The Best Boots for Travel

Deciding what shoes to bring on your travels can be frustrating. Savvy packers know you have to be economical when it comes to footwear, and finding a versatile shoe for winter travel is tricky. If you're on the hunt for a new pair of boots, there are so many options available, it may feel overwhelming to narrow your choices down. To help get your shopping started, we’ve compiled some of the best boots available for travel.

Best Boots for City Walking

If you’re in the market for everyday walking boots that are both functional and stylish, there is no shortage of options. For women, a great pick is the Blondo Villa Waterproof Ankle Bootie. These booties feature a low heel, are waterproof, and come in a variety of neutral colors. With durable rubber outsoles and cushioned footbed, this shoe is comfortable and sturdy. They get bonus points for also being resistant to staining from the salt found on the streets during wintertime.

Another cool option for city breaks is DailyShoes’ Military Lace Up Buckle Combat Boots. These are ideal for women who are concerned about pickpockets as each boot has a zipper pocket where you can put money, credit cards, a key, etc. They're reasonably priced and come in a wide variety of colors with or without a gold toe plate.

For men looking for stylish yet comfortable boots, look no further than the Thursday Boot Co. Their boots have been praised by major men’s magazines, from GQ to Men’s Journal. Their new boot, the Captain, offers a rugged and resilient leather upper and durable Kevlar-blend laces. Studded rubber outsoles and the Goodyear welt construction makes them completely water-resistant.

Best Boots for Adventure

Travelers headed out for some long hikes or adventure sports need a boot that is sturdy yet comfortable. These adrenaline junkies can't pack a suitcase full of shoes for a multi-day backpacking adventure.

For active women, consider the Lowa Renegade GTX Mid Hiking Boot. REI staffers rank this as the best long-distance boot for women. They require little to no break in and the soles are excellent shock absorbers, which helps to support your feet on an all-day hike. These boots have rubber soles that provide much-needed traction. The Gore-Tex liners keep your feet dry, while the nubuck leather uppers are water-resistant.

Another long-distance boot REI staff members recommend is the La Sportiva Nucleo High GTX. This boot is available for both men and women, and it received Outside magazine’s 2017 Gear of the Year award. The boots are lightweight, breathable, and sturdy. They use Gore-Tex surround technology with waterproof protection that wraps around the boot, while the nano-cell inserts let air flow from the bottom. There is also plenty of ankle support. Like the Lowa Renegade, these also have rubber outsoles that provide much-needed traction on slippery surfaces like wet rocks. There is also an impact brake system on the heel that provides grip — making it easy to descend steep landscapes.

Best Boots for Snow

If you’re headed skiing or on a road trip to the mountains, you’ll want boots that can withstand the elements. Check out the Columbia Women’s Minx Mid II Omni-Heat Winter Boot. This boot reduces the need for bulky layers, has breathable material, and is excellent at keeping you dry while reflecting excess heat. It also features advanced traction, which makes it a formidable opponent to muddy and slippery surfaces, while still offering women a stylish and feminine design.

Kamik Greenbay Snow Boots get enthusiastic nods from numerous sites, including New York Magazine who ranks these as the best pull-on winter boots for men. Consumers love them for how dry and warm they keep their feet by allowing them to play outdoors in the snow for hours. The boots have a removable felt liner that can be washed if necessary. Because they are pull-on boots, men love the ease of getting them on and off instead of wasting time with lace-up styles.