My husband and I are excited for our first RS tour, Heart of Italy, beginning September 9. We are biting the bullet and trying our hardest to embrace using carry ons for this trip. I am sure we will be fine, but I am fretting over my shoe situation. I know I will be comfy with my Brooks Ghosts, and Taos sneakers, but wondering if my Keens Elle sandals will be appropriate. https://www.keenfootwear.com/p/W-ELLE-BACKSTRAP.html?dwvar_W-ELLE-BACKSTRAP_color=1022620&cgid=collections_elle_all
They are super comfy, but not sure if they will work for dinners out. I am also wondering if sandals in September are appropriate.
Posted by
Lynnwood, Washington
8367 posts
With the disclaimer that no one has ever used the word “stylish” to describe me, I’d say to wear what is comfortable for you. If you would wear those sandals at home to a restaurant, they will be fine at a restaurant in Europe.
Have a great tour!
Posted by
Kalamazoo, MI, USA
86 posts
We did this tour in 2019 about a week or two later than you. (We headed to Florence 8/24 for reference). One carry on and back pack. It was AA so weight of carryon didn’t matter, I used Away bigger carry on. I took way too many clothes. It was HOT! Did laundry in sink first night when we were in a town for two nights. Took a couple foldable travel hangers and shower rod /clothes pin hangers. Some rooms did not have hangers you could hang in bathroom. Items never would have dried in the closet. I wore my Taos cork bottom Sandals almost every day. I did have running shoes, I think I only wore them once or twice. You do not need to dress up for dinner. Most everyone wore to dinner what they had on during the day. We added on 3 night in Venice after tour and it was still hot there.
You are going to love this tour!
Posted by
Used to be Steilacoom, now it’s Las Vegas
2184 posts
The sandals would be fine for evenings. I think anyone looking at shoes is just looking for ideas as to what might work for them. We did Italy in May with some of the same cities you are doing (our first RS tour was Heart of Italy 10 years ago). I took my Brooks Ghosts, a sneaker similar to your Taos and a pair of foldable ballet flats. All my choices worked well.
Posted by
Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, USA
13931 posts
What are the different times that would dictate whether you wore the Brooks or the Taos? Do you need both of them? How far can you walk in the sandals?
This was my first RS tour. We walked back to the hotel area after dinner from near the Pantheon the first night and took a walking tour on the way there so group dinner nights may have walking involved.
This is a really fun itinerary and a great intro to Italy!
Posted by
OP
5 posts
Thank you for the responses! We are super excited for this trip!
Posted by
OP
5 posts
Reporting back after our trip, which was completely amazing! With regard to the shoes, I spent most of the time in my sandals and they were perfect for all the walking that we did, plus casual meals. I was glad that I also had both my Brooks and my Taos sneakers. Rotating them kept my feet happy. Happy travels, everyone!
Posted by
Oregon, USA
21 posts
A question about your sandal….I’m spending month of May in Italy. Does the stretchy strap offer too much foot movement? Thanks!
Posted by
OP
5 posts
Hi there! You will love Italy! I had no issues with the Keen Elle sandals slipping. I did a lot of walking...a lot of fast walking...and had not one issue with the elasticized straps slipping or feeling uncomfortable in anyway. My feet were well-supported and comfortable. Have a fabulous time on your trip!