I wore my ON Clouds in Malta and was slipping and sliding everywhere, so I want to upgrade before another trip to a really reliable shoe I won’t fall in (and that I can recommend to my more senior travel companions who worry about falls much more than me). Please tell me what works for you? Fashion is great, but functionality is best. Cost not a factor. Thanks all!
Brands are subjective; everyone has different foot shapes and needs (arch support, etc.). But for types, check out trail runners! They often have grippy soles like hiking boots but look more like sneakers and usually have a firm footbed for cobblestones. Many are waterproof, and if not, you can spray them to increase water resistance.
This has worked for me.
Consider trail shoes instead of road shoes. On has some options, but everyone has their preferences. My favorite running store is Road Runner Sports; check their site and filter by running surface to find what works for you. REI is great if you want an in-person experience, and they have a lot of options. I use trail shoes in mud and snow. They’re not pretty, but I don’t fall.
@Morgan
Absolutely! Also, make sure your trail shoes come from a reputable brand, not the trendy stuff like On Cloud.
My favorite non-slip shoes are from Astral. They’re made for rafters and kayakers, featuring soles with a gecko-foot-like design that grips slick and curved surfaces. Here’s the pair I have: Loyak W's – Astral
Trail runners or hiking shoes, preferably with Vibram soles.
Wynn said:
Trail runners or hiking shoes, preferably with Vibram soles.
I own a pair of Hoka’s with Vibram soles—they’re great for everyday wear.
Wynn said:
Trail runners or hiking shoes, preferably with Vibram soles.
I own a pair of Hoka’s with Vibram soles—they’re great for everyday wear.
Vibram sets the standard for grip on rock and ice. Some brands perform well, but not all.
Sperry shoes are very popular on boats, but I’ve also had fellow sailors swear by Vans skate shoes for their grip.
Another vote for trail runners—I’ve worn my Allbirds trail runners on three continents in various conditions (wet, dry, urban, desert, temple ruins, sand, cobblestones, jungle) and never slipped. They look nice without loud patterns or logos.
Hoka Transport are my favorite city/travel shoes. Great grip, cushioning, and easy to put on and take off.
A trail running sneaker or a light hiking shoe might be your best choice.
Blundstones All-Terrain are my go-to travel shoes. They perform well in various environments, look great, and have a very grippy Vibram sole.
Look for anything with a Vibram Megagrip outsole.
I’ve worn zero drop shoes for over 10 years. However, I wouldn’t recommend going full-on zero drop until your feet and legs are stronger. I like Inov-8 for their rugged, lightweight, stylish trail shoes.
I also take a barefoot style shoe for travel as it packs easily and can be comfy for running between flights and hotels. Strong legs and regular walking help with slipping and falling, so don’t undervalue regular walking.
Having fallen and needing a wrist surgery, I’ve searched for reliable shoes myself. Make sure your shoes aren’t old! When I fell, I wore old Skechers with smooth soles.
Now, I wear Merrells with bigger treads every day. I also have a stylish pair of loafers from Vivaia with big lugs; they feel secure, but were uncomfortable initially due to the stiff fabric.
Considering my frequent travels, I’m thinking of painting my shoes’ bottoms with glue and sand for a temporary grip until it wears down. Good luck!
I recommend Salomon waterproof shoes.
Harlan said:
I recommend Salomon waterproof shoes.
My husband swears by his Salomon trail runners.
I currently use Asics running shoes as my all-purpose footwear. They feature ‘continental’ brand rubber on the bottom, known for making grip on bicycle tires, so it could work for shoes as well…
I agree with the trail running shoe recommendations… you might also want to consider lightweight hiking boots that are made for long distances on uneven surfaces.