The Best Women’s Sneakers That Won’t Eat Up Suitcase Space

For a low-profile shoe strong enough to get you through serious workouts while you’re away, we love the Fearless Flyknit 2s for their excellent cushioning and traction. Not only is it a great shoe, but the purchase is a good one for the environment; each pair is made using six recycled plastic bottles and minimal additional materials.

Inspired by vintage 80s racing designs, Adidas Swift Runs are our pick for cool sneaks worthy of the ‘gram. Stretchy knit uppers bring a fresh look to the brand’s classic three stripes, while metallic embroidery adds some flash to the heel. A knit inner lining and soft EVA cushioning make these shoes as comfy as they are stylish. 

The Topo Athletic ST line is known for hyper-pliant designs made from mesh fabric uppers, removable insoles, and collapsible heels. The ST-3 is Topo’s lightest shoe yet; the minimalist trainer features a narrow midsection for a snug “second skin” fit. They may be too intense of a running shoe for casual travelers, but for anyone wanting to weave regular workouts into their travels, this is a foolproof pick.

Cole Haan’s Stitchlite sneakers (part of their Zerogrand line) are practically weightless. Made with  light-as-air knit uppers and plush, arched outsoles, the shoes are designed to absorb the shock of running and walking on pavement. An ingenious lace system locks laces into place so you can slip the shoes on and off without untying or causing any damage.

For a slightly higher-profile knit shoe that still feels as light as a slipper, we like Ugg’s Willows Sneakers, featuring a neat leather overlay. The Treadlite by UGG outsole gives a soft knit feel, while foamy footbeds provides excellent padding and support.     

Following the design trend spurred by Silicon Valley startup Allbirds, Dr. Scholl’s has created a knit shoe made with moisture-wicking and temperature-regulating fabric, mimicking Allbirds’ minimalist wool upper design. But beyond their look, the Freestep Sneakers feature the brand’s signature removable Memory-Fit foam insole, so you’ll stay comfortable on your feet all day long.    

Part of New Balance’s Fresh Foam shoe family, the Zante Solas are the lightest in the line, with a sock-like elastic uppers and soles made from a single piece of foam. 

The only completely waterproof option on our list, Vessi’s laceless loungers feature patented Dyma-tex knit that will keep your feet dry no matter the weather, while remaining breathable enough to wear in even the hottest summer temperatures. Soft, antibacterial insoles keep your feet clean and comfy, even after long days of sightseeing.    

A wide velcro strap makes The North Face’s knit slip-ons the easiest sneakers to get on and off quickly at the airport. Breathable knit uppers keep things feeling fresh and airy, while rubber outsoles give lots of good grip no matter the surface.   

Hush Puppies’ lace-up sneakers can compress down and slide into any suitcase corner (something we’ve tested!). Knit with a dry mesh sock-lining that beats back sweat and smell, the Tricias also feature cushy footbeds and foam soles for extra spring.  

FitFlop soles are made to support your body alignment from morning till night. The company’s Uberknit designs are some of their most compact yet, featuring nylon knitted uppers and what they’re calling Anatomicush technology—an anatomically curved layer that provides cloud-like comfort. Add in slip-proof outsoles and a total weight of just 10 ounces, and you’ve got an ideal travel shoe.

From an O.G. of woven elastic footwear comes a foolproof travel sneaker. Look close—there’s just a hint of silver sparkle woven into the breathable dark blue upper. Memory foam footbeds give cushioned support to each step.

Versace, Chanel, and Fendi are all on the knit sneaker train, but Balenciaga’s Speed Sneakers are the ones that have our heart. Their technical 3D knit makes their sock-like design skin-tight and practically seamless, while their ergonomic soles with “No Memory” technology are as comfortable as you can get in a slip-on shoe.