Best Shoes for Walking 20,000 Steps a Day While Traveling

Traveling often means spending long hours on your feet, exploring new cities and experiencing different cultures. In reality, that usually means walking 20,000 steps a day, or more.

And while that sounds exciting, it can quickly take a toll on your feet. Discomfort, blisters and fatigue are common when your shoes aren’t built for that kind of use.

Finding the right footwear becomes essential, not just for comfort, but for actually enjoying the trip. The challenge for many travelers is finding shoes that balance comfort, durability and style while also aligning with more sustainable choices.

•  Weatherproof Hemp Construction: We created the first waterproof hemp shoes, keeping your feet dry and comfortable in any weather.
  
  

• Vegan and Natural Materials: Made from hemp-based materials, they are a fully vegan and eco-conscious option.

• Durability and Comfort: Designed for long days on your feet without compromising comfort.
  
  

• Premium Hemp Quality: We use high-quality hemp fibers for long-lasting performance.

Walking 20,000 steps a day puts real stress on your feet, especially when you’re doing it day after day.

Many shoes simply aren’t designed for this level of use. They lack proper support, wear out quickly or fail in different weather conditions. Wet environments lead to discomfort, while hot climates can make shoes feel heavy and unbreathable.

At the same time, more travelers are becoming aware of the environmental impact of what they wear. The global leather industry alone uses materials from over a billion animals annually, raising concerns for those trying to make more conscious choices.

Balancing comfort, durability and sustainability is still a real challenge.

Most traditional footwear options fall short when it comes to long-distance travel.

Many sneakers are not built for repeated high-step days, meaning they lose structure and comfort quickly. Even brands positioned as sustainable often rely on synthetic materials that don’t always offer the best breathability or long-term durability.

For example, some options focus on plant-based materials but may lack support for extended walking. Others offer waterproof features, but don’t fully solve the sustainability side.

In most cases, travelers are forced to compromise between performance and values.

When choosing shoes for walking 20,000 steps a day while traveling, a few things matter more than anything else:

• Comfort: Proper cushioning and support help prevent fatigue over long days.

• Durability: Shoes should handle daily wear across different terrains.

• Weatherproofing: Keeping your feet dry is essential to avoid discomfort and blisters.

• Breathability: Especially important in warmer climates.

• Sustainability: Materials and production processes matter more than ever.

• Vegan Materials: Avoiding animal-based products is a priority for many travelers.

• Minimalist Design: Lightweight, versatile shoes are easier to pack and use daily.

The best approach is to prioritize materials that combine performance and sustainability.

After testing different materials and designs, we ended up building our own solution.

At 8000Kicks, we chose hemp, a natural material that offers durability, breathability and long-term performance. Unlike many alternatives that still depend on plastics or synthetic blends, hemp provides a stronger and more sustainable foundation.

Our shoes are designed to be weatherproof and dust-resistant, making them especially suited for travel, where conditions can change quickly.

On top of that, we offer free shipping above $90 and a 60-day return policy, making it easier to try them risk-free.

Rainy cities (like London, Berlin or Amsterdam)

Traditional shoes can quickly get soaked, leading to discomfort. With weatherproof hemp, your feet stay dry so you can keep exploring.

Dusty environments or long travel days

Shoes that resist dust and wear reduce maintenance and last longer.

Hot climates

Breathability becomes essential. Hemp naturally allows airflow, helping keep feet cooler compared to synthetic materials.

Sustainable travel choices

Choosing long-lasting, natural materials reduces the need for frequent replacements and lowers overall impact.

Are your shoes suitable for all types of travel?

Yes, they are designed for versatility, from city exploration to everyday use and light outdoor activities.

How do they compare in durability?

Hemp is naturally strong and resistant, making it a durable alternative to many conventional materials.

Are they really weatherproof?

Yes, they are designed to handle rain, puddles and wet conditions.

Why hemp?

Hemp grows quickly, requires less water than cotton and is highly durable, making it a strong sustainable option.

Walking long distances while traveling requires the right footwear. Without it, discomfort can quickly impact the entire experience.

The ideal shoe should combine comfort, durability and sustainability,  without forcing trade-offs.

That’s exactly what we set out to build.