I need recommendations about foot wear, coming from a state that wears flip flops all year round, I'm pretty sure we are going to need something that might require water resistant or water proof. We will be in London and Edinburgh in June 2018. Doing tours and lots of walking. Planning on bringing umbrellas, just not quite sure if tennis shoes will cut it for 2 weeks.
Any info on what to expect for the rain is appreciated.
Tennis shoes won't cut it. Wear cheap shoes if you have cheap feet.
We do a fair bit of traveling (and a lot of walking) and have invested in some fairly expensive, well made, comfortable and waterproof LOWA brand shoes. Along with some smart wool ped type socks, these are my favorite and most comfortable shoes. They kinda look like sneakers, but I got them in black so they blend in.
What's worse than having wet shoes that won't dry in time to wear them again? Splurge.
An umbrella alone probably won't cut it, either. Wind can be a big issue. Folks usually recommend a hooded rain jacket or raincoat. I have a soft waterproof hat with a brim that I can wear under the hood. Ever so stylish (not), but it keeps rain off my face even if I'm not using an umbrella.
I spent a lot of time last summer in Normandy, Brittany, southern England and Wales. I had much less rain than I expected, but I know I was lucky. Just about every day had a period when it looked as if it would rain, so I carried the rain jacket with me almost all the time. I didn't want to have to waste time later on, going back to my hotel for rain protection. I managed to cram the jacket into my purse. The umbrella accompanied me only on occasion.
I think waterproof shoes are a good idea. I might dare water-resistant if I already owned a good pair (not Scotchgarded tennis shoes--they wouldn't be supportive enough) and was planning to take a second pair of walking shoes. In that case it wouldn't be a disaster if the shoes didn't dry overnight. But I'm sure Scotland trends wetter than southern England. (Scotland/Scotchgard--never noticed that before.)
Tennis shoes won't cut it no matter what the weather is like. You need WALKING shoes, with a good arch support. Preferably with a grippy sole (not smooth). I won't recommend waterproof shoes for every day. They won't breathe, and your feet will be constantly sweaty, even with wicking socks. I prefer water resistant, preferably leather. And bring 2 pairs, alternating each day, so they can dry out properly between uses.
There's a whole forum that discusses walking shoes, that recommends different brands. https://community.ricksteves.com/travel-forum/best-travel-shoes
Tennis shoes? Why would you wear them anywhere except on court? Their support structure is geared for quick side-to-side and front-to-back movements -- ideal for tennis!
Crosstrainers (Adidas, Nike, etc) or walking shoes (Merrill, Skechers) are my go-to footwear.
Rain....I like the storm chasers from LL Bean. They feel like sneakers. They are so comfortable if you're walking all day in the rain plus your feet remain completely dry. These boots are made for walking. https://www.llbean.com/llb/shop/83154?feat=women%20storm%20chaser-SR0&page=women-s-storm-chasers-slip-on-shoes&csp=a
And whatever footwear you end up with, start wearing it in before you travel. If you only wear flip flops at home then your feet will get a shock once you wear "proper" shoes.
And it doesn't rain as much as you think.
I always bring a pair of boots no matter what season I travel in mainly because I love my boots and they are super comfy (Fly London or Fluevog), but my alternate pair for my trip in May will be either Ecco Chase II leather sneaker/oxfords or a pair of Finn Comfort Soho. Both have excellent support and have been tested for miles of walking. And pay attention to your socks, no matter how comfy your shoes are you need good wool or wool-blend socks. I prefer Wrightsocks and Smartwool.
It rains more in Paris.
"It rains more in Paris."
Probably......But they keep very quiet about it. :-)
I'm also from a flip-flop state!
Echoing everyone else... Good. Quality. Shoes. That you have taken the time to break in before you go.
London will kick your feet's butt. Cut stone sidewalks and walking, walking, walking.
The first time I went I didn't pay attention to my shoes. I wanted to look cute so wore flimsy little numbers...big mistake! By the end of the second day it felt like someone was pounding nails into my feet with every step and I had to "waste" time buying good shoes in London.
Spend the money and get them from a store that specializes in walking shoes...completely worth it!
Forget the umbrella and get a good rain jacket with a hood. Your umbrella will either be blown inside out or you'll accidentally leave it on the tube. Been there, done both!
Most of the time UK rain is not Florida rain with its inch (or more) an hour downpours. It's kind of what folks on the Gulf side would call a persistent drizzle. Would go with raincoats instead of umbrellas - the coats cover more when it's wet and are easier to keep track of.
My rainy day shoes for both home in Florida and while I'm on trips are a pair of Dansko clogs. Rubber soles and poly coated leather uppers work well enough and they fit my feet well enough to go many a mile in. I also use a pair of Timberland hiking shoes for country walks
We all have rain coats, so we are covered there.
Thanks for all the suggestions and links.
We will be shopping for good walking shoes very soon!
Hi. I cannot comment on how rainy it might be. However, for a few summers now, I have travelled to Europe with a pair of Keen Newport H2 sandals and a pair of Merrell's All Out Blaze Sieve sandals - and with maybe a little ballet flat thrown in. I am offering them as suggestions since they are in the nature of a hiking/walking shoe but also more open than trainers. If you are used to flip flops, these might be a good alternative to closed shoes. Since they are fabric - with rubber, etc. - they dry easily. Both shoes come in fun colors and have fairly rugged soles. I was happy wearing them in London and then in Mürren. Note, I did walking, not hiking per se, but you can easily find reviews of folks who have worn them for more strenuous walking than I did.
