Women's Walking Shoes/Socks

Well shoes are a pretty person-specific item so it's hard to weigh in. Generally, I like Merrill mesh mary janes for all my travels - I can do miles and miles per day in them, they're always comfortable and they never give me blisters but they're not going to help you much in December and January. Definitely buy your shoes now and start wearing them so you can make sure they work. I like Born a lot and have pretty good luck with their shoes. Soft, supportive and somewhat attractive.

Also, if in doubt, bring a pair of your gym shoes as a back up that you know you can walk in. You're likely wearing winter gear anyways so they won't stand out too much and even if you don't feel like you're the height of fashion, at least you're comfortable.

I always go for comfort over fashion when I travel. I might look like a bit of a gump in my pictures but at least I'm comfortable:)

Oof Molly, that makes my feet hurt just thinking about it. I learned from this forum to wear merino wool socks and to take shoes that are well broken in and that I have practiced walking miles in. I have Alegria Bree, Keen Presidios, and Teva de la vina boots that I take when I know I am going to be walking a great deal. If you are traveling this December you should already have your shoes and be breaking them in! If there is an outdoor sporting store like REI near you then you might go there to try on some shoes. Clarks, Merrell's are other brands that come to mind as being popular with travelers. Good luck finding the right shoe!

I had really good luck with Brooks tennis shoes and smart wool socks. I had no blisters at all. They held up well and I walked anywhere from 8-16 miles a day while in Italy.

I found my LL Bean sport shoes to be really good last year in England; they are also somewhat waterproof. I had a 15 lb backpack on when traveling in airport and walking 1 mile from train station to hotels and had no problems with my back or knees, which sometime have issues. I got a gray color so they aren't so conspicuous as tennis shoes. They also don't weigh much.

I recently purchased some Merrell Jungle Mocs and decided I would wear them to work for a few weeks to "break them in". I may never wear another pair of shoes! These shoes are so comfortable, they have ample arch support and after being on my feet for 10 hours at work a day (I work in healthcare), my feet never feel tired as they have in the past.

I cannot recommend these shoes enough. A big plus is the sole. They are made of rubber and are almost meant for urban walking and also on uneven terrain. They are slip resistant as they have a nice tread on the bottom (we're leaving for Europe in 3 weeks so like you, I wanted something weather friendly).

These are the men's version (getting a hubby a pair right now but the woman's version is just about the same): Merrell Jungle Mocs

Oh, and regarding socks, I am an advocate of Smart Wool. I wear mine all year long!

I wear Clarks Wave Trek. They are waterproof, come in different colors. Wore them on a 26 day European trip everyday. I have plantar fasciitis and my feet felt great. I also wear Smart Wool socks! Whatever you buy, please break them in. Also take along moleskin for blisters!

I keep a package of Moleskin with me whenever I travel. They are a lifesaver.

If your shoes (or boots) fit well, and you wear them with good merino socks ( I like the SmartWool PhD line), you should not get blisters.

But if you do---- head straight to a pharmacy and ask for Compeed blister patches. These are oval-shaped bandages that are made to cover an open blister (pop it with a sterile needle and press out the liquid first, but leave the skin intact). They are expensive but one will stay on several days---through 2-3 showers if you put them on carefully in the first place. you should not feel any pain frommthe blister once it is popped and covered, and it can heal under the Compeed patch.

A Swiss pharmacist introduced me to these 15 years ago and I have since bought them in Italy, Spain, and Germany. I always top up my supply when in Europe.

I just checked and now you can buy Compeed blister patches on Amazon ( last time I looked I did not find them). You might buy a pack before you go, just for insurance.

My suggestion is to go to a shoe store/outdoors store and buy the most comfortable supportive walking shoes for YOUR feet. Most reputable shoe stores will allow you to walk in the shoes at home for a week or two so you can determine if they are working for you - and return them if they are not comfortable. On a recent 7-week trip to Europe with plenty of walking, I had no issues with my favorite Merrell MJ shoes, except for the one day it poured rain in Rome - I was wishing for Gore-Tex! Since your trip is December/January, I would ensure that your shoes are waterproof. Wet feet are not happy feet! Check out Keen's, ECCO, Clark's, and other brands of walking shoes that are waterproof (and some are even fashionable). Running shoes may be OK for backup or a morning jog but I prefer walking shoes and good socks for those miles and miles of cobblestones and uneven walking surfaces you'll be exploring in Europe.

I am curious about why special walking shoes seem to be needed for walking about in Europe. I don't get blisters here in the States, nor do I get blisters walking (or skiing) about in Europe.

I think a lot of people do not do nearly as much city walking at home as they do in Europe. And it is particularly difficult for women who want to wear something reasonably nice-looking, as well as comfortable.

People who do a lot of hiking (like you do, also me) have learned from experience how to avoid blisters. But people who do not do a lot of hiking or walking have to gain that experience in Europe---or ask here how to avoid the issue.

Also--Molly is smart to include socks in her query. When it comes to blisters, socks are often the cause, more than shoes.

i remember when my very fit and macho teen nephews showed up for a Utah hiking trip in cotton athletic socks---the ones they always wore for football practice. Two hours into our first hike one had bloody feet from blisters that developed and then opened.

And despite years of hiking experience, I developed very bad blisters on a hike to the bottom of the Grand Canyon, in well-broken in hiking boots and Thorlo sox. I had to cover my heels with duct tape to hike out. The problem was the socks, not the boots. I switched to Smartwool merino socks and have never looked back. Icebreaker merino socks are also good. I buy them at discount from Sierra Trading Post or Backcountry.com.

Lola: Good analysis of why so many folks have foot problems in Europe.

Rather than a specific brand or boot model, proper boot fit, "breaking in" and training (walking) with the socks of choice would be the better solution.

Each boot maker uses a boot last to form the boot. It take a bit of trial and error at the boot try and buy stage to find a boot model that best matches your foot. Folks looking for boots are better served finding someone who can help with boot fit more than recommendations from forum participant as to boot brands and models. It also helps if your boot store has ramps that can be used to test fit with toes pointed downhill. Check boot fit with the socks (brand and thickness) that you plan on using. Prevailing wisdom is to buy boots in the afternoon after walking around because feet tend to swell.

https://www.rei.com/help/footwear-fitting-tips.html

Whether hiking steep terrain, running along a trail or enjoying a
casual walk around town, shoes that fit correctly are essential for
the overall comfort and health of your feet.

And then "break-in" the boots by walking about using the socks used to fit the boots. In addition to have the boot mold to your foot, getting some walking time in before your big trip will toughen your foot and strengthen your walking muscles.

I swear by Ahnu Montara boots. I first tried them on at REI, then ordered them online in my preferred color at a significantly reduced price. There are tons of online vendors who sell them. As of now, I have 2 pair, dark blue and light gray. Since I only wear pants on my trips, only the toes really show. I'm another person who only wears sensible shoes, but these oddly make my big feet look smaller.

As for socks, I require compression socks and I have several pairs in different colors of these Sockwells. They are available from many online sources. If you take a look at the fiber content, you can see why they keep your feet warm and dry. They also help avoid fatigue, sore feet and blisters (have never had one) in combination with the boots. Please note that after trying different styles and patterns I've found the striped ones linked to work best for me. My toenails want to catch on any style of sock that has loose threads on the inside as some patterned socks do.

It's not so much that people need special "walking shoes" for trips to Europe, but when you realize a pair of shoes that were perfect for around town or short spurts of walking are suddenly vicious heel-tearing monsters when put to 8-10 miles per day of walking and you end up spending your trip babying your feet and investing in epic amounts of blister bandaids (this has happened to me) that you re-think what shoes/boots are worthy of going on a trip to Europe. That's how I think of my tried-and-true boots, "You've been to Poland, the Czech republic, France and Hungary, aren't you the luckiest boots EVER?" That said, a lot depends on your personal style. I am stylish at home and like to be so when on vacation but first and foremost my feet must be happy.

I travel with 2 pairs of footwear: #1 is a pair of Fly London black laced boots called Yel; their rubber wedge sole was perfect right out of the box and took me over cobblestones, mud, puddles, and anything else you could think of. No blisters, no aches, and very cute. Like walking on clouds. Try Amazon or Nordstrom for a good selection, anything on their wedge sole is divine. Start now, since December will soon be upon us.

The second pair has been Fluevog oxfords called Promise in either navy or orange--I wear them a lot at home and they add some color when I travel. Next trip my second pair will be some Fly London Suzu boots in navy.

Socks: Smartwool in the medium thickness and double-layer Wrightsocks (Amazon has good prices). Even with my perfect shoes and socks I still take bandaids and tape in my purse because one can only be too careful.

Just got a sale catalog from REI -- 25% off Ahnu boots and many reductions on boots, socks, jackets Nov. 22-21. REI shoe fitters are GREAT and very knowledgeable about the right boots/shoes for different purposes.
I like ECCO, Clarks, Ahnu walking shoes for wearing around home as well as travelling, and wear my Costco merino wool socks all year except for sandal weather.

Christa, you are fortunate if you can get away with two pairs of shoes on a trip. I generally have 4-5 pairs, depending on the trip. One pair is hiking boots because we always include mountains in our Europe trips; another is a pair of dress shoes for opera. In between we need walking shoes and I like options. One is always FlyLondon as they are so comfortable.

Keens and SmartWool socks. Swear by both brands.

Pricey but for comfort a must. I take two pair on every trip.

Own 6 different pairs of Keens. Sandals and hard toe pairs. Light, durable, and for me the most comfortable brand of shoes I've ever owned. I definitely break them in before I depart on a travel adventure. Just in case I also carry moleskin. Have yet to open the package.

Foot comfort is a must at home and abroad.

Molly, I wear Icebreaker socks , they are made from merino wool, good for walking or running, also if you can find Vionic Orthaheel shoes in your area, they have good support and cushion. I have no problem walking in 6 to 8 hours in those shoes and socks specially with my plantar fascia. I hope this will help.

Socks - smartwools, smartwools, smartwools. They are worth the $20 a pair price tag. Get medium or heavy cushion version. There are lighter versions for daily work use. For traveling, get the hiking version. (Rei, Dick's sporting goods, etc..)
Boots - mid length (above ankle) day hikers like the Merrill Moab or the shoe version. Everyone has a different foot, so you really need to go shopping for hiking boots. Just get the lighter day hikers though.

For sandals, I like "walk-the-walk" brand sandals which are sold through distributors similar to Avon. You can Google a distributor. They cost about $160 a pair, but are worth it. Get the traditional, glove leather, buckle strap model. That's all I wear in Places like Italy and NYC now. No socks or with smartwool socks.

I, too, recommend Smartwool socks; they are the best! I wear the hiking version, and the other versions with all my shoes in the winter. The version with cushion is great and, while I haven't gotten blisters in a long time, I think they would help deter blisters. I always take a pair of tennis shoes and one other pair. Often the other is a pair of hiking boots as we hike often, but also because they are good for walking on cobblestones, in the rain, and give support for long days on my feet. Other recommendations are Naot and Finn Comfort. I know for a fact that Finn Comfort are much cheaper in Germany; check them out!

Socks. Thicker is not necessarily better. And beyond blister control, thinner socks dry faster. The "right" sock thickness comes down to foot volume vs shoe volume length and width being equal.

https://www.rei.com/learn/expert-advice/socks.html

Q: How thick should my socks be?

A: Proper sock thickness depends on the fit of your footwear. If you
have a low-volume foot, you'll probably want thicker socks;
high-volume feet usually require thinner socks. Always try on socks
with your shoes to make sure they fit comfortably.

Q: Does wearing a liner sock under my regular sock prevent blisters?

A: Not necessarily. The most important factor is having your footwear
fit right. An REI footwear specialist can help you with this. Consider
liner socks whenever additional volume is needed or in combination
with slightly thinner regular socks.

And have you wondered about the runners who run sans socks?
http://running-advice.com/blog/?p=3551

Training — Do I need to wear socks when I run?

The role of the sock is, generally speaking, to protect the foot from
rubbing against the inside of the shoe. Rubbing is a source of
blistering, especially when there is moisture present. As I often say,
“moisture+motion=blisters”. But here’s the thing: if there is no
friction or rubbing or moisture in the shoe, then socks aren’t always
a necessity. In fact, for many people, the wrong sock can even
contribute to the motion and or moisture problems.

An excessively thick sock can contribute to more motion between foot and shoe/boot. As said, thicker is is not necessarily better. And in cold weather environments, a sock that is too thick for a given boot volume restricts blood circulation contributing to cold feet.

Lola--I like options, too, and it just about kills me to take just 2 pairs for 2 weeks--by the time I get home I'm so sick of the sight of the black boots that I don't wear them for a long time afterward. This May I attended the opera and a play in Budapest and with 2 events I felt justified in taking a dress, tights and heels, even if that added 2.5 lbs to my suitcase.

Arcopedico is a great brand!!!

I recommend SKECHERS. I always wear SKECHERS to go shopping for a whole day walking. Not tired at all! : )

For a winter trip to Brussels, Amsterdam, Munich and Rome, I would want a waterproof shoe. This walking show by Ahnu will be on sale (25% off) at REI starting Friday:

https://www.rei.com/product/887863/ahnu-taraval-wp-walking-shoes-womens

I know two woman who have this shoe and swear by them ( not at them) for all-day walking comfort. And they would serve you well in Alaska after the trip.

A friend who walked the Camino advised me to rub Vaseline on my feet before putting on my socks and I've not had a blister since. I sometimes wear "peds" when wearing my Keen sandals and apply the petroleum jelly then. By the time I return from a 3 week trip, my feet are in better shape than they ever are at home.

I'm grateful for this thread! I had a motorcycle accident in 1990 and my feet took the most damage. I've struggled since then to find shoes that don't cause pain after a while, and shoes that work for me for a while will usually stop being pain-free, especially for long days, so I don't have any good "go-to"s.

I'm looking for shoes that I can try on in stores that have high arches, and I'll be starting with the brands you all have listed here. We're traveling in August to Helsinki, the Netherlands, and Paris, so waterproof is less of a concern for me than the OP.

Thanks for the tips!

Nikki, you might try insoles. Not sure what your problem is but I use a SmartFeet insole to support my high arch and that seems to have helped a lot!

This was me until I discovered smartwool socks, and I have not had a blister since. Good shoes matter, but the smartwool socks made all the difference for me.

You've had some great input here already. I definitely second the recommendation of traveling with shoes that are already well worn in and that you know are comfortable. One of our tour guides /packing pros, Sarah Murdoch, recently wrote a blog post all about shoes, which you may find helpful: http://adventureswithsarah.net/travel-shoe-spreadsheet/