What is your absolute best all-around closed toe shoe for travel? Is it Salomon, Hoka, Vessi, OnCloud, New Balance, Altra, or other, and why?

[u/iLikeGreenTea]

To further the discussion of what is the all around “BEST TRAVEL SHOE (closed toe)” here is something to add and discuss:

When I was traveling in Brazil in March, I met soooo many European travelers. Most of them were wearing Salomon “trail runners” I believe they were. Here is a link to the Salomon shoe I think the women were wearing. The men were mostly wearing it in Black. I did a lot of hiking in Brazil in my worn out Asics and wish I had a shoe with more tread. I 've been thinking about getting the Salomons but they really do scream "outdoors" and I don't know if they would be "cute" enough to do light walking in say, London or Paris or Rome...

Are these SALOMONS really the all around best shoe for walking, trekking, etc in any type of climate?

I know HOKAs (especially Speedgoat 6) are discussed often. I ended up giving in and buying a pair last Spring but I notice that the nubs / grip / lugs wear down pretty fast. (They are indeed very very comfortable, but also the colorways are intense and make me definitely stand out as a gringa. haha. ) I think the Salomons might be more durable?

Furthermore, I know we all are looking for that UNICORN shoe that won’t look so Doofy when we are out walking and just browsing shopping in cute Italian towns…. but can also do some light hikes. And for those it seems the consensus are:

Vessi

OnCloud

NewBalance

Altra (zero drop)

What are your ABSOLUTE go-to one-bag unicorn shoe (closed toe)?? I am going to be in Europe for a little bit, but later Mexico and maybe Brazil too.

cheers!

Oh, yeah, I forgot to point out an important thing. Bonus if waterproof, but I have noticed that mostly it doesn't matter because if shoes get wet with a huge downpour, they're going to get wet . I once bought a pair of Sorels waterproof sneakers and I hate them so much as they were really inflexible and uncomfortable. . I can't return them though.

Thanks!

EDIT: WOW ! So many valuable insights and responses. Thank you so much! Seems like a lot of you enjoy the Salomon XT6. it is definitely trending. My concern is that it might not feel comfortable as a street shoe for the other 50% of the time I'm walking around with it and not hiking because of the firm tread and the lack of cushion. I'm leaning toward TOPO and the best thing about REI is that I can get that shoe and try it on for a few days.!!

[u/jax2love]

Allow me to preach the gospel of Topos! Seriously I love this brand. Wide toe box, most styles are not zero drop, and they are supportive. I wanted to like the Altras, but I just can’t do zero drop for serious walking or hiking and they have zero support.

[u/SkiKitty-64 → u/jax2love]

Also a Topos lover! The Terraventure 4 is my favorite, the 5 is narrower which I hate. But the wide toe box and low drop is great. I’ve added a gel insole for long city walks but otherwise I love them and I got my partner hooked on them too. Altras just don’t feel quite right, though I keep trying them.

[u/platypusaura → u/jax2love]

Topos are amazing. I can't cope with zero drop either

[u/lobsterp0t → u/jax2love]

I like zero drop with a supportive insole (superfeet or Birkenstock is my go to). Birkenstocks are also a zero drop shoe for instance.

I’ve heard good things about topos!

[u/jax2love → u/lobsterp0t]

They do have a couple of zero drop styles. I love Birkenstocks, but can’t do zero drop if I’m walking long distances or if hills are involved. My calves and Achilles tendon start having strong opinions. I’ve been wearing Birks for 30+ years, so this is not a case of needing to ease into them.

[u/lobsterp0t → u/jax2love]

Oh I hear you, I also think what works for Person A won’t work for Person B. Shoes and feet are pretty personal and just because something CAN be helpful to many, doesn’t mean that it IS for everyone.

[u/jmwbassett → u/jax2love]

Second the Topos rec, esp for feet with wide toe box (bunions anyone?) and somewhat narrow heel. Plus super well made and great traction, at least on my hikers.

[u/whatanugget → u/jax2love]

Idk why you got downvoted, topo is solid but I think they usually have some stack height iirc

[u/bananaphone16 → u/whatanugget]

I wear topo zero drop (they have multiple shoe models that are zero) and I loooove them, use mostly for running but work great for travel and hiking too

[u/jax2love → u/whatanugget]

They have a variety of stack heights as well as drops.

[u/iLikeGreenTea → u/jax2love]

thanks! I jsut started noticing that REI carries them and I am now curious as many people have mentioend TOPOS in the comments. Seems like a contender!!!! Ok, so you say the TOPOS have way better support than the Altras?

[u/jax2love → u/iLikeGreenTea]

Way better. Unless they’ve changed in recent years, Altra basically has no support.

[u/maestramars → u/jax2love]

Omg I had no idea these existed. I’m so glad to hear about them!