Cinque Terre weather/clothing/shoes and hiking itinerary for early October

I have done the CT in sturdy tennis shoes with a good tread on the bottom like New Balance, Asics, or Saucony. You will see people in all kinds of shoes walking the trails - from flip-flops to hiking boots. You will have to check the CT site to see which trails are open on the days you are there. Clothing: everything from swimsuits to formal hiking gear. I usually wear crop pants or long shorts and a t-shirt. I carry a day sack on my back with a light jacket, sunscreen, camera(when not around my neck). I wear a hat or visor for the sun. Some folks use a walking stick - I did once, but found I didn't really need it. I have hiked the whole trail from south to north - the easiest trails are starting at the south end (in my opinion). You will need a pass/ticket to hike the trails - you can buy it at the train station and at the ticket check booths along the trail. I bought a 1 day train ticket to use to ride from town to town if I got tired or wanted to skip a section/ or a section was closed. I love hiking the CT and plan to go back again and again.
Enjoy and take lots of pix.

Thank you, that is very helpful!

Quick followup: is it "Trail 2" ("Sentiero Azzurro") that we will want? The CT website lists a lot of them (http://www.parks.it/parco.nazionale.cinque.terre/Eiti.php)

Alison, It is indeed Trail No. 2 (Sentiero Azzurro) that you'll want to hike. Note that only two of the four segments are currently open, but you can easily use the local trains or boats to bypass those. There are also higher trails that go above the closed sections, but they'll take a lot longer and will be more strenuous. To answer your questions..... 1.) I'd suggest starting in Monterosso and working towards Riomaggiore while you're well rested. As you noted, the section from Monterosso to Vernazza is the most challenging, as there's quite a climb at the beginning. After that it's not too difficult. Note that you'll need a Park Pass to hike the No. 2 trails, which you can buy at the small hut at the beginning of the trail. In Monterosso it's just above Hotel Porta Roca. 2.) I normally just use my ECCO Trac II Low shoes, so sneakers should be fine, as long as you're careful to take it slow and watch your footing. I've seen both teenagers bouncing along the trail in cheap rubber flip-flops as well as Germans in full high top hiking boots with Poles. You'll see a variety of gear on the trails. 3.) Regarding clothing, I'd suggest taking what's appropriate for the conditions that day. It could be overcast or it could be hot. Taking clothing for layering is often the best idea. I doubt that you'll be swimming, as the trail is quite a ways above the water (although you could take a dip in the harbour when you reach Vernazza). I never bother as I'm usually on my own and have Camera gear. Hope you enjoy Monterosso. I can hardly wait to get back there and enjoy some of the excellent local Pesto in the nice restaurants there. Happy travels!

Thank you thank you!