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men's shoes for Switzerland if I just bring 1 pair?

I'm looking for a pair of shoes (or perhaps low boots) that I can wear to Switzerland where I hope to do some casual hiking in the Jungfrau region and that I can also wear to dinner or around town so I don't want something that would only look ok on a trail. Does anyone have a shoe to recommend?

Posted by
222 posts

I had been on a number of RS trips using Merrell Gore-Tex low hikers similar to the Moab along with a pair of Keen sandals. I purchased the Rockports I have included the link to because I wanted to have something that was less clunky looking but still waterproof. I find them very comfortable and purchased them at LL Bean as I had coupons. There are some other similar waterproof styles on the Rockport website and they have 25% off on some of them. Though depending on the type of trails you wish to hike the Rockports may not provide enough traction or support.

https://www.llbean.com/llb/shop/84665?feat=629-GN1&page=men-s-rockport-rocksport-lite-es-waterproof-mudguard-shoes&csp=f&attrValue_0=Dark%20Brown&productId=1405765

Posted by
985 posts

You might check out the line of Timberland boots on Amazon. My husband wore the Schazzberg winter boot as his only shoe for five weeks and had no complaints.

Posted by
8377 posts

Ecco has some models with more rugged soles that are not "athletic looking" so fit the around town need. Some of these gore-tex lined as well, which helps on the trail.

Posted by
1077 posts

I only take a pair of Merrell Moab low cut hikers wherever I go in Europe, I have worn them even to nice restaurants with no issues. If I'm going to be at a area where we may be swimming in the Mediterranean I take a pair of lightweight sandals along also.

Posted by
5835 posts

Low cut hikers with Vibram-like traction soles are good general walking/hiking footwear. My Adidas low-cut boots have a waterproof-breathable membrane. As long as you aren't ascending/descending scree fields or doing ice work needing crampons, low cut boots should be fine.

Posted by
23178 posts

I wear only ECCO these days and take a City walker when traveling. I take interchangeable soles to change every day so that the shoe stays fresh.

Posted by
5835 posts

I would add that proper boot fit with the socks of choice is the more important starting point than a specific boot make and model. That and getting some training mines in for the selected boots and socks.

Posted by
2527 posts

It's a never ending blizzard of recommendations by posters. My take is to buy quality shoes/boots and good socks. Then wear 'em for a fair number of miles before launching into a trip where most people walk far more than at home. I like and tried the ECCO Track II Low...just not wide enough for my feet.

Posted by
548 posts

My husband bought a pair of Merrell Moabs for our trip to Switzerland this past March. He loves them! Wearing them again for our upcoming trip to UK and Spain. He said they have great support for the cobblestone streets.