I signed up for the 7 day trip to Ireland. Will also be taking a 3 day trip to Scotland. Isle of Skye.
Need some help on deciding on a walking or hiking shoe... Don't want anything to clunky.
Would appreciate recommendations from anyone who has been on the trip. I will be going mid April
Thanks
Posted by
The Heartland USA
9467 posts
No need for hiking boots on the Ireland tour. All city/town walking.
Posted by
the great P-NW
474 posts
We've been to Ireland and Scotland, both in the summer but experienced rain and slick cobblestones both places. I was very happy to have waterproof trail running shoes (REI has a good selection - mine are Altra but there are others.) YMMV, but I loved the peace of mind not worrying about falling - that could have wrecked my vacation. These are not clunky and I wear them regularly in the PNW too.
Posted by
OP
7 posts
Thanks so much for the responses.
Posted by
Indiana
1092 posts
My La Sportiva trail running shoes served me well for that trip. Purchased them at REI; their return policy for members of the CO-OP is terrific.
Posted by
OP
7 posts
Thank you so much
Posted by
1876 posts
Yes to something waterproof with a good sole that will allow you to walk with confidence on slippery and uneven terrain. The main difference between a waterproof shoe and waterproof boot is whether you will be in deeper mud/puddles. A waterproof shoe won't keep your feet dry in deep boggy terrain or a good sized puddle. The water will enter from the top, not the bottom. When hiking in wet conditions I wear gaiters, https://www.rei.com/learn/expert-advice/gaiters.html. They'll keep the cuffs of your pants dry too. They're lightweight, packable and you can get them on Amazon.
Posted by
OP
7 posts
Greatly appreciate the advice
Posted by
Minneapolis
408 posts
I had an olive green pair of Salomon hiking shoes for years, bought at REI, and they were my go to Europe shoes since they worked everywhere and were dark enough for dinner wearing. Recently replaced that pair with black ones, managed to get on clearance at Scheel’s under $50.
Posted by
29 posts
We did a Backroad's walking and hiking tour in the Netherlands and Belgium this past spring, then spent some time on our own in Amsterdam, Bruges and Brussels. I was glad I had my new Danner Trail 2650 Goretex shoes that I got at REI. The sturdy soles with great traction were great with both the wet and dry uneven cobblestones in the cities and the trail hiking while on the tour. They are waterproof and extremely comfortable. I am a size 11 shoe, so I pay attention to clunkiness of a shoe as well.
https://www.rei.com/product/239843/danner-trail-2650-gtx-hiking-shoes-womens
Posted by
Oregon
2918 posts
I’m a fan of waterproof hiking shoes for travel. Not heavy or clunky, but designed for milked of walking on slippery, uneven surfaces. That also works for cobblestones. Go to REI and try on lots of brands to see what works for your foot.