TX gal looking for winter shoe recommendations

I'm not sure how much hiking you will do on this tour. But if it's mainly walking and not hiking, then I recommend you take a look at Blondo shoes. I have a few pair of their boots and have walked all over Europe in them. They are comfortable, waterproof, durable and look stylish. You can buy them at their website or you can find them in stores such as Nordstrom. Happy shopping!

Sorel has waterproof ankle boots, constructed on platforms similar to their athletic shoes . I didn't have any break-in issues. Good luck!

I live in Vienna (and previously lived in Texas). I wear my ASICS running shoes year round. I don’t own hiking boots (or any rugged shoes at all). You really don’t need anything special. There won’t be snow yet.

If you have an REI store near you, I suggest going in there and trying some on. They usually have a little rocky hill simulator so you can see how they feel and grip. They also have a very generous return policy. They even have the more rugged version of your favorite New Balance: https://www.rei.com/product/C05526/new-balance-fresh-foam-x-hierro-trek-shoes-womens

If you like New Balance, you might see what hiking and trail shoes they offer.

You might consider getting a pair of waterproof trailrunners rather than hiking boots. They will offer some traction for cobblestones and slick pavement but will be much more comfortable than hiking boots.

I wore LL Bean snow sneakers for our January trip to Finland and Tallin. The sneakers have good traction and are warm and waterproof without being too warm to wear inside. They aren’t quite as heavy as hiking shoes. https://www.llbean.com/llb/shop/125871?page=womens-snow-sneaker-5-low-waterproof-insulated-lace-up-womens&feat=winter%20sneakers-SR0&csp=a&attrValue_0=48746&searchTerm=winter%20sneakers&pos=2
I was on this tour about the same time of year in 2017 and it snowed several of the days that we were there. It wasn’t enough snow to slow us down, just enough to make things magical. I think the snow sneakers would work well for the trip.

You won't be walking through snow so heavier ankle height boots are probably overkill unless you really need extra ankle support due to a physical situation. Just wear good socks.

Your New Balance shoes will be fine but you could buy some lightweight low-cut hikers. These have a heavy vibram sole so they absorb the pounding of uneven cobbles and they will provide a bit more insulation from the cold ground if you're standing for long periods.

Everyone's feet are different. For example, I need a relatively high heel drop >9mm to prevent achilles tendonitis but your situation is your situation.

As a data point, I have used Merrell Moabs and their predecessors for decades. low cut, water resistant, wide toe box and comfortable right out of the box.

I agree with Emily’s advice. Good sturdy sneakers you already know are comfortable for hours of walking and upgrade your socks to merino wool. I travel in winter frequently. Last year in February, in Paris, I stepped into a puddle at a curb almost up to my ankle. Klutz move. I thought, ‘good thing I was already planning to swing by my hotel, my foot is going to be freezing’. But not at all. It turns out what they say about wet wool retaining body heat is true. I did change my shoes and socks but I really didn’t need to. Unless you going to do a lot of real off trail hiking in very bad weather I don’t think waterproof hiking shoes or boots are necessary.

I'll just add that if you are going to look at the recommendations for wool socks, if you are a Costco member it's the time of year when they have their "Kirkland Signature Women's Extra-Fine Merino Wool Blend Crew Sock, 4-pair" for $16.99. They are pretty good socks and 2 pr will probably do you for the trip.

There are some way more expensive merino wool socks but given your home location you're just going to put them in a bin to keep the moths away and pull them out for your next winter trip, hahaha!

I also agree with the athletic shoe recommendation. I wear my regular athletic shoes all winter here in North Idaho. I do have waterproof ones which I use when it's snowy/slushy. I wear the Costco socks with them although they are thicker than my regular socks so have to loosen the laces a bit.

I will add that if you think you might have a wool allergy, try these ahead of time. I am allergic to them and can only wear them on the coldest days here or on non-consecutive days.

So....you didn't ask but do you have some lightweight base layers? 32Degrees (also sold at Costco but they also have their own website) base layers are lightweight and warm. I wear then all winter.

I'd like to buy a pair of women's ankle hiking boots that will be
nicely suited to wetter and colder weather and of course, European
cobblestones.

Since you asked for hiking boots, I love the Merrill Moab's mentioned above by Chris. Interestingly, Mardee found them at Nordstrom Rack for a fraction of the REI price, I hopped right on it. 57% off!! And they're still available. Not waterproof. I sprayed them, good enough for slushy snow. https://www.nordstromrack.com/s/merrell-moab-3-hiking-shoe-women/6409925?srsltid=AfmBOoq6U8jkHkXrd5mYBtIXNS4EFXcueo8B9mP6JqwFL-zZd_CgtfmC
They are the ONLY shoes I wear biking in autumn, winter & springtime here in Sweden, or anywhere walking with lots of cobblestones. I don't care about wet feet, but I really care about sore feet!

I've got bad ankles, so for cold/damp urban days with a lot of walking I wear Lowa Innox boots (with goretex). They also come in a low cut / sneaker-style version, and feel very light for an actual boot.

(For hard-core hiking and/or urban slush / short-term black ice I wear Lowa Renegades - I love them but they would definitely be overkill for your urban-ish trip unless you have terrible ankles or need serious support between your feet and any cobbles.)

I've also got a pair of goretex Brooks Ghosts that I pull out in autumn - they or something similar might be a good neutral compromise.

I have been using Altra shoes. They are zero-drop or totally flat but still have a good amount cushioning. Before I discovered Altras, I was using Colombias. Search the internet for Altra women's hiking shoe or boot. Most shoes have a sole that is too thick under the ankle and too thin under the forefoot. You walk and stand better when your shoe is totally flat but you have to get used to it. It is like when you stand without shoes and your ankle is at the same level as your toes.

Our DSW store carries hiking shoes and ankle boots in a variety of brands. I got my Merrell fully waterproof ankle boots with a Vibram sole there.

I see DSW has a store in Frisco. Their website has been very accurate in my experience of shopping online to buy in store.

I just wanted to thank everyone for great suggestions and tips on both shoes and socks. It will really help with my shopping for my trip. So looking forward to some holiday magic in our upcoming trip. You know in TX our winters are usually bereft of sprinkles of snow and our winter weather, when we have some, brings sheets of ice. Not fun.

Check the KEEN brand of shoes.

During the over 30 years of work on film and TV sets with 16 hour days the KEEN brand eliminated plantar fasciitis…. I own sandals, lace ups, and slip ons. To name some of places different pairs have been worn; Havana, London, Paris, NYC, Rome, Belfast, Dallas, D.C., Grand Canyon, Santa Fe, LA and Yosemite.

Pricey and durable. Review the website to see if any appeal to you. Most of mine were bought at REI.