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Kizik Athens 2 Slip-On Shoes: A Travel-Friendly Review by Travel + Leisure

  //travel-leisure.news-articles.net/content/2025/ .. -a-travel-friendly-review-by-travel-leisure.html
  Published in Travel and Leisure on Sunday, December 14th 2025 at 7:04 GMT by Travel + Leisure
      Locale: Attica, GREECE

Kizik Athens 2 Slip‑On Shoes: A Travel‑Friendly Review by Travel + Leisure

Travel + Leisure recently turned its eye to the latest from the Greek footwear maker Kizik, spotlighting the Athens 2 slip‑on shoes in a detailed, practical review. The article—published on the Travel + Leisure website (https://www.travelandleisure.com/kizik-athens-2-slip-on-shoes-review-11868094)—provides an in‑depth look at the design, construction, comfort, and price of the Athens 2, as well as how it stacks up against both its predecessor and other travel‑oriented sneakers on the market.

1. Why Kizik and Why the Athens 2?

Kizik, founded in Greece in 2010, has built a reputation for producing lightweight, breathable, and comfortable shoes that can transition from casual day‑to‑day wear to weekend travel wear. The brand’s flagship line, the “Athens” series, is named after the capital city, and has been a favorite among travelers for its minimalist style and functional design.

The Athens 2 is the most recent iteration in this line. The Travel + Leisure review begins by outlining the evolution from the original Athens model: “The original Athens was a solid entry, but the Athens 2 builds on that foundation with a few thoughtful tweaks.” The article notes that the new version incorporates a more flexible outsole and a slightly slimmer fit, aimed at improving both walking comfort and aesthetics.

2. Design & Materials

The review emphasizes that the Athens 2 keeps the classic slip‑on silhouette while tightening the construction:

• Upper: Made from a combination of premium knit mesh and soft, durable leather patches, the shoe offers breathability and a casual, almost “ready‑for‑travel” look. The knit upper is highlighted as a “breathable, lightweight feel that keeps your feet cool even on long flights.”
• Lining: The interior uses a cushioned, moisture‑wicking liner that the reviewer notes “provides a surprisingly soft base that stays dry even after hours of wear.”
• Outsole: The Athens 2 steps up with a rubber outsole featuring a slightly more aggressive tread pattern. The review calls this “the most travel‑friendly feature yet, giving the shoe better grip on wet or uneven surfaces.”
• Colorway & Finish: The article mentions the standard black‑and‑white palette, noting it “keeps the shoes versatile for both formal and informal settings.”

The reviewer also links to Kizik’s official website (https://www.kizik.com/) for those who want to view the full product catalog and learn about the brand’s sustainability efforts, noting that the company “prioritizes eco‑friendly materials and ethical production processes.”

3. Fit & Comfort

Fit is a major focus of the review. The Athens 2 is described as a “true-to-size” sneaker for both men and women, but the reviewer advises buyers to lean toward a half‑size larger if they plan to wear thicker socks or want a looser fit for extended travel days.

• Arch Support: “The shoe offers a moderate arch, which feels natural for most foot types,” the reviewer notes, adding that “the arch support is a subtle, but critical improvement over the original Athens.”
• Cushioning: The review highlights the mid‑sole foam as “excellent for absorbing impact on uneven city streets,” especially useful on long airport walks or layovers. The reviewer even tested the shoes on a 10‑kilometer walk in a bustling tourist area, noting that “no discomfort or “high‑heel” feeling manifested after the first hour.”
• Weight: One of the key selling points mentioned is the shoe’s lightweight construction—“under 250 g per shoe” in the reviewer’s measurements—making them a “no‑problem carry‑on” choice for airlines that restrict heavy footwear.

4. Performance in Real‑World Scenarios

The article walks through a range of everyday travel scenarios to showcase the Athens 2’s versatility:

• Airport Mobility: Slip‑on functionality is praised for ease of removal at security checkpoints. The reviewer says, “The lack of laces means you’re never caught out with a knot in the middle of your departure.”
• City Exploration: On a day trip to a historic city center, the shoes handled cobblestone streets and light rainfall with confidence, thanks to the improved outsole traction.
• Hotel Luggage: The reviewer added a practical tip—“Pack them in a dedicated shoe bag to avoid cramping the rest of your luggage.” This advice, sourced from the article’s “Travel Hacks” section, was linked to a Travel + Leisure guide on packing efficient footwear.
• Night Out: Despite their casual look, the Athens 2’s clean lines and understated color make them acceptable for a casual dinner or a quick meet‑up with a local friend. The reviewer notes, “No more pulling out the dress shoes; the Athens 2 can stand in.”

5. Pricing & Availability

According to the article, the Athens 2 retails for $120 USD per pair—a price point that sits between mid‑range casual sneakers and high‑end travel shoes. Travel + Leisure compares this to the price of the original Athens ($110) and a popular competing travel sneaker (around $140). The reviewer emphasizes that “Kizik’s price includes a 30‑day return policy and a 1‑year warranty,” making it a risk‑free purchase for hesitant travelers.

The article also links to a “Where to Buy” page, which includes both the Kizik online store and select retailers like Zappos and Nordstrom, ensuring that readers can purchase through their preferred platform.

6. Strengths & Weaknesses

Strengths highlighted by the review include:

• Lightweight, breathable construction
• Slip‑on convenience for security and quick removal
• Sufficient arch support and cushioning for extended walks
• Durable outsole with good grip
• Classic, versatile aesthetic

Weaknesses mentioned are:

• Slightly narrow for people with wide feet
• Mid‑sole foam can feel a little “soft” under heavy foot traffic (though the reviewer mitigated this by testing on a city sidewalk)
• The shoe’s minimalistic design may not satisfy those who prefer a more “fashion‑forward” statement shoe

7. Final Verdict

The Travel + Leisure article concludes that the Kizik Athens 2 is a solid investment for the frequent traveler. The reviewer’s recommendation—“If you’re looking for a lightweight, comfortable shoe that can transition from airport walk to city exploration without the hassle of laces or heavy weight, the Athens 2 is a reliable choice”—summarizes the key takeaway.

Travel + Leisure also suggests comparing the Athens 2 to other travel‑friendly sneakers like the Adidas Alpargata or the Rains Slip‑On, linking to separate reviews for those models. The article is structured with short, digestible sections and includes several embedded images of the shoe in different angles, helping readers visualize the details.

8. Takeaway for Travelers

• Weight & Comfort: Under 250 g, moderate arch support, cushioned mid‑sole.
• Versatility: Slip‑on design for security; sleek enough for casual evenings.
• Price Point: $120 USD, reasonable for the feature set.
• Purchase: Available through Kizik’s official website and major online retailers.

The article’s comprehensive walk through design, performance, and purchasing advice makes it a useful resource for anyone weighing their footwear options for upcoming trips. If you’re on the fence, check out the linked “Where to Buy” page and the Kizik product page for the latest availability and color options.