Looking for stylish walking shoes with shock-absorbing soles, breathable materials and ergonomic arch support? It will help in navigating cobblestone streets in Rome, strolling along the Seine in Paris, or exploring bustling markets in Barcelona. Here are top 10 stylish walking shoes to explore Europe in 2025.
Top 10 Stylish Walking Shoes for Exploring Europe in 2025
Travelling in Europe means walking through cobbled streets, excursions through the countryside or admiring historic landmarks—all of which require the right footwear. The best walking shoes aren’t just about comfort; they keep you on your feet from sightseeing to late-night dinners.
The global athletic footwear market expected to be valued at $89.83 billion in 2025 per Statistica. But how should we select the best pair, especially when one is on a globetrotting expedition?
Modern-day walking shoes go beyond functionality and offer advanced features like shock-absorbing soles, breathable materials and ergonomic arch support while embracing stylish designs that complement a travel wardrobe. No matter your itinerary, investing in the right walking shoes will help maximise your European experience.
We have compiled a guide to the top walking shoes for exploring Europe in 2025, with emphasis on support, cushioning, and style, so you can enjoy your journey.
Top 10 Stylish Walking Shoes for Exploring Europe in 2025
Geox
Hailing from Italy, Geox is famed for its breathable technology that keeps feet fresh even on extended walks. The Geox Nebula line features a patented ventilation system that helps regulate temperature and moisture, making it a perfect choice for Europe’s climate. What’s more, Geox Walk Pleasure™ Shoes for Men has a new sole-construction technique which delivers both breathability and an ultra-cushioning effect for formal footwear too. With the waterproof and breathable Amphibiox, feet stay dry even in heavy rain thanks to the membrane in the outsole and the top of the shoe.
Top 10 Stylish Walking Shoes for Exploring Europe in 2025. image: GEOX
ECCO
Danish brand ECCO has built a reputation for sophisticated design and all-day comfort. The ECCO Soft 7 Sneaker- for instance- is crafted from premium full grain leather that provides superior support and flexibility. Its lightweight construction and shock-absorbing sole make it well-suited for navigating Europe’s historic, uneven pavements while retaining an elegant appearance. BIOM 2.1 X Mountain outdoor shoe is built for the outdoors; its BIOM® Technology and ultra-light PHORENE™ midsole keeps a strong grip on the ground while the innovative cleats on the ECCO Performance Rubber+ outsole offers grip, multi-directional traction.
Clarks
A stalwart of British footwear, Clarks is celebrated for its commitment to comfort and timeless style. Models like the Clarks Un Adorn Zip combine modern aesthetic with exceptional cushioning and ergonomic design. Their lightweight durable construction is ideal for long walks on cobbled streets and urban environments, ensuring your feet remain comfortable while you explore European towns steeped in history. And the Nature X collection is a balance of comfort tech and athleisure design influences, guaranteeing support and style.
Skechers
Skechers has carved a niche in the casual footwear market with its Go Walk series. These shoes are designed with a focus on lightweight comfort, featuring flexible soles and responsive cushioning that absorb impact during prolonged periods of walking. Their sporty, contemporary design makes them a favourite among urban explorers across Europe. Take on the trails in Skechers GO RUN® Trail Altitude 2.0: Coldwater Canyon. This water-repellent trail running lace-up features a mesh upper with action leather overlays, ultra-ultra-light midsole cushioning and a Skechers Air-Cooled Goga Mat™ breathable high-rebound insole.
Top 10 Stylish Walking Shoes for Exploring Europe in 2025. Image: Skechers
New Balance
American brand New Balance has a strong following in Europe thanks to its commitment to superior fit and arch support. The 990, for example, is recognised for its classic design and cushioning technology, providing stability on a variety of surfaces. The Men’s MX608v5 Slip Resistant features an enhanced ABZORB heal pad for premium cushioning and abundant outsole flex grooves for superior flexibility while the Women’s Fresh Foam X 1080 is perfect for walking and running — the Soft Fresh Foam X midsole provides cushioning while a soft premium upper provides support and breathability.
Salomon
A French brand with deep roots in outdoor performance, Salomon is best known for its technical expertise in designing footwear for rugged terrain. The Salomon X Ultra 3 is engineered with aggressive traction and stability that excel on uneven cobbled surfaces and off-road trails. SPEEDCROSS 6 is lightweight with a powerful grip on the ground and fast mud evacuation, and THUNDERCROSS is a trail shoe for a dynamic, cushioned ride with exceptional grip and precise foothold, no matter how tricky, technical or nasty. Developed in the French Alps, it has been tried and tested on everything from rolling terrain to rocky slopes.
Merrell
Merrell offers a combination of performance and casual style, making it a popular choice for long walks across European cities. The Merrell Moab 2, in particular, is noted for its excellent grip, supportive arches and breathable upper materials. And, the Agility Peak 5 is a rugged technical running shoe that outperforms in quality, comfort, and fit. Whether you’re wandering through cobbled city streets or exploring rural trails, these shoes deliver reliable comfort and resilience without compromising on style.
Nike
Nike’s iconic Air Max range, particularly the Air Max 90, is synonymous with high-performance comfort and style. Featuring an air-cushioning unit that provides exceptional shock absorption, these shoes ensure that long walks across Europe’s diverse terrains are met with superior support. Nike Motiva Premium is designed for walking in comfort, with the highest level of cushioning. A tall foam stack is combined with the Comfort groove innovation on the outsole to absorb bumps and its exaggerated rocker helps propel you forwards. Nike Reina EasyOn Premium Women’s Shoes with Glitter has an innovative sockliner that adjusts to your foot size, and braces low-impact movement to walking everyday. Plus, the laceless EasyOn entry has a bendable heel for a hands-free fit.
Top 10 Stylish Walking Shoes for Exploring Europe in 2025. Image: Nike
Hoka One One
Hoka One One, now named hoka, stands out for its maximal cushioning and lightweight design. The Clifton series is popular, providing remarkable shock absorption and a smooth ride over cobblestone streets, making it ideally suited for the challenging walkways of European cities. With its bold design and focus on comfort, Hoka One One is a perfect combination of performance technology and modern aesthetics.
Adidas
Adidas is a sportswear giant whose footwear has become as much a fashion statement as a performance tool. The Ultra Boost is popular for its cushioning and energy-returning Boost technology, which makes long days on your feet both comfortable and energising. Adidas CloudFoam Move Shoes has a lined upper, cushioning and Adiwear outsole designed for durability. And in CushUp Shoes, lightweight EVA cushioning provides a springy, flexible feel while the grippy rubber outsole holds tight to city streets and Sockliner provides additional cushioning.
FAQs What To Keep in Mind When Shopping For Walking Shoes
Top 10 Stylish Walking Shoes for Exploring Europe in 2025.
What features should I look for in a good pair of walking shoes?
Ensure a snug fit with enough room for toe movement, proper arch support to prevent foot pain and discomfort, good shock absorption to reduce strain on your feet and joints, mesh or ventilated materials to keep your feet cool and dry and a sturdy sole with good grip to prevent slipping.
How do I know if a walking shoe fits properly?
Try shoes on in the afternoon when your feet are slightly swollen from daily activities. Wear the socks you plan to use for walking. And ensure there’s a thumb’s width of space between your longest toe and the shoe’s front. Walk around to test comfort, checking for any pinching or slipping.
Should I choose walking shoes based on my foot type?
- Flat Feet: Look for shoes with strong arch support to prevent over-pronation.
- High Arches: Choose cushioned shoes to absorb shock and reduce impact.
- Neutral Feet: A well-balanced shoe with moderate support works best.
How often should I replace my walking shoes?
Replace walking shoes every 300–500 miles. Signs it’s time for a new pair include worn-out soles or treads, decreased cushioning and support, and foot or joint pain.
Are expensive walking shoes always better?
Price doesn’t always equal quality. Consider fit and comfort, features that match your needs e.g., arch support, breathability, and customer reviews or expert recommendations before purchasing.
Where to Purchase Walking Shoes for Exploring Europe in 2025
Finding the perfect pair of stylish walking shoes for your European adventure is easier than ever, today. Major retailers like Nike, Adidas, New Balance and Allbirds offer comfortable walking shoes with the latest technology in cushioning and support. Websites like Zappos, Nordstrom, and REI provide a wide selection and flexible return policies. For those seeking premium European styles, brands like Ecco, Mephisto, and Veja offer shoes designed for all-day wear on cobblestone streets. Shopping directly from trusted retailers like Farfetch, SSENSE, and MatchesFashion can also help you find exclusive styles and limited-editions.
Visiting flagship stores or specialty footwear shops is a great option. Department stores like Bloomingdale’s, Selfridges or Galeries Lafayette carry a curated selection of walking shoes that balance style and function. Outdoor and travel-focused retailers such as The Walking Company and REI offer expert advice on finding shoes that provide the best support for long days on your feet. For last-minute purchases while in Europe, check out local sneaker boutiques or high-end department stores in London, Paris, and Milan.
How to Style Walking Shoes for Europe
Top 10 Stylish Walking Shoes for Exploring Europe in 2025.
There are a few things to keep in mind before selecting a new pair of walking shoes when travelling to Europe. It must be supportive and well-cushioned. It’s also worth considering what types of activities will fill your holiday calendar and the climate of the destination before heading out to purchase a pair. Now, the basics. Neutral-toned leather sneakers or minimalist trainers pair well with tailored jeans, classic button-down shirt and lightweight trench—perfect for sightseeing in Paris or Rome. Women can elevate their look with midi skirts or dresses, layered with a stylish blazer. Well-fitted monochrome pants and a structured top create a polished look, while a crossbody bag or a stylish scarf add a European vibe. For colder months, pair your walking shoes with dark jeans and a wool coat for a chic, functional outfit.
Jasmeen Dugal is Associate Editor at FashionABC, contributing her insights on fashion, technology, and sustainability. She brings with herself more than two decades of editorial experience, working for national newspapers and luxury magazines in India.
Jasmeen Dugal has worked with exchange4media as a senior writer contributing articles on the country’s advertising and marketing movements, and then with Condenast India as Net Editor where she helmed Vogue India’s official website in terms of design, layout and daily content. Besides this, she is also an entrepreneur running her own luxury portal, Explosivefashion, which highlights the latest in luxury fashion and hospitality.
