7 Best Walking Shoes for Seniors Traveling to Historic & Cobbled Cities (2026)

There’s something enchanting about exploring historic cities like Rome, Prague, Kyoto, Lisbon, or Dubrovnik. There’s so much impressive history hiding in every corner of these cities, from centuries-old architecture and picturesque alleyways to landmarks you’ll remember forever.

There’s also a lot of walking.

Ancient cities are full of uneven stone roads, slippery cobblestones, steep inclines, and miles and miles of walking. While that may sound daunting for anyone traveling to historic cities, that unstable terrain can be incredibly problematic for seniors.
Wearing the wrong shoes can transform what should be an exciting vacation into sore feet, achy knees, and even dangerous falls.

The best walking shoes for seniors visiting historic cities will have exceptional cushioning, dependable grip on slippery stones, tons of stability, and just enough comfort to have you exploring the city from sunrise to sunset.

We’ve scoured hundreds of customer reviews, poured over podiatrist shoe recommendations, and compiled real-world experiences from travelers to bring you a list of the best walking shoes you can find.

Quick Comparison

What Makes a Great Walking Shoe for Historic Cities?

Walking through historic cities isn’t like walking around your local shopping mall.

Here’s what you will find:

• Rough cobblestones
• Marble walkways
• Stone steps
• Steep inclines
• Slippery surfaces
• 10,000+ Steps PER DAY of walking.

Seniors traveling or walking around cities need comfortable shoes with good shock absorption AND stability.

Look for these qualities:

• Cushy midsoles with excellent shock absorption
• Rubber outsoles with excellent traction
• Roomy toe boxes
• Stable ankles
• Lightweight upper
• Breathable mesh upper
• Fit so comfortable you could walk all day.

Brooks Addiction Walker 2

Best Overall Walking Shoe for Seniors

Runners spend a lot of time testing shoes and we love the Brooks Addiction Walker 2. If we had to recommend just one walking shoe for senior travelers it would probably be this one.

Travelers, nurses, teachers, and those who have to stand all day long have come to love the Brooks Addiction Walker 2. It has built quite the loyal following over the years.

This shoe isn’t going to feel as cushy as a lot of running shoes. Instead of being soft and squishy, this shoe is all about support and balance. Perfect for those that overpronate or feel like they can’t quite keep their balance on uneven surfaces. The extended Progressive Diagonal Rollbar runs the length of the foot to help guide your feet as you walk.

The slip-resistant outsole is also great on the polished stone streets you’ll find all over Europe.

Why We Like It

• Excellent shoe stability when walking on uneven roads
• Certified slip-resistance on the outsole
• Plush cushioning
• Multiple width options
• High-quality leather upper

Pros

• Perfect for overpronators that need outstanding arch support
• Great shoe for long days of walking and sightseeing
• Works to reduce foot fatigue

Cons

• Doesn’t feel as lightweight as running shoes
• The leather upper is not as breathable in hot and humid climates

HOKA Bondi 9

Best Cushioning for Long Days

Another brand that’s become very popular among travelers over the years is HOKA. Trust us when we say we know HOKA fans will love the Bondi 9.

This walking shoe has some of the softest cushioning you will find. After half a day or so of walking museums, old ruins, and old towns your feet will notice the difference this shoe’s cushioning makes.

The shoe is also surprisingly lightweight despite its bulky appearance.

If you have knee pain, hip pain, or arthritis the extra cushion provided by the shoe will help reduce impact on your joints during those long walking days.

Why We Like It

• Incredible shock absorption
• Lightweight considering how thick the sole is
• Smooth transition from heel to toe
• Highly breathable upper mesh

Pros

• Ideal for those who suffer from joint pain
• Comfortable right out of the box
• Can comfortably handle 20,000+ steps per day
• More breathable than other brands

Cons

• Pricey compared to other walking shoes
• The thick sole may feel unstable or unnatural to some buyers

New Balance 928v3

Best Stability Shoe

Another favorite podiatrist-recommended walking shoe is the New Balance 928v3. They are known for their firm support and excellent cushioning.

If you are an older traveler who could use some extra balance on those uneven historic streets this is a shoe you should consider.

Its ROLLBAR stability technology is designed to limit excess foot motion which can give many shoe wearers more confidence while on slippery surfaces.

Why We Like It

• Superior balance support
• Motion control technology
• Multiple width options
• Highly durable upper

Pros

• Ideal for walkers with flat feet who need extra stability
• Exceptionally stable
• Built to last
• Comfortable to wear all day

Cons

• Feels more structured than other walking shoes
• Looks more like a walking shoe than a workout shoe

Skechers GO WALK Arch Fit 2

Best Budget Pick

We don’t always have to spend $150 or more on a great travel shoe. Take the Skechers GO WALK Arch Fit 2 for example.

This shoe offers incredible comfort at a fraction of the price of some of the other shoes on this list. The removable Arch Fit insole was designed using podiatric gait analysis data and definitely provides nice arch support while walking all day long.

It’s also one of the lightest walking shoes on our list which is perfect for travelers looking to keep their luggage light.

Why We Like It

• Lightweight
• Inexpensive
• Machine washable lining
• Comfortable right out of the box

Pros

• Great value shoe
• Breathable mesh upper
• Super easy to pack thanks to its lightweight design
• No break-in period needed

Cons

• Durability isn’t quite as good as some of the higher-priced shoes
• Lacks some side-to-side stability

Orthofeet Coral Stretch Knit

Best for Plantar Fasciitis and Bunions

If you have suffered from any sort of chronic foot pain you know just how important finding a comfortable shoe to travel in is.

Orthofeet is a company that specializes in making shoes and sandals for people who suffer from plantar fasciitis, neuropathy, arthritis, bunions, hammertoes, and diabetes.

The stretch knit upper will mold to your feet as they swell throughout the day while its orthopedic insoles will cradle your feet in cushioning.

We’ve heard many stories from travelers who struggled to walk more than a few blocks because of foot pain. Now they can comfortably walk miles while exploring a new city thanks to Orthofeet.

Why We Like It

• Omni orthopedic support
• Knit upper stretches to accommodate swelling
• Wide toe box
• Lots of cushioning

Pros

• Helps eliminate pressure points
• Ideal for those who have sensitive feet due to injury
• Lightweight design stretches as your feet swell throughout the day for lasting comfort
• Great arch support

Cons

• Costs more than most other shoes on this list
• Doesn’t have that sporty workout shoe look

ASICS GEL-Nimbus 27

Best for Maximum Comfort

This is one of those shoes that was originally designed to be a premium running shoe but quickly became a favorite for travelers as well.

Its FF BLAST PLUS ECO cushioning along with its GEL cushioning technology provides a very comfortable ride that is still supportive enough for those long days of sightseeing.

The shoe also offers great grip on those stone pavement streets.

Why We Like It

• Super plush cushioning
• Lightweight
• Breathable mesh upper
• Great shock absorption

Pros

• Ideal for long vacations where you’ll be walking many miles
• Comfortable all day long
• Modern look
• Super cushioned

Cons

• Pricey compared to other walking shoes
• Not as supportive as shoes with dedicated stability technology

Merrell Jungle Moc

Best Slip-On Walking Shoe

A nice comfortable pair of slip-on walking shoes is great for many senior travelers. There’s nothing worse than having to bend over in airports during security or after a long day of walking just to put your shoes on and off.

The Merrell Jungle Moc is one of the most popular slip-on shoes for this reason. Not only is it comfortable but its sticky rubber outsole offers great traction on those uneven streets.

The cushioned footbed helps to keep your feet feeling comfy all day as well.

Why We Like It

• Slip-on style
• Durable outsole
• Comfortable cushioning
• Reliable traction

Pros

• No hassles at airport security
• Comfortable right out of the box
• Built to last
• Great traction

Cons

• Not as breathable as other options
• Looks more like a casual shoe than a workout shoe

How to Choose Walking Shoes for European Cobblestones

When shopping for the best travel shoe, remember that it all comes down to your feet and how you travel.

Got achy joints? Give thick cushioning your priority. Models like the HOKA Bondi 9 and ASICS GEL-Nimbus 27 are great options.

Trouble balancing? Aesthetics aside, opt for a stability shoe like the Brooks Addiction Walker 2 or New Balance 928v3 to help you stay steady on uneven streets.

Walking long distances with plantar fasciitis or bunions? Take a hard look at Orthofeet. Built with pressure point relief in mind, these walking shoes are engineered to help you walk better.

Watching your wallet? Skechers GO WALK Arch Fit 2 is likely your best bet for value.

Tips for Walking Comfort While Traveling

Follow these travel tips to help your footwear go the distance.

Break shoes in prior to traveling. Don’t test out your new kicks on your first day abroad.

Pick moisture-wicking socks. These will help cut down on friction and blistering.

Slow your roll. If you’re visiting a city with a lot of elevation changes (hello Lisbon, Croatia and Dubrovnik), take your time and stop for breaks. There are usually tons of cafes in historic cities that are great for resting your legs and people watching.

Bring recovery sandals. Comfortable sandals you can lounge in at your hotel at night are a great way to let your feet rest after a day of exploring.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I wear running shoes on cobblestones?

Some yes, others no. Really soft, cushioned running shoes can feel very flimsy on rocky terrain. Look for a running shoe that’s part cushioned, part stability-oriented for better performance in European cities.

Do I need waterproof shoes for seniors?

Only if rain is in the forecast. Waterproof shoes are usually not very breathable and will make your feet miserable in the summer.

How many miles do people actually walk while traveling Europe?

Lots of people walk 8–15 miles (13–24 km) per day just sightseeing in a typical city like Rome, Florence, Prague, or Paris.

Do I need to buy a bigger size for travel shoes?

If your feet swell up after long flights or days with heavy walking, half a size bigger will be more comfortable. Make sure you’re trying shoes on with the same type of socks you’ll wear on your trip.

Final Verdict

Cities rich with history offer endless opportunities for exploration to those tourists that like to wanderlust. But not everyone can wander for hours on end without fretting about their tired feet. The right walking shoe can mean the difference between abbreviating your sightseeing and happily roaming around until dusk.

Although plenty of great options exist for senior walkers, the Brooks Addiction Walker 2 is still our overall favorite for most due to its perfect combination of stability, cushioning, and slip protection. Looking for the most comfortable shoe you can find?

Take a look at the uber-plush HOKA Bondi 9 or well-cushioned New Balance 928v3 if you need that extra boost of support and motion control.

No matter where your adventures take you, invest in a quality walking shoe and you’ll be sure to enjoy your visit to Rome, Prague, Kyoto, or wherever your heart desires.