fitflops?

I didn't see any on their website that looked like traditional flip-flops; they all looked like nice sandals. AND most importantly, the soles looked very substantial! As long as yours have rigid soles to protect from the cobblestones, I don't see a problem with these...as long as they don't require any effort to keep them on, if you know what I mean - you don't want to have to keep slipping your foot back into them every other step.

No one cares what you wear on your feet. Seriously. Wear whatever you want that is decent i.e. don't go bare shouldered or shorted into churches -- but no one cares what you wear on your feet. Be sure you have two pair of shoes though -- even the most comfortable of shoes may end up rubbing the wrong way with miles of walking and it is good to be able to switch off or to have a dry pair if you are caught in a rain storm.

I don't know where people get the idea that there are fashion police intently concerned about what tourists wear. Worst would be that you would amuse the locals --and I doubt this rises to that.

"I don't know where people get the idea that there are fashion police intently concerned about what tourists wear." From what I've heard... if you are particularly well or strikingly clothed, then yes, Italians will make a point of checking out your wardrobe. But unless we travel with steamer trunks, let's face it, most of us aren't going to pull this off on vacation. Otherwise, wearing typical tourist garb, we're barely noticed and instantly forgotten.

I agree with the others. Comfort is more important than looks. However expect to walk alot everywhere in Italy and beware of the cobblestones, stairs, crowds and dirt. I am not sure that bare feet are the best choice when touring anyplace in Europe. I prefer shoes and sandles with covered toes for all the reasons listed above.

Traci,

You may like the Keen Rose sandals: http://www.zappos.com/keen-rose-sandal

I wore these sandals on my last trip & they are very comfortable.

Traci, besides having enough cushion to manage the cobbles, it's really important that the soles of whatever footwear you decide to bring have a good grip. You'll be dealing with a lot of smooth stone steps and other surfaces which can be deadly slippery when wet. For instance, we saw some tourists take some really nasty falls on the Spanish Steps in Rome, the steps of some museums and other spots on rainy days. My shoes have a pretty good grip but even those gave me a little trouble here and there during/after a storm.

If you are going in July - you probably want bare feet.

I kinda envy people who can wear shoes and socks during the hottest time of the year. (Which would include my hubby because he will barely even wear a sandal on a beach!). If my feet are hot and sweaty, I'm gonna get cranky (as well as increasing your chances of blisters).

I have worn both Naots (which come in small sizes if you can find them) and last year wore Tevas (very very comfy - the Velcro strap style called Tirra). Our trip in 2010 in mid-Sept, I only took a pair of Blundstone boots (which are very comfy) then kicked myself for not taking sandals as it was very warm. Yes, your feet will get filthy - I actually took some deodorizing foot wipes last year, but you could even pack a travel size pack of moist baby wipes or those little hand wipes in the packages...if you used a wet facecloth is would get really grungy.

But you should pack along two pairs - preferably a sandal and a shoe (waterproof is good) - if you hit rainy days, you will probably not want to wear a sandal.

I worked selling shoes for years. We never sold FitFlops (the store across the street got those) but we sold the Sketches version. I know people loved FitFlops. I never had a pair myself. They are supposed to be great for walking (if I recall) but not so much for standing. Whatever you do, make sure you break them in first!