Best Minimalist Shoes for Travel: Comfortable & Stylish

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Choosing the right shoes for your travels is crucial, especially if you plan on packing light. I only travel with a personal item bag, no matter how long my trip is, so I have to make sure the pairs of shoes I bring are versatile, comfortable, and take up minimal space in my bag.

As a minimalist traveler, I’ve tried and tested various types of shoes over the years, and I have finally found my favorite minimalist shoes for travel.

But since my feet get cold easily, I have also found another pair of amazing minimalist shoes for the colder months too.

#1 All-year round shoes

A pair of the best minimalist shoes for travel, Feelgrounds Original Knit sneakers, casually crossed at the ankles while relaxing on a coastal stone wall with a lively seascape and city skyline in the background. — My favorite pair of shoes

Best All-Year Round Minimalist Shoes

Water-repellent
Lightweight
Breathable
Flexible
Made with recycled materials
Vegan

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#1 Boots for colder months

Tina wearing the best minimalist shoes for travel, the Feelgrounds Chelsea boots, sits on a wooden bench in front of a scenic mountain backdrop.

Best Chelsea Boots

Warm & Weatherproof: Perfect for shoulder seasons when the temperatures start to drop.
Easy On & Off: No laces
Versatile Style: Looks great with any outfit, from jeans and leggings to dresses and skirts.
Zero Drop: Enhances foot strength by promoting natural positioning.
Vegan: All Feelgrounds shoes are vegan. I love it!

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Table of Contents

What are Minimalist Shoes?

Minimalist shoes, or so-called barefoot shoes, are designed to mimic the natural movement and natural shape of the foot. They have flexible soles, zero or minimal heel-to-toe drop, a wide toe box, and provide little to no arch support.

This design allows for more freedom of movement and encourages you to use all the muscles in your feet.

When you first switch from traditional shoes to a new pair of minimalist shoes, your feet and muscles will need some time to adjust. But trust me, it’s worth it.

Another great benefit of minimalist shoes is that they are very lightweight and flexible, making them perfect minimalist travel shoes that fit in every travel backpack.

Benefits of Minimalist Shoes for Travel

Less bulk in your luggage: Minimalist shoes are typically very lightweight and take up less space in your bag, leaving more room for other travel essentials.
Versatility: Most minimalist shoes have a simple and sleek design, making them suitable for various activities. Whether you’re exploring city streets or going on a hike, minimalist shoes have got you covered.
Foot Strength and Health: Switching to minimalist shoes promotes natural foot positioning and movement, leading to improved foot strength. Freer foot movement enhances blood circulation and overall foot health.
Comfort: The wider toe box and zero-drop soles of minimalist shoes allow your feet to move naturally, making them more comfortable for long walks and hikes.
Durability: Many minimalist shoe brands use high-quality materials that are built to last, making them a sustainable and long-term investment for your travels.
Vegan options: Many minimalist shoe options are also vegan-friendly, but not all, so always check what materials the shoes are made of.

Best Minimalist Shoes for Travel Year-Round

I spent a long time searching for the ideal all-year-round shoe, that would tick the following boxes:

Sneaker style, they are versatile and can be dressed up or down.
Water-resistant coating, making them suitable for different weather conditions.
Made with vegan material that is lightweight and breathable.
I hoped for a pair that wouldn’t scream “barefoot shoe” to everyone passing by.

My exhaustive search finally ended when I stumbled upon the Feelgrounds Original Knit sneaker. These shoes matched all my criteria and more, effortlessly blending functionality with style.

Feelgrounds Original Knit

A pair of Feelgrounds barefoot shoes on a stoney beach — Minimalist waterproof shoes are the best travel shoes for minimalists

The Feelgrounds Original Knit sneakers are made with recycled materials, they are very flexible, breathable and they are super lightweight. I also love that they look like casual shoes.

I’ve worn them for countless miles now both in cities and on hiking trails in nature. I love them because they’re stylish enough for city explorations, yet sturdy enough for off-road adventures.

The only negative point about the Original Knit is that the toe box is almost too big. This might be a bit odd for people not used to wearing barefoot shoes.

You could wear them all-year round, but to be completely honest my feet get cold super easily, so I do have a different pair for the colder months.

summary

Pros of the Original Knit Sneakers

Versatile Style: Goes from city sidewalks to nature trails seamlessly, fitting in anywhere.
Sustainability: Made with recycled materials, they’re a win for the planet.
Comfort & Flexibility: They’re so lightweight and breathable, it’s like walking on air.
Water Resistant: A handy feature that keeps your feet dry in different weather conditions.

Cons of the Original Knit Sneakers

Oversized Toe Box: It takes a bit to get used to, especially if you’re new to minimalist shoes.
Not Ideal in Cold Weather: They’re good until it gets cold, then consider switching to something cozier.

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🤩 Check Prices and Availability of the Original Knit!

Best Minimalist Travel Shoes for the Shoulder Seasons

Minimalist shoes have a very thin sole, which means you can often feel the cold seeping through from the ground below.

My feet get cold very easily, so just unfortunately it’s not enough that shoes are water-repellent to keep me warm in the colder months. I had to look for a different option that would still fit my minimalist travel style.

When I first contemplated adding minimalist ankle boots to my collection, I was hesitant, unsure if they’d truly fit my needs or style. And now I love my Chelsea boots and wear them almost every day in spring and fall.

#1 Ankle Boots

Best Chelsea Boots

Warm & Weatherproof
Easy On & Off
Versatile Style
Zero Drop
Vegan

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Feelgrounds Chelsea Boots

The Feelgrounds Chelsea boots have proven to be the perfect addition to my minimalist shoe collection. The water-resistant outer layer and temperature-regulating inner lining keep my feet warm and dry during those colder shoulder seasons.

Not only are they functional, but they also look stylish and can easily be dressed up or down. The elastic side panels provide a snug fit, and the toe box is the ideal size – a perfect fit.

Close-up of Feelgrounds Chelsea boots, the best barefoot shoes for travel, on a moss-covered rock, highlighting their rugged design suitable for woodland trails. — I also wear my Chelsea boots as hiking boots on rocky terrain and in muddy forests

I wear my Chelsea boots both in the city and on hikes in the woods. They have held up very well, are incredibly durable, and keep my feet dry and warm. The boots were my favorite pair of shoes during my minimalist travel trip in spring.

🤩 Check out all color options of these amazing ankle boots!

Final Thoughts: Best Barefoot Shoes for Everyday Use

Minimalist shoes have definitely changed the way I travel as a minimalist, making my adventures more enjoyable. I think they are the most comfortable shoes and their lighter weight makes them the best shoes for travel.

So if you’re looking for a comfortable and versatile shoe that’s also sustainable and vegan, look no further than the Feelgrounds Original Knit sneaker or Chelsea boots.

Don’t be afraid to try out minimalist shoes, they might just change the way you travel forever. Just don’t forget to break into your new shoes before embarking on a long journey.