India, May 16 -- On a regular day, I'm lucky if I reach 7,000 steps. However, on travel days, I easily double or even triple that number, which is why I always choose my walking shoes wisely. But I won't lie-I don't always get it right. There have been plenty of times when my feet throbbed after hours of sightseeing. Thankfully, double board-certified podiatrist Dr. Anne Sharkey shared the travel shoe red flags to watch out for so I can avoid foot pain on future trips.

"Completely flat shoes" and pairs "with no cushioning" are the main styles she warned me about, especially for people with plantar fasciitis or Achilles tendonitis, as they can lead to pain or even injury. Her "list of non-negotiables" includes a cushioned midsole, a secu...