Shoes for Summer Months

You're going to need a good walking/day hiker shoe that's lightweight and breaths (well) for reasonable walking distances. My day hikers were o/a $45 but my shoe inserts were about the same cost. I went with the inserts because I can switch them from shoe to shoe...good arch and ball of the foot support. Everybody's feet are different so go to a GOOD shoe store. Wear GOOD sandles to give your shoes a breather. Place a sheet of fabic softner into each day hiker shoe at night to absorb stinkiness. One sheet good for several days. Remove inserts if applicable when airing out. And, here comes the hate mail, I take a pair of Crocks (in the summer the ones with airholes). Great for schelping down to the laundry, picking up a cup of coffee etc. Gives the other shoes a rest and they're vey lightweight. I also use them on the flight over and back. Easy on/off for trips to the loo.

Use whatever you would use if you were travelling in the US at the same time of year. You must certainly know what shoes are comfortable for you.

I would strongly recommend the Finn comfort sandal. I did a trip to Berlin, Prague, and Vienna and my Finn comfort sandall was a Godsend. I had what I thought was a good shoe from Mephisto, but it didn't suit and I was very lucky to have brought along the sandals. Whatever shoe you decide on try it out for several weeks in advance. All the time remember that you will walk much more on vacation than you do normally. Also, take along two pairs of shoes. It does your feet good to change them up. Pam

You should take 2 pairs of shoes. One with a closed toe and the other should be a sandal.

Personally I travel with my Puma Monstra (athletic style shoes) and my Chaco sandals that have a back strap (flip flops are not recommended for walking!!)

Do you plan on running? Then just take your running shoes you use now and plan on walking in them all day, but still take a sandal.

you will get lots of recommendations. I just use the shoes I have in my closet that I know feel good on my feet - I take the shoes that I wear everyday.

Don't ever think it's that good of an idea to buy a "travel" shoe. that one shoe you go buy just because you are going to Europe. With the economy today...use what you have and save the money you'd have spent on "travel shoes" for a meal or admission to a museum when on holiday!

This shows my three favorite travel shoes:

http://www.polyvore.com/mens_travel_pack_list/set?id=1440268

I always bring two pairs of shoes, no more - no less.

The first shoe is a walking shoe that can be dressed up or just worn around town. In the summer you don't need a water proof shoe like the Eccos, as long as it's comfortable and can be worn all day walking then not make you feel silly at dinner.

Depending on my plans, the second shoe is either trail runners or sandals. If my itinerary includes beaches or very warm locales, I like the Keen sandals. If I plan hiking trails, the trail runners are my choice.

For women, there are lots of sandals that can be worn to the beach but also look nice with a skirt or dress at dinner. That allows you to bring a pair of trail runners that works for city walking or hiking. I prefer trail runners because they usually aren't in white (so don't show dirt and don't stand out in a crowd) and they offer more lateral support while still being very lightweight.

Avoid the urge to throw in an extra pair "just in case", that's where packing light usually goes out the window.

My travel shoes: Easy Spirit Traveltime, Keen slides, Ecco sandals, all black, all super comfy and broken in. 21 days...ahhhh...have a great trip.

I always bring three pairs. I wear runners on plane and for alot of walking. I have AMAZING Naot sandals that can be dressed up , or worn ALL DAY in comfort, and I slip in one pair of flats that I wear in evening. The flats take up no room in suitcase,, so I don't feel bad about slipping them in. I have on occasion taken a pair of 3 dollar flip flops. they weigh nothing, and are good in shared showers ( ewww) , and at night around hotel room.
I do in fact manage with one 22 inch suitcase. I did 26 days last summer with such , and did just fine.

I think the bare minum should be two pairs of shoes. Your feet need a break from wearing same shoes for 3 weeks , 21 days in a row.

No one can really tell you the perfect shoe, you will have to find the perfect one for you. Good luck!

I'm taking a super comfortable pair of Clarks I bought from DSW. Men's shoes are usually much bigger and heavier then women's. I chose them so I can be comfy walking around, but also we are eating in some nice restaurants in Paris which do not allow sneakers. + 1 pair of flip flops. I should mention however that I am only traveling with a carry on bag for two weeks. Perhaps you have more room?
-Brett

I agree. One pair each closed and sandal. I prefer the Teval sandal as they can get wet in rain and dry and a pair of Teva tennis shoes for hopping on and off trains.

I believe my sandals are runners as they provide more cushion.