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A successful trip is often measured by how many steps you actually feel like taking. An old town to explore, a market to wander through, a connection to catch at a run: wherever you go, it's your feet that decide how far you'll get. And yet, footwear is often the last detail we plan before leaving.
Choosing comfortable travel shoes isn't only a question of style or brand. It's choosing a companion that will follow you from the airport terminal to the last kilometre of a full day, without ever holding you back. Here's how to make the right choice.
What truly makes a good travel shoe
When you travel, a shoe works harder than in everyday life. You walk more, on surfaces you don't know, in conditions you can't control. Four criteria make all the difference:
- Lasting comfort. A shoe that feels fine for ten minutes in a store can become uncomfortable after eight hours of walking. Look for good cushioning and consistent support.
- Ease of slipping on and off. This is the most underestimated criterion, and often the most decisive when travelling. We'll come back to it below.
- Versatility. A single model that goes from a city stroll to dinner at a restaurant means one less pair in the suitcase.
- Lightness and durability. The shoe should be light enough not to weigh down your luggage and sturdy enough to keep up with the pace of a holiday.
Security checks: the real test of a travel shoe
It's the moment no one enjoys: the line at security, the plastic bin, and having to take your shoes off and put them back on, standing and balancing, while the queue moves forward. For many travellers, especially those who no longer want to bend down or fuss with laces, this simple act turns departure into an ordeal.
This is exactly where a travel shoe that's easy to slip on and off changes everything. A shoe you put on and take off in a single motion, without bending down and without handling laces, saves you time and energy.
Powerlace self-lacing shoes were designed precisely for this kind of situation. The mechanism closes and adjusts at the simple touch of your heel, then releases with a single press. No laces to undo and no need to bend your back. You step in, you step out, and you carry on.
Swelling feet and lengthening days
A long flight, a full day on your feet, or summer heat can all change the volume of your feet. A shoe that's comfortable at takeoff can become too tight on landing.
The advantage of a mechanical adjustment system is that it accompanies these variations. The tension adapts to the real volume of your foot rather than staying fixed to a knot tied in the morning. For travellers who walk a lot, or whose feet tend to swell, this comfort is felt especially at the end of the day.
If you wear orthotics, the removable insole accommodates roughly 95% of the orthotics available on the market. Your usual comfort can travel with you.
Comfort doesn't mean compromising on style
For a long time, a comfortable shoe was associated with a less refined look. Those days are over. A genuine leather model can take you from a morning of sightseeing to dinner on a terrace, all while making your life easier.
At Powerlace, the leather models are crafted from genuine Italian leather. Once treated, they become waterproof, which is a real asset when the weather changes. A single pair can therefore suit several occasions.
A shoe built to keep up
There's nothing worse than a shoe that gives out in the middle of a trip. Durability should therefore hold an important place in your choice.
The Powerlace self-lacing mechanism is designed and manufactured in Canada, then lab-tested over 10,000 cycles. That's the equivalent of about four uses a day for seven years. It is built to withstand far more than a few weeks of intensive holidays. Every pair is also covered by a one-year warranty.
How to choose well: a short checklist before you book
Before slipping a pair into your suitcase, ask yourself these few questions:
- Can I put it on and take it off without bending down? This convenience is precious at security checks, on the train, and at the hotel.
- Does it adapt when my feet swell? A flexible fit can make a big difference at the end of the day.
- Does it suit several occasions? A versatile model helps lighten your luggage.
- Does the width suit me? Powerlace offers a Medium width as well as a Wide width that provides more room at the front of the foot. This makes it possible to choose the fit that best matches your foot shape.
- Can I fit my orthotics inside? In about 95% of cases, the answer is yes.
Travel light, walk far
The right travel shoe isn't the one that makes the most noise on paper. It's the one you forget once it's on your feet, because it slips on effortlessly, adapts to the day, and goes the distance. That's exactly the idea behind every pair of Powerlace: to let you think about your trip rather than your shoes.
Ready to travel without constraint? Discover the Powerlace models in leather and in textile, designed in Quebec to follow you anywhere.
FAQ: Travel shoes
Which shoe should I choose for a lot of walking while travelling?
Go for a shoe with good cushioning, consistent support, and a width suited to your foot. An adjustment system that accompanies the natural swelling of the feet at the end of the day can make a real difference over long distances.
Are there shoes that are easy to slip on for the airport?
Yes. Self-lacing shoes go on and off without bending down or handling laces, which is a real advantage at security checks. Powerlace models close at the touch of the heel and release with a single press.
Is a leather shoe a good choice for travelling?
Yes. Leather offers versatility, durability, and a polished look. The same model can suit walking in the city as well as an evening out at a restaurant. Powerlace leather models can also become waterproof once treated, which is handy when the weather changes.