Does anyone have any suggestions on a good pair of shoes/sneakers for travel throughout Italy? I would like them to be water proof/resistance. We are going in September/October and thought maybe I would try a pair now and see how they work for me. Thanks for you help.
Tina
There used to be a long section in Rick's Graffiti Wall with suggestions on shoes. There's still a section, but the couple of entries on there now are new. When this forum went to this new format, the dialogue didn't come with it.
There are many, many good brands of shoes that were mentioned in the past. Ecco, Keen, Naturalizer, Clarks, New Balance and Merrills are popular brands.
We were looking for shoes for my wife recently, and were looking for something with support and not a low profile shoe or a shoe with high heels. We realized that Mary Janes are great for her use on our upcoming trip, and ordered them online.
I have switched to Ecco and love them. I have Ecco sandals that both look nice (with thick soles) and are amazingly comfortable on hot days, and in September and October you will have them. I also have a pair of low-cut Ecco hiking shoes (similar to sneakers, better support and traction) that are just as comfortable and have held up in all kinds of weather, though they are not waterproof. For that time of year, I would take both. It will be too hot for closed shoes all the time.
When you buy sneakers or hikers, wear thick socks (even a thick pair over a thin pair). More cushioning gives you more comfort.
Lastly, pack some mole skin and blister pads. They don't use up weight or space but they can make all the difference.
Thank you both for the info. I like the idea of Mary Janes and the Ecco. We will be gone for awhile and will need at least 2 pairs. I am a very light packer so this should not be a problem. Thanks for the suggestion on the mole skin. Someone else had recommended that as well.
Thank you,
Tina
Above all, my advice is to get flat shoes with good support. If it is wet wherever you are, those cobblestones can be very slippery and even clogs make me wonder when my ankle is going to turn.
I recently bought a pair of Ahnu Montara boots because of the ankle support. Ahnu makes several styles of other shoes, including ones that are more like athletic shoes.
I also got a pair of Dansko Edda Mary Janes. The Dansko clogs are good, but for me they are too high off the ground and too slippery for wet weather combined with cobblestones.
Orthaheel (now Vionic) is a brand that makes very comfortable sandals (I have the Yasmin style) and a variety of other styles suitable for your purpose. I also have a pair of Orthaheel Melanie ballet flats.
You should be able to find these brands and styles from the usual online suspects, but it is better if you can find them to try on somewhere before you order.
Those Ahnu boots are waterproof, as are their sneakers and athletic shoes, but it is not Gore-Tex technology. For Gore-Tex suggestions, go to https://www.gore-tex.com/products/women/footwear/. They show all kinds of brands and styles of shoes that use their waterproof technology.
Tina, don't leave the moleskin in your hotel. Keep it with you when you're out. I also carry a small pair of scissors (manicure scissors in a pinch, but straight blades are better) to cut it up when I need it. "Emergency first aid" has occasionally been required, even with shoes I've worn for ages. Happy feet equals happy sightseeing.
I recommend New Balance, since you mentioned sneakers in your OP. They have a good amount of support and the rubber soles give good traction on slippery cobblestones or going up and down steps. Many models are made of lightweight fabric/mesh/leather combination, so they "breath" to keep your feet dry from sweat when worn with the proper socks.
I bring two pairs of shoes (one pair on, one in my bag). One is a trail runner/light hiker shoe for hiking and casual wear. The other also works as a walking shoe but can be dressed up for dinner, show, etc.
tjhelmer,
what it comes down to for shoes, is like your mate. Not everyone will like or will get along with your choice.
you have a criteria that will be difficult for a sneaker/shoe and that is waterproof. I worked in a shoe/clothes store when i was growing up and even though some boots had "waterproof" on them, the owners would NOT guarantee it. Since if you think about it, unless its one piece molded, its not going to happen. Theres stitching and bonded areas so anything can give at any time.
go out and find some shoes that are comfortable for you to walk, hike and stand in for hours. This should be done on concrete if at all possible since there is alot of concrete and cobblestone over there and you will spend alot of time on it.
also, if you have weak ankles, look for something that will support due to the cobblestones.
as one poster stated, bring 2 pairs of comfortable shoes with you. It will give your feet rest time from one to another and swap them daily.
one last note. Look at Marino wool sox. I got some for my travels and they keep my feet at moderate temp even when wet. also, they can be worn for several days without smelling.
happy trails.
they can be worn for several days without smelling
only a guy would even think about that :-)
I love my Blundstone boots. I am on my 2nd pair (in about 7 years - they last if you care for them)...I wear them winter, spring and fall. They come with me on every vacation...I wouldn't wear them on hot days (in 2010, I only took them for a mid-Sept/early Oct trip, didn't take a pair of sandals, and I had some pretty warm foot days and almost broke down and bought some sandals. lesson learned to take sandals). Easy pull on and off, good ankle support, look great with jeans or khakis (or even casual skirts) and I haven't had them leak once - they aren't 'waterproof' per se, but have very limited openings - I wear them all thru our Nova Scotia slushy winters and never an issue. They do take a little breaking in. I used to work in a shoe store and when we first starting selling them, I tried a pair and thought 'what's the big deal...they feel like rain galoshes' - well, a few years later after having so many people rave, I bought a pair - and am a convert. Great for men and ladies, I've had the original '510' and currently have the leather lined '558' with a little heavier sole, and have my eyes on the new tall chisel.
My go-to always with me (except in 2010) sandals...Naot! (Let's say I own at least 7-8 pair...hazards of selling shoes and getting discounts!)
I know, from selling shoes, Keen were popular, Clarks Privo and Wave, New Balance, Rockport...make sure you break em in first!
I bought a pair of black Easy Spirit "Amore" recently and not only do they not seem to need any breaking in, they are also incredibly lightweight for packing. It's a low-profile flat with good support. They run a little small and I took 1/2 size larger than usual. Check Zappos--they have everything in every color and free returns.
Cynthia
What I've been doing lately is ordering several pairs from a company that offers free shipping ( I use Nordstrom a lot, but others do it, too) and then walking around my house over a couple of days to decide which one feels best.
I have always worn "Munro Shoes". I can get them at Zappos.com or through the Nordstrom store or Nordstrom.com. They are very comfortable and always hold up. Zappos offers free postage both directions. Nordstrom offers free postage - coming (I think both ways also).
Mephisto makes great footware also. They are pricey, but worth the support and comfort.
