Spain in first half of April, Madrid to Seville, what kinds of shoes to pack?

Lots of walking on hard surfaces, and possibly on uneven surfaces in Ronda and the white villages. Maybe also the Alhambra grounds; I was last there ages ago and don't remember. I'd want something supportive with cushy soles. I use lace-up shoes (dorky-looking) because I am prone to sprained ankles, but others don't find they need to limit themselves in that way.

I take only one pair of shoes, which is unusual, but I'd rather just take the one I find the most comfortable and not have to carry around a bunch of others. If this is your first trip to Europe, you may be surprised at how often you have to carry your suitcase.

One pair each of shoes and sandals. Both pairs should be comfortable with thick soles. You don't need more than that.

Average temperatures tell you less than nothing. Last year, highs in Sevilla the first 2 weeks of April were 70's to mid-80s, the year before 60s to low 70s, in 2015 mid 60s to high 80s. In Ronda, last year from 57 to 81 . . .

Thank you Chani and Acraven,

Actually, I am prone to ankle accidents myself so I know what you mean, I always look for close-fitted shoes. What about ankle boots? Not needed for that time of year?

I've been to Ronda several times at that time of year. It is chilly in the mornings and evenings due to the altitude but the weather has almost always been sunny and by midday I'm in shorts and T-shirts (however I'm like that April to October so it's not really a barometer of what's suitable). The ground isn't going to be icy or treacherous but it'll be cobblestones and uneven. There will be no requirement for winter boots or anything warm and substantial.

The best place to find shoes for this trip is in your closet. Find those comfortable athletic shoes or such you put on to walk to Starbucks and pack those. A walking sandal such as Ecco, Geox or the like plus your comfy broken in shoes you reach for on Saturday morning will be great.

When preparing for a trip to Spain and Portugal in the fall of 2010, I bought a pair of walking sandals. They were never worn on the trip!

"The best place to find shoes for this trip is in your closet."

Great advice. And here's part of why:

"When preparing for a trip to Spain and Portugal in the fall of 2010, I bought a pair of walking sandals. They were never worn on the trip!"

If you are not used to wearing a particular shoe, garment, accessory, etc., you most likely won't use it on your trip. And if the shoes in question are not well broken in, that goes from "most likely" to "most definitely," or you'll be sorry.

Related story: for our trip to Turkey, my mother brought scarves to accessorize her outfits. "They're so lightweight and easy to use to change the look of your outfits; so much better then bringing jewelry." What she forgot is that she doesn't like wearing scarves. The only ones she ended up using were the ones she brought for head coverings; the others stayed in the suitcase. Ironically, she would have done better to bring her usual jewelry (small earrings and necklaces), which she would have actually worn; the scarves ended up being a waste of space, while the jewelry wouldn't have been.

With shoes, as I said above, there's the additional issue of comfort and avoiding foot problems. You'll be walking for miles every day. A well broken-in shoe will be much more important than the "right" shoe. And the point above about extra weight is important too. Unlike a pair of earrings, an extra pair of shoes has real weight; make sure you are comfortable carrying your suitcases, putting them above you in overhead racks on trains, etc.

Harold's reply reminded me of two things - first, never go out without some moleskin. Even your most comfortable shoes can start to rub. If your feet aren't happy, chances are the rest of you won't be having a very good time. Second, I bought two lovely accent scarves in Turkey that I get compliments on. Accessories are easy to pick up locally and make great souvenirs (or even slightly used gifts - but only you'll know they've been used :-) . . . jewelry, hand fans, sun hats come to mind right away for Spain.

Thank you all for such great advice. There are no walking shoes in my closet at the moment. I do have hiking boots (love hiking) and some bad sneakers which are not suitable for this trip. I am short so all my other shoes have 2.5"-3" heels or wedges. They are good quality and comfortable for the office or a 1-2 hour walk but definitely not for walking all-day. You are right that I probably should stay closer to what I prefer at home but with a low heel (can't wear flat shoes) and more support. Love the idea of buying some accessories in Spain!

My option for every day in Spain would be some good walking sandals and take along a pair of flats for evening. And maybe a good runner or Keds. Wear them on the plane. I have done this number of shoes and we always travel carry-on.
Enjoy Spain. A fabulous country!