The most comfortable trainers for travel, according to our editors

These New Balance 574s have been one of my most worn shoes for the past few years. They're a perfect balance of sporty and stylish and are neutral enough to match nearly anything in my carry-on. Looks aside, they've never let me down comfort-wise; from long commutes to the office to city walking tours around Boston, they've kept my feet comfortable every time. What stands out most to me is how lightweight they are – despite giving off the cool dad shoe vibe, they aren't clunky or heavy at all. They've also stayed in excellent condition over the years, which is more than I can say about most of my white sneakers.

Allbirds reign supreme in the comfort department. The Tree Runners are particularly lightweight and perfect for travel. “Not only are these trainers light and stretchy enough to easily slip on and off while zipping through airport security, but they’re also just as easy on my feet as my favourite pair of Uggs (yet much more functional and fashionable)," says US contributor Lauren Dana Ellman. These versatile workhorses are available in a slew of neutral hues, matching everything in your capsule wardrobe. “The shoes are also true to size, and, even better, you won’t even need to break them in ahead of time: Just slip them on, tie up the laces, and get going. They’re made with eucalyptus, which is known for its breathability and thermo-regulating properties, keeping your feet surprisingly cool."

US associate editor Charlie Hobbs waxed poetic last year about his long-standing love for New Balance dad shoes. His claim: They are the ultimate travel shoe. Among his favourites are the popular 9060 sneakers. “They are the only trainers I pack," says Hobbs. “My conservatism is rewarded. I am obsessed with these. They are so comfortable, the Platonic ideal of the walking shoe.” They shine for both style and comfort and work well year-round. “The shoes don't merely survive such 30,000 step days – they improve, becoming softer, easier to wear, and never staining with the dust of the Tiergarten,” says Hobbs.

Earlier this year, Lululemon introduced its first casual sneaker – and Traveller contributor Rachel Chang was impressed to say the least. She put them to the test, wearing them all around the city and even during some runs for her Boston Marathon training – despite them not being billed as a running shoe. The verdict: They really held up: “From its 3D moulded support and cushioning to its high-abrasion rubber traction, this no-fuss, everyday shoe is all about keeping you comfortable on the move,” says Chang. Even better, they look polished and stylish with any outfit. “I’ve paired the trainers with running clothes, business casual dresses, jeans, and dress slacks. It's worked well with all of them – after all, nothing is as versatile as a white sneaker.”

Ideal for a busy travel day, Kizik's Milan trainers can be slipped on and off easily, with no hands needed. “I’ve worn them to work, all across New York City and New Jersey, and recently took them to Maine. I haven’t complained once about my feet thanks to the ultra-cushioned foam insoles,” says US commerce writer Paris Wilson. This nylon retro-inspired shoe comes in a variety of colourways, and you can even grab them in a leather version too.

When Hobbs isn't sporting in his New Balance dad shoes, he's probably wearing his go-to pair of Karhu trainers. The Fusion 2.0 sneakers have a sporty, retro flare and are available in several fun colour combinations. The shoe is an ode to the brand's best-selling running shoe of 1996, offering all the support and cushion the original was known for.

Ellman wore these canvas slip-ons all around Italy last summer. “I loved how they cushioned my feet without weighing them down thanks to their pillowy-soft albeit breathable foam outsoles,” she says. “I'm not being dramatic when I say they felt like I was walking on clouds. Even after trekking 17,000-plus steps per day around Rome and Florence, they've yet to unlace.” They're simple yet stylish and feature removable and washable insoles.

As far as casual trainers go, Nike Air Force 1s are about as classic as it gets. Chances are, you've had a pair of these in your closet at some point – and for good reason. They're the simple, sporty white sneakers you can pull out any day of the week without much thought needed. Versatile and timeless, I've packed this pair of wear-with-everything shoes on countless trips over the years, from Miami to Milan.

Black Tulip Studio has busied itself creating the most nostalgic style sneaker design possible, then pairing it with a thoroughly modern sustainable approach to construction. Each piece has been designed and handcrafted by skilled artisans in the UK, in fair working conditions, from ethically-sourced materials certified to the highest international standards. Think nylon, suede, and a range of cool, versatile colourways that’ll go with all your favourite denim.

Japanese brand Flower Mountain balances the typically delicate Japanese style with some robust performance features – a sturdy toothed tread, trekking laces with reinforced eyelets and an ultra-light sole to prevent fatigue during long days on foot. Eco suede and cotton uppers, plus an antibacterial cork insole prove style doesn’t come at the cost of substance, either. All five colourways tend to sell out quickly, but nab a pair when you can and it’ll be worth the wait.

Once reserved for soccer, the trending Adidas Samba is back and better than ever. These low-top sporty shoes complete any street-style look, all while providing plenty of comforts. US editorial assistant Kat Chen swears by these practically weightless favourites: “They are my ride or die. I got this newest pair last summer, but the ones I had before I wore for literally a decade until they finally wore down.

We love Vejas for its slightly elevated take on the everyday casual trainer. The Campo is minimal in design but manages to look polished with every outfit, from jeans to dresses. Global digital director Arati Menon tells us that the Campo sneaker requires much less break-in time than other Veja styles. “I’ve taken my Campos on rugged national park adventures and European city breaks and use them as workwear staples,” says Menon. If you need something sleek in your suitcase that will match anything you throw on, pack these.

Hannah Towey, US associate editor of transportation and travel news, recently packed these bright-blue Gola trainers on a trip to Paris for the Olympics – and they didn't let her down. “These are my favourite sneakers for when I’m walking a ton but still want to look cute (Paris is simply not the city for athleisure and running shoes, even during sports events). They are well-priced and a fun alternative to the Adidas Sambas that are everywhere now.”

Adidas Stan Smiths might just become your most-worn trainers – if they aren't already. These classics are so sleek, easy to slide on and off, and versatile enough to be the only sneaker you pack to your next destination. US associate editor Matt Ortile has been swearing by these for the last eight years. And if you're wondering where he's taken them: “Paris, always; exploring the ancient sites of Hegra in AlUla, Saudi Arabia; and walking through the jungles of Angaur, the southernmost state in Palau.”

The Aloha 490s are my new go-to, and the only style I’ll be packing for the foreseeable. Not only are they supremely comfortable – the leather and suede softens with each wear – but they also nod to a retro aesthetic, which feels classic. If versatility is a priority, the neutrals (and this includes animal-print this season, don’t you know?) are the obvious choice, but the spectrum of colourful alternatives, from popping pink to forest green, will add a little life to even the most basic travel attire. Sarah Bannerman, commerce editor

I've never thought of Alo as being a go-to for sneakers, but more of a coordinating leggings and bra top kind of brand, but this all-black pair have fast become my first choice for everything from running to strength training. They're comfortable and true to size (not a given when it comes to sports shoes, I find), and they look smart, too. I'm a fan of the black sole and tonal logo – not too showy, but quietly confident in both their aesthetic and performance. Sarah Bannerman, commerce editor

Once you find your perfect pair of travel shoes, you never look back, and that’s how I feel about this Asics Gel-Kayano pair. I’ve been an Asics convert for a few years now, whether for running or just wearing day-to-day from the office to whatever social event I'm skipping to of an evening. The Gel-Kayanos offer maximum cushioning and are made of a super lightweight fabric. This makes them a great, breathable option, especially when bouncing between lots of different climates on your travels. I opted for a mossy green palette in the hopes that any dirt picked up on my adventures would be less visible, while still being more playful and fun than your standard black. Lucy Bruton, social media manager

If you're a runner, you're probably no stranger to the magic of Brooks. The brand's running shoes are praised for offering unrivalled support and breathability. US associate articles director Megan Spurrell regularly chooses these when she's trying to pack light. “I've tried a number of Brooks running shoes, but the Ghosts 15 feel like the perfect pair. They're cushy but still springy; they're lightweight but sturdy.”

My in-flight uniform isn't complete without a supportive sneaker, and for me, that's my Hola Clifton 9s. I fly in them, I work out in them, I go on walks in them – I trust these shoes with my life. They're always the only athletic pair of trainers I pack on every trip. They have what looks like a thick platform, but that extra cushion and shock absorption only add to the shoe’s comfort level. The EVA foam midsole provides a ton of support and makes your feet feel like they're on a pillow.

These pretty blue runners are a go-to for US senior destinations editor Shannon McMahon. They're designed with built-in flexible nylon plates that act as a springboard, advancing your stride and offering lots of support. These lightweight running shoes are breathable, cushioned, and stylish, too.

Hokas are just so good, we had to add a second pair to our list. US Glamour's senior commerce editor, Jenifer Calle, swears by these for long, hot travel days. “I wore these trainers when I was in San Antonio last year and they were a lifesaver for my feet,” Calle says. “My sneakers were very bouncy and breathable, so my feet never felt tired or sweaty.”

I’ve scarcely taken these On trainers off since I got them; wearing them all day every day on a fitness retreat, for every gym workout, and even on a hike around Mount Snowden. They’re supremely comfortable – more than any other trainer I’ve ever worn – and look really cool at the same time. There were plenty of these on display on stylish sorts at the retreat’s hotel, Lily of the Valley, in glitzy Saint-Tropez. If they’re good enough for the French Riviera, they’re good enough for all your holidays. I’m a certified convert. Charley Ward, commerce writer

I already have a chunky pair of Danner hiking boots with a cosy fleecy sole. They’re bouncy, comfy and perfect for serious treks; for recent trips to Iceland and an upcoming one to Wyoming, they’ve made an obvious choice to sling in my case for days tackling wilder terrain. However, for city breaks where you might take the odd two-hour walk, these trainer-style walking shoes are a more versatile alternative that won’t leave you looking like you just stumbled out of the wilderness, while still providing all the support your foot and ankle could need.

Growing beyond their running shoe roots, you’ll now see Asics GEL-Kayanos on stylish sorts all over. The gel cushioned sole, breathable mesh side panels and secure running shoe design ensures they stay comfortable all day long, whether you’re training for a marathon or stomping through town for a whole-day sightseeing session.