Travel expert Samantha Brown shares her top picks for the comfiest travel shoes

"My airport shoes are always a comfy sneaker-like shoe," Brown says. To that end, she's devoted to the FitFlop brand — and specifically this ultra-cushioned sneaker. 

"They put a lot of technology behind their soles, whether on their boots, sneakers or sandals. They are my go-to across the board!"

Microwobbleboard, the ergonomic midsole that put FitFlop on the map, is present in this stylish, versatile shoe. Its old-school gum sole is a nice touch, too.

Traveling to a warm-weather destination? Brown also loves FitFlop's platform sandals. "One time, I left my phone at a café in Amsterdam and pulled off a 10-minute sprint back to get it. These sandals didn’t fail me," Brown says.

They're great for walking because they have a slingback for stability and a cushioned footbed that gives good arch support. Plus, they have a slip-resistant sole, so they're Europe-proof.

But what truly elevates this pair to the top tier is that it boasts the coveted American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA) Seal of Acceptance.

Brown calls Cole Haan driving loafers "classic and elegant" and says the brand uses "a lot of technology in their soles." 

The brand has a slew of options to choose from, but this pair is one of the newest and brings a nice pop of color to your travel wardrobe (I'll always insist that red shoes are neutral).

They also have a foam-padded footbed — an important comfort feature to look for in shoes that you expect to go the distance (literally and figuratively), and an EVA outsole for grip.

Another Cole Haan shoe Brown loves is this slip-on ballet flat with non-slip rubber soles. The rounded toe box is a standout feature, while the half-inch heel adds a bit of arch support, setting these apart from most flat ballet styles.

The elegant gold hardware gives them an upscale look — you won't have to pay upscale prices, though, since they're on sale for under $100.

Brown also loves these woven flats, as the "round toe doesn’t squish your toes together." 

There is so much to like about these lightweight, easily packable and highly versatile shoes. First, they offer arch support, so you can clock a lot of miles in them. Second, their slim profile looks cute with skirts, shorts, jeans — you name it. They're machine-washable, so if they land in a mud puddle, they're easy to get clean. They're waterproof, so if you get caught in a light rain, they won't get soggy. Finally, they have a removable insole, so they can adapt to changing conditions as you travel. They're basically like five shoes in one, yet they take up minimal space in your luggage. 

Brown says her "destination shoe" when she's going somewhere seasonally appropriate is a boot with "a lot of cushioning to absorb the impact of even light walking. I do still like to look good and so style is important but not the most important."

Happy to say these Cushionaire shoes have you covered in both the style and comfort departments. The comfort comes courtesy of a lug sole with two-inch block heel and a memory foam insole. 

The boots are available in suede (shown) and vegan leather options.

These famously comfortable and breathable slip-on sneakers will be your airport security line MVP, thanks to their easy on-and-off design, says Brown. Plus, the EVA insole and outsole provide superior cushioning — so you'll be delighted to keep wearing them long after you've landed. 

And, of course, their rubber soles make them a great option for just about any terrain you find yourself traversing.