Shoes - One Pair or Two

John - I always have 2 pairs of shoes with me for any trip. I wear one and pack one (as does my husband, kids, etc.). I am pretty picky when it comes to shoes and really like being able to alternate for comfort. My husband usually takes one pair of leather sandals (assuming it is summer travel) and one pair of running shoes (if we are doing hiking/biking) or one pair walking shoes (if we are mostly in cities).

I agonized over this also before our 5 week trip last year. We limited ourselves to 1 ricksteves carryon backpack. The decision was made for me when I did a trial run packing the backpack - the shoes added too much weight.

We ended up taking / wearing one pair of nice (leather) hiking shoes which worked very well. The were nice enough to go into decent restaurants, concerts and good for hiking in the alps. Hope this helps!

At the very least, though, take a pair of flip flop sandals (assuming this is a summer trip). They weigh next to nothing and you will for sure want them in the hotel room/bathroom. Also, if your main pair gets wet, at least you have a back-up. An unexpected summer downpour turned the streets of Venice into rivers, just soaking my faithful leather Birkenstocks. They weren't dry by morning, and the flip flops saved me. Also, although I'd never gotten a blister before, after days of city walking (or maybe from the re- dried leather) I got a small one- again, wearing the flip flops for a couple days was really helpful. If you wear the heaviest pair on the plane, I've always taken another, plus the trusty flip flops. I'd rather take one less pair of pants than risk my feet!

I've always taken two. One that was truly meant for exploring -- rugged soles, etc., that could handle outdoor adventure. The other, which I traveled in, was also capable of walking, but was softer, and more appropriate in a restaurant at night and could be dressed up. Also, if you get a dreaded BLISTER, changing shoes gives your feet a chance to heal if there is a problem.

I'm a believer in two pairs of shoes. On our trip we all took two pairs of shoes and we packed "light". My husband never used his second pair, but the kids and I did. My boots (which had never been worn before) leaked even though I had waterproofed them - funny stitching I later learnt. I was grateful to be able to let them dry out at night. I've also had sandals break and another pair of something already worn in is handy.

I've always taken 2 pairs of shoes. My second pair is a pair of boat shoes, which are pretty lightweight.

Personally, I would also leave something else out and take a 2nd pair of shoes. Then again it depends on how long you will be gone. One week one pair may be ok.

so I pack pretty light these days, maybe not as light as many on here (a carry on backpack and a 21 inch checked bag)
Shoes are the hardest thing for me. I take one pair of walking shoes (pumas which are light) one pair of dress shoes and I have another pair which are heavier and I wear those on the plane.
I would bring a pair of flip flops this trip but I am hoping to buy something in Sitges.
Shoes are the worst.

In Rick's book, "ETBD 2007" ("Graffiti Wall" section), someone said: "As a physical therapist, I would recommend taking two pairs of shoes with good socks. If you are on your feet a lot, simply changing shoes every eight hours prevents foot discomfort." When I was in London (and got big blisters!), changing shoes helped a lot. Then again, so did bandages and Advil. ;-)

Steve, I don't know where you are going or what you plan to do, but I assume any visitor to Europe is going to do a lot of walking. People told me I would on my first trip, and I thought I was prepared, but no. I walked miles and miles in London and Paris, and one day in the Louve, my shoes and feet gave out. Luckily I had a second pair of well broken in stylish loafers to wear, so I threw out the other pair and was good to go for rest of the trip. It's not fun if you cannot walk!. I agree with the idea of bringing some flip flops too -- particularly in summer (broken in of course, so you don't get blisters) in case your shoes get too uncomfortable. You don't want to buy new shoes over there, though you might be able to get shoes that you can comfortably wear and continue on, why have to waste time finding them? It's easier to buy other clothes. I think it's worth having good shoes from home.

Definately two. You may think the one pair you take are super comfortable until you get to walk for hours on cobblestones and marble floors. Also it's a precaution in case somthing happens to the one pair you do have. New shoes are really not an option when you are walking all day.

I'm 24 and having a hard time with shoes as well. I'm not planning on bringing any actual shoes, I'll never wear them.

I live in Chaco sandals and am contemplating on bringing two pairs, they are pretty light and comfortable for hiking, walking, you name it. I also want to bring 1 pair of teva flip flops for more walking and then was thinking about bringing 2 pairs (1 black, 1 brown) of dressier flip flops for clubs/bars at night. Is this too much for a 4 week trip? I would wear one pair of chacos on the plane and the flip flops are super light and don't take up much room. Or am I just crazy? :)

Anna, I'm going for 6 weeks (and the same age as you) and was going to bring: one small lightweight adidas sneakers (way cuter than normal tennis shoes, hard to explain) for walking, one pair of black leather Keen or Merrell's for walking, one junky old really well worn-in pair of flip flops for in the hotel and little things like that, and one pair of one of the new cute Crocs sandal styles that can look a little dressier.For you I would say maybe you only need one of the nice sandals? Black goes with pretty much everything so just take one? And if you already KNOW your Chaco sandals are both comfy, maybe you only need one of those? Or forgo the Teva? I don't see why you'd need three pairs (especially all sandals) if you already know they're all comfy for heavy walking I am allllllll for packing light, but not at the risk of severe discomfort. I've never taken a trip like this before, I don't know how my shoes and my feet will relax, I'd rather be safe than very very sorry.

Oops... react, not relax!