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Shoes and clothes

I bought a pair shoes I probably will wear to Italy (unless somebody convinces me that I am more likely to get robbed or attacked wearing them versus something else): nike brand shoes, mostly black suede, white nike swoosh, white soles. Dress shoes would be excessive or overkill. Hiking shoes may be excessive too: I tried some on but they have a tread that is supposed to provide good traction on unpaved trails or ground, but hard paved surfaces will just make the tread wear out too fast. I tried on a certain pair of Ecco brand shoes at a store called the walking company, with a certain kind of insole (aka "orthotic"): they fit perfectly, and technically this is what I "need" because my feet are flatter than the average person's feet, and I normally do a sort of gait called supination where all my weight goes along the outer edges of my feet when I walk, but I was bothered by the unfamiliar sensation of the insole against the bottom of my feet, that the salesman put in the shoe; I am not used to this level of support, and I was afraid that I wouldn't get used to the sensation.

Clothes I own that I plan to walk around in, in Italy (unless somebody convinces me otherwise) include:

blue khaki pants and/or a sort of lightweight pants I bought before my last trip, which have two inconspicuously located zippered pockets, an unzipered pocket on one side, in additional to the typical two front and two rear pockets found on most mens pants, and slots to provide ventilation,

2 or 3 button down long sleeve shirts, without brand logos, that I think are reasonably lightweight, made of cotton and polyesther, I wear untucked

a sun hat with a smallish colombia logo,

The kind of sun glasses that cost under $25 and fit over my perscription glasses.

Posted by
8167 posts

You are human like everyone else (but in your case in this context more lucky) in the world and going with what you feel comfortable with like everyone else with means does and that is all so be grateful.

Posted by
380 posts

What's your goal? Comfort? Or blending in? If the former, wear that shoe/insole combo around extensively until you're sure it will work for you. If the latter, throw all that stuff away and get yourself a sport coat and trousers and a shirt with no tie, and dress shoes. A slim, elegant leather bag (or no bag at all.) If you're a tourist in a touristy place, it really doesn't matter. No New Yorkers go to Times Square.

Posted by
16561 posts

2 or 3 button down long sleeve shirts, without brand logos, that I
think are reasonably lightweight, made of cotton and polyesther, I
wear untucked

I'm not sure what your question is, Mike, but if I recall, your trip is in July? It's going to be hot: why take long-sleeved shirts? Short-sleeved polos or nice T-shirts might be cooler?

Wear what ever shoes you think you can walk in all day as no one else will care what you're wearing. Just break them in WELL before you go. A decent tread can be nice on wet days as some surfaces - such as marble steps - can be deadly slippery in the rain. You should be OK as long as your shoes don't have completely smooth soles, though.

Posted by
5447 posts

I'm going to suggest the shoe with the orthotic insert. If you've never worn one before, they will feel odd at first. But once you get used to them, you'll be glad you've got them ( providing they're the RIGHT orthotic type for you). I searched for years for a really comfortable walking shoe. And for years I was plagued by sore feet at the end of every day of heavy walking. Then someone suggested a combo such as yours. After the break in period, I discovered I'd finally found what I was looking for. And they look like any other black leather casual Oxford, so they don't scream "tourist". Give that shoe another test drive. And treads are a good thing, especially on cobblestones or when it's wet.

I'm also going to question your choice if multiple long sleeved shirts in July. I'd recommend mostly short sleeves - button shirts or polo- and maybe one long sleeved that you could wear for nicer dinners ( with the option of rolling up the sleeves.)

Posted by
567 posts

Wear what your feet and body like and you know this from experience before you travel.

Posted by
2689 posts

I second the advice to give the Ecco shoe that suits your particular needs another try, your feet take a real beating on a trip and they need to be comfortable, and if you have other issues then that need is non-negotiable. I am a big fan of Ecco, two styles suited me perfectly right out of the box. I also have some Finn Comfort Ikebukuros and they fit differently, arch supported in a way I wasn't used to but after 2 wears I realized they were perfect. The other big concern is socks, Smartwool and Wrightsocks (dual layer, one very thin and the other mid-weight wool) keep my feet very happy indeed.

Posted by
1044 posts

My goals are

-see remains of roman civilization, and then other stuff just because it there or nearby - remains of rennaissance Italy, art museums, and so on
-remain safe (avoid getting robbed, attacked, and so on)

When I normally plan to go out somewhere, the clothes I will wear come to mind in an instant, no effort of thought required. But I am a man. I don't own any shorts, just long pants. I wear blue jean long pants and t-shirts in the summer near home if I want to dress rather casually, although I have recently been switching to fancier clothes and sometimes shoes (for example, the shirts I mentioned) to see if they make women more likey to talk to me, although this does not apply to visiting Europe; I read that italians dress fancier than americans, and/or your legs and possibly also your arms are supposed to be covered in churches/synagogues. The side effect of long pants/ long sleeves is that maybe it minimizes the risk of sunburn/ sun damage; and my supposed clothing choice is not that different than my normal clothes; sometimes, it is my normal clothes. I do own t-shirts. The suit jacket and suit pants, button down shirt and man purse combination is not something I wear near home and I wouldn't wear it just to fit in, in Europe.

Posted by
6536 posts

Mike L, shoulders and knees have to be covered in many churches in Europe, so you might add one or two short-sleeved sports shirts.

And you're going to look like a tourist, not matter what. Your shoes will not make you more of a target, but acting clueless might: bulging wallet, daybag not well secured, not paying any attention to your surroundings... Carry your valuables in a neck bag or money belt, or leave them in the hotel room. Then if you do get pick-pocketed, you'll only be out a few euros. And you will have a good story to tell later.

We've been pick-pocketed 2 1/2 times, and indeed have some good stories.

Take a deep breath, and relax. But do wear shoes that are comfortable.

Posted by
1044 posts

Thanks. To be more concise, my objective is just to dress in a manner that minimizes my chances of getting robbed or assaulted or worse.

Yes I am planning to use a money belt, as a substitute for a wallet.

I have no question. I listed some clothes I own that I supposed I would wear in italy, and you(s) can write if or whether they will be good, bad, or neutral, and so on.

Posted by
16561 posts

To be more concise, my objective is just to dress in a manner that
minimizes my chances of getting robbed or assaulted or worse.

Mike, clothing is not going to change that. The locals are going to recognize you as a tourist so as long as you are comfortable and appropriately covered for the churches, wear what you want to. Long sleeves are far too warm for MOST men I know for sightseeing during the heat/humidity of summer: wear sunscreen.

Your chances of being "assaulted or worse" are so slim as to not even be a consideration.

Posted by
487 posts

Assaults are not very common in Europe and I would only worry if you were wearing very expensive jewelry and flashing it around. Anyone can fall victim to a pickpocket, there have been a few recent threads from experienced travelers that were pickpocketed. The best solution is to wear a money belt and limit access to the bulk of your money and passports. Then if something does happen, they do not get your important documents. Make sure you are "street smart" and aware of your surroundings. If you project confidence and look like you know what you are doing then the pickpockets will look elsewhere for an easier target.

Otherwise, wear whatever makes you comfortable.