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Shoes

We are going to be doing a ton of walking - Venice, Cinque Terre, Florence - are there shoes that anyone could recommend? We are both reasonably fit and in our mid fifties. No other real health issues or foot problems.

Thanks!

Posted by
1625 posts

I know a few people who have no foot problems but underestimated the amount of walking, the surfaces and the stairs and developed Planters Factitious either while on the trip or right after, so having a GOOD supportive shoe is one of the best investments you will make for your trip. My three main pairs can go from a rough cobblestones street to a sleek museum floor and handle all subway surfaces with me feeling sure footed and secure.

If you look under "Packing" you will see lots of discussion on this topic, everything on how many shoes to take to brands. My rule is to take 4 pairs; an ankle boot (Brand: Vionic Orthaheel for cold weather, night, rain), a pair of sketchers (great for city walking all surfaces, a sandal (Brand: Vionic Orthaheel or Teva-I hate hot feet!) and a pair of flip flops (GOOD ones like Rainbow, Vionic etc) for questionable hotel carpets, walking to the beach, pool, hanging out at the hotel etc). My feet also like the change of shoe on a daily basis and your feet will hurt even with the most comfortable shoe, so changing at night to another pair sometimes helps (and a foot rub from your partner!). Some will say 4 pairs is too much, but I really feel I have the perfect combination for me and my travel style and the places we go, plus I am prone to planters factitious so I need to be diligent or I simply can't walk. We do carry on only and never had a problem packing my shoes.