Cinque Terre footwear

Going from memory, I believe the Cinque Terre authorities announced a few months ago that flip flops were no longer allowed and appropriate footwear was required. They are tired of rescuing people who get in trouble or hurt when wearing inappropriate shoes. I am paraphrasing of course, but that’s the gist as I recall. I doubt they’ll check for brand. A good athletic shoe will be fine.

From a bit foggy memory, I think the problem was having to cart out so many people with injuries because they were wearing flip flops.

I suspect any walking/hiking shoe will do.

edit-- obviously Laurel types faster

We wore our sneakers, no issues.

We did several hikes and Hoka trail running shoes were great. They are a little stiffer in the sole than road running shoes and that was helpful for support and cushioning. Good for city walking too!

‘Vibram’ while a brand name, is often used as a descriptive term for a ruggedly soled shoe. In this instance it is probably meant to mean no flimsy, non-grippy, soled shoes/sandals or flip flops. I would look at ‘approach’ shoe styles or lightweight hiking boots to be sure of complying with the rules.

http://www.parconazionale5terre.it/page.php?id=339

1. Make sure your clothes and equipment are suitable for the hike's length and difficulty.

IMPORTANT

OPEN FOOTWEAR AND/OR SMOOTH SOLES, I.E. NOT ANTI-SLIP (SUCH AS
VIBRAM TYPE) ARE FORBIDDEN. THE TRANSGRESSORS WILL BE PUNISHED
ACCORDING TO PARAGRAPH 2, ARTICLE 30, LAW 394/91 AND SS.MM.II

"On the trails it is compulsory to wear closed, waterproof and ankle
covering shoes, with an anti-slip sole."

The key words are "such as" and "anti-slip sole". Vibram branded soles qualify but alternative lugged soles of slip resistant material are required. Good quality walking or hiking boots would be appropriate. The other requirement is "ankle covering shoe". If an injured trekker needs rescue, I suspect the authorities will be more judgemental as to the appropriateness of the footwear.

My impression of the new regulations is the same as others have mentioned in this thread. The intent is that hikers have proper shoes for the trails and not sandals or flip-flops. Vibram is a brand name and that particular brand may have been mentioned as it was invented in Italy in 1935. One of the characteristics of Vibram soles is traction which is a good feature for hiking applications.

I been using an outdoor shoe both for light hiking and street use, and that's worked really well - https://www.amazon.com/ECCO-Mens-Track-Ii-Low/dp/B07CB6K8FG .

Vibram has almost become a synonymous of Non-slip soles in Italian, but they wrote "such as" for a reason

The La Spezia area press has yet to carry a story about anyone being fined. This thread provides some local information - the poster CM28 is a very credible American/Italian who works in Monterosso. https://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowTopic-g187817-i997-k12385492-Correct_footwear_required_by_law-Cinque_Terre_Italian_Riviera_Liguria.html

I wore Salomon brand. They were perfect!