Best walking shoes for Germany, Switzerland, Austria tour

I wore my Allbirds sneakers on the GAS tour in 2019 and they were great. Lightweight and washable. Also brought Merrells calf height rain boots since it was a Sept/Oct tour. Those were also good for the bit of snow we got in Switzerland. Brought dressy flats too, though I only wore them at the Mozart Concert Dinner in Salzburg. I wondered about hiking boots before that trip as well, but they were not needed.

I'd be wearing my Altras but that's just me.

I used low cut Merrill Moab’s , they have been my go to travel shoe for the last 6 years.

I am not familiar with Allbirds, but I think it's important to protect your ankles if you hike. Buy a good pair of hiking boots. The good ones last for a life time. The poor ones? Maybe a few years. Go to REI and try some on. Generally, the better (though more expensive) are made in Europe.

If you’re going during the summer, I just wore my Keen Rose sandals. Their sole and toe protection were great for hiking. I also wore them with a pair of tights & trouser socks on a different trip when we were back in the Lauterbrunnen area, and we had a couple of very cold days. (Ended that trip going down Italy to Rome.)

How much hiking are you planning on doing? Its only the few days in Switzerland where you have the option to do a few trails in the mountains, as easy or difficult as you choose.

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Allbirds just came out with a trail running shoe that might split the difference nicely. I have original Allbirds runners, which I would not use for hiking/trail walking at all. I have the wool Dasher mizzles--same, wouldn't use them for hiking or trail walking, though they are good for pavement running. I also have the trail running shoes (sense a pattern in my shoe shopping here?). I've run in them a few times since getting them for Christmas. I think they'd be fine for gravel paths and easier rocky paths. My main concern with serious hiking in them would be the side-to-side motion. For me, they are great for running in light snow, and as good as any other trail shoe on ice.

I just bought these shoes for an upcoming (God willing) trip to Italy. They fit perfectly right out of the box.

https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B01HFL7RMA/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o04_s00?ie=UTF8&th=1&psc=1

I wore my Ked’s Scouts on this trip—waterproof, light weight, some ankle support but not hiking boots. Worked great. Unless you choose a more serious hike in Switzerland, I think your Allbirds would do though.