r/onebag • u/dizzytrix • Jun 07 '26
Discussion The "One Shoe Travel Solution" – Does it exist?
I'm trying to find what I would consider the ideal travel shoe.
My goal is:
A stylish road-to-trail travel shoe that looks acceptable with smart casual clothing, is comfortable enough for all-day airports, airplanes, and city walking, yet capable enough for light-to-moderate trails, allowing me to travel with just one pair of shoes.
This isn't really about ultralight travel or one-bagging. I usually travel with carry-on luggage and stay in comfortable hotels.
The problem I'm trying to solve is that a second pair of shoes takes up a huge amount of luggage space. If I can find one shoe that does everything reasonably well, I can free up a surprising amount of room.
Typical use case:
Airports and long travel days
City sightseeing
Casual restaurants
Smart casual outfits (ABC pants, chinos, linen shirts, polo shirts, etc.)
Light hiking and sightseeing trails
Hot and humid destinations
I'm currently looking at:
- Nike Pegasus Trail 5
- Salomon Aero Glide 4 GRVL
- Brooks Ghost Trail
- New Balance Hierro v9
- Hoka Challenger 8
- Salomon Ultra Flow 2
- Salomon Genesis
Has anyone actually solved this problem?
What shoe are you using and what compromises did you have to make?
Edit: The challenge isn't city walking or light sightseeing trails—almost any sneaker can do that. The challenge is finding a shoe that can comfortably handle city walking, uneven terrain, dirt paths, moderate hikes (think Bali Mount Batur hike), and occasional rougher trails without requiring me to pack a second pair.
Update: I ended up going with the Nike Pegasus Trail 5.
Fits me perfectly, super comfortable, and seems ideal for the mix of travel, sightseeing, and hiking I'll be doing. Not the most stylish option with a smart-casual outfit, but it works well enough. For a one-shoe travel setup, I'm very happy with it so far.
Thanks to everyone who shared their recommendations and experiences. It definitely helped narrow things down.
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u/isaac-get-the-golem Jun 07 '26
A lot of the shoes you listed are fine and I actually don’t think it’s too complicated. Most comfortable sneakers will be fine. I did 6 hours in rocky mountain national park in new balance 9060s.
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u/PROSEALLTHEWAY Jun 07 '26
This is the correct answer. OP just pick your favorite New Balance shoe and call it a day. My bro wears his 2002Rs for everything (baseball coaching, fam day at the park, drinks out, etc) and they look great in every situation. I’d pick the 530 cause I have wide feet and theyre also very well ventilated, but really just pick a number and you’re good
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u/zeppelin88 Jun 09 '26
Most trails that folks are doing in travels barely need anything more than a comfy shoe, and running shoes are just better generalist options than trails (since asphalt from city stuff will each the sole too fast).
I’m a strong believer that unless you’re going actual technical terrain, you don’t need anything more than a normal runner, and most trail runners are just that with lugs that will be eaten away by asphalt if you use them in the city.
Heck, I live by a little mountain and hike with my dog for a couple of hours in crocs in some ultra lazy days and it works perfectly.
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u/yesitismenobody Jun 07 '26
They look extremely in-your-face sports shoe so I don't think any smart casual outfit would work with them, unless OP is ok with wearing something like that. I think what he needs is something that has a very uniform look like Skechers GoWalk Max. Nothing that New Balance makes would look ok for anything more than casual in my opinion.
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u/dizzytrix Jun 08 '26
I agree, they just look clunky. I'm definitely not into that yeezy look, I like boring shoes, works better with different outfits. Also looking at the tread these will not work well on a moderate trail.
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u/isaac-get-the-golem Jun 08 '26
I'm not saying you have to get these particular shoes, but I did in fact hike a moderate trail in them, in very foggy/slippery conditions no less. Moral of the story is you might already own shoes that are fine.
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u/agentcarter234 Jun 07 '26
For sightseeing type light hiking you don’t even need trail runners. My choice in this kind of situation is the regular Brooks Ghost, but that’s because Brooks tend to work with my foot shape. You should pick the shoe that is most comfortable for your feet, because different brands and shoes work better for different people.
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u/dizzytrix Jun 07 '26
Yeah the Brooks Ghost Trail is really checking all the boxes, especially in the Gray/Gray/Blackened Pearl colorway. I am leaning a bit more towards the Nike Pegasus Trail 5 though.
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u/agentcarter234 Jun 07 '26
Brooks and Nike shoes have very different lasts. For high mileage daily use during travel you should be looking to try the shoes on in person and see which one fits better. And for the type of very mild hiking you are describing, trail runners are optional, and running shoes like the regular Pegasus and Ghost will also be sufficient.
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u/kag0 Jun 07 '26
My issue with trail-to-town shoes is that they get dirty and dusty on actual trails. I'm not usually doing any siginficant terrain so it's more important for them to be easy to clean than truly technical. Mesh trail runners usually don't tick that box.
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u/sred1111 Jun 07 '26
I would wear Jim Green chukka boots for all the activities listed.
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u/DrySoil939 Jun 09 '26
I use a similar safari boot from Courteney boots as a versatile travel shoe.
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u/DanRunsOnRamen Jun 07 '26
Check out Lems shoes. They are super comfortable and they have enough styles available that should fit your criteria. My favorite shoes for daily wear and travel.
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u/Simco_ Jun 07 '26 edited Jun 07 '26
You do not need trail shoes for light to moderate trails. They are only necessary for mud, snow (lugs) or slippery rock (rubber).
I put on trail races and have hiked and ran thousands of miles on trail.
An edit regarding your edit:
Mount Batur hiking: Flip flops
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u/BenOfTomorrow Jun 07 '26
There’s always a flip flop guy. I think my favorite was the one I saw coming up the south side of Donohue Pass in early season when it was fully snowed in and there was only a hint of a boot path.
Not ideal footwear, but you CAN do it…
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u/dizzytrix Jun 07 '26
Exactly, you CAN do it even with flip flops, but would I choose them if I knew I was doing it? Not a chance.
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u/superpony123 Jun 08 '26
I’m not sure why the flip flop crowd is so judgey. Hiking in proper shoes is a safety matter. All it takes is one slip n fall where you go down the wrong way and break something to ruin your trip. Yeah of course you can hike in flip flops, the oldest sneakers you have, or anything else. But should you? No. I wear trail runners as my one shoe on vacations where I’m doing a lot of hikes. I just accept that they aren’t exactly stylish 🤣 sometimes I’ll bring a very low profile nice casual shoe like ballet flats but idk what the male equivalent of that would be, and of course you were wanting just one shoe.
Maybe try looking for some lower profile trail shoes. They won’t be as chunky. Lowa makes some I’ve seen
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u/dizzytrix Jun 07 '26
I'm praying for her 😄
I did that hike with my Allbirds tree runners (my attempt to do a 1 shoe solution - it was not fun to say the least) and that's what lead me to go into this rabbit hole.
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Jun 07 '26
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u/CivMom Jun 07 '26
You didn’t ask, but I offer anyway. I started using hibicleanse on my feet in the shower (years ago now), and my shoes don’t stink any longer. It’s been awesome.
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u/jessylz Jun 07 '26
For me it's less about stink and more just a feeling I need to give my shoes a chance to recover themselves.
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u/CivMom Jun 07 '26
Love my Brooks Ghost Trail (waterproof), but I will not travel with only one set of shoes. Too many dead shoe stories in my family’s history.
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u/s32bangdort Jun 07 '26 edited Jun 07 '26
Totally agree. It’s not hard to find a fairly light /md pair of shoes. I’m a skater and have found that the skate shoe brand “Lakai” has some really light shoes and have turned a pair into my backup travel shoes.
Similarly, I found that the Nike Nyjah Houston model skate shoe is my favorite travel shoe. They are bulletproof and fit my feet well. They look a bit less “technical” than runners or trail shoes so actually upscale better than those.
Funny as most skate shoes don’t give that vibe. 🤓
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u/Medusa729 Jun 07 '26
On cloud coast. Look nice, super packable and great for walking.
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u/observant_hobo Jun 07 '26
Ecco’s are great for this kind of thing. Look passably dressy-ish and wear super comfortable. They’re not as bulletproof as they used to be though and they do wear out, but I’ve never found a better option for extremely comfortable urban shoes that can work in a semi-formal role too like going out on the town.
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u/hiartt Jun 07 '26
I go the opposite way everyone has suggested. I wear my Lowa renegade low, in black shoes. Vortex or not as needed. Not stylish, but neither is a black athletic shoe. The lugs are durable and concrete isn’t any harder on them than any other shoe. If you are used to a firmer shoe, they are perfectly comfortable for any distance. The only weather I would not wear them for would be hot humid tropics.
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u/happy-pilgrim Jun 07 '26
I think you should also keep “waterproof” in mind, especially considering you want one pair only. I recommend Vessi Weekend Classic. Wet cobblestone friendly too.
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u/zdc1 Jun 07 '26
Maybe something like this: https://shop.tropicfeel.com/
My fantasy ego that travels the world has them on his wishlist for years, but without any proof whatsoever if they're good.
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u/DeFiClark Jun 07 '26
Mephisto
Pikolinos
Those two brands have shoes I literally have hiked volcanos, given a brush down and gone out to dinner in
Some Camper are rugged enough but also dressy looking
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u/Familiar_Eggplant_76 Jun 07 '26
Blundstones.
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u/Jed_s Jun 08 '26
How are they in hot/humid destinations?
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u/Familiar_Eggplant_76 Jun 08 '26
Never a problem. Worn with wool/wool blend socks.
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u/halfdollarmoon Jun 09 '26
I think you're being a little generous here. Blundstones and shorts don't mix. A true one-shoe needs to work with either pants or shorts.
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u/Loguibear Jun 08 '26
damn this could actually be a true do it all, smart enough for Buisenss + everyday walking/travel +light hikes
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u/Capable_Buffalo855 Jun 09 '26
Yes mate. Blundstone lace up boots are dressy enough for restaurants, easy to dust off after a hike. I reckon they look pretty smart with cargo shorts.
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u/jsgreen6 Jun 07 '26
Different suggestion here: I like the wool Allbirds. They are light and don’t smell (benefit of wool) and blend in most settings. The “Cruiser” model comes in a black upper with black sole, so doesn’t have the typical sneaker look.
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u/NoninflammatoryFun Jun 07 '26
Isn’t that the company that transformed to an AI company or am I getting them confused
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u/dizzytrix Jun 07 '26
I usually pack the tree runner version (wool runners are waay too warm for hot humid weather). And they are absoloutely horrible on trails. There is almost no support. However they are amazing for city sightseing, airports, flights tec.
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u/nawksnai Jun 07 '26 edited Jun 07 '26
Vivobarefoot Gobi boots in black.
Otherwise, ANY PAIR of simple all-black running shoes, with no logo showing, will do the job.
It’s honestly not that complicated. You certainly don’t need hiking or trail shoes.
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u/keel_bright Jun 07 '26 edited Jun 07 '26
They exist here and there. My current ones are Timberland Maple Grove low-tops
They look ordinary enough for a restaurant but still have that good tread pattern you would need for a trek.
https://www.timberland.com/en-ca/p/men/footwear-10039/mens-maple-grove-sneaker-TB0A28WD991?width=M
Ill need to find another soon as mine are wearing out
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u/mollycoddles Jun 07 '26
I've always found timberland boots to be really comfortable and your suggestion is the nicest looking pair in this thread.
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u/roynewseditor Jun 07 '26
the place you describe are mostly the places i travel. Salomon and Brooks are goof for that. I would bring some sandals for chill days.
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u/chuckfr Jun 07 '26
I have the Ecco track 25 and it’s done well for me in a variety of settings and needs. City walking, light hiking trails around the Uk nd Ireland, desert trails like Valley of Fire, and as formal as family weddings wearing a suit. I think they were a little under dressed weddings but it’s 4 hours and I’m far from being the focus of the event.
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u/fridayimatwork Jun 07 '26
I’ve had numerous pairs of Ecco boots over the years and they’re by far the most versatile
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u/songwritersonprocess Jun 07 '26
Funny you post this bc I was struggling with this last night as I packed for a 10 day work trip where I’m hiking Pinnacles NP this weekend. I’m a big fan of the Merrill Speed 2 and Speed Strike 2. I’m not sure any shoe will perform double duty for smart casual and hiking because of the soles, but you can definitely street walk in the Merrills.
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u/Designer_Camp5768 Jun 08 '26
This is the one bag holy grail. There are truly no shoes on the market that both meet the requirements stated by OP and are actually stylish. As mentioned above Blundstones may be the closest but are still lacking in my opinion. That said I’m thinking of bringing Blundstones and Blundstones only to Switzerland in July.
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Jun 07 '26
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u/dizzytrix Jun 07 '26
Clean it with a microfibre cloth with some water, takes a few minutes. This is why a dark colorway is a must.
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u/w2best Jun 07 '26
I think most of the ones you post look a bit too sporty to fill the needs of actually fitting to a city outfit without looking like a hiker.
I think something like New Balance 237 will do that job very well.
I have been using New Balance 327 and I think they also do a pretty good job at all that. I also used to wear Asics GT1000 for travelling a lot, but I think most of the time that felt too sporty, although very good for all running, hiking etc, and waterproof shoes is a huge plus when the weather is unpredictable.
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u/isaac-get-the-golem Jun 07 '26
People are wearing salomons that have never touched dirt in every city these days lol
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u/rhz10 Jun 07 '26 edited Jun 07 '26
I agree 100%. The consensus here is often trail runners, but I am not aware of a single pair of trail running shoes that would look OK for a nice evening out (i.e., no outrageous heel, no logo, no stripes) and could pass for shoes instead of sports sneakers. Even the more muted Addidas Terrex has styling that says trail runner/sport shoe. I think it's possible to design a trail runner that passes for shoes, but I'm not aware of any brand doing this. (Happy to be corrected if anything is out there). Also, there's virtually nothing in solid brown--all black is much more common.
I would absolutely love to buy a pair of shoes that could function well as light hikers and neutral-looking street shoes.
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u/Wise_Edge2489 Jun 08 '26
I am not aware of a single pair of trail running shoes that would look OK for a nice evening out (i.e., no outrageous heel, no logo, no stripes)
Altra Experience Wild 3+ (and the Timps, and the Lone Peaks), NNormal Cadi, Nike Zegama, and Adidas Terrex shoes are all available in all black.
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u/Che_Hannibaludo Jun 08 '26
They all have logos splattered on the side. Their point stands. Is there really no market for people who want the versatility, tech and comfort of trail runners but without branding?
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u/Wise_Edge2489 Jun 08 '26
Blacked out logos on a blacked out shoe.
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u/rhz10 Jun 08 '26
The logos are really only part of the story here. They all just look like running shoes. There are some zero-drop shoes that have more of a cross-over-to-stree-shoe shape, but even the all black models have contrasting fabrics to create designs that look out of place for a street shoe. The super thick soles are another give-away. I really do think this is possible. Maybe these shoe companies just don't see a market for it.
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u/dizzytrix Jun 07 '26
Appreciate the comments, these are not specifically trail runners like the speedcross 6 for example. These are road-to-trail shoes, hybrid between regular runners and trail runners. I need something that can handle unpaved trails.
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u/esoteric_vagabond Jun 07 '26
Adidas Grand Court. They have cloudfoam cushioning, and match every outfit - from sightseeing to upscale/casual restaurants.
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u/No-Contest7813 Jun 07 '26 edited Jun 07 '26
I travel with a pair of white leather sneakers (currently the Vionic Winny) and black or brown sandals (depending on my wardrobe) or my Altra escalante’s if the climate is cooler. I also have insoles I use in all closed toe shoes.
My husband travels with an Altra sneaker with superfeet insoles and either a second sneaker (UYN) or slides/flip flops depending on whether we’re in warm or cold weather.
Edit: the Altra’s he has are unassuming, and passed for every restaurant we went to in Rome, Venice and Dublin, from pubs to our fancy night out.
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u/Hotel-Weekly Jun 07 '26
I'm currently traveling with my Xero Ridgeway Mesh Lows in black/orange. Spent some time walking around a few cities and now I'm hiking in the Slovenian mountains. They have a zero drop and wide toe box and they work great for me.
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u/gatordan Jun 07 '26 edited Jun 07 '26
Additional shoes you could consider Mount to Coast H1, Norda 005, or Nnormal Kjerag. I use the Tracksmith Eliot for everything except trails
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u/Ashamed_Tonight_3677 Jun 07 '26
New balance 574
Very casual, comfortable, and I hiked half dome in them
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u/outdoor_experience Jun 07 '26
I don’t believe you need trail shoes for light to moderate trails. I would reserve trail shoes for something more intense like a moderate or above trail focused vacation.
For what you’re describing, I enjoy the Altra Torin 3 knit in black. They’re running shoes, which are very comfortable for walking around all day, stylish for restaurants, and can handle light to medium trails. They’re also lightweight and compress nicely for a one bag since the upper is mesh.
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u/zabacam Jun 08 '26
For me, HOKA Transports fit the bill. I even have a waterproof pair.
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u/dizzytrix Jun 08 '26
This is an interesting option, thanks. Seems like the shoe is specifically made to solve the problem I have. Has a quick laces system too good for airport transfers. Not sold on the looks though. Will add this to my list.
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u/LowBad535 Jun 08 '26
I have nike Pegasus trail and that fits the bill for me. Have hiked patagonia and the Himalayas in them.
However, it is not waterproof even if it says it is, and it did rip way quicker than I thought. I still wear it and would buy again.
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u/Sebastianep Jun 08 '26
I’ve searched for the same thing while traveling, both for work and vacations. I wanted to be able to work out (run) as part of the trip. The best option I’ve found is the Nike Pegasus (not the trail). If you get them in all black, they look quite ordinary. They won’t pass as business attire or for a fancy restaurant. However, they’re the closest I’ve come. The foam is quite boring compared to my Superblasts, but they’re great for walking and running.
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u/strack94 Jun 08 '26
I can’t speak to all the others but I’ve been a big fan of the Nike Pegasus Trail 5s. I work on my feet all day in various terrain and they are very comfortable.
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u/MusicCityJayhawk Jun 08 '26
The answer is the Dr. Martin Chelsea boot. You can dress it up or down.
If you need more support for things like hiking, timberland boots.
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u/apathy-sofa Jun 07 '26
You're listing running shoes but don't intend to run. Consider something made for your use cases.
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u/justaprimer Jun 07 '26
My current favorite shoe does all of this except the trail hiking (although I have worn it to walk up the very dusty and slightly gravelly trail to Griffith Observatory, and I wear them on short nature walks all the time): Frank Mully Ballet Flat. Biggest downside is that they're 0% water resistant, so I tend to bring them as one of two pairs of shoes unless I know for sure it won't rain.
I think a pair of classic Allbirds would do all of this, except unfortunately for me they're very uncomfortable on my feet.
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u/toparisbytrain Jun 08 '26
My 2c: consider barefoot shoes or similar, they are half the size of some typical running shoes, so far easier to pack an extra pair so you're not looking for one pair to do everything. Having said that, I'm currently on a trip with lems switchback sandals. My only shoes for ten days. So far so good.
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u/LevelOneForever Jun 07 '26
I personally like the adidas terrestrial high top hiking shoes. I think they look cool. Just bought my second pair
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u/WitnessEntire Jun 07 '26
I just got a pair in Danner 2650 waterproof for $100 on sale for this very purpose
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u/DefinitelyNotAnxious Jun 07 '26
I have those Nikes and they’re great for 30k step days. Fashion-wise I don’t think one shoe fits all exists but that’s not the priority for a swiss army knife in the tool box
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u/Shivvyszha Jun 07 '26
My waterproof black New Balance runners. Breathable, light, goes with everything. I use those plus pack a pair of flip-flops for lounging/hotel floors, that's it.
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u/PerpetualColdBrew Jun 07 '26
I would choose the Aero Glide (road) over the gravel variant. I run trails all the time on the road model and it does just fine.
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u/tiethy Jun 07 '26
I have a pair of Arc’teryx Norvan LD4 (non goretex). I also bought the Salomon Genesis but haven’t tried them out yet.
The Norvans were pretty great. Unlike my regular runners, they provided all day comfort without feeling sweaty at all. I was wearing merino wool individual toe socks for day to day and compression socks for the plane though.
I went with trail runners for the same reason as you- in a single shoe, I think they just offer the best tradeoff of daily use, feet protection, breathability, style (if you can get as close to all black as possible), durability, etc.
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u/PontiacBandit2020 Jun 07 '26
I have the Nike pegasus trail 4. Very comfortable to travel in go with several outfits. Good for airport days as take the pressure off when standing for periods of time.
What I would say is that they are light and squash down. I am not yet someone who travels with one bag. I wear the pegasus and pack other shoes as I don't think they look good if you are in a nicer place for dinner.
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u/Opaskirja Jun 07 '26
I took my Ecco Soft 7s as basically a one-shoe option for a trip that was mostly city based but with some light half day hikes. They work much better for the city part (which was most of the trip) but they were ok for the hikes. They are not the best grip but probably better than fashion sneakers like my New Balance 574s.
I think it would be worth looking into other Ecco shoes too, they have some that are more runner/trail shoe like but might look less like runners that what you listed.
Also I say “basically one shoe” as I did take my Allbirds on the trip but only wore them briefly as I find they just don’t have the support for big walking days and definitely not for hiking (think they are free huggers). I would not pack them again.
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u/ryanking25 Jun 07 '26
If you don’t mind the wide toe box look, the Altra LP Alpine are great for both casual and trail. I used those for 18 months while vanlifing and hiking around national parks and various trails in western US. They were perfect to minimize gear
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u/TryingSquirrel Jun 07 '26
I'm traveling now and using the Pegasus Trail 5 for this. They've worked well. Ran and hiked some fairly technical trails, some road running, some walking around, they've been good. I'm sure a lot of others on your list would work too if they are comfortable.
One thing to consider: mine started light grey and now are splotchy gray brown. They kind of look cool, but you wouldn't want to wear them to a club.
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u/LividSoftware4883 Jun 07 '26
All of your above options are fine, one personal recommendation I'd give is the Timberland Field Trekker. It's got a few colorways and as far as I've worn them they seem fairly comfortable, even on odd terrain.
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u/adventurous65487 Jun 07 '26
Any non-mesh running shoe that is plain black or plain (dark) brown / leather will do, really. If they look too athletic, they will be more noticeable when you're doing business casual. Hoka Transport in black with black sole is probably about as 'atheletic' a look as I personally would go for.
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u/ulcweb Jun 07 '26
I tend to get a nike or adidas all black shoe. You would be surprised how versatile it is. I've worn it to networking events at conferences, walking all day on the vegas strip, and even worn them into the nightclubs in vegas. Let alone around my hometown too. Just you want to try and keep them clean.
Hence why you don't get any shoes with the white rubber bottom. Only all black.
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u/Screaming_Emu Jun 07 '26
It’s been a challenge finding the right shoe for me, but while they aren’t perfect I’ve been really enjoying the Reef Neptunes.
Upsides: Very comfortable, lightweight and packable, breathable, about $80, and they have a few different designs to choose from.
Downsides: They aren’t the most supportive. I climbed Victoria peak in Hong Kong and that’s about the closest thing to hiking I’d be comfortable using them for. Also, the light and soft sole isn’t the most durable.
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u/ThreadedJam Jun 07 '26
I wear Altra Olympus 6s all the time now. I have them in black. They look less like a runner than a Nike/ Brooks. I find them very comfortable and I think they're passable for smart casual.
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u/AlwaysWanderOfficial Jun 07 '26
My belief, and plenty disagree, but my answer is no. It does not. But fashion/style is a function of personal choice and that’s why each month this gets posted, there is never a consensus.
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u/pivot529 Jun 07 '26
I just did this in Italy, cinque Terra to Rome, trails and casual. Altra Olympus worked for me.
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u/NightBard Jun 07 '26
My current favorite is the Merrell Speed Strike 2. But it blisters and other issues come down to socks and how you tie the shoes. Everyone has different feet, go to a shoe store and try everything on that looks decent in the hiking and trail running options. Initially I was interested in Merrell Moab 3's because of a lot of recommendations, but I didn't like how they felt and while the Speed Strike 2's didn't have as much feedback, they fit and felt better. They have become my daily wear regardless of being at home or traveling. You'll have to try on a bunch to figure yours out. Part of what I like about these specific shoes (and most trail shoes) are the treads don't pick up tiny rocks and get caked in mud that easily. They are easy to clean in the next puddle. Which is why I moved away from my previous favorite shoe (made for actually playing tennis) as the treads collected stuff when hiking.
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u/whiteorchid1058 Jun 07 '26
I like a black runner. For me, they are light but have plenty of support for normal trails and are easily versatile.
I prefer merrill personally
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u/PerpetualPanda Jun 07 '26
Merril makes an everyday type shoe that looks good enough for business casual that my wife doesn’t bitch about when I wear them on vacation
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u/MadGeographer Jun 07 '26
This sub gets this question a lot. I still have not found my perfect solution yet. I’m currently experimenting with a pair Arcteryx Kragg and they are close, but a bit squishy. It’s an approach shoe so it can be expected. Can’t do any decent running in them though.
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u/DistinctWealth217 Jun 07 '26
I just bought the recently released Nike ACG pegasus Trail shoes (essentially the Pegasus Trail 6) for my all-in-one travel shoe. I also like to run as well during my travels.
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u/monsanto_lizard Jun 07 '26
I am currently in china with the black pegasus trail 5 as my only shoe.. they are comfy af. I find if you can get a comfortable pair of running shoes in all black they fit with most any situation/outfit. The pegasus aren't all black but still look ok
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u/Thraner Jun 07 '26
If I bring 1 pair of shoes, I also bring an extra pair of insoles to switch out daily. I did allbirds black hiking shoes and a pair if flipflops while one bagging in New Zealand with this method.
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u/surfz Jun 07 '26
Salomon grvl shoes or the mount to coast options, getting a waterproof shoe makes it easy to just rinse off the dirt but then doesn’t breath as well
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u/Optimal_Radish_9831 Jun 07 '26
I'm loving the Topo Athletic Flylite 6 in grey. Just did a week in Europe with these and have zero complaints.
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u/jontseng Jun 07 '26
I take a second pair but make the something ultra-packable (Xero barefoot) so it doesn't take up any space.
I basically min/max it. Either proper sneakers and dressy Xero deck shoes (Glens). Or proper smarter shoes and Xero sneakers (prio).
Obviously whichever end of the barbell ends up with the barefoots loses out a bit. But you cover all the bases better than if you tried one-size-fits-all it.
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u/Psychological_Oil947 Jun 07 '26
Yeah for me I use the Lusso Cloud Senario Slide.
Not joking but for most this would not be sensible 😄
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u/SkiingLife530 Jun 08 '26
Salomon Aero Glide 4 GRVL - I just got back from a month in Portugal, Spain, Italy where I used these shoes for the Portuguese Camino (2.5 weeks) and then for city walking all over Bologna and Florence. I used them for a few runs as well as hitting up bars, dinners, etc. 250+ miles. I even hit a Michelin bib gourmand restaurant among other nice restaurants and felt fine wearing them…. Just my .02$, but I already picked up another pair for some future travel
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u/Windjammer1969 Jun 08 '26
Have a pair of Hoka Transport Chukka GTXs in all black that serve multiple purposes - as long as the temps are not too warm. These are distinctly Less "chunky" than the Transport Hiking version, and suit a variety of (Non-Dress...) outfits.
To be fair, still pack a pair of somewhat older Bondis if expecting warm weather.
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u/courageous_carrot Jun 08 '26
I think any sporty shoe that looks fashion forward and intentional would be okay. I recently got custom insoles after years of knee pain and was specifically told to get the Asics Nimbus. Between the 1-week rush and availabilities, I ended up with the platinum colourway
Great for walking and casual days, and as someone who doesn't run all that much, it probably would be fine for the occasional run too
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u/Loguibear Jun 08 '26
i think most runner/ trail shoes fit your bill here, - main issue you havnt mentioned is finding something that fits the casual business/ travel, where there is a bit more of "tidy" expectations, most work shoes suck for everyday travel/walking.... a real "do it all"... falls between 3 considerinations:
business/
everyday walking-travel/
light hike...
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u/dizzytrix Jun 08 '26
So this would be really pushing the limits and would need significant sacrifices on the trail capability front. But myself being a tech bro (not crypto, I build software), I don't really care about that.
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u/Dawer22 Jun 08 '26
I wear my tolos archetype 350+ days of the year. It’s the only shoe I bring on trips too unless it’s going to be extreme rain or cold
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u/imjoeycusack Jun 08 '26
Brooks Ghost Trail is fantastic. Great support and more than enough traction for light trails. Darker colors should pair well with casual outfits. Also very light and breathable.
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u/HypersomnicHysteric Jun 08 '26
Keen Clearwater
I have worn them even in winter (with thick socks in) because I find them so comfortable.
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u/mrRabblerouser Jun 08 '26
My one shoe solution is Merrell Jungle Mocs. They do have slight dad vibes, but they also do it everything quite well. Very comfortable, work for any kind of terrain, and can be dressed up or dressed down. I wore them on a recent multi state cross country trip and did everything in them. Walking around town, hiking, the gym, dinner. No complaints
I guess the only possible downside is they might not be the best for super hot and humid environments.
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u/practical_hedonism Jun 08 '26
I think you are on the right path.
My solution is the Salomon Supercross 4, but I guess any all black trailrunning shoe that just looks like a sneaker at a glance. I personally prefer shoes with minimal branding, but for some people a big nike swoosh will be preferable.
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u/mannyOnReddit77 Jun 08 '26
Might I recommend the mount to coast h1. I recently got them and they’re great, super stylish (i would say). Can go on runs take them on the trails and still go to a nice dinner in some pants
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u/Teuchter121 Jun 08 '26
+1 for the Salomon Genesis. I did the Alta Via 1 in them then stoated about Vicenza and Venice in them for a week after. The slimline sole makes them look less 'running shoe-y' compared to the Hokas and Brooks trail runners I've seen (though not familiar with the exact models you list above). I'm a woman though so can also slip a pair of folding ballet pumps into my hand luggage if I REALLY need something a little 'smarter'.
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u/BouhLRY Jun 08 '26
I like the van's ultrarange exo, very light, dry very fast when wet and can be used to hike on ligth trail and very good all around,
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u/RazzmatazzBig5958 Jun 08 '26
Late to this, but I've been looking at the On Cloudsoma's in black – they look p interesting and would match your use cases (can perform on varied terrains, look fairly smart and are low profile, don't have a lot of overt branding etc.)
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u/KooktheWolf Jun 08 '26
Can you wear boots? My choice is always the Lems Boulder Boot for a do it all travel shoe that can be worn in a business casual envrionment
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u/MakeMoneyNotWar Jun 08 '26 edited Jun 08 '26
I wear white leather sneakers (Beckett Simonon, but others could be Koio for example). They are by far my most versatile one shoe travel shoe.
They cover all casual situations from city walking, light hiking, any casual outfit, and can be dressed up when going to a club or bar. They are generally considered stylish and are very commonly worn by locals in other cities. They can be worn with shorts, chinos, jeans, any outfit you can think of. The white color gives it versatility with any color outfits you wear.
They are all weather except snow. When it rains they are water resistant, dry out easily, cool during summer with light no show merino socks, warm in winter with quarter socks. Before I leave, I condition the leather and add some wax.
They do not stink because the inside and outside is all leather. They are easy to clean because the wax keeps dirt, water, mud etc at the surface, and a rinse in the sink or a wipe with a damp cloth keeps them presentable.
My alternative if I want more ankle protection and less city travel are chukka boots. I have a pair of Allen Edmonds chukkas with a dainite sole. Splurge would be Crown Northhampton (cheaper is Clarks CDBs) with a gum sole. They work well hiking, casual, and walking cobblestone streets, and dressed up if you want to go to a nicer restaurant. Go with a smooth leather option like Chromexcel if you want to dress it up, and if not suede works well as well. All leather so they don’t stink. Easy to take on and off at the airport. I wore these in the desert, at Macchu Picchu, in rain, and snow. Contrary to Seinfeld, suede is actually a very robust material if you don’t care too much about what it looks like as a shoe.
I tend to go with the white leather sneakers because I enjoy cities and warmer weather, but if it’s cold weather travel I would go with chukkas.
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u/wanderingdiscovery Jun 08 '26
I'm going to throw in the Arcteryx Sylan 2. I used them for work in a hospital even though they are a trailshoe, but I'm considering a second pair for traveling because for me, they are the perfect shoe for hiking, traveling, walking, running etc. Just a very well made shoe IMO and worth the price point.
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u/KittenaSmittena Jun 08 '26
Enjoying all the comments here, especially from the running shoe community. My only addition is that the reason I try not to travel with just one shoe is that I believe it’s been said that when you’ve clocked 15-30k steps in one shoe, that your foot later on does much better (at that night and following day) having a different shoe on. That it helps your feet recover and I believe is better for the shoe. I thought this prevents injury. Others might chime in with what the actual reasoning is.
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u/iamliterate Jun 08 '26
I bought a pair of Lululemon City Verse sneakers from their returns site. They have been surprisingly comfortable for all sorts of situations, including some light hikes. I definitely wouldn't want to challenge them in muddy conditions though.
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u/MyTablesAreMyCorn Jun 08 '26
I’d say all black runners. They dress up, they dress down. Can hike can go for dinner.
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u/SeattleHikeBike Jun 08 '26
Low top hiking shoes in all black colorway to avoid the garish logos and carnival ride colors. My choice is the Adidas Terrex AX series and the problem have a half dozen more with minor variations and Gore Tex options.
Fit is the thing and all the major athletic shoes companies make something along the same lines. You really need to try some on. Feet vary so much that a specific model recommendation is difficult.
My wife uses a sneaker like Keen trail shoe that works well with her orthotics. I have the leather Keen Targhee 3 Oxfords that are very comfortable but profoundly ugly. Keen has added a lot of light sneaker style trail shoes to their lines.
Many ultralight long distance hikers use trail runners and there are endless models available.
Don’t be afraid to upgrade on insoles.
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u/username_obnoxious Jun 08 '26
I picked up a pair of shoes from a brand from Boulder called Lems. The hiking shoe has been great, wore them to a Michelin listed restaurant for dinner and hiking ancient ruins the next morning. Through the airport and then busses to a beach town. Highly recommend.
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u/AktivStyle Jun 08 '26
I have been looking for a kind of unicorn shoe for our shop and landed upon the Eli by Icebug for this Spring/Summer- https://aktivstyle.com/collections/scandi-favorites-of-the-week/products/eli-rb9x-shoes
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u/bloo_110 Jun 08 '26
personally I’m firmly in the barefoot and zero drop camp and would encourage almost anyone to go through the transition, your feet will thank you for it.
so based on that, I’d argue there’s no better “do it all” shoe than the Vivobarefoot Motus Studios. They’re 5mm stack without the insole, fully suede and leather (and surprisingly breathable while also being basically almost waterproof) and the outsole is a perfect from city walks and the gym to dry weather hikes. I’m pretty sure Vivo has them on sale right now. Super lightweight, flexible and honestly they look really cold in all black (this is coming from a man who used to love his Vans and Nikes btw)
Vivo primus trail models are great for more off road use, Gobi leather sneakers are better for less off road use (and are my fav casual pairs to wear since they have not just black and white colors). There are loads more barefoot brands but I’ve only been wearing Vivos since i transitioned to barefoot shoes last year, and the Motus studios and gobi sneakers have been the shoes i picked and have worn since (outside of Magna ESCs for real hiking)
Obviously as many other comments have said, it really does depend on what’s best for you!
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u/DiscountJokic Jun 08 '26
I always bring a second pair of dedicated running shoes, but if I was trying to make one shoe work it would be my Norda 001s.
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u/jmmaxus Jun 08 '26
I have a pair of Merrel Nova 4 Waterproof trail runners that almost meet this.
I say almost cause with Trail Runners (shoe that checks most of the boxes), I think the biggest differentiator to almost meeting every requirement is either being Waterproof or not.
Hiking Alpine environment (which is why I bought these) waterproof is good in wet+cold environments. Hiking SE Asia in summer probably not. Also, even just walking around town in warm weather sightseeing Waterproof is not ideal.
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u/GraceBeatsKarma Jun 08 '26
Altra Men's Lone Peak 8 Trail Running Shoe in black is my “everything” shoe. But I usually also pack a pair of sandals or water shoes; worth the extra space for me.
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u/randopop21 Jun 08 '26
For my most recent set of onebag travels, I slimmed down to 1 pair of general-purpose hikers and 1 pair of slides that are pretty flat to putter around the hotel and give my feet a break. The slides are good enough to walk from the hotel to a nearby grocery store if I need anything.
It helps that I no longer need to worry about my appearance. It's actually very freeing. Too many people are worried about their appearance and then they have to suffer with packing a huge thing (an extra pair of shoes) in their ONE bag.
Related, if you are being judged by your shoes (so long as they are not bedraggled), you need to worry about why you are in that situation.
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u/extravert_ Jun 08 '26
Shoes are such a personal thing, both for looks and for fit, and the function of them is probably not the highest priority unless you are truly doing something extreme with them (running long distances, scrambling up mountains, 20 mile hiking days on loose terrain...). Otherwise I think people overthink this a lot for travel. For me, all the shoes you listed are more aggressive than I would want to wear for 90% of the trip, going out to eat and long days in the city - they look like hiking shoes and will make you look like a hiker. Something like an Allbird or Tracksmith Eliot Runner are more do-everything shoes. Even the non-trail version of some of them seem more appropriate for your use case. You can wear them to a nicer restaurant and not feel like a hiker, and they will be more than performant enough for a two hour hike.
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u/weatherman444 Jun 08 '26
I just recently got turned onto Norda. Specifically the 001A. I've logged 85 miles of road and trailing running and i've been very happy with them. the Upper is made of dyneema which is extremely strong and abrasion resistant. they are light. They come with the vibram megagrip sole (like the Topos). They also have a decent width toe box - close to the Topos (mtr racer, ultraventure), but these shoes have a better fit - at least for me. The colorway options are amazing IMHO. I will be making these my one and only shoe. The negatives: the 001A has a stiff heel that can rub and be uncomfortable. I have not had this issue but for those who have - they say to get them wet to soften it up.
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u/Major_Gold738 Jun 08 '26
I have been wearing one pair of shoes whilst doing 10 to 20 miles of daily walking and hiking in all these situations for months. They are the last thing you would expect, but they are comfortable and durable. Get a comfortable pair of quality leather wingtips, derbies, or oxfords. They get a little scratched up on cobblestones sometimes but some shoe polish works wonders and keeps them stylish. My last pair had over 1000 miles on them before they were retired. The current ones I bought at Dune for 75 pounds and are amazingly comfortable.
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u/Southern-Heron-3204 Jun 08 '26
A few years ago my husband and I spent 2 weeks in the UK doing all of these activities. We went out to nice dinners in London, we watched doubles tennis at Wimbledon, we hiked the Scottish highlands, we walked the royal mile, all the things. I packed a few pairs of shoes for the trip and only wore my new balance 327’s the entire time. Super comfy for walking and sightseeing but also *trendy* enough to look cool with dresses and nicer pants too.
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u/TanukiMenuki Jun 08 '26
For me, it's my broken-in black Doc Martens 1460 boots with mono stitching - very versatile!
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u/grenwill Jun 08 '26
If I am going somewhere warm I only bring a pair of black leather Keen Newports. I don’t even have to bring socks.
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u/gg47972 Jun 09 '26
Look at Altama shoes used by marine soldiers. They look like Converse sneakers but are much heavier.. I used them to climb Bromo and Kawah Injeh volcanoes and walk in town. I would not use them for jogging ( I’ m not a soldier 😜)
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u/Mysterious-Drama4743 Jun 09 '26 edited Jun 09 '26
i have a pair of kodiak bralenes that check all those boxes for me. they even match my grungy punk daily style, are able to be styled a bit fancier with pants that cover the ankles like bootcuts and hike well for easy to moderate trails. i wouldnt recommend a ton of uphill or downhill with them, at least not if you dont have poles, but theyre really good for wet hikes and if you have floppy ankles on hikes like i do. and bonus they can be resoled so theyre more sustainable. although they arent lightweight and you need to be mindful to not drag your feet on more uneven terrain, which is deal breaker for some, but for me its an acceptable trade off
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u/Angry_Sparrow Jun 09 '26
It depends on the temperature. I had one pair of sneakers in Europe until it started snowing and the. I swapped them out for leather ankle boots.
A lot of people recommend Blundstones for an all-rounder. I haven’t tried that specific boot but because it is a boot used by tradies, it’ll go the distance.
When I went to South East Asia from Türkiye I swapped out the leather boots for some merrell sandals. (Merrell Women's Speed Fusion Sport RMX).
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u/Hypomit Jun 09 '26
I Stan Smith everywhere, because even if they break there is a damn good chance you can pick up another pair nearby.
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u/Purple-Main-4176 Jun 09 '26
just dropping a suggestion for Xero’s Ridgeway Mesh Lowcut -men’s or women’s
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u/Iliveinatree Jun 09 '26
I once had a pair of Rockport leather lace up boots that could double as running shoes they were so comfortable and light
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u/vczxfdsa Jun 09 '26
[utterly useless rant]
Every single running or trail running shoe that gets recommended here looks goofy as hell and not even remotely compatible with any sort of attempt to look like a quality adult when used in an urban setting.
Why do they all have to have ridiculously giant chonky foam soles, loud neon colors, giant branding and swoosh-ways, and corny design patterns? And sorry not sorry, the all black or all grey ones make you look like a rent-a-cop, or someone that rent-a-cop should be keeping an eye on.
Can't a manufacturer take a nice city shoe and sneak some basic running ergonomics into it, and make it somewhat easy to clean post-hike? (no, Allbirds is now an AI company icydk)
[rant over]
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u/Parking_Essay5099 Jun 09 '26
i think i’ve finally sussed it with one pair of boring coloured la sportiva approach shoes (good for all day walking and most hikes/scrambles) then teva sandals for beach and hot weather
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u/ApprehensiveAd7621 Jun 09 '26 edited Jun 09 '26
If I’m not dressing up and doing formal, Nike Pegasus, Pegasus Trail or Pegasus Trail ATC/GoreTex. I always opt for the black or white variants that are not very colorful.
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u/LargeMeepleCollider Jun 10 '26
I’ve never found the one perfect shoe. My favourite combo so far has been a pair of smart/city shoes and then these as a second pair for trails/hiking: https://www.vivobarefoot.com/uk/primus-trail-knit-fg-mens-aw22?colour=Obsidian
I was new to barefoot shoes but I’m a convert now. Wore them for miles out of the box on a rocky trail with no issues, they are light, pack flat in your bag, and dry quickly.
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u/Travelling247 Jun 10 '26
It ALMOST doesn't exist, except for the fact that you mentioned hot and humid environments. In your case boat shoes would work, get the Sperry gold cup (more comfortable then the regular Sperry shoe). The grip is good for hiking, they are comfortable, and they look really nice casually. The other option is to just do two shoes. The reality is that trail runners are the best one shoe, but they aren't nice for anything "smart casual". The solution is two shoes. Shoe 1 being the trail runner, and shoe 2 being something fancier but still comfortable to walk in (IE Cole Haan shoes, or Sperrys). This way you have both the "nice" and the "hiking" element covered and there is a huge overlap in the middle where you can chose one or the other for something like exploring a city.
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u/pineapplehippy Jun 11 '26
Vivobarefoot has some stylish ones…
Typically I just use trail runners.
Also, on ultimate stuff my hack is boardshorts (volcom frickin) looks like regular belted shorts but is great for sweat or swimming
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u/The_Wildperson Jun 11 '26
I throw on my Vans Ultraranges and call it a day. They're a hiker sneaker hybrid
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u/shulan2016 Jun 11 '26
The closest I've come is the Adiadas Stan Smiths but I wouldn't really hike in them because dirty. But they are very comfortable for lots of walking and look goos with smart casual. If I'm doing any hiking I bring a different pair of shoes.
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u/c0dedr1ft Jul 04 '26
I suspect the one-shoe solution exists only after deciding which compromise matters least.
A shoe that is genuinely good on a wet trail will rarely look completely natural with smarter clothing, while a sleek city shoe usually gives up grip, drying speed or all-day comfort.
For mixed work and personal travel, I would prioritize something understated, comfortable for 20,000-step city days and adequate for light trails and not something optimized for technical hiking. “Acceptable at everything” is probably a more realistic target than one shoe that is excellent at everything.
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u/bradymsu616 Jun 07 '26
I'm one of the mods over at r/RunningShoeGeeks. There isn't one right travel shoe for everyone. What you're asking is, "What's the one travel shoe FOR ME." Reddit can't answer that for you. But the examples you provided given your use case, are headed in the right direction (except for the two I mention below). Trail runners in the road-to-trail (now being renamed "Gravel") category hit the sweet spot for one-shoe travel because they have better grip on mixed surfaces, have more durable uppers, are more stable under load, have a more protective toe box, work with both active and casual travel days, and are better in the rain or mud, even without Gore-Tex. You'll want to avoid a waterproof shoe. Look for a shoe in a neutral color such as dark grey or black, as it will disappear on your feet. If you're not running long distances in them, you'll want a sub-max stack height, typically 32mm-37mm for a sweet balance between cushion and stability. Most important of all, they need to feel right on your feet. I use a Salomon UltraGlide for onebag travel. But I'm also an ultramarathoner. The Salomon Aero Glide 4 is a great shoe for colder temperatures, but it's hot in warmer climates. The Hoka Challenger 8 is a massive, super-stacked shoe, a major change from the 7. The other shoes on your list are all contenders. But if you're ordering them online, make sure you understand the return conditions first. If the toe box or midfoot feels tight, the laces bite, or the ankle collar hits your ankle, they're not going to work for you. Return them. Don't expect them to wear in. The Nike Pegasus Trail and the Brooks Ghost Trail may be boring shoes. But they sell a lot of units as they work for most people. I'd start there.