If you told me last month that I’d be packing a pair of hands-free, ‘step-in’ sneakers for a high-profile fashion press trip to Denmark, the epicenter of Scandi-girl coolness, I probably would have laughed. As a fashion editor, my standard for travel footwear is what some would call brutally high: It has to look aspirational, blend in with the locals, and survive a 20,000-step itinerary.
So, when Kizik invited me to test-drive their latest drops, I’ll admit I had some trepidation on how I would style the sneakers for a pre-summer escape. I put the brand’s Juno 2 snowboots to the test in Iceland last fall, which were perfect for those icy treks, but I had never thought about wearing the trainers with my frilly dresses and skirts. All of those doubts vanished when I opened the boxes.
Enter: The Monaco and the Siena.
Not only do these sneakers feature Kizik’s famous hands-free tech, but they also nailed the retro trainer aesthetic that’s piercing through fashion right now. After four days clocking 10,000 through 20,000 steps a day, navigating international waters, and facing my deepest fears on two wheels, I’m officially a convert. Here is how they survived the ultimate Copenhagen gauntlet.
My first test came via The Monaco, a sleek, chunky black-and-white trainer that is the type of shoe you want to wear with everything. I paired mine with a black mini dress, and the silhouette looked instantly cool, not overly-sporty.
When I first slipped them on, I noticed a roomy feel in the toe box. It wasn’t that they were too big; they just provided enough room for my toes to feel free and not cramped, which is a must when you’re walking and sightseeing for hours.
The real magic, though, is the set-it-and-forget-it design. When you first take them out of the box, a one-time lace-up to get the perfect fit is all you need. After that? You never have to touch those laces again. It’s just a simple point of your toes to get them on and off—laces still tied.
To put that secure fit to the test, the itinerary threw me into the deep end: cycling.
Let me caveat this by saying I am not a pro at biking whatsoever. In fact, it had been over 10 years since the last time I rode a bike, and on that day, I promised myself it would be my last time for the rest of my life. But I decided to face my fear.
Stepping into Copenhagen’s buzzing bike lanes, the absolute last thing I wanted to worry about was my shoes slipping off the pedals. Knowing I was locked into my Monacos helped ease the nervous jitters a bit. That way I was able to focus on keeping my balance and getting those hand signals right.
Immediately after biking, we hit the water for a boat tour. Even with a drizzle in the forecast making the docks a little slippery, the grip held up perfectly. And I was able to hit the deck without a single slip.
For a day dedicated to eating my way through the city, I switched over to the Siena. This pair comes in a stunning pastel mauve colorway that fits seamlessly into the muted, minimalist palette Copenhagen is famous for. I styled them with my windbreaker skirt, a simple double-layered tank top, and a pair of ruffled socks for a look that felt elevated yet entirely practical.
We started our food marathon at a local food hall, enjoying traditional open-faced sandwiches and fresh on-tap kombucha, walked through a bustling Thai festival filled with food vendors, stopped by a traditional Danish hot dog stand, and ended the day at a pastry shop. Through all the standing, snacking, and strolling, the Sienas kept me entirely cushioned and cute.
International travel comes with plenty of built-in pressures, from the tight schedules to long lines. If you want to alleviate the stress of bogged-down customs lines and frantic TSA checkpoints, these are the shoes to pack.
They are versatile enough to style with everything in your suitcase from day to night, cute enough to star in your vacation photos, and absolutely comfortable enough to hike 6 miles and walk 20,000 steps in a single day.
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