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How many pairs of shoes and what type do I need?

I’m leaving for a five week trip in five weeks and thought I had my shoes sorted, but now I’m having second thoughts.

Our trip starts in England in mid September, then to Lake Como, Tuscany, Provence and then finishes in Andalusia in late October.

I was planning to take my Ecco 7’s ( leather sneaker type shoe), sandals and a pair of ballet flats with good support. I’m now worried that these choices won’t be sufficient. Also trying to keep my feet happy!

Do I need a second pair of walking shoes in case of wet weather which is typical in Tuscany at that time?
Quite a few blogs suggest ankle boots, but I can’t see myself wearing them in hot weather, although they would be great if it gets cool.

I would love advice on the best choices of shoes for a trip that covers this time of year and the destinations we’re visiting. By the way, I’m an active 60 year old. We’ll be travelling by rental car, train and bus.

Posted by
381 posts

I have two pairs (one in black and one in gray) of the Naot Kirei that I really like.They can be worn with trouser socks or footies depending on the temperature. I take those along with Keen walking/hiking shoes. I have never worn ankle boots. Also, Keen makes a good water sandal that can be worn (not a fashion statement) with or without socks for light hiking and cycling and they dry out very quickly and protect your toes in the cities while not being too hot. I am in my late 60's and active. If my feet are not happy it makes for a very long day!!

Posted by
158 posts

Those seem like good choices. What made you start to worry they won't be sufficient? Is there a reason you couldn't switch to the ballet flats to let your walking shoes dry for a day? If the ballet flats aren't comfortable for walking, maybe replace them with something that is more comfortable.

Posted by
3961 posts

It seems that you have made good choices for locations and temperature. Comfort is a priority. We will be traveling in September. I will be taking my ECCO 7's and alternating with my Asics. I will also have a pair of Naot sandals or my favorite Puma ballet flats. Happy feet is the name of the game!

Posted by
11056 posts

The choices you mention are perfect. There seems to be alot of concern on this board about wet shoes but in multiple trips to Europe, both sunny and rainy, I have never had any problem with wet shoes.

Posted by
7129 posts

I would be hesitant to change (purchase) shoes when you need a good breaking in period for anything you’re taking for a European trip with lots of walking. I’ve worn the Keen Rose style sandals for several trips to Europe, along with a flat for evening dinners or events. So, I think your choices are fine. Thinking through my past trips to the locations you’re traveling, I wouldn’t have wanted the ankle boots to wear and definitely not for added weight & space in the suitcase.

Posted by
407 posts

The older I get, the more I need to pamper my feet. I don't like walking barefoot in a hotel room, so I bring a very lightweight pair of houseslippers. Ikea sells a cheap version (I think it is about $2.00 USD) that takes up virtually no space at all. Being out of regular shoes, no matter how comfortable, at the end of a long day sightseeing, works well for me. I even slipped them on for the long flight to Sydney and back from LAX.

Posted by
945 posts

The choices you made a great. The Ecco 7s are good sneakers and will comfortably support you on long walks and across cobblestones. You did not mention a brand for Sandals. I wear Tevas as they can be dressed up and dry quickly if they get wet. Also, very comfortable. I have brought thong styles to my trip to Spain (not good for walking and caused a blister).

I have worn ankle boots to Europe, but usually in the cooler months. At the time of year you are going, Sandals should be good. Take either the ankle boots or sandals, not both.

As for ballet flats, these are light and my go-to-dress shoes (and running through the airport shoes). These are not the best for walking or standing on your feet for a long time, but they are durable. I had an offsite at a coffee plantation in India and only took work shoes and my ballet flats. We went on a 6 hour hike in the Jungle and the only thing I had to wear were those ballet flats. If they can stand up to the jungles of India, then they will do fine in Europe.

Sandy

Posted by
1221 posts

Eccos were designed for people who need to walk 6 miles/ 10 kilometers all over Copenhagen every day. If you're happy with how your pair fits, they'll be just fine.

Posted by
439 posts

I like a shoe with more cushion than the ecco provides, everyone is different. I might leave the sandles at home and opt for another good walking shoe. I do like to switch off when my feet are sore from one pair of shoes. How are you traveling, this makes a difference for me. If I am driving, I would bring all 4, if I am going by train/bus, lighter might be better.

Posted by
5697 posts

Like slws2137, above, I carry slipper-like very light shoes -- Sketchers work great for me in the hotel, going down to breakfast or walking a few city blocks. My "comfort item."
And yes, I have had wet shoes -- Pisa in the rain in October. If all else fails, you can soldier on with dry wool socks inside damp leather shoes.

Posted by
35 posts

Thank you everyone for the reassurance. I guess I’m starting to get pre- trip anxiety! Have been planning the trip for nearly a year and finally at the stage of getting everything ready for packing.

I’ve been following posts on various sites and blogs and thought that the Ecco7’s, Ecco sandals and Ara ballet flats will do me. But there were frequent mentions of wet weather at that time of year and that it was a good idea to have a back up pair. Also, a good idea to change shoes to give your feet a break from wearing the same pair every day. You’re absolutely right though, the ballet flats could be the back up. I was including them to wear at night, but of course they could double up.

As for the ankle boots- the writer of a popular blog for over 60’s says she wears them everywhere when travelling all year round. That’s where that red herring came from. I have a supremely comfortable, light weight zip up pair. Wearing them to death at the moment as it’s winter here. Also thought they would be great when flying as much easier to take on and off when going through security. Can’t see myself wearing though in warm weather, so think I’ll take them off the list.

Posted by
489 posts

I have studied this question and have traveled to Europe several times in Spring and Fall. I am NOT a minimalist when it comes to my feet, I'd rather wear a pair of slacks several times than a pair of shoes the entire day. I take a min of 3 pair. The heaviest I wear on the plane, and 2 pair (if they are really light I may sneak another pair in... this is when you get out your kitchen scale to weigh options). We traveled in Portugal, Spain and France this spring. I wore on my boots, took a pair of flats (with great tread and added inserts) and a pair of taos sneakers. I didn't believe I would need sandals, but I wish I'd had them for the warmer days.
For the rainy weather, I purchased water proofing spray for my leather boots and the sneakers. I couldn't believe how well the rain beaded up on my boots for those rainy days.
We are traveling to Ireland, Scotland and Belgium Sept-Oct. And I plan on taking the leather boots, some new Merrel walking waterproof warmer shoes and my great flats.
I am one who must change shoes. I think you should also look at the socks you will need as they are also of need for consideration.

Posted by
35 posts

Thank you tgreen for mentioning waterproof spray. A great idea.

Interesting that you also mention the boots. You didn’t find them too hot to wear in Portugal? We ‘ll be in Spain in the second and third week of October.

If I did sneak in a fourth pair of shoes, should I take the boots or a second pair of walking shoes ( they’re both light weight)? I’m the same as you - not a minimalist with shoes, but also trying to be practical.

I have a second post on the packing forum about socks if anyone else is looking for ideas. Some very good advice there.

Posted by
489 posts

It was warm on some days and cold on others. My boots are great walking boots and look great with leggings (very light weight).
Boy, I would wait to find out if this heat wave for Spain will stay on into the fall. They might have a very hot fall.
Portugal was cool (we are from Michigan) and wet, but I loved it.
I definitely will water proof all my shoes before travel (must test) first, like not the days before the trip.. haha!

Posted by
6265 posts

I usually take two pair of shoes, and alternate. But slws 2137, do you have a link to those $2 sliippers? I usually wear sock in the hotel room.

Posted by
3200 posts

I only wear comfortable shoes. I wear one pair of my most comfortable shoes only. Twice I brought a second pair as I listened to those who said it might rain, they'll get wet, yada yada yada, but I never wore the second pair, so I won't do that again. I do bring flip flops for the room and shower. So, I think you don't need to worry as you have more than enough shoes planned. Remember, you have to lug them around with you. YMMV

Posted by
374 posts

I take two pairs of shoes, a waterproof low hiking shoe, and depending on the season either flats or Teva sandals. I wear the flats or sandals in the evening, and the hiking shoe while exploring as we cover up to 20,000 steps a day while traveling.

Posted by
35 posts

Thank you everyone for your thoughts. I’ll stick with my original plan, but keep an eye on the weather closer to the departure date.

Rather than taking another pair of shoes (2 is my limit for carryon only luggage) take an extra insole insert. I find changing the insole out - a cushy one for an arch support one - can give my feet the same "break" that wearing a different pair of shoes can.
I typically walk 20,000 steps a day too. My friend and I joked that we did a marathon in each of London and Paris.