What Are the Lightest Walking Shoes for Travel?
When travelling, lighter shoes can reduce fatigue during long walking days and take up less space in your luggage.
For city exploration, this matters. Travellers often walk 8–12 km per day, which can mean 15,000–20,000 steps on hard surfaces.
Most lightweight walking shoes weigh between about 200–280 grams (7–10 oz) per shoe. Shoes in this range usually provide a good balance of comfort, cushioning, and packability.
Best Lightweight Travel Shoes at a Glance
If you want a quick recommendation, these models stand out for different travel needs.
- Best overall lightweight travel shoe: On Cloud 5
- Best cushioning for long walking days: Hoka Clifton
- Best for wide feet: Altra Experience Flow
- Softest cushioning: New Balance Fresh Foam 1080
- Best budget option: Skechers Go Walk
- Best breathable casual shoe: Allbirds Tree Runner
Below are some of the lightest walking shoes that work well for travel and city walking.
Quick Comparison
| Shoe | Approx Weight | Why It’s Good for Travel |
| On Cloud 5 | ~7.2 oz (204g) | Lightweight, breathable, stylish |
| Hoka Clifton | ~7.6–9.4 oz (215–266g) | Cushioned but still lightweight |
| Altra Experience Flow | ~8.8 oz (249g) | Lightweight with natural foot shape |
| New Balance Fresh Foam 1080 | ~6.8 oz (193g) – women’s | Soft cushioning and breathable mesh |
| Skechers Go Walk | ~7–8 oz (198–227g) | Very lightweight and affordable |
| Allbirds Tree Runner | ~7–8 oz (198–227g) | Breathable and easy travel shoe |
1. On Cloud 5
The On Cloud 5 is one of the most popular lightweight travel shoes. It weighs around 7.16 oz per shoe, which makes it extremely easy to wear all day.
Why it works well for travel
- very lightweight design
- breathable mesh upper
- flexible cushioning
- stylish enough for everyday wear
The shoe’s CloudTec cushioning provides moderate impact absorption while maintaining a lightweight feel.
Also read: The ultimate guide to city walking shoes.
2. Hoka Clifton
Hoka shoes are known for thick cushioning, but the Clifton series manages to remain surprisingly lightweight.
The Clifton weighs roughly 7.6 oz (women’s) to about 9.4 oz (men’s) depending on size.
Advantages for travel
- excellent cushioning for long walks
- lightweight for its cushioning level
- smooth “rocker” sole for forward motion
If you plan to walk long distances every day, this balance of cushioning and weight can be very helpful.
3. Altra Experience Flow
The Altra Experience Flow emphasises natural movement while remaining lightweight.
At around 8.79 oz per shoe, it offers a light and flexible feel.
What makes it popular
- lightweight construction
- wide toe box for comfort
- natural walking motion
For travellers who prefer a more natural foot shape, Altra models are often a good option.
4. New Balance Fresh Foam 1080
New Balance shoes are widely used for walking because of their comfort and stability.
The Fresh Foam 1080 can weigh as little as 6.8 oz in some versions, making it one of the lightest cushioned walking shoes available.
Advantages
- very lightweight for a cushioned shoe
- soft foam midsole
- breathable mesh upper
This combination makes it comfortable for long walking days in cities.
5. Skechers Go Walk
Skechers Go Walk shoes are designed specifically for casual walking.
They are lightweight and flexible, making them easy to pack for travel.
Advantages include
- lightweight foam midsoles
- flexible construction
- affordable price
They may not offer as much support as running-style shoes, but they work well for relaxed city walking.
6. Allbirds Tree Runner
The Allbirds Tree Runner is another lightweight travel shoe that emphasises comfort and breathability.
Travellers often choose it because:
- it is lightweight and breathable
- it requires little break-in time
- it works well with casual travel outfits
Why Lightweight Shoes Help When Travelling
Lightweight footwear reduces effort with every step.
Benefits include
- less fatigue during long walking days
- easier packing in luggage
- better comfort in warm climates
However, extremely lightweight shoes may sacrifice cushioning or durability. A balance between weight and comfort is usually best.
How Shoe Weight Affects Walking
Shoe weight may seem like a small detail, but it can have a measurable effect over long distances.
Research has shown that adding around 100 grams to each shoe can increase energy use by roughly 1% during running. While walking is less demanding than running, the same principle still applies.
When travellers walk 15,000–20,000 steps in a day, even small differences in shoe weight can contribute to fatigue.
This is why many modern travel shoes aim to keep weight around 200–280 grams (7–10 oz) per shoe, providing a balance between comfort, cushioning, and low weight.
What to Look for in Lightweight Travel Shoes
When choosing lightweight walking shoes for travel, consider these features.
- Breathable materials: Mesh uppers help regulate temperature during long walks.
- Moderate cushioning: Enough cushioning reduces impact on hard city surfaces.
- Flexible soles: Flexible designs help maintain a natural walking motion.
- Packability: Shoes that compress slightly are easier to pack.
For more guidance see:
How To Choose A Good City Walking Shoe
You may also want to understand how cushioning affects walking comfort: How Much Cushioning Do My Walking Shoes Need?
Travel Tip: Choose Shoes That Pack Easily
Lightweight travel shoes are useful not only for walking but also for packing.
Many lightweight models use flexible foam midsoles and soft mesh uppers. This allows them to compress slightly inside luggage without damaging the shoe.
If you plan to pack a second pair of shoes while travelling:
- choose flexible uppers such as knit or mesh
- avoid stiff leather walking shoes
- place shoes in a packing cube or shoe bag to save space
Shoes that combine light weight and flexibility are usually the easiest to carry in a suitcase or backpack.
FAQ
What is considered a lightweight walking shoe?
Most lightweight walking shoes weigh 200–280 grams (7–10 oz) per shoe.
Are lightweight shoes good for long walks?
Yes, as long as they provide enough cushioning and support. Many lightweight running shoes perform very well for long walking days.
Are lighter shoes always better?
Not necessarily. Extremely light shoes may reduce cushioning or durability. The best travel shoes balance light weight with comfort and support.
Are running shoes good lightweight travel shoes?
Yes. Many lightweight running shoes work very well for city walking because they provide cushioning, breathability, and flexibility.
