The 15 Most Comfortable Shoes for Cruises

Choosing which shoes to bring on a trip is arguably one of the most important packing decisions you’ll make. The right selection will keep your feet happy throughout the journey, while cramming too many options into your suitcase can quickly lead to overweight bag fees. And if you’re going on a cruise, you’ll likely need multiple outfits a day as you go from the pool to dinner and a show. Plus, your itinerary will often include numerous ports, meaning even more scenarios to pack for. This can add up to a lot of shoes, fast.

After exploring everywhere from Alaska to Italy to the Bahamas by boat over the past 23 years, I can confidently say I’ve mastered the art of packing for a cruise. I just returned from a girls’ trip to the Caribbean on Disney Cruise Line’s newest ship, the Treasure, and before setting sail, one question stood out in the group chat: “What shoes are you packing?” From walking sneakers to comfortable dinner heels, I’ve rounded up everything you’ll need for your next voyage.

Allbirds Courier Shoe

A comfortable walking shoe is essential for any vacation. Cruise travel often entails flying to your port city and then going through the ship’s security before boarding, meaning you’re on your feet more than a typical airport day. These neutral sneakers include plenty of cushioning to keep you comfortable. Plus, they’re made from breathable cotton, making them a great choice for a ship with an outdoor walking track. Travel + Leisure editors even dubbed them the best walking shoes for all-day wear.

Adidas Grand Court 2.0 Shoe

As someone who prefers to dress up on vacation, I always pack a sleek sneaker that can be paired with dresses and skirts. I brought these sneakers on my recent trip and walked over 25,000 steps through Disney Parks before boarding the ship. The leather design makes them both fashionable and durable, and they looked great paired with my linen mini-dress. Plus, I experienced no foot pain.

Birkenstock Arizona Essentials Slide Sandal 

I’ve raved about my Birkenstock Arizona sandals so much that my brother and mom bought them before our last family cruise. The slides can be used as pool shoes, but they’re also comfortable enough to wear around the ship. They have two adjustable straps to keep them in place, while the sole has a built-in arch that molds to your foot over time. Throughout the years, I’ve gotten sand stuck in the straps many times, but they’re easy to clean and still look new after five years of regular wear.

New Balance 608 V5 Cross Trainer 

If you like to work out on vacation, you’ll also want to pack a pair of trainers. Most cruises offer group fitness classes and equipment with ocean views to help you stay active. These chunky sneakers are designed for crosstraining but are also versatile enough to wear on a port day with a walking-heavy excursion. It’s no wonder they have over 27,200 perfect ratings at Amazon, with reviewers praising their arch support and stability. “My feet don’t feel sore at all in these after walking around all day, and they kept my feet dry on their first rainy day,” said one shopper.

Skechers Coastal-drive Boat Shoe 

What better way to fit in on a boat than with a boat shoe? These slip-ons combine style and practicality with a breathable perforated design and memory foam interior. The stretchy material makes it easy to slide them on, while the faux laces elevate the look. One five-star reviewer called the shoes “comfortable” and “versatile” and noted they “fit perfectly” and had no break-in period. Plus, they’re machine-washable, making post-vacation care a breeze.

Havaianas Top Tiras Flip-flop

If you prefer flip-flops, you can’t go wrong with a pair of Havaianas. I’ve owned a similar pair by the brand for about 10 years now, and they are still in great condition. One of my friends brought these slides on our recent trip and found them to be practical at the pool and beach since you can easily rinse the sand off. Plus, you’ll surely turn heads on board in this fun metallic style. I’ve also been eyeing this trendy square-toe style if you want something even more unique.

Dr. Scholl’s Nova Sneaker

On a typical night of cruising, I often find myself running back to my cabin to change into more comfortable shoes with just a few minutes to spare between dinner and a show. Slip-on sneakers are the ultimate travel hack for a quick change when you don’t have time to fuss with laces.

The Nova Sneaker includes Dr. Scholl’s signature arch support and cushioned insoles, making it a great option for a more walking-heavy itinerary. The sleek shape and subtle texture would look great paired with anything from casual outfits to dresses. Plus, there are 15 color options, including black, grey, rose pink, and blue denim.

Franco Sarto Racer Slingback Pump

While most cruise lines have a more relaxed dress code, your itinerary might include a formal night. You would fit right in wearing these pumps, which come in 24 colors and patterns. The adjustable slingback strap ensures they’ll comfortably stay on your foot all night, even if your plans involve bouncing from a show to a bar to a pool deck party. Plus, the close-toed design makes them versatile enough to wear when you return to the office.

Rothy’s The Point II Shoe

For those who would rather avoid a heel altogether, a ballet flat is another match-everything option for a cruise. My mom, a teacher who is often on her feet all day, swears by these flats for work and travel. She brought them on a Norwegian cruise to pair with dinner outfits and felt they worked well with the ship’s smart casual dress code.

Rothy’s signature cushioned insole adds comfort and support — you could even wear them while exploring on a port day. They’re machine-washable and take up little suitcase space. Plus, some colorways are currently on rare sale at Nordstrom, making now the time to add to your cart. 

Apl Big Logo Techloom Slide Sandal

I’ve owned these Apl slides for years and have brought them on countless cruises. I prefer to pack them over traditional flip-flops because they’re more versatile. In addition to wearing these slides poolside, I grabbed them anytime I needed to walk around the Treasure and even wore them all day at Castaway Cay, Disney’s private island.

The slides feature a hard rubber sole that offers more support than your typical pool shoe, but my favorite detail is the soft upper that makes them easy to pack in a carry-on. They’re certainly more of a splurge, but mine still look brand-new — and certain colors are currently on sale.

Dream Pairs Low-block Chunky Heel

No matter what type of cruise you take, your nights will generally involve a three-course meal and a smart casual dress code. I always pack a neutral low-block heel to wear to the dining room and any specialty restaurants on board. My go-to heels are an older style from Schutz, but these strappy Dream Pairs sandals have a similar look for a fraction of the price. This style was versatile enough for me to wear to three restaurants, all with different vibes.

Cushionaire Mandy Cork Espadrille Platform Sandal 

For more casual dinners, you might want to opt for an elevated sandal. I packed a similar shoe on my last Royal Caribbean cruise and found myself reaching for them when I wasn’t in the mood for heels. The espadrille platform is dressier than flats and adds tropical flair to any outfit. Plus, the plush insole and elastic straps make them comfortable enough to walk around in, which is handy for sea days when you might be spending more time inside. 

But don’t just take it from me — these sandals have over 5,200 five-star ratings. “The memory foam makes them incredibly comfortable to walk in, and the straps are the perfect material that prevents chaffing but has an elastic stretch for when my feet swell a bit in the summer,” said one shopper, adding that they don’t get smelly and are easy to clean.

Sam Edelman Deacon Beaded Slide Sandal

Nothing says “beach vacation” more than a woven shoe. These sandals have a low, one-inch heel, making them comfortable enough to wear to dinner after a long day. The beaded buckle adds sparkle to the shoe, making it unique enough to stand out while still being neutral enough to match your vacation outfits. “These slides are not only pretty but comfortable,” said one reviewer, adding that they’re excellent quality.

Reef Cushion Vera Cruz Slide Sandal 

A slide sandal is an easy, breezy addition to any outfit — the perfect vibe for a tropical vacation. This versatile option would look great with anything in your suitcase, from flowy dresses to linen shorts. You could wear them during sea days or dress them up with trousers for the dining room. Plus, Amazon shoppers call them ​​”so comfortable” due to the soft footbed.

Eqaudes Platform Slip-on Espadrille Sandal 

A chunky platform is my ultimate hack for staying comfortable while dressing up a vacation outfit. I wore a similar shoe every night on a cruise to Bermuda last summer, and the neutral raffia matched all my outfits. “[They’re] great dressier shoes for a beach vacation,” one shopper wrote. “They were easy to walk in and true to size.”

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