footpaths

Margaret, I've seen teenagers scampering along the trails in cheap rubber flip-flops without any problems. I've also seen groups of Europeans with full-on high top hiking boots and walking staffs. The range of "footwear" seems to vary considerably. On my last hike along the trails, I was wearing a Rockport "European Traveller" street shoe, and had no difficulty at all. Good quality street shoes (with a good "grip") should be fine, although you may have to moderate your hiking speed according the terrain. The trails are a bit narrow in some spots. According to current information, the trail from Manarola to Corniglia is still closed, but the others should be open. One point to note is that to hike any of the trails, a Park Card is needed - there will be people checking for these. Cheers!

A sturdy shoe is fine, Margaret, no hiking boots required. I saw people in everything from flipflops to Keds to serious hiking shoes. I wore Ecco walkers and was happy with my choice.

I've hiked the CT trails in sturdy walking shoes, not boots. Some hike in boots; some hike in sneakers or flip-flops. The trails are probably rougher than what you are used to in England.

Thanks a lot! I still can't decide but will wait to see if I get any more advice as it's early on your side of the Atlantic! I do wear boots in England sometimes!!

I wore the Merrell waterproof pandi (has excellent arch support), and my husband wore a textured bottom sturdy loafer type shoe. Both worked out great for us, and we hiked three of the four trails (didn't do the fourth one only because we ran out of time). We also saw everything in the way of footwear. Most Americans seemed to be in tennis shoes or flips flops (which amazed us) for the young folks. But, sturdy, well-broken in footwear, with good arch support...and also soles that will not "slide" on rocks is the best advice we can offer. We hiked in very late August, and the trails were very dry and somewhat dusty in the less-traveled segments. I simply washed off my shoes that evening, and they were dry the next morning. And, you already know to have good socks, a sun hat, sunscreen and PLENTY of water, although at a couple villages had fountains for refilling.

Rick posted a short video on this board last month that will show you what to expect. No matter what your shoe choice, watch your step and, of more importance, get your legs in shape!

Thank you all for your advice! I am no teenager (long past!) so pay more attention to walking surfaces, care of ankles, slipping, that sort of thing. Think I will opt for the shoes now, after all I have read of your experiences. Yes, I am well-equipped with good walking socks! And thanks for the other tips too.

Having now walked the length of the paths in Le Cinque Terre, I would like to tell anyone planning on going that along one stretch flip flops were forbidden! this is rather obvious as it is easy to slip out of them on steep or uneven surfaces, so be sure to wear proper shoes! I was glad I took my boots for the tougher stretches, my ankles were protected, but comfortable, supple shoes are also perfectly suitable.
Some older people found the steep paths and steps too much for them so do be sure you are fit!!

Thanks for doing that follow-up, Margaret. That will be very helpful for other people to learn from what you saw. I did the CT trail eight years ago and wished I had worn shoes with more of a hiking tread. Wearing flipflops would be almost a death wish in some spots.