Best walking shoes for Europe and problem feet

https://community.ricksteves.com/travel-forum/best-travel-shoes

Lots of discussion here. Good luck!

Merrells come in several styles. I love mine in rainbow colors like a modern art painting and the soft uppers really keep my toes feeling better. As to a search capability....the search box is at the top of the page, left center.

I have awful feet but I've found in my trips to Europe my first priority is keeping them comfortable and in good shape. I'd go with the Merrells. They may bother your sensibilities but you'll be out there tramping around Mt Etna and seeing Taormina instead of sitting on the side of your bunk trying to repair blister damage or make bunion aches subside.

I will admit that I am not much in to fashion. I do wear scarves in Paris to up my game but that does not compensate for what my feet are shod in, I'm sure. As one grandmother used to say "You won't see anyone you know or care about."

Many decades ago, you used to be told to never wear gym-type shoes to Europe because it would make you stand out like a tourist. That no longer applies - most Europeans now are out all day in comfortable walking shoes that look just like Merrells. Believe me, you will not stand out in those.

You can search the forum for many many suggestions by going to the search box in the upper corner left of center (on a computer). If you are on your phone, just click on the 5 horizontal bars in the top left and a search box will appear. I would suggest just searching for the terms "walking shoes" and a plethora of posts will appear.

What a lot of people (including me) do is to bring one extra pair of lightweight shoes, so you can feel a bit more stylish in the evening or even when doing some light walking during the day. I've alternated between Jambu walking sandals, and my current favorite, a pair of Hey Dude Wendy Chambray deck shoes in navy. The are extremely lightweight and so comfortable for walking around in. But something like that is nice to bring because it's light and won't add to much to your packing weight, but it does give you the opportunity to switch off to a different pair of shoes.

Thanks! I found the shoe topics right after I posted this. Appreciate the help!

And I may just stick with my beloved Merrells.

Take a look at the Keen brand.

https://www.keenfootwear.com/

Used them for work where I could be on my feet for 14-16 hours. Now use them hiking, walking on beaches, and for days and night on the town.

The low cut Targhee, Kaci lace ups and Newport sandals have all been to Europe.

Cured my plantar fasciitis and I’ll never wear another brand.

Some shoes are better than others. I like Merrel and Jambu, and Brooks Ghost Runner, but I find the biggest difference for me was custom insole. If you like Merrel and they work for you, I would suggest Jambu. They are dressier yet I find the sole and insole similar to Merrel

I purchased some walking boots (not high ones) for a safari two years ago and now used them for my walks. They are great.

Check out Pikolinos... I have left my Merrill's at home after discovering Pikolinos. Also if not out of your budget there are always Mephistos but Pikolinos are not nearly as pricy. Or Naots our local shoe store people say they are best sellers for travelers but they don't fit my feet.

Ooh I like Pikolinos. Yes, pricey. But what price, comfort? Thanks for these great recommendations. Happy to hear most of Europe has become more enlightened about comfortable shoes!

Definitely consider Arcopedico shoes. They are quality made in Portugal and are VERY comfy. I own six pairs.

Or Naots our local shoe store people say they are best sellers for travelers but they don't fit my feet.

I love Naots - they were the very first walking shoes I bought for traveling back in the mid-90's. I still have them although they do not fit like like they used to. (What? My feet get bigger?) 🤣

This has been so helpful. And I’ve learned a lot about new brands that may be right for me. Pikolinos, jambus, arcopedicos are on order — thanks to Amazon prime try before you buy! And I always have my dear, old Merrells. (A bit scuffed but still so comfortable.) Love this forum. Safe travels, everyone. Can’t wait to get back to Europe. Along with the masses!

We just returned from 1.5 week in France then 1.5 weeks in Italy. We are considered seniors >65 yrs old, but avid walkers and hikers. I could not believe how many people, even people in late 60’s and 70’s have converted to sneakers. We always wear our better shoes there (Ecco and Clarks) but next time, I’ll be even more comfortable in my daily walking shoes. If your feet aren’t comfortable, you won’t be either. Wear a great, supportive shoe and don’t worry about it, no one will really notice except you and your partner. My husband had bunion and hammer toe (created by long term bunions) on both feet and now he can walk so much better! Consider that for when you come back and maybe during the boring winter months, but for now, be comfortable and supported with your shoes.

I’ve been wearing my Merrels - one hiking shoe, another walking, for 2 weeks now in Northern Europe. With pants, no one sees the shoes. I have worn the walking style with a skirt also. Fits in with what others are wearing.

I have a Merrel ballet flat shoe that I frequently wear in cities in Asia. Not sure they would be best for Europe’s cobblestones. Some of the walking sandals might work better - I’ve worn those also.

I would go for comfort if you can’t find another Merrel style you like for “dress up”. No one cares what a stranger wears (even if we feel conspicuous!)

I have problem feet too. I bought some Taos white leather sneakers from Amazon and wore then to Sicily and now Sardinia. Taos are expensive but have wonderful support plus they come in wide which is hard to find. I actually bought a pair sandals too. Another brand that works for me is aestrex. I wore their sandals out of the box and walked all around Crete last year. They are really good but the support is even better in Taos shoes. Aestrex is less pricy though.

When traveling, I find it is important to switch shoes. I always take three pairs even though I otherwise pack light. I took hiking shoes to Sicily, my Taos sneakers, and aestrex sandals.

Let us know what you decide!

Two pairs down. And two to go! So far, the Arcopedicos are winning. Of course. Because they’re the most expensive. They feel so light on my feet. But I wonder how they’ll hold up walking on cobblestones. Waiting on a pair of Skechers and Jambus today. And the winner is…?

I just ordered a pair of Birkenstock tennis shoes.... we'll see. Money works when it comes to feet!

Hahaha...thanks for the update. I'm glad you've got one that is good so far! Inquiring minds want to know which pair didn't work (if you don't mind sharing)?

Feet are so different!

Glad you like the Arcopedicos!! They are so worth it.
They hold up well for me.

Wear what's comfortable for you. Like my dearly beloved and departed best friend Beth used to say,
"Nobody's looking at you. . ."

I have to put in a word for Skechers. For years I travelled in Merrells and a pair of nice sandals. Then I switched to nicer looking Easy Spirit for heavy walking. Last year my go to walking shoes that I should have checked earlier fell apart! I had 6 days to find replacement. A Skechers warehouse outlet was not far away, so I went there and bought a couple of pair. They felt great in the store, but you never know. 2 miles around the neighborhood and they were heavenly. Took them to France and wore them, changing out with my Dansko sandals periodically, and my feet were very happy.

In short, they needed no break in. And if you get the ones with the “arch fit“ they were as comfortable as if I had worn shoes with orthotics. Always considered Skechers as cheaper, kind of throwaway shoes but I will gladly buy a pair every year for the result that I had.

First, to dear departed Beth: no one’s looking at moi? I’m crushed!!! JK. And regarding Skechers, I, too, always sort of poo-pooed them. Then they arrived. And I put them on. And the angels sang. Okay, maybe not. But my feet did! Amazingly comfortable. A tad too big so I’m exchanging for a half size smaller. I even convinced my husband to get a pair for this trip. He recently bought two expensive pairs of Sperry Topsiders and got blisters galore. I wanted to love the Jambus but the toe box felt a bit too stiff for one of those problem bad-boy toes.

So it’s looking like the Arcopedicos and the Skechers are going to Europe this fall. I’ll also squeeze in a pair of ballet flats and fancy sandals for dinners on board the ship. (Shhh. Don’t tell my husband.how many I’m taking.) Think I’ll need my Tevas for touring that time of year? Not sure if they’ll fit in our bags.

I thought I ordered Pikolinos but maybe they didn’t have my size/style. Head is spinning. We live in a remote area of coastal Maine. So the only way for me to shoe shop is Amazon/ Zappos. Thank goodness for free shipping and UPS drivers! Let’s hope they don’t have to go on strike and don’t tell them what I said about their shoes!

This has been extremely helpful and loads of virtual fun. Now back to excursion planning. Capri? Or Pompeii? The Coliseum? Or the Catacombs? How about we just stay another month. 🤗😍

Has no one mentioned Vionic? They are my favorites.

I have problem feet, so I chose carefully. I brought 3 pairs of shoes:

Sofft Mirabelle sandals--soo comfortable
https://www.sofftshoe.com/en/mirabelle-iii-12029.html?dwvar_12029_color=Anthracite%2FSilver&dwvar_12029_width=M&gclid=Cj0KCQjw2eilBhCCARIsAG0Pf8uzRx1Tyv2oJdCpPmnZ8WQXsgS1ukzgaSIOoFL7CMu4drlH9VFECZcaApWJEALw_wcB

Bared sneakers--a nod to fashion, but very comfortable!!!!
https://baredfootwear.com/products/whimbrel-ecru-with-cow-print-leather-sneakers

Birkenstocks--brought them but only wore them on a boat

Vionic, too!

My wife has bunions and favors the Saucony trail running line up. She likes the Rides - which are a hybrid street/trail shoe, so lugged like a trail shoe but low lugs. They're pretty mellow looking and come in a variety of colors.

For the most heavy duty protection of her feet, she uses Hokas, but has trouble finding any that don't look somewhat clowny or obnoxious for Europe. The Sauconys are roomy, but have a much more trim look.

Maybe a caveat it is that we're quite active - there will be many walking days of 10 mi or more. For a lot of walking I do prefer an athletic trail shoe of some sort - nowadays they're on the feet of 95% of people who walk very long distances regularly.

I have a pair of Naot sandals for at least 5 years. They have a closed toe and open heel. Expensive but I wear them from a graduation to a festival. So comfortable. I have had another pair of Naot shoes that I wore until they fell apart. The inner sole came out, so I could air them or dry them out.

My recommendation: Go to a running shoe store and find the most comfortable pair of running shoes that you can. Use those.

I vote "stay another month" and pack an extra pair of shoes!!!

Eccco tennis shoes have served me well. In Europe right now and tested in 5 countries and their cobblestones.

I just want to add that "problem feet" can mean any number of totally different things; each with a totally different and sometimes cross-purpose solution.
I have heel tendonitis so I need a shoe with a high heel-toe drop (HTT). Recommending my "best walking shoe" doesn't help someone with bunions.
I used Merrel lightweight hikers on several European trips. Never did I feel like I was out of place. I do bring a lighter pair of Allbirds now for cooling off/switching the vibe.

I don't know how it works in USA, but last year when my feet started giving me troubles, I got bespoke inner soles for my feet. They worked for two different pair of shoes, a pair of hiking shoes and a pair of sketchers. It might work for you too.

They cost me 2000 DKK (about 400 USD) but was absolutely worth it for me.

Perhaps I’m late here and you’ve already taken your trip… I’ve learned to wear the most durable, best fitting, supportive hiking boots when I’m traveling, even if they are ugly. I’ve had issues with swollen ankles, ankle surgery, and shin splints, so they are a must. You can even get custom inserts. Look around, others are wearing them too. I averaged 14 miles daily - minimum of 8 miles when in Italy for 3 weeks. (I got the March of the Penguins award on my fit bit quickly too.) European trips or any trip with foot problems need durability! (and I’m overweight, heading into my silver years, so it’s a must for me.) Some brands even look pretty acceptable fashion wise or make light cream colors like Merrill, Oboz…

I carry a lightweight tote - - - Some thing like a grocery bag made out of umbrella type material and carry a light weight pair of nice shoes or stylish sandals. I even found a nice pair of shoes that roll up and could fit in your purse. Take off the hiking boots and switch out the nice shoes for dinner. Other nice brands of shoes not hiking boots are Ecco, Dansko, sketchers ( some say they don’t handle wet cobblestones) all birds, Kizik, a few others mentioned above…

Hoka are the best! Had foot surgery and took them to the Amalfi coast. Won’t leave home without them.

Vionic and Artrex are my go to brands for my problem feet and knees.
These are the most comfortable for miles of walking, going from possible rainy cobblestones to slick museum floors, the grip on these two brands is amazing, especially love their booties and sandals, with the sandals having Velcro straps to adjust in heat for swelling feet and they are really cute.

Thanks for the added suggestions. I wound up walking many comfortable miles through Europe in my Skechers! Also brought a pair of Arcopedicos. They were comfy too but a little too thin for too much walking. Keep ‘em coming!

Wanderlust, what style are your Skechers?
New Balance tennies (and Birkenstock Mayori sandals) has always worked well for me but i’d like to try Skechers. I keep hearing how great they are (greatly improved since they first came on the market) but there are so many styles, i don’t know where to begin. Thanks!

New Balance tennies (and Birkenstock Mayori sandals) has always worked
well for me

My Marin relatives same same, their two main shoes. I see both of those brands on a lot of older people in Marin. New Balance with its mildly dorky, anti-trendy, extremely well-performing brand identity. Birk's a hippie shoe. Lot of demographic crossover in Marin with all the well-educated Deadhead baby boomers who were the core of the first wave jogging movement!

Interestingly, both brands have surged in popularity with Gen Z. 10 years ago most teenager wouldn't be caught dead in either, but now both are verging on cool :)

Wanderlust, darn, Zappos showed only 1 pair of Skechers in Wide (which i need) and in White (the only color i like and wear) but i don’t like the style… oh well.

They were Skechers women’s Go Joy walking shoes, navy and white. $40! Bought them on Amazon. My husband bought a pair, too. I normally wear size 8 but they run a bit big. I got 7.5 and they worked just fine!

Wanderlust, thank you!

To anyone who craves Mephistos: they are 1/3 to 1/2 less in Europe than in the U.S.

Good tip Rosalyn. Birkenstocks are less expensive too. Uggs are more expensive.

For all of our trips I have the same two pair of shoes. A pair of Merrill’s for being out and about and pair of Clark’s for evenings and light days. Honestly, after being out all day I like to change my shoes.