cinque terre walking

I've seen women in sandals, but wouldn't recommend it.

I have a similar question. Will an Oxford type of shoes be OK for the Vernazza-Monterosso hike, or are athletic or hiking-type shoes needed?

I'm with Gerri. The best footwear would be athletic shoes or hiking boots for that particular section. The other sections could be done in good sandals.

I've seen the younger crowd zipping along the trails wearing cheap rubber flip-flops, but the important question is not whether it can be done, but rather whether it's a good idea to hike the trails in footwear like that. There are some parts of the trail that are rocky and uneven, and in those parts good shoes will be beneficial.

IMO, it's not necessary to use specialty heavy duty hiking or athletic shoes, but good quality shoes would be prudent. I typically only take one pair of good quality shoes, and use the same footwear for light hiking as well as all other touring. These are an outdoor shoe with robust construction, but also suitable for other uses. I'm not sure if they have an equivalent woman's model.

Would a Keen Sandal be appropriate? They have a covered toe, lots of straps and a thick rubber sole. Keen Newport

It's important to have a heel strap if you are wearing sandals...AND the bottoms must have some thread. The trail can be slippery, not just when wet. The trail gets steep in a few places, and going downhill in flip flop style sandals will certainly be hard on your toes...the skin between the toes. Better off in athletic shoes, something that laces up. If you had Chaco sandals, with the rugged outer sole and a toe loop, that would be "OK".

I don't think hiking boots are required but a sturdy, decent foot supported shoe with a good sole would be more comfortable. But I am sure you could do it barefooted if you so inclined. Good, common sense should prevail.

mamabeat,

I have done that hike a few times and it can get steep, rocky, and dirty at times. I saw the sandal you were referring to, and there is no way I would wear them. It is too easy to slip and fall, stub your toe, etc., and be miserable the rest of the day if you are hurt. I wear either athletic shoes or Merrils. I don't see the need for hiking boots, but you will see people in them also, along with hiking sticks.

I want to protect my feet as I will need them for lots of walking on the rest of my trip!

Thank you all so much! Rick Steves' forums are just the best! I figured as much, but getting this from all of you will make it easier to get my teenagers to agree with me, if you know what I mean. ;)

I would have no problem wearing that Keen Newport that Kathi linked to. Heel strap, covered toe, great sole, AND ventilated ;-) I would wear a 'full shoe' if I were bushwhacking, but for a rugged trail the Newport should be fine. I wouldn't wear thong Birkis nor OrthaHeels on those trails...but I'd definitely wear my OrthaHeels elsewhere in Europe. Good luck with your daughters on this ;-)

You'll be fine in the Keen Newports. They're designed for outdoor activities, I while I don't hike in them myself plenty of people do. I wouldn't think about doing that trail in thong-type sandals, though. That piece of the #2 - while it involves a lot of very steep up and downs (steps mostly) - is only about two miles so doesn't warrant boots or heavy hiking shoes you may not wear anywhere else: WAY too much weight. The Keens can be worn for daily sightseeing so go with those.