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With its unpredictable and often rainy weather, many of our readers frequently discuss what shoes to wear in London. Keep reading for some of the most practical (and cutest!) picks for your UK getaway to one of the most famous cities in Europe!
Best Shoes for Walking Around London
Table Of Contents
When packing for your trip to London, bringing the right shoes is crucial. Depending on the time of year, certain styles are better than others. And if you want to blend in with the locals, you might want to choose something that’s functional yet chic, with a bit of an edge!
The weather in London can vary greatly, not only from season to season but even from week to week! It definitely gets chilly and rainy in the fall and winter months, but even summer can bring some gloom. For this reason, a waterproof boot will generally work year-round, and you’ll definitely see locals wearing them in all seasons.
Ankle boots are always a sound choice for London!
A practical sneaker is great to pack, too. One reader shares their advice, “I saw more trainers aka, athletic shoes in London than ever at home because everyone is huffing it to work. I saw them in every shape, style, color, and pattern.”
It’s not all rain and gloom in London, however! Depending on when you travel, there can be some perfect opportunities to sport cute summery sandals or classic ballet flats, both of which are common picks for Londoners when the weather allows. Remember to check a site like theweatherchannel.com to always be abreast of the latest forecast before you travel.
If you want more information on what to pack for London, these resources may be of help:
- What to Pack for London
- London Packing List Essentials
- Ultimate Packing Guide for Vacation in London
- What to Wear in London in Summer
You can also grab a complete step-by-step guide in our What to Pack in London ebook, available here!
With the right shoes that can handle lots of walking and precarious weather, you’ll be set for an amazing trip filled with the city’s famous parks, museums, and international cuisine. Our readers have helped us compile this list of the best shoes for London walking that are stylish, comfy, and practical!
Best Sneakers for London
In warmer months, many locals opt for a fashionable sneaker. Sneakers are a must for London travel during warmer seasons or in moderate weather, because not only will they be super comfortable throughout long days of exploring the city, but they also bring a cool factor to any outfit! One of our readers who traveled to London in the fall reports, “Tennis shoes with everything (dresses, jeans, skirts) seems very popular.” These classic sneakers are versatile, travel-friendly, and stylish!
Taos Footwear Star Sneaker With Cushion (Wide Sizes Available)
Rated as the #1 selling sneaker on the blog, the Taos Star is an amazing choice for London. These lace-up sneakers are super comfortable: they have a soft lining, a cushioned footbed, and a flexible sole. The rubber outsole has excellent traction which is great for uneven surfaces or if an unexpected rain shower hits!
The Star is made of canvas leather which is very easy to keep clean. These shoes have such a polished look that can make any outfit look chic, and they look super cute with dresses! Available in wide sizes, too.
A lot of our readers have brought their Taos Star to London and loved them! One shares, “Love my Taos. Wore them while walking 15 miles a day for three weeks in Europe. I came home and bought them in every color. ”
We love the look, but warn that they have no arch support; if you have foot problems like plantar fasciitis, keep scrolling down for shoes with a little more padding and have a look at this post for shoes with arch support.
Shop: Allbirds
Allbirds Merino Wool Waterproof Runner Mizzles
For a sneaker that can handle London’s weather year-round, opt for Allbirds Wool Runner Mizzles. Readers adore these sneakers because they’re not only cute and crazy comfortable, but completely waterproof!! These beauties will have your back rain or shine.
These are definitely some of the best shoes for London weather because the merino wool keeps your feet cozy, while still being breathable and lightweight. They’re supportive and have a moisture-wicking, odor-reducing insole. And did we mention these are waterproof?!
One traveler shares, “I bought these for spring travel in Europe. They’re lightweight, pair with any outfit, waterproof, and I had no foot odor.”
Don’t get caught in the rain without a pair of our readers top picks for the best waterproof sneakers!
Shop: Amazon
ECCO Soft 7 Sneaker
The Ecco Soft 7 is very popular with our readers and gets recommended for travel constantly! This is such a cute and classy sneaker that can go with absolutely anything and will keep your feet super comfortable. The footbed has nice cushioning, and the leather upper is soft and lightweight.
One of our readers who is in the UK says she wears her Soft 7 sneakers all the time! Another reader reports, “I hardly had time to wear them much before I arrived in Europe. Have worn them nearly every day for over six weeks—some days doing 25,000 plus steps and I had no issues at all.”
These are our tried and tested reader recommendations for the world’s best travel shoes!
Best Slip Ons for London
Slip ons are popular in London with the locals, no doubt because of their ease of wear and their sleek look. They’re easy to get on and off, which is especially convenient in rainy conditions. The following picks are lightweight, breathable, incredibly comfy, and overall awesome travel options.
Shop: Amazon
Skechers Go Walk Slip On (Wide Sizes Available)
The Skechers Go Walk Slip Ons are the #1 bestselling slip on sneaker on the blog and are some of the best walking shoes for London. They’re made of a breathable knit, so your feet will stay nice and cool all day.
They feature a generously cushioned footbed and good grip that’s comfortable and secure while exploring the architecture around you—even when walking on uneven or cobblestone streets. This casual-cute shoe works with everything from pants to dresses! They’re available in a wide variety of colors and wide sizes, too!
One TFG reader shares, “I love the Skechers Go Walk series. For 10 days, I walked all over London, at least seven miles a day, wearing these all the time, and I suffer from planter fasciitis!”
If you want MORE of this brand, check out our post on the best Skechers for all occasions—from boots, sneakers, to sandals!
Shop: Amazon
Blondo Karen Waterproof Sneaker
The Blondo Karen Sneakers are some of the best shoes for London rain because they’re completely waterproof and can handle all kinds of wet weather! They’re made from recycled polyester knit, and even though they have sealed seams for ultimate protection, they’re still breathable and never get hot or stuffy.
Our readers say these are the most comfortable sneakers and that they can walk miles and miles in them, which is ideal to explore all that London has to offer. They’re flexible, supportive, and fit like a glove. Plus, their sporty yet elevated look means they can be paired with any outfit!
One wearer says, “I love these shoes. Super comfortable and I can wear them all day long! They look great.”
Take a look at this roundup of the most comfortable tennis shoes for women that are highly popular for their comfort and style!
Shop: Rothy’s
Rothy’s The Sneaker
The Sneaker Slip On from Rothy’s brings effortless style to any outfit. The insoles are cushy and supportive, and the outsoles are durable, so they’d make a great, stylish sightseeing shoe! In fact, readers named this very shoe a London staple that locals wear daily!
The knit thread is spun from recycled plastic water bottles which is amazing, and they’re both machine washable and easy to spot clean (very handy for travel!). Plus, they’re super packable and will take up very little space in your luggage!
One TFGer says, “I love my Rothys! They are quite flat but I have found them to still be much more comfortable for lots of walking, and it is also very easy to swap out the insoles. Also washable is the best thing ever for travel.”
If you have specific foot issues, Rothy’s may not be the right choice. You may want to check out our best orthopedic shoe post, the best shoes for flat feet, or these top shoes for plantar fasciitis!
Check out our Rothys review and find out why Travel Fashion Girl readers love their Rothys flats!
Best Sandals for London
If you happen to catch The Big Smoke during warm, sunny weather, you—and the locals—will be able to break out some cute sandals! Simple, comfortable sandals are some of the best shoes for London in June or July, as the weather is temperate and the sun is (mostly) shining! If you’re going to be strolling the streets, flat and supportive sandals are ideal, or if you want to elevate your look a bit, cushioned wedges are another stylish option. Stay comfy and cool in these cute picks!
Shop: Amazon
ECCO Flowt Backstrap Sandal
These ECCO Flowt Sandals are not only adorable, but super functional for travel, too! You can walk in these for hours, as they offer arch support and have a cushioned insole. This style has been a consistently popular sandal with our readers, and has landed on our monthly reader must-haves series!
The velcro straps make them easy to take on and off, and while they look great worn casually, they can dressed up, too. These sandals can take you from a long stroll down Brick Lane to a posh afternoon tea!
A reader says, “I really want a chic looking sandal that wouldn’t scream ‘tourist’!! I tried the ECCO Flowt sandals on a whim at Nordstrom, and couldn’t believe how comfy they felt. I wore these all around Europe — over broken roads, cobblestone, even on trails, and they never failed me.”
Here are even more of our readers favorite Ecco styles including their recommendations for sandals, sneakers, and flats.
Shop: Amazon
BareTraps Danny Platform Sandal (Wide Sizes Available)
The Danny Sandal from BareTraps is a cute, strappy pair that you can walk for hours in comfortably! These platforms have a contoured, cushioned footbed that feels amazing, and two sets of adjustable, faux-leather straps allow for a perfect fit. They also come in wide sizes!
These sandals have great traction, too, so wherever your explorations take you, you’ll be secure on the ground.
BareTraps comes highly recommended in the TFG Community, and the Danny ticks a lot of boxes! One reader shares, “I have had my pair of BareTraps for four years, and they have traveled many countries and continents.”
Shop: Amazon
Dansko Season Wedge Sandals
If you’re looking to kick things up a notch—1 inche to be exact!—this adorable Season Sandal by Dansko is a fabulous choice. This brand knows how to make a seriously comfy wedge, with a molded memory foam footbed that gives great arch support and microfiber-lined leather straps to keep everything snug.
They’re stain-resistant, have amazing traction, and are super versatile. Wear these for dinner out or a visit to a local pub!
TFG readers love Dansko wedges for travel. One wearer says, “These are by far the most comfortable sandals ever. They’re really cute and look great on. They cushion your walk so you can wear them everywhere to do everything.”
Here are comfortable walking sandals that are stylish, too!
Best Ballet Flats for London
If you want to add a cute, feminine touch to your look, and the weather allows, a classic ballet flat is ideal for London. While they’re not recommended for long bouts of walking or sightseeing, ballet flats are great for a short jaunt or if you’ll be hailing a black cab to your destination. If you need an elevated shoe for an afternoon tea or dinner out in London, look to these charming picks below!
Shop: Amazon
Hush Puppies Chaste Ballet Flat (Narrow, Wide, and Extra Wide Sizes Available)
The Hush Puppies Chaste Ballet Flats are THE most popular among our readers! They’re an easy classic and widely loved for their comfort. The cushioned footbed molds to your feet, and is flexible yet supportive. They also feature a breathable, perforated arch.
They come in over 40 colors and prints, and are available in narrow, wide, and extra wide sizes, too!
TFG readers seriously adore these flats for travel. One says, “They are super comfy and cute. Love mine.”
Looking for some extra support? Check out our readers tried and tested recommendations for the best insoles for a day spent on your feet!
Shop: Amazon
Vionic Spark Caroll Ballet Flat (Wide Sizes Available)
Vionic is another very popular brand in the TFG Community for its reliable and travel-friendly shoes. The Spark Caroll Ballet Flat is a favorite! Soft, satin elastic wraps around the top with a cute crossover design at the toes and the podiatrist-designed footbed is lined with cozy microfiber. You can wear these beauties with absolutely anything, and they transition from day to night wonderfully!
One traveler gives a rave review: “Superb shoe for traveling! Enough coverage to not slip off your foot, but a feminine style with superior arch support. The first time I wore them was for a transatlantic flight with a full day of activities upon arrival. I wore the shoes for about 20 hours with no problems whatsoever!”
These come in a variety of colors and in both regular and wide sizes.
TFG readers are ALWAYS recommending Vionic for comfortable shoes. Whether it’s sandals, sneakers, or boots, here are their top picks!
Shop: Amazon
Naturalizer Flexy Ballet Flat (Wides Sizes Available)
Naturalizer’s Flexy Ballet Flat is easy-going and so adorable. Wearers say this shoe is super comfortable with good arch support, and the padded collar at the heel is a really nice touch. The durable rubber soles are non-slip, so you’ll feel secure in these!
One reader says, “My go-to for comfortable non-athletic shoes.” Available in regular and wide sizes, as well as in a variety of cute colors and patterns!
These what our readers rated as having the most cute and comfortable ballet flats for travel!
Best Boots for London
As soon as fall approaches with cooler weather and increasing rainfall, Londoners will start to don their trusty boots, and so should you! Boots are definitely the best shoes for London winter trips, but they’re truly great all year round. One of our readers shares, “Londoners were already donning their Chelsea boots, jackets, and sweaters in August!” So it’s safe to say that no matter the time of year, you can never go wrong with a boot in London! These options are waterproof, comfy, and super cute.
Shop: Amazon
Sorel Emelie Waterproof Chelsea Boot
The Sorel Emelie Boots are top-selling on the blog! Chelsea boots are the go-to style for Londoners, so these make a great choice for your trip to not only look stylish but blend in a bit too. The Emelie just might be the best rain boots for London, as they’re waterproof, durable, and super comfy to walk long distances in.
The memory footbed has good cushioning, while the midsole features shock absorption. Plus, the outsole has crazy-good traction, which is perfect for wet and slippery conditions.
One reader who went to London in September says, “I wore my waterproof Sorel boots which were perfect for the wet, cold weather we had.”
Find out why our readers vote Sorel as a top travel footwear brand, and take a look at their top picks for sneakers, sandal and boots!
Shop: Amazon
Blondo Waterproof Dagger Fashion Boot
Readers love the Blondo Dagger Waterproof Boot for a trendy travel boot option! They’re some of the best boots for London winter because they can handle rain, puddles, and slush with ease! And wearers report that they’re super comfortable.
These boots are absolutely gorgeous and versatile enough to go with just about everything. They feature a stylish buckle and a side zip closure, as well as a lug sole that’s amazingly sturdy.
One wearer shares, “Super comfortable and stylish walking boot! Holds up beautifully in the pouring rain and keeps my feet super dry!”
Shop: Amazon
UGG Hapsburg Waterproof Combat Boot
For a boot with a bit of a fun edge, opt for UGG’s Hapsburg Combat Boots. These are super cozy and functional shoes for London’s winter months, as they’ll protect your feet from all the elements and keep them cozy as can be while doing it!
The outsole has killer traction, so they’re great for trekking around London in rainy weather. The footbed is comfortable and supportive and features shock absorption for extra comfort and protection.
One user says, “These are my new favorite boots! They fit so nice, true to size, and go perfectly with jeans, shorts, or dresses. The neutral color is also a bonus for versatility.”
Find out our readers’ picks for the best black ankle boots for traveling!
Best Shoes to Wear In London Comparison Chart
What do you think are the best shoes for London travel? Share with us in the comments!
For more tips on what to wear in the UK, please read:
- London Outfit Ideas
- What to Wear in England Year Round
- What to Wear in England in Winter
- What to Wear in the Lake District
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I love traveling with Rothy’s. Easy to pack, comfortable, and machine washable. Win, win, win.
Love your packing guides!
I have purchased 3 pairs of shoes from this list! All are very comfortable and great for travel!
Just joined this group and this is incredibly eye opening for finding tips on what I really need for my upcoming European vacation. Shoes that are practical and comfortable are next on my list after finding a travel bag – great article I’m ordering two pairs on Amazon today!
I’ve been following you on FB for a few months now and used your advice for shoes to travel in. I have a wide foot and struggle with comfie shoes. I also have a husband that when we travel likes to go all day without a break. ( He may have been accused of marching me across Rome a few years ago. )I’m up for all that sightseeing too but my feet don’t always agree. I took you advice and bought Ecco flowt sandals and Ecco sneakers. They made all the walking we did so much better. Best tip I got was to buy the sneakers in a mens size. They were wider and worked great for my wider foot.
I’ve been following you on FB for a few months now and used your advice for shoes to travel in. I have a wide foot and struggle with comfie shoes. I also have a husband that when we travel likes to go all day without a break. ( He may have been accused of marching me across Rome a few years ago. )I’m up for all that sightseeing too but my feet don’t always agree. I took you advice and bought Ecco flowt sandals and Ecco sneakers. They made all the walking we did so much better. Best tip I got was to buy the sneakers in a mens size. They were wider and worked great for my wider foot.
I am so happy I found you on google search. I am traveling first time to Europe and everything you recommend has been so helpful. Instead of trying to figure it out and end up buying travel stuff I will regret AFTER my trip is most important to me. I don’t want to reinvent the wheel while I am a newbie to travel. I cant wait to try out your suggestions on most stuff I bought through your links. Thank you for sharing all of your info!!!
I used to live in London and would alternate between sneakers and boots all year depending on the weather! Some months I lived in my rain boots. It was hard not to buy all the fun rain boots in London!
The Ecco Flowt sandals are the BEST! I have the worst feet & I can wear them all day with no pain. I take them everywhere!
The ecco sandals are a staple wardrobe piece. They are dressy but look just as great with casual clothes. The colors are versatile and neutral enough to wear with any color. I recently traveled to Germany and wore our my Clarks sandals so I’ve been looking for a neutral replacement sandal that I can wear in Cuba in February. I’m so excited to take these sandals! They are so cute and comfy! I recently wore them to a cemetery tour where I stood for 3 hours straight on uneven grass and my feet felt great when I got home.
I just returned from Scotland and wore my Taos leather white sneakers with sun dresses and on wetter days with pants. I rotated them with my slip on sketchers. Not one day did I have back or hip pain from either shoe. I highly recommend both.
Just discovered your blog this summer before our trip to London. This blog and the one on picking a carry on were so helpful! Thank you!
I absolutely love the ECCO Flowt Backstrap Sandal. After your recommendation I bought it for Disney World and walked 20k steps a day with no trouble. Then I wore it for a week walking around London this summer and it was perfect!
I love the Ecco 7 soft sneaker I use them all the time. I’ve been following you for awhile now. Every time I go on a trip whether it’s a weekend or longer trip I check your website for tips & recommendations from you & your readers. Thank you!
I love my Blondo’s. Purchased them after reading your blog and wore them all around Iceland! Your blog is so helpful in so many ways.
The Baretraps Danny is my favorite shoe!
I just bought the Taos shoes for our upcoming UK/Italy trip! I’m excited to have a pair of shoes that have extra support, but I’m hoping that it will hold up with the amount of walking that we do on our trips (20K to 35K steps per day)!
Very helpful list for my upcoming trip to Italy later in September!
Taos for the win!! I ordered my white leather Taos a half size up and they fit perfectly. Wore them all around England and Scotland this summer with no issues at all. Very comfy with no break in period. Pair them with Bombas no show socks for a summery look!
I am on my feet all the time for work and I love the Sketchers slip ons. They also travel with me when I know there will be a lot of walking because I already know they are comfortable.
I will be in London late November -early December for the Christmas festivities and glad to know that the Allbirds Mizzles are on the list. Just ordered my 2nd pair and love them. With back issues ankle boots are not the best but maybe if I find a good wet weather pair in London I’ll treat myself.Thanks
This blog helped me narrow down my footwear for my Italy trip in September! Thank you for all of the very informative posts!
Thanks for the post, going in September bc trying to figure out what shoe will work out best!
This post was super helpful in finding a sneaker that was both cute and durable for my trip to Europe this summer!
I’ve lived in London and these recommendations are spot on. My favs are ankle boots and white trainers(as sneakers are called there). A good sole is crucial for all the cobblestones.
I just returned from London and wore my white sneakers (very popular there with dresses) and Ecco flowt sandals. They were both great and stylish options!
Love the Ecco Soft 7s. Also Anatomie pants. Thanks for the great recommendations!
I just returned from London and wore my white sneakers (very popular there with dresses) and Ecco flowt sandals and both were perfect.
Love the selection of shoes to wear in London! I will be traveling there in May of 2023 with students, and I will definitely look at adding some of these to my packing list! Thanks!
Comfortable travel shoes aren’t always easy to find. It is so helpful to see what others love!
I purchased the Ecco Soft 7 sneakers for a trip to Italy but they became a wardrobe staple at home in VA. I love them! Comfortable, stylish, and easy to keep clean!
I ended up purchasing the Ecco sandals following this blog post, and I have zero regrets. I’ve spent hours walking in them and have had no pain whatsoever. They didn’t even require any breaking in… the perfect sandal. Thanks so much for this and so many awesome of posts. So helpful!!
I feel like the updated list of perfect shoes for London is, well, perfect! On my last trip to London & Dublin I took my Taos Star sneakers in gray (I coated them with waterproofing spray and they survived puddles!) and my Sorel Emelie booties in black. I didn’t even need that typical 3rd pair because these 2 worked in every situation. If I were going back to London anytime soon I think I’d take the Taos Plim Soul Lux in white leather and throw in one of your suggested ballet flats as well as wearing the Emelie booties on the flight (so easy to slip on/off!). But seriously, your list is so helpful.
I’ve had great luck with Ugg boots, as well as vionic. I have high arches and Plantar fasciitis so the arch support is imperative. Thanks for all the great tips!
Nothing like a Chelsea boot in London! The last time I was in the UK and Ireland I packed a pair of rainboots and got so many compliments. They did take up space but I wore them daily, so great return on my space investment. I’ll be checking out more of these footwear suggestions!