Cinque Terre hiking

A new rule is being publicized that bans open-toe shoes. This may only apply to flip flops and other types of sandals that are not at all suited to hiking. If you are talking about Keen/Teva types of sporty sandals, it remains to be seen how they are going to be viewed. I really think a closed toe shoe (not necessarily a hiking boot, running shoes okay) would be more appropriate to the terrain.
http://www.parconazionale5terre.it/Edettaglio.php?id=53537

This is new and vaguely worded. Here is a thread from Monday with similar question.
https://community.ricksteves.com/travel-forum/italy/cinque-terre-new-sandal-ban
A closed toe version might work, but perhaps send a PM to the other poster asking what she heard from the National Park.

I think the basis for the ban was the number of rescues/assists that had to be made of unprepared hikers who blew out their flip flops (and maybe stepped on pop tops, as well). Logically, it would make sense to require hikers to wear sturdy hiking shoes, including hiking sandals like Tevas or Keens. But, this being Italy, one never really knows.

The ones that fit me best are Ecco Sahara

I hiked the 1.5 hour Monterosso to Vernazza trail last week and would personally not choose open-toe footwear on this type of trail (and regardless of weather and distance I intend to accomplish). I wore New Balance trainers with decent tread and did see some questionable shoes on others. Those of us out on this portion of the trail were having a rougher time of it since it had rained in the early a.m. The stones are slippery when wet and the mud that is created in numerous spots adds to the precariousness. Those with true hiking-type footwear were equally taking their steps carefully in the conditions. I did see signage at the hut when paying for the trail pass that flip flops were expressly 'forbidden' though I did not see any evidence of the monitoring of the same. That morning when I inquired, the front desk of my accommodation flatly stated not to do the hike due to the rain. Though I knew it was good advice I disregarded it and took my time and stepped as carefully as I could while on the trail. Reaching Vernazza was quite the victorious relief and after enjoying exploring and having lunch, I happily took the train back to Monterosso (returning in less than 10 minutes and boats between the villages were not running that day due to a bigger chop to the water).

Thanks very much for sharing your recent experience. It was exactly what I was looking for. I have hiked between all 5 villages twice but never before in the heat of July. I will continue to try to find some of the closed toed hiking sandals that will fit my feet and offer support. (Narrow flat feet). I have hiked a lot in my Eccos but they have an open toe.