5 Comfortable and Packable Dress Shoes You Can Actually Walk In

Caroline Morse Teel is the Executive Editor for SmarterTravel Media. Caroline has a passion for adventure travel and has hiked to the top of Mt. Kilimanjaro and the bottom of the Grand Canyon in pursuit of a good story. Follow her around the world on Instagram @TravelWithCaroline.

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Whether you’re traveling for a destination wedding or for work, some trips require packing fancy footwear. The problem: most dress shoes are painful to walk in for long periods, and take up way too much space in your suitcase. Fortunately, we’ve found five great pairs of shoes that will look and feel even better on your next trip.

All of the products featured in this story were hand-selected by our travel editors. Some of the links featured in this story are affiliate links, and SmarterTravel may collect a commission (at no cost to you) if you shop through them.

Allen Edmonds Denali Split-Toe Derby

Allen Edmonds Split Toe Derby — Allen Edmonds

Handcrafted in Wisconsin, Allen Edmonds’ Denali Split-Toe Derby shoes will last you through a lifetime of trips. Made from a luxurious leather, these shoes can be recrafted in the unlikely event that they ever wear out.

The split-toe design makes these versatile shoes easy to dress up or down, so they’ll be the only pair you’ll ever have to pack. Thanks to a leather-lined interior, slightly roomy fit, and plenty of arch support the Denalis are comfortable to wear for many miles.

F. Major The Pump

What hurts more than the price tag on luxury heels? The pain after wearing them for more than an hour. A new female-founded shoe brand is hoping to change this, with the launch of F. Major. The brand offers just one simple style, a 3-inch pump that comes in black patent or napa leather.

However, the classic design hides a comfortable secret—a paper-thin, foam-infused insole that makes these stilettos walkable (without pain).

Beckett Simonon Prieto Sneakers

A good pair of travel dress shoes should work for every occasion on your itinerary—from a meeting to sightseeing. Beckett Simonon takes the standard comfortable sneaker and dresses it up in a full-grain leather that will work with jeans or a casually cool suit.

The Prieto sneakers are made from soft and supple Italian leather that’s hand-cut and hand-finished for extra comfort. A Vachetta leather-lined interior regulates temperature and absorbs moisture, while sturdy rubber shoes provide support and shock absorption.

M.Gemi The Esatto

The lightweight and sleek Esatto heels from M. Gemi won’t take up a lot of space in your suitcase—and the timeless design will work with any outfit you pack. Handmade by experts in Italy, these pumps are designed for comfort (despite the 3.5” heel).

The seamless construction prevents blisters, and the soft leather lining allows you to wear these with or without tights.

Nato Pixie Wedge Sandal

Nato’s Pixie Wedge Sandals are perfect for a beach or outdoor destination wedding. Available in a wide range of colors (including dressier silver and gold versions), these sandals can be taken out anywhere.

The low wedge heels and secure ankle strap gives you a sturdy base for beach or sand settings, while the anatomic cork and latex footbed mold to your foot for extra comfort.

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