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Men's Walking Shoe for Italy in July (hot!)

Posted by (Portland) on

Hi All,

While there are a million 'best walking shoe' topics, I have searched and not found anything on this specific topic.

I am a 60+ year old male accustomed to being on my feet and walking 8-10 miles a day. I have no particular foot issues, but love good arch support. I have a pair of Finn's that I adore but I think they will be too warm for Italy in July and August.

I have a pair of OnClouds I will be taking with me, but I was thinking something more open might be good.

Is there a men's sandal that has good arch support and that one can walk in all day? Is it asking too much for the same shoe to be stylish enough to wear out to a nice dinner?

I would love to hear from anyone who suffered through the heat of the Italian summer, with a lot of city walking, and found a shoe that was both stylish, comfortable (i.e., not hot), and with good arch support.

Thank you!
Keir

Posted by
1441 posts

I would say a good pair of running shoes with a good shoe insert (or orthotic) should be the best combo. For running shoes, I like Asics and Mizuno. For shoe inserts, you can get a full length one or a 3/4 length one. Visit a running shoe store to see what they recommend. Good luck!

Posted by
7 posts

I wear Timberland Hiking Boots that are mid cut instead of high tops. They're great for walking and very useful in Cinque Terre

Posted by
23282 posts

I wear an Ecco City Walker that has a thick, lugged sole, with an interchangeable innersole. It is a smooth toe leather shoe that always looks good. I also wear a mid weight wool sock. Wool will keep your feet dry and changing the innersole daily keeps the shoe itself dry. Used that system for years with good experience.

Posted by
340 posts

i have been chasing shoes with good arch support since my twenties. my personal experience is that the shoe itself doesn't matter as much. I have tried many brands at different price points over the years. for me what counts is the insole. the green superfeet is my go-to type. for shoes have i settled on new balance.

Posted by
2707 posts

I like Geox sandals. The sole is breathable but waterproof (I don’t know the technology). I bought my first pair 15 or so years ago in NYC. They are not easy to find here but abundant in Italy where they are made and there are many more styles. I take an older pair on each trip which I leave behind and buy a replacement. Extremely comfortable for walking long distance. Only certain models have an arch support.

Posted by
3 posts

I want to thank everyone for stepping up (pun intended :-)). I agree that one critical element in shoe comfort is the insole. And special recognition to Alan, who introduced me to a new shoe brand - Geox, which is definitely worth considering.

Stephen - I will definitely take a look at Sass. I know lots of people swear by this brand.

Claudia - Keen has their corporate office in Portland and I will definitely check them out.

Barkinpark - Thank you for the suggestion. I do have a sneaker that I find extremely comfortable - OnCloud. I am looking for that unicorn - a good looking, comfortable shoe that can be worn and walked in all day and looks as much at home on the streets of Milan or walking in the Uffizi, as it does just sitting at an osteria in Piemonte.

Uriengill - Thank you for the suggestion. I don't foresee needing mid-calf hiking boots this trip, but will keep this in mind for the future.

Frank - Ecco is an excellent shoe. I will take a look at the City Walker. Thank you for the suggestion!

Aloemaker - Couldn't agree more - the insole is the key. My favorite is still FinnComfort, but it is pricey.

Alan - Thank you for introducing me to a new shoe brand. I will definitely look for it when I am in Italy.

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