Prepping for a holiday includes the exciting task of curating Instagram-worthy fashionable looks. It’s fun to experiment with different outfit styles and travel accessories, but your footwear should also strike the perfect balance between style and comfort. Enter designer luxury sneakers for walking — the ultimate companion for covering long distances in your travel. After all, you wouldn’t want blisters, shoe bites and aching feet to ruin an otherwise fun-filled holiday, nor let boring shoes spoil your look.
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A comfy pair of sneakers is a travel essential to explore a new destination without compromising on the glamour quotient. It is undoubtedly the pièce de résistance of a vacation wardrobe. Whether you prefer packing light or are an over-packer, a classy pair of shoes that can be styled with multiple outfits (athleisure, casual or workwear) is simply unmissable. Such tasteful pieces offer the best of both worlds: relaxed comfort and high-street fashion.
Blurring the lines between luxury and streetwear, design houses collaborating with sportswear brands largely dynamise the ever-evolving sneaker landscape. Think New Balance partnering with Loro Piana or Miu Miu to revamp the classics or the coveted Air Jordan iterations by Dior and Off-White. With brands like Berluti, Balenciaga and TOD’S being lauded for their eclectic runners and walking sneakers for years now, there’s no dearth of options to pick from.
Not only are these luxury walking sneakers extremely versatile, but they also boast a durable make and premium quality set in a chunky, edgy silhouette or a minimal design, promising to stand the test of time no matter where your travels take you.
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Travel in style: Top luxury sneakers for walking
Loro Piana X New Balance 990v6
The year 2024 has been about collaborations for New Balance, and one of the most iconic ones is with Loro Piana, an Italian fashion house. Reinventing the 990v6 with premium materials and fine craftsmanship while retaining the functional and performance-driven design, the sneakers redefine luxury like no other. The upper is made using nubuck leather and Loro Piana’s signature Pecora Nera wool, which is remarkably soft and durable. The cushioned midsole featuring FuelCell technology provides all-day comfort.
Although these limited edition sneakers flew off the Loro Piana store shelves, a few pieces are still up for grabs in the resale market.
Image credit: Courtesy Stockx
- Size & fit True to size
- Closure Lace-up
- Additional features Classic N letter branding on side and logo detailing on the tongue, burgundy highlights, cosy and snug fit
Berluti Shadow Sneaker
Known for their craft and bespoke shoemaking, Berluti has a lot to offer apart from their extensive range of leather dress shoes and the Shadow sneaker is a testament to that. Constructed with the same skilled expertise and finesse, its sporty yet sophisticated design allows it to be styled with both joggers and pants with equal flair.
The shoe is made with soft and breathable stretch knit fabric and Venezia calf leather panels with light rubber soles lending optimum comfort. The colour combination and the signature logo detailing accents the look of this shoe to the T.
Image courtesy: Berluti
- Size & fit True to size
- Closure Slip-on
- Additional features Padded insole, decorative lacing, pull tabs for ease
Brunello Cucinelli Suede Runners
Promising elevated style and comfortable wear, this pair by Brunello Cucinelli has an athletic make that’s highlighted by the brand’s iconic monili detailing on the toes. Crafted using velvety soft suede and a semi-glossy technical fabric, the design features an extremely lightweight rubber outsole adding to its flexibility and pleasant fit.
Additionally, the TPU heel counter inserts with light grooves along with the two-toned outsole make for the perfect finishing touch to the pair’s style quotient. While the shoes are also available in the noir (black) colourway, the blanc (white) style sure stands out for its versatility.
Image courtesy: Brunello Cucinelli
- Size & fit True to size
- Closure Lace-up
- Sole/heel height 0.4 inches
- Additional features Flat fabric laces, lightweight micro rubber sole, fabric lining, nickel-free monili
Bottega Veneta Orbit Sneakers
Designed for comfort, the Orbit sneakers channel both impeccable style and easy wear, making it a great luxury unisex sneaker to consider splurging on for your next trip. Constructed with technical mesh that lends optimum breathability and flexibility, the shoe offers fluid movement and feels absolutely lightweight. The metallic overlays add a futuristic touch that coincides with the brand’s state-of-the-art approach towards fashion.
Moreover, while the white and silver colourway complements all hues, the shoe’s style pairs equally well with casual wear and tailoring, which means you’ll be able to wear it with almost all of your outfits, consequently packing lighter.
Image courtesy: Bottega Veneta
- Size & fit Runs small, take a size up
- Closure Lace-up
- Additional features Rubber outsole, logo detailing on side panels, tongue and insoles
Prada Cloudbust Thunder Sneakers
A rather bold and edgy walking sneaker for men to add to their wishlist, this Prada pair’s futuristic look sets it apart from the rest. The 3D injected rubber eyestay elements overlaid on technical fabric make for its unusual upper. The double-bottomed rubber sole on the other hand infuses comfort with an industrial look that will make heads turn.
The red Cloudbust Thunder branding above the heel adds just the right amount of hue for a distinctive touch. Pair them with sweatpants, trousers or denim to pull off a different look each time.
Image courtesy: Prada
- Size & fit Narrow toe, go half size up
- Closure Lace-up
- Sole/heel height 1.96 inches
- Additional features Sawtooth rubber tread, tonal laces, Prada branding on tongue and heel counter, 100 per cent rubber sole, lightweight for a chunky and heavy-looking design
Miu Miu X New Balance 530 SL
Launched recently as part of their ongoing partnership with New Balance, Miu Miu’s take on the sportswear brand’s iconic 530 running shoe from 1992 has sparked the interest of both sneakerheads and fashion enthusiasts alike. Reinterpreted in a deconstructed design with an extremely flat yet sturdy sole and breathable uppers, the pair feels ultra-light and comfortable to walk about.
While each design in the collection is unique and is made using different materials, the Cinnamon colourway is what we have on our radar as great walking sneakers. It’s crafted using premium suede with a fabric lining and is accentuated with leather and cotton laces in white, brown and orange hues. The signature N branding on the sides and the collab logo detailing on the tongue, heel collar and insole further amp it up.
Image courtesy: Miu Miu
- Size & fit True to size
- Closure Lace-up
- Additional features Removable fabric insole, rubber sole, geometric patterned tread
Roger Vivier Viv’ Run Sneakers
If you’re looking for a luxury sneaker that perfectly blends glamour and all-day comfort, look no further. The Roger Vivier Viv’ Run sneakers are your thing. Featuring the Maison’s iconic Belle Vivier crystal buckle and the chunky Choc heel, this pair will take your streetwear fashion aesthetic a notch above while ensuring relaxed wear.
Designed by Gherardo Felloni, these luxury sneakers for women are constructed with scuba effect fabric and mesh with leather toes. The moulded rubber outsole further adds a bold, defining edge to the design. Moreover, these can be easily styled with most outfits such as dresses, pants, denim, shorts and athleisure wear, thereby minimising the need to pack several pairs of footwear on your trip.
Image courtesy: Roger Vivier
- Size & fit Fits slightly large, go half size smaller
- Closure Slip-on
- Sole/heel height 2.5 inches
- Additional features Front elastic band, fabric lining and insole, stretchy fabric
Dior Chrono Sneaker
A revamped iteration of the classic running shoe for Fall 2024, the Dior Chrono sneaker for women is a must on every fashionista’s wishlist for reasons more than one. Set on an ultra-lightweight EVA sole, the white mesh fabric features laminated, leather-effect panels in nude and silver hues overlapping each other in a perfect symphony.
The contemporary aesthetic of the design is further accentuated with laces, the signature star on the chunky sole, iconic CD branding on the sides, and a star patch on the tongue. Its timeless and versatile make will complement all kinds of outfits while promising long-lasting comfort.
Image courtesy: Dior
- Size & fit True to size; go half size larger for wider feet
- Closure Lace-up
- Sole/heel height 0.8 inches
- Additional features Dior signature on back, three-tone laces, comes with additional set of laces
Balenciaga Runner Sneakers
Fashioned in a play of bright blue, purple and yellow on a white base, the Runner sneakers by Balenciaga are iconic for their bold, sporty look. With the upper made entirely of mesh and nylon, the shoe boasts a worn-out effect (an aesthetic the brand is famous for) and offers a relaxed fit.
The TPU and EVA rubber sole supports the foam insole and the runner logo on the exterior. Apart from the label’s branding throughout the design, what adds a distinctive look to it is the shoe size printed at the edge of the toe and embossed at the heel collar on the back.
Image courtesy: Balenciaga
- Size & fit True to size, but go a size down if confused between two
- Closure Lace-up
- Sole/heel height 2 inches
- Additional features Balenciaga logo embroidered on tongue and printed on back and insoles, has a back pull tab, embossed brand logo on the sole tread
FENDI Flow Sneakers
Walk around the city looking your stylish best in these FENDI Flow sneakers that offer a cosy fit and feel easy on the feet. Fashioned in a slip-on style, these are made with FF jacquard and 100 percent calf leather set on lightweight rubber soles.
While the side zip fastening adds to the functionality and style of the shoe, the gris colourway (white, grey and black) elevates its versatility multifold. The huge diagonal F detailing on the sole extending down to the tread stands out. The design also features branding on multiple areas including the heel counter, sides, tongue and insoles.
Image courtesy: FENDI
- Size & fit True to size
- Closure Slip-on
- Additional features Adjustable elastic laces, corrugated sole
TOM FORD Neoprene Jago Sneaker
The Jago sneaker is one of the top luxury sneakers for men to add to your wardrobe for its understated, sporty look. The all-black pair is designed by putting together multiple nylon, leather and suede sections in a sturdy make atop the sole that’s constructed using artisanal injected moulding techniques.
The cushioned insole provides excellent support while the sock-like opening provides a snug fit around the ankles. If an avant-garde black sneaker has been on your wishlist, we suggest you don’t miss out bookmarking this TOM FORD piece.
Image courtesy: TOM FORD
- Size & fit Runs slightly large, go half to full size down
- Closure Lace-up
- Additional features Grosgrain pull tabs and loops, 100 percent rubber sole, logo detailing on the front and bottom of the sole
TOD’S Run 63K Calzino Sneakers
TOD’S enjoys a lionised status in the footwear industry, especially for its leather pieces. That said, the brand has also found its footing in the streetwear landscape owing to its impeccable range of sneakers.
The 63K Calzino Sock sneakers fashioned in a technical fabric and calfskin leather inserts are quite a popular style by the brand. With an ergonomic silhouette, the shoe delivers optimum comfort and enhanced traction due to the lightweight rubber outsole featuring a pebbled tread. Whether you’re on a sightseeing tour, out for a run or hitting the gym, this pair will not fail you.
Image courtesy: Harrods
- Size & fit True to size
- Closure Lace-up
- Additional features EVA outsole with rubber pebbles, leather insole, logo detailing on tongue and insoles, pull tabs on heel collar
Moncler Trailgrip GTX Sneakers
Ideal not just for all-day walking but also for outdoor training activities, running and trekking, these Moncler luxury sneakers provide enhanced lightness, stability and protection to the feet.
Created with water-repellent nylon and further elevated with GORE-TEX waterproof membrane, these shoes are designed to stand the test of extreme wear. Additionally, the EVA midsole, OrthoLite insole and Vibram tread offer flexibility, long-lasting cushioning, slip resistance and enhanced traction.
Image courtesy: Moncler
- Size & fit True to size
- Closure Front toggle fastening
- Sole/heel height 1.77 inches
- Additional features Washable and breathable insoles, TPU spoiler sole, midsole and tread encapsulates carbon fibre, logo detailing at toe, tongue, sole, heels and tread, dual-toned laces, pull tab at heel
How to choose the best walking sneakers
Here’s what to look for when choosing a luxury sneaker for trips where you’d end up walking long distances.
- It should fit perfectly and feel immediately comfortable without requiring any break-in period.
- Ensure that the sneaker has some wiggle room to avoid discomfort. Your feet shouldn’t be pushed against the front toe box or the sides.
- Pay attention to the brand’s sizing guide and their recommendation on whether the sneaker is ‘true to size’, fits large or runs small and choose accordingly.
- Insole and midsole cushioning reduces impact and absorbs shock that comes from long walks and runs. Hence, look for a pair that’s properly equipped with these elements.
- A good pair of walking sneakers should be both sturdy and flexible, and provide optimum support to the arch. Avoid shoes that are entirely flat with no arch support or stability.
- Opt for a shoe that is lightweight and made of breathable materials, such as mesh for day-long comfort.
- Look for a sneaker that incorporates top-quality materials (fabric, leather and rubber) to ensure its durability and longevity.
(Featured image courtesy: Balenciaga)
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The information in this article is accurate as of the date of publication.
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Prices of the products mentioned are subject to change.
FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
The basic difference between the two styles lie in their design. Because running has more impact on the feet, the shoes also include extra cushioning, more heel flare and height, better responsiveness and flexibility than walking shoes. That said, while a running sneaker can be used for long walks as well, its walking counterpart won’t be a great fit for your runs.
The best sneakers for flat feet usually incorporate high arch support, enhanced cushioning, solid traction, wider toe box and extra midfoot stability as compared to designs for normal-arched feet.
You can do the wet footprint test to identify your arch type. This requires you to dip your feet in water and then stand on a piece of cardboard. On analysing that footprint, if you see that it’s wide in the middle and the shape looks like a complete foot without any curve, you have a flat or low arch. If it’s slightly narrower, you have a normal arch and if you can see little of the middle part or it’s extremely thin, you have a high arch.
Breathable mesh fabric, nylon, suede and lightweight rubber (for outsole) are the best materials for walking sneakers. While you should avoid all-leather shoes as they tend to feel heavier, designs featuring trims, overlays or panels crafted from leather can work.
A walking sneaker that fits perfectly will be snug yet roomy enough to allow your feet some space to breathe and splay. As a rule of thumb, ensure that there’s always around half an inch gap between your big toe and the front of the shoe. Similarly, the sides of your feet should not be squeezed or pinched because of a narrow toe box. If you have wider feet, avoid shoes with the almond toe shape. You can also go half a size up than your usual one.
While it might be okay to take a short walk on a well-maintained, simple trail, it’s always better to invest in a pair of high-quality hiking shoes if you indulge in this sport regularly and love challenging and demanding trails.
Written By
Divya Arora
With an academic background in Public Relations, Divya has a flair for writing about topics spanning ..Read More
