Cinque Terre - New Sandal Ban?

Our only trip so far to the Cinque Terra was 19 years ago, before the national park was established. And part of the trail was completely closed off for repairs. But If there’s a new, stringent footwear policy, I wonder if that’s going to be a huge boon for shoe/boot stores in each town, so that visitors don’t get caught with shoes that don’t meet the standards? I hope you get an understanding of whether the Tevas will be acceptable, and that you’re not having to bring along more shoes than you’d prefer.

If their web site says no open-toe shoes, I would advise against wearing open-toed shoes. I am sure the more restrictive requirements are based on experience (seeing many injured). While you would probably be okay with the Tevas (as far as your abilities to hike in them), following the local rules would conflict with wearing them.

"When in Rome.........."

We hiked between 4 of the 5 villages, and the terrain is rough and rocky (and some very narrow passes, more challenging when two people are passing). That said, we did see (years ago) some young people in basic flip flops, even some young ladies in higher-heeled sandals (we did not think those were very smart).

Following the rules is best.

We wore our sneakers but were laughed at by barefoot hikers for wearing shoes. I wonder if going barefoot is also outlawed? The trails had loose rocks on them so I can’t imagine doing that.

Suki, that's exactly what is frustrating about the ban - so vague! Technically, based off the language of the rule, I suppose barefoot hiking would be allowed! 😒

I'm a big rule follower, so the ambiguity is what's frustrating to me. Who enforces the rules? It's so subjective, what's qualified as an adequate non-slip sole? I'm really just annoyed about having to totally rethink what shoes I'm bringing AFTER spending extra for decent hiking sandals. sigh

You’ve already got your Tevas , but Keen makes sandals with closed rubber caps over the toes. They look kind of goofy, but would offer better toe protection (and prevent stubbing toes, which bare feet certainly wouldn’t!) and might cover all the bases.

So, I am guessing that there is no chance to return your current Tevas for a closed toe version? Keens have a lot of close toed hiking sandals.
I can understand the frustration of having purchased logical hiking sandals, and then having the new rules imposed, but there is still the stub factor that your hiking sandal is susceptible to. If you want the advise of a World Health Organization's Infectious Disease physician (not me, but the advise provided to me), best to travel in closed toes in a lot of locations. Dirt carries a lot of microbes and bugs you do not want entering your feet. Now, this is Italy, not Africa, but stubbed toes and scrapes can still lead to infections and problems not anticipated.
My gut says they are really trying to target the naive traveler who isn't thinking safety when they head out unprepared, but the problem with new rules is that they can be over zealously enforced until sanity and practicality equalizes the balance. You may just get caught with the over zealous enforcer.
It could be helpful to get a copy of the rules in Italian for a better translation that what is currently available for english readers via Google.
Or, if there is a contact email for the Parc, consider sending them a photo of your sandals for verification.

Yes, it's too late to return my Teva sandals since I've been working on breaking them in. Maria, I did see an email for questions for the park authority, maybe I will send them a message. Thank you for the idea!