Everyone who has been to Denmark knows that the Danes have certainly understood something. As well as being ranked as one of the happiest places for quality of life worldwide, the country has everything from innovative Scandinavian design to comfortable footwear. You read that right – when it comes to stylish sneakers designed primarily for travel, one of the best pairs I’ve come across in all my years in airports comes from a Danish brand: the Ecco Biom 2.1 low textile sneakers.


Founded in 1963 by Birte and Karl Toosbury, Ecco is known for its hacking technology to provide its wearers with the best in comfort and craftsmanship. The brand has since been recognized for its smiley Danish attitude through highly inclusive campaigns that feature all types of people, from orange-haired trendsetters to hijab-wearing women and the generally less visible older generation.


Whereas the Biom 2.1 pair is technically a cross country shoe that can be used for hiking, the trainers excel as travel shoes because they hold up to long periods of walking and standing which I tend to do a lot when logging in a airport or walking in a new city.


That of the brand website claims the shoes are made with “advanced comfort technology that follows the curves of your foot to enhance every step you take”, and I wholeheartedly agree. It’s like the more I wear these shoes throughout the day, the more comfortable they become, like sinking into a soft memory foam mattress in a five star hotel.


Zappos



To buy: zappos.com$143 (originally $150)


They fit my slightly wide feet like a glove and they’re light as a feather when I’m standing, providing great stability for quick movements. As someone who is constantly in airports and trying to make connecting flights, I can assure you that they are just as comfortable walking as they are for a brisk walk, a light jog or a full sprint when trying to take flight. I have also found that unlike some of my other shoes, they are still comfortable when sitting for long periods of time in a flight. The super soft padding is what makes them so plush, and they also have high shock absorption and incredible traction.


I find myself wearing them everywhere, especially on the often grimy streets of New York, Mexico City or Athens, Greece. One thing I really appreciate is how easy they are to clean with just a soft cloth of soapy soap and water.


I often wear my shoes without socks and my feet never suffer in this pair. In fact, while the collar lining and/or tongue of some other shoes or may be uncomfortable for your feet when wearing them without socks, Biom 2.1 sneakers easily pass the extra comfort test. Plus, the treads have a unique honeycomb shape, which keeps them incredibly stable for multi-directional movement, like quickly dodging a spill on the airport floor.


Zappos



To buy: zappos.com$143 (originally $150)


Zappos



To buy: zappos.com$143 (originally $150)


A critic on Zappos said, “They fit well and feel like they’re walking on air,” which I can wholeheartedly confirm, while another reviewer noted, “No wonder nurses use them on their shifts. 36 hour job!


Ecco Sport Biom 2.1 low textile sneakers come in four colors, including my favorite and the ones I own: Black/Morel/Moon Rock, which is a combination of black and beige with a pop of bright orange. There are also a few options in neutral shades of black or gray, and some pairs have subtle hits of yellow on the outsoles. The sneakers will set you back $143 at Zappos, and if you’re a sneakerhead like me, you know that’s easy to spend. one loDon’t more than that and get much less quality, comfort and stability.


If you are a fan of New Balance Where all the birds for more comfort, you may be wondering why you are considering changing it. Ecco admittedly wasn’t on my radar until this year, but they’re worth checking out for both comfort and shoe style.


At the time of publication, the price was $143.


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