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If you love to travel and you like to work out when you’re on the road, then you’ve likely run into the following question many times, “Which training shoes should I bring with me?” This question is typically then followed by multiple follow-ups.
For example, where are you traveling to and how much can you pack? What type of training do you plan to do while on your trip? Are you planning on doing bodyweight workouts or do you plan to resume your regular schedule of lifting and CrossFit?
All of these questions can then suggest which training shoes will be best for your travel needs. As someone who’s regularly traveling, I wanted to put together a list of some of my favorite travel-friendly training shoes.
In most cases, you’ll likely just bring whatever training shoes you’ve already been using for your gym sessions. However, if you have been waiting for an upcoming trip to explore new travel-friendly training shoes, then this list is for you.
For this round-up, I’m going to assume that you’re only wanting to travel with one pair of training shoes.
Best All-Around Training Shoes for Travel
The best all-around training shoes for travel is a pretty high accolade. For this section, this is a pair of shoes that can hold their own for things like serious training, look good on a daily wear basis, and also work for versatile training.
There are a lot of great all-around training shoes for travel and I discuss a lot of models that would work well for this category in my best cross-training shoes article. For brevity, I’ve tried to narrow down my picks below to the best of the best.
Top Pick: STR/KE MVMNT Haze Trainer
The STR/KE MVMNT Haze Trainer is taking my top pick as the best all-around training shoes for travel. This shoe is taking my top spot for three key reasons. First, the Haze Trainer has an incredibly well-rounded performance.
This model has taken top picks in my best CrossFit shoes and best cross-training shoe round-ups due to its strong performance for lifting, versatile training, and CrossFit. Essentially, it’s a shoe that can hold its own in a variety of training contexts.
Second — and while appearance is subjective — I think the Haze Trainer has a nice casual look to them. They’re an easy training shoe to wear out and about and then to the gym and they don’t necessarily shout “training shoes” when worn casually.
Third and lastly, their Cross-Platform outsole and Cush50 midsole articulate and move well. Regarding comfort, mobility, and delivering a fairly wide toe box, the Haze Trainer does a good job across all of these contexts.
- Best For: CrossFit-Style Training
- Heel-to-Toe Drop: 4mm
- Weight: 11.2 oz (for my size 10 model)
- Removable Insole: Yes
- Sizing: True to Size
- For More Info: Read My Review
STR/KE MVMNT Haze Trainer
$150
Pros
- Great for those who love minimalist-feeling trainers.
- Casual look and vibe are great for daily wear.
- Upper breathes well and promotes security while training.
Cons
- Toe box can rip from tough abrasion.
- Outsole can fade with high-volume concrete use.
- High insteps may find these tight.
Best For
- Heavy Lifting
- Cross-Training Workouts
- Athletic-Focused Sessions
- Shorter Runs (<3 miles)
Specs
| Heel-to-Toe Drop | 4mm |
| Weight | 11.2 oz |
| Width | Medium/Wide(ish) |
| Lifting Threshold | 545 lbs |
| Run Distance Threshold | <1 mile |
Best Comfortable Training Shoes for Travel
For the best comfortable training shoes for travel, I tried to consider two key performance areas. First, is the shoe comfortable for travel, all-day wear, and training? Second, how does the shoe perform in the gym?
Below, I’ve included some of my favorite training shoe picks that deliver super comfortable rides while also being solid training shoes in the gym.
Top Pick: On Cloud X 3
The On Cloud X 3 is earning my top pick as the best comfortable training shoes for travel. When talking comfort, it’s tough to fault On shoes and this is why so many like and reach for the specifically for travel.
For comfort, the On Cloud X 3 delivers due to its CloudTec midsole. This midsole is mobile and it articulates well when walking, standing, being on your feet all day, and training. I don’t think many will have issues with the On Cloud X when it comes to all-day comfort.
In the context of training, the On Cloud X 3 will work best for more versatile training sessions and light to moderate lifting. This model is not going to be the most stable for things like heavy squats. When all-day comfort is a priority, stability often takes a hit.
I also like the lightweight nature of the On Cloud X 3, and the upper has a good level of breathability. I could see this being a good pick for anyone traveling to warmer climates that also want to wear their training shoes out and about.
- Best For: Shorter Runs, Light Lifting, HIIT, Agility
- Heel-to-Toe Drop: 6mm
- Weight: 8.8 oz (for my size 10 model)
- Removable Insole: Yes
- Sizing: True to Size
- For More Info: Read My Review
On Cloud X 3
$149.99
Pros
- Comfortable for walking and all-day wear
- Good pick for cross-training and moderate lifting
- Works great for runs up to 3-5 miles
Cons
- Midsole isn't great for heavy lifting
- Arch can feel uncomfortable for flat feet
- Midsole durability isn't the best on concrete
Best For
- Light Strength Training
- Versatile Training
- Classes/HIIT
- Short Runs (1-5 miles)
- Daily Wear
Falls Short
- For Outdoor Workouts
- For Heavy Training
- For Wide Feet
Best Packable Training Shoes for Travel
When it comes to package training shoes, I’m primarily considering how easy it is to pack a pair of shoes in a tight bag. For example, I like to travel with a singular backpack for short trips and if the shoes aren’t on my feet, then they need to be easy to pack.
For packable training shoes, I try to pay attention to how a shoe retains its shape when potentially being stuffed into a bag. Ideally, you’ll want to pack training shoes that can compress well and fold without losing shape in their boot and upper.
Top Pick: Inov-8 F-Lite 235 V3
The Inov-8 F-Lite 235 V3 is taking my top spot as the best packable training shoes for travel. This is a cross-training shoe that is fantastic for travel, but it’s also fairly slept on in different training shoe communities, in my opinion.
The Inov-8 F-Lite 235 V3 is a training shoe that I would describe as walking the fine line between being a minimalist feeling shoe, and a model that provides enough midsole to give you comfort and support.
I like the Inov-8 F-Lite 235 V3 for its packability due to its lightweight upper and sole mobility. This shoe’s upper easily compresses down and the sole articulates well so you can easily stuff these into even the tightest spots and they’ll retain their shape.
In the gym, the Inov-8 F-Lit 235 V3 is a pretty well-rounded shoe and it will work best for lifting, versatile training, and some CrossFit. It’s also a great shoe for those that love more minimalist-style shoes, which I mentioned above.
- Best For: CrossFit-Style Training
- Heel-to-Toe Drop: 4mm
- Weight: 10.3 oz (for my size 10 model)
- Removable Insole: Yes
- Sizing: True to Size
- For More Info: Inov-8 F-Lite 235 V3 Read My Review
Inov-8 F-Lite 235 V3
Pros
- If you want training shoes that have a more "minimalist" feel then you'll enjoy the pliability of this shoe's sole construction.
- These shoes feel sock-like on the feet which can be great for giving you an athletic fit for versatile training and lifting.
- This model's midsole and outsole perform well for lifting, CrossFit, and cross-training workouts. They're a good do-it-all shoe.
Cons
- If you like more structure with your training shoe's upper then you'll likely want to pass on this model.
- This model isn't the best for wide feet and for lifters with high insteps. In this context, the sock-like fit can feel aggressive.
- These won't be the best Inov-8 training shoes for hybrid workouts. Look into the F-Lite G 300 or F-Fly for those asks.
Best For
- Agility Workouts
- Plyometric Training
- Athletic Training
- Recreational Lifting
Falls Short
- For Cost-Efficiency
Best Travel-Friendly Training Shoes for HIIT
If you’re planning to do primarily HIIT workouts and more versatile training while you’re traveling, then you’ll want a pair of shoes that excel for this style of training. This could be tackling bodyweight exercises, circuit-style workouts, and light runs.
When traveling, I’m regularly tackling different circuit-style workouts and mixing in some light running due to lacking equipment. If you’re similar, then you’ll want shoes optimized for this training context.
Top Pick: Reebok Speed 22 TR
The Reebok Speed 22 TR is taking my top pick as the best travel-friendly training shoes for HIIT. I enjoy the performance of the Reebok Speed 22 TR, and it’s a solid shoe for HIIT workouts, light running, and light lifting.
This model is the latest HIIT-focused training shoe from Reebok and it has received some notable construction upgrades compared to the less than stellar Reebok Speed 21 TR. I can see this model being a good budget-friendly model for training while on the road.
This shoe has a price point of $110 USD and can double as a daily wear shoe as well. Most recently, I brought these on a trip to New York City and they were comfortable when being on my feet all day and logging around 15-20k steps.
The Floatride Energy Foam midsole in this model gives them a responsive and comfortable feel and the full rubber outsole does a good job with traction and protecting the midsole from breakdown issues.
- Best For: Light Lifting, HIIT, Agility, and Lighter Runs
- Heel-to-Toe Drop: 10mm
- Weight: 10.4 oz (for my size 10 model)
- Removable Insole: Yes
- Sizing: True to Size
- For More Info: Read MyReview
Reebok Speed 22 TR
Best For
- Classes
- HIIT Workouts
- Light Lifting
- Short Runs/Sprints (to a degree)
- Daily Wear
Falls Short
- For Heavy Lifting
- For CrossFit
Best Travel-Friendly Training Shoes for Wide Feet
When testing and looking for a good travel-friendly shoe for wide feet, I’m concerned with two key performance areas. First, I’m assessing how a shoe fits and if it’s wide enough for different foot anatomies.
Second, I’m assessing the shoe’s performance and trying to figure out where it excels and if it’s comfortable for travel. Basically, can it be a one-stop shop for someone needing a good all-around training shoe for travel and wide feet?
Top Pick: Reebok Nano X2
The Reebok Nano X2 is earning my top pick as the best travel-friendly training shoe for wide feet. This model does a good job across the board regarding performance and they have a wider construction through the midfoot and forefoot.
If you’re on the road, then the Reebok Nano X2 can be a good option for those lifting, doing HIIT workouts, maybe a CrossFit session and even short runs. These shoes are pretty good all-around training shoes and cater to wide feet pretty well.
The Reebok Floatride Energy Foam in this shoe’s midsole walks a good line between being stable for heavy lifting and also responsive enough for HIIT training. I also like that the Reebok Nano X2 looks pretty good for daily wear.
Compared to other well-rounded cross-training shoes, I feel like the Reebok Nano X2 does an exceptional job for all-day wear. I think the Nano X2 could be a good pick for those that plan to wear their training shoes for travel in addition to training.
- Best For: General Training, HIIT Workouts, Casual CrossFit, and Wider Feet
- Heel-to-Toe Drop: 7mm
- Weight: 11.9 oz (for my size 10 model)
- Removable Insole: Yes
- Sizing: For wider/neutral width feet, you should be safe going true-to-size in the Nano X2. Narrow feet, size down a half size.
- For More Info: Read My Review
Reebok Nano X2
Best For
- Recreational Lifting
- Athletic-Focused Training
- Casual CrossFit Sessions
- Shorter Runs
Falls Short
- For Cost-Efficiency
Best Barefoot Shoes for Travel and Training
Barefoot shoes can be great options for traveling because they’re easily packable, lightweight, and can be folded up and stuffed into pretty much any type of bag. Barefoot shoes can be some of the best packable shoes for this reason.
Below, I’ve provided some of my favorite barefoot shoes for training and daily wear, which are both incredibly important for those traveling as you’ll typically want barefoot shoes that have a good degree of versatility.
Top Pick: Vivobarefoot Primus Lite III
The Vivobarefoot Primus Lite III is taking my top pick as the best barefoot shoes for travel and training. This barefoot shoe is taking my top pick for three key reasons. First, their appearance is pretty solid for being a barefoot shoe.
It’s no secret that barefoot shoes can sometimes fall short regarding appearance and aesthetics. I feel as though the Vivobarefoot Primus Lite III is a model that does a good job delivering a simplistic and refined appearance for a variety of daily wear contexts.
Second, the Primus Lite III is a fairly strong barefoot shoe in the gym. They’re one of my favorite models for lifting and are one of my favorite shoes for deadlifting, and they can also hold their own for versatile training.
Third and lastly, the Vivobarefoot Primus Lite III is also pretty durable and they tend to last a while. If you’re traveling and plan to beat your shoes up and train in them, then the Primus Lite III can be a good option to explore.
- Best For: Heavy Lifting and Barbell Training
- Heel-to-Toe Drop: 0mm
- Weight: 8.85 oz
- Removable Insole: Yes
- Sizing: True to Size, but there are no half sizes (except for 12.5)
- For More Info: Read My Review
Vivobarefoot Primus Lite III
$160
Pros
- Highly flexible sole
- Good upper breathability
- Good for training and daily wear
Cons
- Bright white can stain
- Outsole durability can vary
- Can feel too snug for some
Best For
- Heavy Weight Training
- Daily Wear
- Casual Workouts
- Lighter Runs and Athletic Training
Falls Short
- For Cost-Efficiency
- For Longer Barefoot-Style Running Workouts
What Training Shoes Are Best for Travel?
The best training shoes for travel will all have two key things in common. First, the shoes will need to have some baseline level of dual-functionality. For example, you’ll want shoes that can be comfortable for long days on your feet if you’re only bringing a limited amount of shoes.
If you’re traveling light and plan to work out, then you’ll likely not want to bring multiple pairs of shoes with you so having a pair of shoes that can be good for your training needs and daily wear can be imperative.
Second, you want a pair of shoes that can be packable if needed. Now, how packable a pair of training shoes is will exist on a spectrum and this can important to understand.
For example, if you have less room for packing, then you’ll want a pair of shoes that can compress easily and not lose shape in the boot and upper or break down faster due to being packed tightly.
How To Pick Training Shoes to Travel With
In my opinion, selecting great training shoes for travel is an art, especially if you’re someone who doesn’t want to skip a beat with training while traveling. A good pair of shoes can make or break great workouts while you’re on the road.
I wanted to share some thoughts on how I mentally navigate this question when traveling. By answering the three questions below in any order, you can create a list and select the best travel-friendly training shoes for your individual needs and wants.
1. Do you plan to train like normal while you’re on the road?
Not every trip we take is solely focused on relaxation and taking a break from the grind. If you’re traveling and plan to resume your normal training, then you’ll want to bring the shoes you normally wear or a pair that can perform strongly for your specific training needs and demands.
For example, if you’re tackling CrossFit workouts on the road, then bring a pair of shoes designed for CrossFit. This will help you perform your best and will help direct you towards shoes that will work best for your demands and travel well.
2. Do you need a training shoe for travel and daily wear?
For daily wear and travel demands, you’ll want to explore travel-friendly training shoes that deliver a high level of comfort. Nothing is more annoying than having uncomfortable shoes on while traveling.
You’re already in a stressful situation. The last thing you need is a pair of shoes that don’t provide you with a comfortable ride, especially if you’re carrying around bags. If daily wear is a high priority, then explore models that deliver more comfort and a little less stability/firmness.
3. How much space do you have?
Once you’ve assessed your training and daily wear needs, it’s now time to assess packability and what’s realistic for you. If you have less room, then you’ll want to explore models that can easily be stashed in smaller spaces.
This will then create a bias towards what shoes will fit best and help you narrow down which models are feasible for your travel needs. For example, if you have less room, then you’ll likely not want to bring a pair of thick shoes that lack comfort and dual-functionality.
Takeaway Thoughts
There are countless travel-friendly training shoes on the market. Arguably, every training shoe could be travel-friendly if they fit your individual needs and wants well.
Hopefully, this round-up was able to provide some options and insights into navigating which shoes to travel with if you also plan to train and workout while on your trip.
If you have additional questions on travel-friendly training shoes, drop a comment below or reach out to me personally via Instagram (@jake_boly or @that_fit_friend).
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