Are Nikes a good idea?

Being a young woman, you can likely get away with wearing nearly any shoe style wise, but I would caution against just getting the sandals, probably opting for both, providing those are the only two pairs of shoes you bring.

While sandals will work for you in many places, they may not be so comfortable in the rain, and the streets in places can be rough cobbles and dirty (particular issue I recall with dogs not being curbed or owners not picking up after them in Paris and Rome) a sturdier shoe covering your foot might be needed or appreciated sometimes. Choosing black has its advantage in that they can look both a bit upscale, or more casual depending on the occasion. Having both also lets you switch off from time to time, adding a comfort element.

I say get both and allow plenty of time to break them in, add a pair of 99 cent flip flops to wear in the room and down to breakfast.... you can always leave them behind toward the end of the trip to make room for more souvenirs

I have not tried Tevas; I do love Keens. The footbed is a bit more molded. I think the Nikes in black are a great idea, wear those on the plane; the sandals pack smaller. If possible try a few on for the best fit, buy what feels best. You certainly could go bold with some color but a black Nike will go anywhere well.

I agree with other posters, break them in well! keep the number of shoes to 2, plus, as another has suggested cheap light flat flip flops for hotel rooms, hostels, can even be worn on the shower.

Have a great trip!

Thank you so much! I realize that comfort is a more valuable commodity than aesthetics, which is why I'm completely open to new options! I'm just trying to scope out my options. I definitely would get both sandals and tennis shoes, but I want to do my research and get feedback on my best options).

May I suggest looking through some of the options here? https://community.ricksteves.com/travel-forum/best-travel-shoes/comfy-and-cute

I totally get the "cute" thing. Who wants to spend tons of money on shoes I wouldn't wear at home regularly. I posted this several weeks ago and got some great responses. I also posted the 3 pairs I may be taking along. I may rnd up leaving the sandals at home and taking regular flip flops in their place. I currently am breaking in the other two and love them!!!

@heatherrrrr I read through this post and I loved the options, especially the ones you chose! However, I've really been wanting to buy Nikes and I kinda want to know about people, and their experience with Nikes... But like I said before, definitely keeping my options open! Thank you!

Definitely try on some Nikes! I find they run narrow and some are cute as can be but have absolutely no support, dependent upon what activity they are made for. I love their look, but they don't work for my foot. My 18 yr old daughter brought some Keens when we went for a month to Europe and found them to be her go-to shoe, as well as an Aerosole canvas ballet -flat -look shoe. I insisted she get something with arch support and cushioning for all the walking and she didn't regret it. Many online shoe stores offer free shipping and returns so you can try them on at no additional expense. Enjoy your trip!

http://www.zappos.com/keen-venice-h2-mineral-blue-green-glow
keens

It does not matter what ANYONE ELSES experience is with Nikes.. everyones feet are different.. and for everyone who says they were perfect for them.. there will be another person saying they were not good for them.

You absolutely must find some shoes soon... and wear them for at least a few weeks before you go .. a month would be better.

I love and swear by Naots.. I love love them.. they are super comfy.. and I love the "Paris" sandals so much I got two pairs .. BUT , I know some folks find them not the right cut for their feet. Lots of people love KEENS.. I hate them.. my foot swims in them.

It's nice to have a comfy dress shoe, I pack one pair of lightweight fabric Mary Janes. It's essential to have a comfy walking shoe. You will be doing a lotta walking. So always go with comfort first.

I would take both pairs. Some days it is just so refreshing to change footwear. And, while in Europe, check out the Campers stores which are located, well, not everywhere, but in lots of places.

http://www.camper.com/en_US/kids/shoes?gclid=CjwKEAjwpYeqBRDOwq2DrLCB-UcSJAASIYLjN--kvmNLqtZsdr-yLpnAIJkYDzIJPK2VtOQDL2P0QRoCd1Dw_wcB

Maybe you can pick up a cute pair as a souvenir along the way! BTW, Birkis have been super popular the last few summers, and depending when you go and where you are, you may see styles for sale and on sale that we do not see in the US.

For the time of year that you are traveling I would take an athletic shoe and a sandal. The world is getting smaller, you see everything when you travel now. Back in 2008 I saw Nike's all over Italy.

Sandals. The ones you referenced are basically open toed with minimal protection. Think about what will happen in a crowd situation where a big person in heavy shoes or boots backs into you and steps on your toes.

My Keens have a toe cap that provides some protection, especially against stubbed toes and some heel protection. The model is more oriented to water activities like river raft/kayak trips with foot protection while free draining.

Well, I think the black Tevas are really cute but not sure how good they are for Europe. You need to remember that on a light walking day, you will still go at least 2 to 4 miles, and many days it will be closer to 8. And much of it will be on cobblestones and other rough paths. That shoe is very open. Your feet are likely to get dirty, and they are unprotected. Do you think that is a good shoe for jumping on the #4 line in Paris to go out to Monmartre? This is normally a very crowded train, standing room only. What if someone steps on your foot? The Keen Venice H2, the Ecco Yucatan....there are a lot of good sturdy sandals out there. I'm prejudiced towards Keens because they protect the toes. The Keen Whisper is nice too.
Black Nike's are great.

I like this black nike a knot...the heel fit is adjustable with a toggle..
http://www.zappos.com/nike-roshe-one-slip-black-white

This shoe, in the black, got great reviews and is not too pricey.

http://www.zappos.com/nike-flex-experience-run-3-black-dark-grey-light-magnet-grey-metallic-silver

Thank you! I had bought the black nike flex experience, but I returned them because all though they cover your toes, it's not really a protective material. Plus there isn't any arch support, and my arches slightly probate.

Also, I realized that Tevas don't really hold your toes that well (I'm also not a huge fan of Velcro). What do you guys think about chacos? Specifically the chaco z2 yampa?

Chacos have a really high arch. Not too comfy unless you have a high arch too.

I had these in 2 colors and alternated them all over Germany for 3 weeks. last year I took one pair and nikes & alternated them all thru Italy. the arch rise matches me perfectly.....and I also pronate
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Womens-BIRKENSTOCK-Bali-Navy-Blue-Leather-Cut-Out-Ankle-Strap-Sandals-35-4-/371320348098?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item56746addc2

Even as a 50 year old, I can understand the cute factor. It is hard to find, cute & practical. As an 18 year old, you can probably suffer through some of the hardships of going towards the cute end. I will warn you those decisions will come to haunt you as a 50 year old.

I did wear black Nikes when we went to Italy and they were fine during the day. I had a dressier pair of comfortable black shoes that I used to go out to dinner. We were there in November, there were still a few days I wished I had slipped a pair of sandals in the bag.

Have fun

Mary

It sort of depends on your specific destinations and your travel style too... but 40 days is a lot, and you'll need more than one pair of shoes, so if you're already planning on getting both, I'd say go ahead and do it. While the Tevas aren't that functional for rough terrain or wet weather, they'll do great for just walking around a beach/city. You can pack the Nikes and wear them for the more demanding activities.
Have a great time!!

Always loved the quality of origilan Nike shoes. This brand is absolutely the best for any tipes of travelling and sport.

I got a pair of Tevas last year for our trip to Italy (after wearing Naot sandals most times). I found them very comfy, but they have a little sturdier sole and more arch support for my old feet. :) I need to wear sandals when it is hot because if my feet are hot, I'm cranky. If you do wear sandals, make sure to give your feet a good cleaning before bed! I took some foot wipes with me to clean up and deodorize my feet every night (if I didn't shower before bed) but even a travel pack of baby wipes would do the trick...you don't want to be using a hand towel or something - it will make it disgusting to use.

http://www.mec.ca/product/5031-599/teva-tirra-leather-sandals-womens/

I still wear them now. I always take a pair of sandals and my Blundstone boots for cooler/rainy days and on the plane. One trip (2010) I only took the boots and no sandals to save room in my suitcase and I was so cranky because my feet were hot...