Fall has arrived, and I'm already making plans for my next getaway! Being the leaf-peeping enthusiast that I am, I've learned that shoe selection can make or break your fall trip.

Years of experimenting (and having some pretty sore feet) later, I'm here to pass on all my knowledge about selecting the best shoes for fall travel. Your feet will be grateful later, I promise!

Why Choosing the Best Shoes for Autumn Travel Matters

Let me tell you why I'm so passionate about autumn travel shoes. It's not just about looking good in your travel photos (though that's a bonus!).

Comfort and Support for Long Days

When I'm exploring a new city or hiking through colorful fall trails, I'm on my feet for hours. Bad shoes mean blisters, sore arches, and a ruined trip.

Good travel shoes for fall need proper cushioning and arch support. I've walked over 20,000 steps in a single day exploring Rome, and my feet felt great because I wore the right shoes.

The best autumn travel footwear has memory foam insoles and proper heel support. These features keep you comfortable whether you're walking cobblestone streets or standing in long museum lines.

Weather-Ready Shoes for Cool and Wet Conditions

Fall weather is tricky. One minute it's sunny, the next you're caught in a sudden shower. I learned this the hard way during a trip to London!

Your fall travel shoes must be able to deal with:

• Light rain and puddles
• Cool morning temperatures
• Afternoon warmth
• Slippery wet leaves

Water-resistant material and good traction are essential. No one wants wet socks in the middle of their sightseeing day.

How to Pick the Best Shoes for Autumn Travel

Choosing travel shoes for fall isn't just about style. Here's what I look for when shopping for my autumn adventures.

Key Features to Look For (Grip, Cushioning, Breathability)

Grip is everything. Wet leaves and morning dew make sidewalks super slippery. I always check that my shoes have rubber soles with good tread patterns.

Cushioning saves your feet. Look for shoes with thick midsoles and padded insoles. Your feet will stay happy during long walking days.

Breathability prevents sweaty feet. Even in cooler weather, your feet can get hot and sweaty. Mesh panels or breathable materials keep things fresh.

I also check for:

• Flexible soles that bend with your foot
• Secure lacing or straps
• Lightweight construction
• Easy slip-on design for airport security

Materials That Work Best in Fall Weather

After testing dozens of shoes, here are my favorite materials for autumn travel:

Leather is classic and durable. It handles light rain well and looks great with any outfit. Full-grain leather boots are my go-to for European city trips.

Synthetic materials dry fast and are often lighter than leather. They're perfect for active adventures and hiking.

Gore-Tex or similar waterproof membranes keep feet dry without sacrificing breathability. Great for unpredictable fall weather.

Canvas with water-resistant coating gives you casual style with some weather protection. Perfect for laid-back autumn trips.

Avoid materials like suede (stains easily) and mesh without water resistance (your feet will get soaked).

Best Shoes for Autumn Travel by Destination

Different destinations call for different shoes. Here's how I pack based on where I'm going.

City Trips – Stylish Yet Comfortable Picks

For autumn city breaks, I need shoes that work with everything from jeans to nice pants. Style matters when you're dining out or visiting museums.

My top picks for urban autumn travel:

• Clean white sneakers with good support
• Ankle boots in brown or black leather
• Slip-on sneakers for easy airport travel
• Low-profile hiking shoes that look like sneakers

I always bring shoes I can wear with both casual and slightly dressy outfits. Versatility is key when packing light.

Countryside Adventures – Durable and Practical Choices

Rural autumn travel means hiking trails, farm visits, and outdoor exploring. Function comes first here.

For countryside autumn trips, I pack:

• Waterproof hiking boots with ankle support
• Trail running shoes with aggressive tread
• Insulated boots if it's getting cold
• Gaiters to keep debris out

Don't forget wool socks! They keep feet warm even when wet and prevent blisters on long hikes.

International Travel – Versatile Shoes for Any Climate

International autumn travel is tricky because weather can vary so much between regions. I need shoes that work in multiple climates.

My international autumn travel shoe strategy:

• One pair of comfortable walking shoes
• One pair of dressier shoes for nice dinners
• Lightweight packable rain shoes or covers
• Merino wool socks for temperature regulation

I research the climate before I go and pack accordingly. Southern Europe in fall is different from Scandinavia!

Top Styles of Shoes for Autumn Travel

Let me break down the best shoe styles for fall travel. Each has its place in the perfect autumn shoe wardrobe.

Sneakers for All-Day Comfort

Sneakers are my autumn travel MVP. They work with almost any outfit and provide excellent comfort for long days.

The best travel sneakers for fall have:

• Thick, cushioned soles
• Breathable upper materials
• Water-resistant coating
• Neutral colors that match everything

I love white leather sneakers because they're easy to clean and go with any outfit. Canvas sneakers work too, but get a water-resistant spray.

Avoid bright colors or flashy designs. You want shoes that work with multiple outfits and don't scream "tourist."

Ankle Boots for Chic and Cozy Vibes

Ankle boots are perfect for autumn travel. They're stylish, provide good foot coverage, and work with pants or dresses.

My favorite autumn travel ankle boots feature:

• Low heel (1-2 inches max) for walking comfort
• Side zip for easy on/off
• Water-resistant leather
• Comfortable insole

Brown and black leather boots are most versatile. They work for sightseeing during the day and dinner at night.

Skip high heels or boots with thin soles. Cobblestone streets will destroy your feet!

Waterproof Hiking Shoes for Outdoor Explorations

If your autumn travel includes hiking or outdoor adventures, waterproof hiking shoes are essential.

Look for:

• Gore-Tex or similar waterproof membrane
• Vibram rubber soles for grip
• Ankle support for uneven terrain
• Quick-dry materials

Modern hiking shoes look more like sneakers, so they work for casual wear too. This makes them perfect for active autumn trips.

Slip-On Loafers for Easy Airport Travel

Airport security is so much easier with slip-on sneakers! Loafers are my go-to for travel days.

The best travel loafers have:

• Easy slip-on design
• Comfortable insoles for long travel days
• Leather or synthetic uppers
• Non-slip soles

Driving moccasins work great too. They're super comfortable and pack small in your luggage.

Packing Tips for Your Autumn Travel Shoes

Smart packing makes your autumn trip smoother. Here are my tried-and-true shoe packing tips.

How to Save Space in Your Luggage

Shoes take up so much suitcase space! Here's how I maximize room:

• Wear your heaviest shoes on the plane. Hiking boots or thick sneakers stay off my feet and on the plane floor.
• Stuff socks and underwear inside shoes. This saves space and helps shoes keep their shape.
• Use shoe bags or plastic bags. This keeps dirty shoe soles away from clean clothes.
• Pack shoes along the sides of your suitcase. They fit better against the rigid edges.

I try to limit myself to 2-3 pairs max for autumn trips. More than that and my suitcase gets too heavy.

Shoe Care Essentials to Keep Them Fresh

Autumn travel is hard on shoes. Here's how I keep mine looking good:

• Pack travel-size shoe cleaner. Leather wipes or a small bottle of sneaker cleaner work wonders.
• Bring a small shoe brush. Perfect for removing mud or dried dirt from hiking.
• Pack extra socks. Wet socks lead to blisters and smelly shoes.
• Use shoe trees or stuff shoes with paper. This keeps them from getting crushed in your suitcase.
• Rotate your shoes daily. Give each pair time to air out and dry completely.

Ardur Favorites – Best Shoes for Autumn Travel

At Ardur, we've tested hundreds of shoes for autumn travel. Here are our absolute favorites.

Our Top Picks for Men

• Explorer Sneakers - Our most popular men's travel shoe combines style and comfort perfectly. The waterproof leather upper handles fall weather while the cushioned sole keeps feet happy all day.
• Summit Hiking Shoes - For outdoor adventures, these lightweight hiking shoes provide excellent grip and support. The breathable membrane keeps feet dry without overheating.
• Classic Loafers - Perfect for business travel or nice dinners, these slip-on loafers are comfortable enough for walking and stylish enough for any occasion.

Our Top Picks for Women

• City Walker Boots - These ankle boots are our best-selling women's autumn travel shoe. The low heel provides comfort while the sleek design works with any outfit.
• Trail Runner Sneakers - Designed specifically for women's feet, these sneakers provide excellent support and cushioning for long sightseeing days.
• Travel Flats - When you need something dressier, these cushioned flats pack small and work for both day and evening wear.

All Ardur shoes come with our 30-day comfort guarantee. If they don't work for your travels, we'll make it right.

Last Thoughts on Selecting the Best Travel Shoes for Fall Travel

After many years of fall travel, I've discovered that good shoes for fall can make all the difference. Don't procrastinate and break in travel shoes at the last minute!

Begin wearing them two weeks ahead of your travel date. Take them for a walk around the block, wear them to the office, ensure they are comfortable.

Keep in mind that fall weather is not predictable. Pack shoes that can get rain, cool weather, and plenty of walking.

Most importantly, wear shoes you adore. When your feet are comfortable, you can concentrate on creating fantastic travel memories.

FAQs Regarding the Best Autumn Travel Shoes

How many shoes do I need to pack for autumn travel?

For most autumn trips, I pack 2-3 pairs of shoes maximum. One comfortable pair for lots of walking, one dressier pair for nice dinners, and maybe hiking shoes if I'm doing outdoor activities.

The key is choosing versatile shoes that work with multiple outfits. This saves suitcase space and reduces your luggage weight.

What type of shoes are best for rainy fall days?

Rainy autumn travel calls for waterproof or water-resistant footwear. Choose shoes made with Gore-Tex membranes, water-repellent leather, or synthetic materials.

Good traction is also needed for slippery surfaces. Rubber soles with deep grooves for the best traction on wet leaves and slippery sidewalks.

Can I wear sneakers in colder autumn destinations?

Yes! Contemporary sneakers are suitable for cooler autumn weather. Choose shoes with:

• Insulated lining for warmth
• Water-resistant uppers
• Thick soles to keep feet off cold ground

Combine them with warm wool socks for added comfort. Some travel shoes even have insoles you can remove and replace with your warmer insoles.

Ready to discover your ideal fall travel shoes? 

Shop our entire collection of tested shoes at Ardur. All shoes shipping free above $50 and come with our comfort guarantee – because your next adventure begins with happy feet!

Shop Shoes at Ardur and your feet will thank you after the trip.