comfortable walking shoes for Europe in the summer

MrsRap720 · April 2016

Hi all,

Normally a lurker but looking for some practical shoe advice! H and I are going on a Mediterranean cruise this summer, and we're planning to do several excursions that are likely to involve lots of walking. I know many of you are seasoned European travelers, and I'm wondering if you have recommendations for good walking shoes that are comfortable and not super heavy. Sneakers are always my go-to whenever I do a lot of walking, but I know it'll be hot and I hate the feeling of my feet feeling trapped in hot sneakers - especially on an excursion that is several hours long. Thanks in advance!

Erikan73 · April 2016

Check out keen http://www.keenfootwear.com/product/shoes/women/arroyo-ii

These shoes are super comfortable, from all my friends that have them, I haven't broken down due to cost. They are nice and airy. My friends who live in them in the summer work outdoors in the parks & at the beach.

Also this is going to sound crazy, but buy some short style merino wool socks, ones made for walking. I know wearing wool socks in the summer sounds crazy, but merino wool socks are awesome. Your feet won't sweat in them. And even if they do sweat a little, the wool doesn't hold onto it like cotton does so your socks don't get all hot & wet & uncomfortable. I have some that I wear in the winter in -10 degrees to keep my feet warm with my hiking boots & then I have worn the same socks & shoes in 80 degrees weather & still been just as comfortable. http://www.smartwool.com/shop/women-socks-usamade/womens-phd-outdoor-light-micro-socks-sw0sw052?variationId=039

Xstatic3333 · April 2016

I second Keen. I am on my feet a lot at work, and they are great. As a bonus, most of them look slightly fancier than sneakers, which is a plus in Europe. They make many different styles to go with whatever look you are after. For example, if you're looking for something to go with a skirt, they make ballet flat styles that are a bit more supportive than typical ballet flats. My H bought a men's pair right before our recent trip to Europe, where we averaged 10 miles a day according to our phones. He had no complaints. I wore a pair of light suede boots, but only because I had bought them a few months previous and knew them to be extremely comfortable.

H and I both also really like Chacos for summer walking (not major hiking, though). It's not a look for everyone but our overall style is pretty outdoorsy so it works for us. Depending on your excursions, however, open toed shoes might not be appropriate. I believe some churches, for example, don't allow them.

hoffse · April 2016

If you are going to be walking around cities, then you can do anything that's comfortable. Most European cities are pretty pedestrian-friendly and have sidewalks, etc., though you may encounter some cobblestone. I have had good luck with the "Go Walk" line by Sketchers. These are perfect for London, Paris, Amsterdam, etc.

However, you said Med cruise. If you plan to visit any ruins, you need something with a really good tread, and depending on how adventurous you get, possibly some ankle support. The thing about ruins is they are really fun to climb. But they are also 2,000+ years old have been weathered, so they are often very smooth/slick, especially the marble ones. It can get treacherous without proper shoes.

So I guess my answer is:

-Go Walk or Keens for cities/mostly flat surfaces

-Regular sneakers with a good rubber tread for ruins if you plan to go with a tour group or only stick to the walking paths

-Light hiking boots if you want to have the real fun and climb them on your own

A few other suggestions, not necessarily related to shoes:

-If Venice is on your itinerary, bring shoes that can get wet. It's flat, but it floods sometimes.

-Note that if you want to visit churches or mosques, you will need to dress appropriately. They can and do turn people away for immodest dress.

-BRING GOOD SUNSCREEN and DRINK LOTS OF WATER, especially if you are visiting ruins. The sun reflects off of the surface, and it gets very hot. I once visited Rome with a school group, and one girl literally got sunstroke after visiting the Forum because she did not take the right precautions.

-If you are visiting Italy or Greece, make sure you have a plan to guard your valuables and do not let any men in your group carry a wallet in their back pocket. The pick pocket rings are professional, and you will not feel them frisk you.

EDIT: The pick pocket precaution also applies to Spain or any capitol city.

MrsRap720 · April 2016

hoffse said:

If you are going to be walking around cities, then you can do anything that's comfortable. Most European cities are pretty pedestrian-friendly and have sidewalks, etc., though you may encounter some cobblestone. I have had good luck with the "Go Walk" line by Sketchers. These are perfect for London, Paris, Amsterdam, etc.

However, you said Med cruise. If you plan to visit any ruins, you need something with a really good tread, and depending on how adventurous you get, possibly some ankle support. The thing about ruins is they are really fun to climb. But they are also 2,000+ years old have been weathered, so they are often very smooth/slick, especially the marble ones. It can get treacherous without proper shoes.

So I guess my answer is:

-Go Walk or Keens for cities/mostly flat surfaces
-Regular sneakers with a good rubber tread for ruins if you plan to go with a tour group or only stick to the walking paths
-Light hiking boots if you want to have the real fun and climb them on your own

A few other suggestions, not necessarily related to shoes:

-If Venice is on your itinerary, bring shoes that can get wet. It's flat, but it floods sometimes.
-Note that if you want to visit churches or mosques, you will need to dress appropriately. They can and do turn people away for immodest dress.
-BRING GOOD SUNSCREEN and DRINK LOTS OF WATER, especially if you are visiting ruins. The sun reflects off of the surface, and it gets very hot. I once visited Rome with a school group, and one girl literally got sunstroke after visiting the Forum because she did not take the right precautions.
-If you are visiting Italy or Greece, make sure you have a plan to guard your valuables and do not let any men in your group carry a wallet in their back pocket. The pick pocket rings are professional, and you will not feel them frisk you.

EDIT: The pick pocket precaution also applies to Spain or any capitol city.

Thanks for this! I don't think we'll be doing much climbing, so something that's good for general walking is fine. I like the Go Walks - seem like they'd go with anything I'd be likely to wear, even if I was a little more dressy. Do you typically wear them with or without socks? I'm sure they'll need to be broken in ahead of time regardless.

hoffse · April 2016

It depends, but I often wear them without socks. I've actually never bothered to break mine in because they are usually soft enough to be fine without it.

Whether you plan to climb or not, the treads on the Go Walks are not sufficient for any ancient site - even if you are just going with a tour group. They will keep you walking for hours on city pavement though.

JoanE2012 · April 2016

My all time favorite is Natural Sport. I wear them without socks - they just slip on! They are the lightest pair of sneaker-like shoes I've ever owned and so comfortable! I imagine the Sketchers are sorta similar. This would be my choice, especially if wearing shorts.

With socks, I love the New Balance Cush - also lightweight, comfortable and cushiony.

No advice on anything "less" that that - we don't do Europe in the summer! hahaha.

als1982 · April 2016

I'm a fan of Puma ballet flats: http://us.puma.com/en_US/pd/asha-alt-2-shine-womens-ballet-flats/pna360184.html?dwvar_pna360184_color=01#start=3

My first trip abroad (to Greece) I took these and only these. They were great for both day and night, beach and city.

JoanE2012 · April 2016

als1982 said:

I'm a fan of Puma ballet flats: http://us.puma.com/en_US/pd/asha-alt-2-shine-womens-ballet-flats/pna360184.html?dwvar_pna360184_color=01#start=3

My first trip abroad (to Greece) I took these and only these. They were great for both day and night, beach and city.

Those are cute and look very versatile!

MrsRap720 · April 2016

als1982 said:

I'm a fan of Puma ballet flats: http://us.puma.com/en_US/pd/asha-alt-2-shine-womens-ballet-flats/pna360184.html?dwvar_pna360184_color=01#start=3

My first trip abroad (to Greece) I took these and only these. They were great for both day and night, beach and city.

****SITB*****
Thanks for this! This is exactly the kind of thing I'm looking for. Greece is one of the places we're going, so I'm hopefully they'll be winners!

als1982 · April 2016

JoanE2012 said:

als1982 said:

I'm a fan of Puma ballet flats: http://us.puma.com/en_US/pd/asha-alt-2-shine-womens-ballet-flats/pna360184.html?dwvar_pna360184_color=01#start=3

My first trip abroad (to Greece) I took these and only these. They were great for both day and night, beach and city.

Those are cute and look very versatile!

Side bonus: When I got home I separated the insole from the shoe and washed both in the washing machine. Good as new!

Erikan73 · April 2016

I have enjoyed following this discussion, so many great suggestions for comfortable shoes.

LillibetteV · May 2016

hoffse said:

If you are going to be walking around cities, then you can do anything that's comfortable. Most European cities are pretty pedestrian-friendly and have sidewalks, etc., though you may encounter some cobblestone. I have had good luck with the "Go Walk" line by Sketchers. These are perfect for London, Paris, Amsterdam, etc.

However, you said Med cruise. If you plan to visit any ruins, you need something with a really good tread, and depending on how adventurous you get, possibly some ankle support. The thing about ruins is they are really fun to climb. But they are also 2,000+ years old have been weathered, so they are often very smooth/slick, especially the marble ones. It can get treacherous without proper shoes.

So I guess my answer is:

-Go Walk or Keens for cities/mostly flat surfaces
-Regular sneakers with a good rubber tread for ruins if you plan to go with a tour group or only stick to the walking paths
-Light hiking boots if you want to have the real fun and climb them on your own

A few other suggestions, not necessarily related to shoes:

-If Venice is on your itinerary, bring shoes that can get wet. It's flat, but it floods sometimes.
-Note that if you want to visit churches or mosques, you will need to dress appropriately. They can and do turn people away for immodest dress.
-BRING GOOD SUNSCREEN and DRINK LOTS OF WATER, especially if you are visiting ruins. The sun reflects off of the surface, and it gets very hot. I once visited Rome with a school group, and one girl literally got sunstroke after visiting the Forum because she did not take the right precautions.
-If you are visiting Italy or Greece, make sure you have a plan to guard your valuables and do not let any men in your group carry a wallet in their back pocket. The pick pocket rings are professional, and you will not feel them frisk you.

EDIT: The pick pocket precaution also applies to Spain or any capitol city.

After reading this I decided to try those Sketchers for a 10 day trip to Amsterdam and Paris - we just got back and WOW were those PERFECT! So comfortable and really cute. And we walked about 20k steps a day. Thanks for the tip!

comfortable walking shoes for Europe in the summer

Re: comfortable walking shoes for Europe in the summer

Choose Another Board

Search Boards