The Best Airport Shoes to Wait Out Long TSA Lines

We may be a sneaker blog, but the real-world happenings can still bleed into this space. Tariffs and the economy will always play a big role in the outlook for the sneaker market, but right now, the focus is on the ridiculously long lines at TSA checkpoints in airports across the United States, thanks to the Department of Homeland Security shutdown. We’re not going to talk about the politics behind this, because again, we’re a sneaker blog, so we’re just going to advise you on how to survive the long lines in the best sneakers possible.

If you’re stuck in the multi-hour-long security queues at major airports across the country, you’re going to need some comfortable footwear to hold you over. Wearing some random flip-flops as if you’re already at your vacation destination, or hard-bottomed shoes like it’s the ‘60s when everyone wore suits on planes, is not the best idea for foot comfort.

With that in mind, let’s go over the best shoes to wear at the airport, in no particular order.

Honorable Mention - Delta Air Lines x Nike Air Force 1 Low

This list primarily consists of models and not specific colorways of sneakers, but how could we talk about airport shoes without mentioning an official collaboration between an airline and Nike? To celebrate the company’s 100th birthday in 2025, Delta offered employees the chance to buy a special colorway of the Air Force 1 with a Delta logo on the lateral heel. They were never released to the public, but you can still find pairs on the aftermarket for a premium price. Just don’t wear them if you’re flying another airline.

Nike Mind 001

If you’re able to buy the Mind 001, count your lucky stars and go buy a lottery ticket. Nike’s latest innovation in the world of recovery footwear has become an instant sensation and sells out every time new colors drop or restock. But if you do have a pair, they’re probably the best things to wear at the airport. The foam is soft, it's a slip-on, so it’s easy to take off (even though that’s a thing of the past at TSA checkpoints), and the 22 nodes on the outsole provide a unique underfoot sensation that makes them addictive to wear.

Nike Mind 002

We can’t talk about the viral Nike Mind 001 without mentioning its sibling, the Mind 002. Unlike the 001, which is a foam slip-on, the 002 is more like a traditional sneaker with a mesh upper and laces. It still features the same foam midsole and 22 nodes connected to the footbed and outsole, but with more lockdown and a mesh upper, some think it's a bit more comfortable to wear than the 001. Either one you choose will be a great option for flexing at the airport.

Nike Vomero Premium

You may not be getting tons of laps in at the airport, but wearing performance running footwear is always recommended when flying. For Nike, the Vomero Premium, one of the latest models from The Swoosh, has made the transition from the track to the lifestyle market and is more often seen being worn casually than on a treadmill or during a race. The 55mm stack height, ZoomX foam midsole, and large Zoom Air units in the heel and forefoot help tremendously in the comfort department.

Salehe Bembury x Crocs Pollex Clog

Designer Salehe Bembury has slowed down his output with Crocs, focusing more on Puma and New Balance as of late, but his Crocs Pollex Clog is still a certified hit for casual wear. The new spin on your traditional pair of Crocs uses Bembury’s fingerprint as a design motif across the 3D one-piece foam construction, with reinforced rubber zones in high-impact areas helping with durability. Honestly, they’re more comfortable than a pair of Classic Clogs once they’re broken in, and they look much better in our opinion. Definitely a solid choice to wear at the airport.

Air Jordan 4

Don’t scoff at this choice. Yes, if you’re talking about Air Jordan 4s from before the shape change of the Nike SB collab, you’d be right to question this choice. However, since the retooling of the shoe, any AJ 4 from 2023 and beyond is going to be comfortable for all-day wear. It’s a major flex to pull up into TSA with a pair of Js that you’re not likely to see around the terminal.

Jordan Trunner O/S

Moving past the retro kicks of the late ‘80s, let’s talk about a contemporary sneaker from Jordan Brand: the Trunner O/S. Introduced at the end of 2025, the Trunner O/S is a modern-day continuation of the Jordan Trunner line that began in the ‘90s and early oughts. Many liken the shoe to a New Balance if it were made by Jordan, and it’s not far off, as the mesh and suede upper looks like something that NB could’ve dropped years ago. The use of Cushlon 3.0 foam in the midsole and the breathable mesh on the upper make this a comfy choice for your airport adventures.

Saucony ProGrid Triumph 4

Throughout the 2020s, Saucony has made a name for itself in the hype space, but before sneakerhead culture was buying up the brand, it was focused on performance running. These retro mesh runners are still prevalent across fashion circles, and for Saucony, the ProGrid Triumph 4 became a major focus in 2025. Multiple recent collabs on the 2007 sneaker brought more attention, and rightfully so. The Arch-lock tech on the midfoot of the mesh upper, the padded sockliner, and the segmented midsole featuring ProGrid tech and Super Rebound Compound make it perfect for all-day wear.

On Cloudmonster 3

People-watch next time you’re waiting in line at TSA or sitting at the terminal with your overpriced Cinnabon, and you’d be hard-pressed NOT to see a pair of On sneakers. The Swiss brand exploded in popularity in the last few years, with On shoes becoming one of the most common casual sneakers you’ll see in public. For our choice, we went with the all-new On Cloudmonster 3. First released earlier this month, the Cloudmonster 3 features a dual-density Helion foam and a triple layer of CloudTech cushioning.

Nike Pegasus Premium

Last year, Nike released the Pegasus Premium, one of the first premium models in the new three-tiered system they’ll be using for running silhouettes. It instantly made the crossover from the performance market to the lifestyle side, with pairs flying off shelves when it first dropped. Nowadays, the triple-cushioned sneaker featuring ReactX in the heel, a full-length Zoom Air unit, and a full-length ZoomX foam is readily available, and can be found on discount at outlets if you’re lucky.

Birkenstock Boston

Retro silhouettes are typically not the first choice if you’re looking for comfort, but the Birkenstock Boston is an exception. Originally introduced in the ‘70s, the slip-on with its famous cork footbed has seen a resurgence with Birkenstock’s becoming fashionable once again. Considering how long some of these wait times are at TSA checkpoints nationwide, you’ll probably end up molding your feet to the footbed before you get your bags through the X-ray machine.

Nicholas Vlahos

Sneakerhead from South Florida who turned his passion into a career. When not writing for Sole Retriever, I enjoy attending concerts, catching the latest movies, and trying new food. For tips, reviews, or any shoes in a size 13, email nick@soleretriever.com