Gear Reviews
I’ve been running and traveling for over seven years now.
And as a travel runner, there’s nothing worse than lugging around an extra pair of shoes you may not use. Or, even worse, finding out the shoes you brought aren’t ideal for the terrain you’re running on. And that’s where the hunt for the best packable running shoes started for me. I needed something lightweight that wouldn’t take up much room, but could also double as a pair of casual shoes to explore a place when necessary. And, most of all, I needed them to be versatile. I work in a mix of road, trail, and sometimes both when I’m running while traveling.
And, at this point, there isn’t a brand’s shoes that I haven’t tested.
So, that search helped me create this list of travel shoes. You’ll find a mix of road shoes and trail running shoes on here. But I’ve aimed to include only trail shoes that could be a crossover between road and trail.
So, let’s dive in.
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7 Best Travel Running Shoes
Table of Contents
1. Brooks Ghost 17
Brooks Ghost 17
Experience the new men’s Ghost 17, featuring lighter cushioning, enhanced breathable upper, and recycled materials. Perfect for road running and walking with soft cushioning and smooth transitions.
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The Brooks Ghost series are my best overall travel running shoes every time.
They’re comfortable, durable, and they look good when you’re wearing them casually. And that makes them a great balance between comfort and practicality.
The Ghost 17 have its DNA Loft v3 cushioning, which delivers on the comfort but still gives you a responsive shoe for short or long workouts. Plus, they’re breathable thanks to its mesh upper. So your feet will look and feel good no matter if it’s on a plane or a running trail.
They’re also durable. I’ve personally worn pairs for longer backpacking trips — having them on my feet for hours of exploring and running — and they hold up fantastically. They can even do some light trail running depending on the trail.
So, if you need the ultimate travel running shoe, this is my top choice.
Pros
- Comfortable and cushioned
- Breathable upper
- Packable
Cons
- High heel drop
- Midfoot can run a bit tight
2. Hoka Rincon 4
Hoka Rincon 4
Experience the Men’s HOKA® Rincon 4, a lightweight running shoe at just 7.4 ounces. Enjoy max cushioning, quicker acceleration with an updated Meta-Rocker, and ultralight, breathable vegan materials. Perfect for long-distance runs.
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Don’t let that giant stack height fool ya — the Hoka Rincon 4 are one of the best pairs of running shoes you can get.
The shoe is extremely lightweight and minimalist, which makes it easy to pack. It has great breathability so your feet stay cool and the shoes stay dry (and don’t stink). And many travel runners with wide feet love the wide toe box.
But it’s not all about being lightweight and portable.
It still has a responsive midsole, so you’ll get the pop you need underfoot, no matter the running terrain — treadmill, sidewalk, or dirt path.
While I wouldn’t recommend these shoes for trails or as a hiking shoe, they’re great for hours of walking followed by some road running.
Plus, at just over 7 ounces, you won’t even feel them in your bag. And you can’t go wrong with a pair of shoes that are comfortable out of the box — no break-in needed.
Pros
- Lightweight and versatile
- Comfortable and cushioned
- Great as a running and walking shoe
Cons
- Not durable
- Upper isn’t the most supportive
3. Saucony Kinvara 16
Saucony Kinvara 16
Lightweight, springy, and ready for everyday miles, the Kinvara 16 is your ideal packable running shoe. Featuring Saucony’s updated PWRRUN foam, it delivers lively cushioning with impressive durability.
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The Saucony Kinvara is a shoe most runners are familiar with.
It’s one of the lightest running shoes (coming in at just over seven ounces for men’s and women’s). Its breathable upper keeps your foot dry in different weather conditions. And because it’s so compact, thin, and flexible, it’s easy to fit in your suitcase if you need to pack them.
But where it shines is its versatility. It excels at every run distance — from quick morning jogs to longer runs. And they look great, which makes them one of the best walking shoes, too.
I don’t recommend them for trail runs (even light trails). The outsole doesn’t have much grip, so they’re not ideal for dirt or rocks.
Pros
- Lightweight and packable
- Versatile
- Eco-friendly
Cons
- Not durable
- Less cushioning compared to others
4. Salomon Ultra Glide 2
Salomon Ultra Glide 2
The Ultra Glide 2 is an ultra-cushioned trail shoe designed for mixed terrain and long-distance comfort. Lightweight and adaptable, it’s perfect for 2-3 runs per week, with maximal cushioning and a 6mm drop.
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Full disclosure: I’m a huge fan of Salomon trail shoes.
And the Salomon Ultra Glide 2 (and previous iterations) are my all-time favorite trail running gear. The combination of comfort, fit, and speed is the perfect combo for me.
And while they’re more “clunky” compared to the other shoes you find on this list, they’re easily packable. I’ve gone on multiple trips with only a carry-on and these fit easily in my small suitcase. Plus, the shoe features a low lug depth. So, you can run on trail or road with comfort. And the cushioned midsole makes it an excellent long distance trail shoe.
If you get a pair of trail running shoes for travel from this list, these are the ones I choose. And I can’t recommend them enough.
Pros
- Comfortable and cushioned
- Secure fit
- Versatile
Cons
- Breathable
- Heavier than other shoes
5. Altra Lone Peak 9
Altra Lone Peak 9
Discover the Altra Lone Peak 9, the ultimate trail running shoe. Featuring StoneGuard™ and MaxTrac™ technology for superb protection and traction, and a springy Altra Ego™ midsole for unmatched comfort. Perfect for any trail distance.
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Trail runners love the Altra Lone Peak.
It’s a zero-drop shoe (which means from the heel to the midfoot to the forefoot is all the same height). Plus it has a wide toe box, which is perfect for runners who need trail shoes for wide feet.
And its durability and traction are fantastic (arguably the best on a shoe).
Best of all for travel runners, it’s super lightweight and flexible so it’s easy to pack. I’ve even seen travelers wearing these on planes. So that’s an extra option to save even more space.
But, if you’ll mainly be hitting trails, the Altra Lone Peak is a solid choice.
Pros
- Comfort and fit
- Versatile
- Can be used on roads or trail
Cons
- Moderate protection
- Traction issues in wet conditions
Which lightweight travel running shoe will you choose?
And that’s all! Any of these options are great choices, so hopefully you found one that suits your needs.
If you did, let me know what one you chose in the comments and why it fit your situation! I’m sure other travel runners would love to hear the reasons. And now that you’ve got your shoes, it’s probably time to start packing.
So, check out my guide on how to fold clothes for travel to ensure you’re maximizing your space.
Last, if you’re on social media, follow me on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube for more traveling and running information!
Kyle Cash | Trail Journal
I’m Kyle — the runner behind The Travel Runner. I run trails all over the world to bring you stories, tips, and gear that actually works. From national parks to forgotten paths, I’ve got mud on my shoes and too many snacks in my pack.
Let’s go find new ground.