Best Shoe Combination for UK & Ireland in Summer

I can not imagine schlepping four sets of footwear on such a trip. I'm headed for Ireland and the Faroe Islands this summer, and I'll be bring two kinds of footwear, grudgingly: a pair of sneakers for everyday, and a pair of lightweight (but waterproof) hiking boots. I'm expecting at least some rain (sometimes a lot) in either/both western Ireland and all over the Faroes, and we do plan to do some hiking (even if it's raining hard those days, we're going out in it) so I can't get away with just the usual light sneakers.

Four? I'd have to leave out too much other critical stuff to justify packing 4 sets of footwear. You gotta draw the line somewhere!

Ah, David, you do not understand women and the shoe thing.

And since our feet are smaller and the shoes lighter and less sturdy, we can easily fit two (or three) pair in the luggage, and wear another.

My standard shoe trio for trips that include both serious mountain hiking and city walks includes my Salomon Alp-X hiking shoes (low cut, not ankle boots); a pair of suede “city sneakers (Lowa Palermo, discontinued), and a pair of Dansko sandals for dressier occasions and hot days. And I usually add another pair of sandals for beach/water shoe use, just because.

Thanks, Lola, that's basically what I do as well.

I agree that four is too many! Two or three is perfect. I meant that at home, not traveling, four pairs gets me through just about every situation and season.

For travel, my first choice is a light hiking shoe. The choices for a second (and maybe third, at most) pair(s) for a drizzly summer trip are between a canvas sneaker, casual ankle boot and hiking/walking sandal. Just trying to decide which shoe gets the coveted "second shoe" spot and which one (or two) get left at home!

I'll offer something a little out there but has worked for me - croc sandals. They're are several styles that are stylish, has decent cushioning and are extremely lightweight. My two favorites are the various Cleo models and the Sanrah. I spent several days in Provence doing light walking in my pink Cleos and have worn the Sanrahs both to the pool and dinner. Avoid the Swiftwater styles as the insole is too thin.

They're a good "just in case" if you aren't sure about needing warm weather shoes. In June in the UK and Ireland I've had everything from cold drizzly days to record heat waves.

Ah, David, you do not understand women and the shoe thing.

Guilty as charged, I'm first to admit that. Bless everyone no matter what fashion/packing choices they make.
We live and die by the airlines' baggage requirements.

I'm not really into hiking but i will bring a water resistant tennis shoe to Ireland. I usually bring something to go out in at night, and slippers. My feet get cold at night. If I were you, I think I would go with the hiking shoes (Keens), and either the Tevas or sandles. Look at the weather, right before you leave and decide then. It has been "hot", as in 80's in Ireland the past few years. Also, since it doesn't get that hot there, not everyplace you go will have AC.

I would check the weather right before I left and depending on the forecast, take either the Chocos or the ankle boots. Although more stylish, the boots just take up more room than I would like. Alternatively, if you are planning on buying any shoes, I would opt for something that would combine the hiking shoe and the sneaker. Something like the Ahnu sugar venture. Waterproof, sneaker style and sufficiently sturdy to do day hikes that aren’t very technical. Then I could wear the ankle boots on the plane and pack the Ahnus and the chocos.

Thanks, Mary and Kclyons, I appreciate the input! The ankle boots are heavier than I thought they were - almost the same as a regular pair of solid hiking boots! I'll check the weather and only bring them if it looks like it will be really rainy.

I just bought the most fabulous pair of ankle boots for my upcoming trip to the Baltic states and Budapest--they are by Pikolinos, a Spanish brand (Nordstrom or Zappos), style is called Vicar, both a Chelsea and lace-up style. They are quality, well-made boots, lightweight but sturdy, with a cushy gel insole and needed no breaking in--I've worn them on a few 3 mile hikes so far and my feet were ever so happy--plus, they suit my personal style, very cute with skinny jeans. My usual size is 8-8.5 and they fit in my usual euro size 39 with a pair of medium Smartwool socks. I got black, and my second pair of shoes will be some Ecco Soft 7 leather sneaker/oxfords in a caramel color--again size 39. I have 4 pairs of them, they are fabulous and very comfy--also suits my personal style. I am not a sandal wearer, so this combo of footwear is typical for any of my trips to Europe.https://shop.nordstrom.com/s/pikolinos-vicar-boot-women/4957165?origin=keywordsearch-personalizedsort&breadcrumb=Home%2FAll%20Results&color=black%20leather

Thanks, Christa! Your boot and sneaker combo is similar to what I've done on other trips and it works well. Thanks for the input!