Travelling on a budget doesn’t mean you should compromise on comfort, and a quality pair of walking shoes is an absolute must for those tons of steps you’ll be taking exploring your destination. While many premium walking shoes can be priced heavily, there are numerous great models available that cater to travellers on a budget. In this article, we shall explore some of the best budget walking shoes in the market right now.
Our top select is the Skechers Performance Men’s Go Walk 4. Skechers, a brand renowned for its comfortable and stylish shoes, offers these Go Walk 4 shoes that take budget travel and walking to a new level. These shoes use a 5GEN sole, a form of synthetic rubber that improves absorption, with a footbed lined with bamboo for antibacterial odor control. The specially designed tapering midfoot makes for improved arch support, allowing you to feel as comfortable as possible on your travels. Priced at around $50, these shoes certainly offer excellent value.
Next up is the TIOSEBON Women’s Athletic Walking Shoes. TIOSEBON has designed these shoes to be as user-friendly as possible, featuring a slip-on design and a range of colours to suit the preferences of any traveller. The lightweight design and breathable mesh material make these shoes great for long daily walks in warm climates. At prices ranging from $20 to $30, the TIOSEBON Women’s Athletic Walking Shoes are excellent for budget travellers.
For those who prefer hiking on their travels, the Merrell Men’s Moab 2 Vent Hiking Shoe is an excellent pick. With a 100% suede leather and mesh upper and a Vibram TC5+ sole, these shoes pose as a stylish option for hiking enthusiasts. The protective rubber toe cap, air cushioning in the heel, and supportive footbed make this shoe capable of handling rough terrains. Though slightly on the higher end of the budget segment at around $80, the Merrell Moab 2 Vent offers excellent value considering its robust build and hiking capabilities.
For runners, the ASICS Men’s Gel-Contend 4 Running Shoe is a brilliantly priced piece of footwear. ASICS, a well-respected brand in the running community, offers gel cushioning, a removable sock liner, and a compression-moulded midsole, all packed into this reasonably priced walking shoe. Priced at around $40, the Gel-Contend 6 makes for a great multi-purpose walking shoe for both running and travelling.
Under Armour’s Women’s Charged Assert 8 Running Shoe is another solid pick for budget travellers. This shoe sports a lightweight mesh upper and an EVA sock liner for added comfort and breathability. With a sturdy rubber outsole offering substantial traction, these shoes are well-suited for various terrains, whether it’s city streets or countryside trails. Priced at about $50, the Under Armour’s Charged Assert 8 offers great bang for your buck.
The Vionic Women’s Walker is a popular choice for travellers who prioritise comfort above all. The shoe features a leather upper and a synthetic sole along with an active motion system technology and a removable textile-covered EVA footbed. Although slightly more generous in the budget segment at around $75, they are an investment for anyone prone to feet issues or those interested in orthotics.
For a lighter option, the New Balance Men’s MW877 Walking Shoe combines classic style and breathability, great for warmer travel destinations. It includes an iconic suede/mesh upper and an Absorb midsole, which provides a blend of cushioning and compression resistance. Usually priced at around $70, these shoes offer decent value for money.
Everyone’s foot and walking style are different, and finding the right shoe can take some time. You should consider these factors—comfort, breathability, durability—when selecting one. Remember, good walking shoes should fit well, provide excellent support, and have sufficient cushioning to reduce the impact of each step. Travelling should be a joy and not a pain, and the right footwear can certainly help.
Whether you’re discovering narrow, cobbled streets of ancient cities, hiking through beautiful national parks, or just spending long hours in transit, having the best budget walking shoes can make the experience infinitely more enjoyable. So, even if you are a budget traveller, do not overlook the importance of investing in the right pair of walking shoes. It’s a step towards healthier, happier travelling.
