These 5 Best Spring Shoes for the Airport, According to an Editor Who Has Travelled A Lot

March 10, 2025

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These 5 Best Spring Shoes for the Airport, According to an Editor Who Has Travelled A Lot

I like to think I’ve mastered the art of airport footwear. However, this comes after many trial-and-error flights where I’ve sat for hours in discomfort wondering why I chose to wear a certain pair of shoes and skinny jeans (I know). Travelling 10+ hours between the UK and the West Coast of the States to visit family a few times a year means I’ve had to become more discerning with what shoes make the cut and which don’t, but once you’ve learned the best shoes for plane travel that are comfortable and don’t hinder your personal style, the next lesson comes in seasonal dressing, including sorting out the best spring shoes for the airport. There is a difference and they won’t always look the same as those you select for winter and summer flights.

Like your airport outfit, the footwear you choose should also be versatile and feel comfortable. Marilyn’s trainers earn extra points for adding style too.

Similar to nailing a great airport outfit, one of the most important factors in choosing the right shoes for a springtime flight is function. Weather during this time of year is notoriously unpredictable, therefore you want footwear that can handle both sun and unexpected showers. You’ll also want shoes that you can slip on and off easily for a seamless experience through security. Spring also can bring about warmer temps, or perhaps you’re travelling to a balmy destination. This also means it’s worth considering swapping your boots and shearling-lined loafers for sandals, trainers and slip-ons that offer a little coverage but won’t leave you sweaty.

Feeling overwhelmed by the choice? You needn’t worry. I’ve used all my expertise to gather the five airport shoe options to consider for spring. Scroll on to see my picks.

Best Spring Shoes for Wearing to the Airport:

1. Trainers

Monikh in a butter yellow top and white trainers

Style Notes: In my opinion, there is no airport shoe more superior to a stylish and comfortable trainer. Not only are they suitable for hours (and hours) of wear, but there are so many choices these days that actually elevate your airport outfit. Take Monikh’s classic white pair, for instance. Neutral shades like white, brown and black go with every look you pack—and you won’t be wincing from pain once you get to your hotel. Also consider a sleek suede material or something with a pop of colour to upgrade more casual airport attire.

Shop Trainers:

New Balance

Rc42 Suede Trainers

NIKE

Cortez Vintage Leather-Trimmed Brushed-Suede Sneakers

LOEWE

On Cloudtilt 2.0 Stretch Recycled-Knit Sneakers

2. Chunky Sandals

Emily in a cardigan and chunky sandals with a basket bag

Style Notes: Chunky sandals give you the best of both worlds. They’re more breathable but have enough structure for walking comfortably and aren’t complicated to remove for airport security. This kind of style also makes it easy to slide from the plane into a pre-booked activity without worrying about a footwear change—and they look pretty, as proven by Emily’s bright white pick. Although sandals aren’t as closed in as other shoes, a pair with thicker soles keeps your feet a little further away from the plane carpeting too, which is a win in my eyes!

Shop Chunky Sandals:

Birkenstock

Arizona Nubuck Sandals

EMME PARSONS

Leather Slides

BIRKENSTOCK

Milano Shearling-Lined Suede Sandals

ZARA

Buckled Flat Sandals

3. Ballet Flats

Lois in a khaki denim jacket and black mesh ballet flats

Style Notes: The return of the ballet flat has been sincerely welcomed. Flats with the right toe shape and in a pretty material are comparable to heels in terms of aesthetic, and this is often the footwear of choice for celebrities, too. Not only that, but after a few times walking around in them, quality styles grow accustomed to your foot shape and make for a more pleasant wearing experience (making them much comfier than a pair of slingbacks, but still as easy to slip off). Lois’s outfit is a case study in effortless airport outfits.

Shop Ballet Flats:

H&M

Mary Jane Ballet Pumps

Dear Frances

Balla Mesh, White

STAUD

Alba Leather Ballet Flats

COS

The Ruched Leather Ballet Flats

4. Loafers

Anouk in suede loafers with a matching bag

Style Notes: Loafers are the holy grail of a good spring airport shoe. They hit three criteria for me that many other footwear styles don’t. They’re comfortable, easy to remove and extremely polished, so they’re a safe choice when you have dinners and special events planned but may only be working with a single carry-on suitcase. Anouk’s look is the epitome of quiet luxury. With soft fabrics and suede loafers, it’s possible for you (and your feet) to look good and remain comfortable even at 30,000 feet up.

Shop Loafers:

H&M

Leather Driving Loafers

LE MONDE BERYL

Suede Loafers

5. Closed-Toe Mules

Hannah in white jeans and Birkenstock clogs

Style Notes: Blending the looks of a sandal and loafer are closed-toe mules. Another pair of spring airport shoes to have on your list of potential options. The closed-toe silhouette gives you more coverage for weather that’s looking a little iffy, but the open back provides easy on-and-off capabilities and a great choice for warmer days. Take a page from Hannah’s book and select a neutral pair that’ll likely work with more of the clothes within your travel capsule.