: Amazon Essentials Women’s Belice Ballet Flat
How To Choose The Best Foldable Shoes For Travel?
Your feet are generally put under a lot of stress, so it’s important that you choose the right pair. As with anything that you put on your feet, be it the best tennis shoes for women or the best water shoes for toddlers, there are certain features that you need to keep in mind. Likewise, with the best foldable shoes for travel.
Comfort
As we mentioned earlier, your feet endure a lot of stress, so it’s important that your footwear is comfortable. Many folding travel flat shoes are extremely lightweight and fit snugly. However, many of these are not meant for rugged terrain. Some have extremely thin soles, which are only good for the indoors. When choosing a pair of foldable shoes for travel, you’ll need to be mindful of where you’re going to use them. Uncomfortable folding travel flat shoes will ruin your trip.
Material
The material of your shoes will determine how comfortable and durable they are. Foldable shoes that have a good stretch enhance comfort as they are flexible. Breathability is another feature that you need to look out for. Shoes that don’t allow the movement of air become stuffy and stinky after a while. Besides the upper material, the material of the outsole is important too.
While foldable outsoles need to be flexible, they should also offer good traction. You don’t want to be skidding with these shoes on your feet. Rubber soles are generally your best bet in this area.
Quality
Just because you’re looking for a convenient pair of shoes that’s easy to pack for your trip, you don’t need to compromise on quality. Cheap throwaway shoes may just fall apart before you even begin your travels. That being said, you can find some impressive foldable shoes for travel at a good bargain. If you are going in for an affordable pair of shoes, read customer reviews to be sure that they go the distance. It’s a good idea to stick with trusted brands as they have a name to maintain.
How are foldable shoes for travel different from regular shoes?
The main difference between foldable shoes for travel and regular shoes is in the outsole. You’ll find the outsoles lighter and thinner than regular shoes. This makes them flexible enough to fold or roll up.
Can I wash my foldable travel shoes?
Most foldable travel shoes are washable. You can run them directly under the tap or chuck them into the washing machine. However, it’s important to read the manufacturers’ instructions so that you don’t ruin them. If your shoes don’t come with instructions, read customer reviews or customer questions and answers.
