Footwear for the Alps

Re the question asked in your last sentence: What time of year are you hiking, approx how high in elevation will you go, do you expect to be "hiking" in snow or wet conditions? These have to be answered in order to answer your last question.

I did one of the Rick Steves hikes near Chamonix. It was fantastic, a bit tougher than I expected. The trail was rocky and I was very happy to have good boots. You should have an alternate shoe. A sneaker is good, or a good pair of sandals. Pick something that will be lighter and less restrictive than your boots to give your feet a break.

Pam

In my Alpine hiking experiences (Berner Oberland, Bavaria), boots almost always end up covered in some kind of muck, so another pair of shoes is probably necessary for non-hiking situations.

Thanks for your replies. I will be in the Berner Oberland in late June.

Personally when you use the word "hike" I think that automatically calls for hiking boots and not sneakers.

From my experience hiking in Switzerland, I wore my hiking boots. you will cross streams of water, encounter mud/rain, snow etc. You need good ankle support too. Sneakers do not afford these qualities in footwear.

If you are hiking for a week, then take your hiking boots. This is a hiking trip. I'd also recommend hiking (trekking) poles too.

Always take 2 pairs of shoes. After being in your hiking boots all day, you will love your sneakers as a break from the stiffer sole of the boots.

Hiking in the Alps is an athletic activity...those around you will also be wearing sneakers, or sandals as an alternative to boots after hiking on the trails. I'm sure your hotel will appreciate you taking off the hiking boots in their rooms and dining areas too.

Thanks for your responses. I will definitely take my hiking boots. I want to have one other type of footwear for the rest of my trip in order to pack as lightly as possible. Should I bring shoes, sandals or sneakers?

Thanks,
Nick

Nick, it depends on what you are doing after the hiking...are you staying to tour the cities? Or just going to hike and going home?

I usually take sandals with me for my second pair of shoes. We just finished hiking the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu. I took my Chaco sandals to use in camp, and wore them touring Cusco, Puno, etc.

When I hiking in Switzerland 2 years ago, I also took my Chaco sandals (it was early Oct). but ended up wearing sneakers - it was just too cold/wet after that hiking.

It really just depends on what your personal favorite/ most comfortable 2nd pair of shoes are....those are the ones you should take, not the ones that we all tell you to take!

I always bring my broken in, somewhat worn sneakers. They are the ones with the most cushion (air) and best arch support for my feet. I wear them everywhere and for every occasion--even with skirts to the Vatican. Why? Because comfort is my biggest concern. Every day in Europe, we log in several miles. When your feet hurt, every step is a struggle. I think your hiking boots and your sneakers would work out fine. Have a great time!

Nick,
I stayed a week in Grindelwald last Oct. and wore my hiking boots for the hikes and traveling around town. I travel with a pair of tennis shoes and a walking shoe for the evenings when going out. The area we stayed in was very casual. My husband takes hiking boots ( Merrell light snecker type hiker) and a casual walking shoe for the evening.

If all you are doing is hiking, my second pair of shoes would be trail runners in a dark color. Trail runners have more arch/heel and lateral support than regular running shoes but are still light enough to pack easily.

If you will also be touring cities, I'd pack a pair of walking shoes that can go from casual to dressy as the second pair. My primary walking shoes are Eccos because they weigh almost nothing. I used to pack a pair of Dockers oxfords, but they weigh twice what the Eccos weigh.

If you go with walking shoes as the second pair, I might also pack a pair of flip flops to wear after you take your boots off. They can also work as shower shoes or for the beach or pool.