All-day comfort: I’ve done extensive testing across the best walking shoes, loafers, and other comfortable dress shoes for women. I walk in them for 15,000 to 20,000 steps at a time to make sure they don’t cause my feet to overheat, which leads to aches and blisters. The most cushioned, airy walking sneakers I own are Rykä’s Devotion X.

Sizing and fit: I wear a size US 8 in women’s shoes. I look for comfortable pairs that have a secure, adjustable fit (especially around the collar and vamp), with enough room in the toe box so I don’t feel overcrowded. It’s important for balance that my toes be able splay naturally while standing all day in long lines.

Day-to-night style: I prefer tumbled or textured leather for dress shoes, since they make scuff marks less noticeable. I also considered how their shape looks with different hemlines. I usually go with neutral colors so I can mix and match them with any outfit in my carry-on.

Weatherproofing: For any shoes that claim to be waterproof or water resistant, I determine via pour test or real-world testing whether they hold up in wet or muddy conditions. When traveling through mixed forecasts, it helps to have active shoes with a Gore-Tex upper (like the ones from Salomon or Hoka).

Weight and packability: The heaviest shoes in this guide are the Bogs rain boots, which together weigh 2.5 pounds, and the Vivaia knee-high boots, which as a pair are just under 2 pounds. These boots are comfortable enough to wear directly onto a flight, which I recommend to help keep your luggage underweight.

The rest of our team’s picks weigh 12 ounces or under, as a lighter shoe helps prevent fatigue when walking long distances. I’ve chosen slim, flexible shoes that can pack near-flat and conserve space in a narrow travel tote. Learn more about how the Reviews team tests shoes at BI.