Footwear for Cinque Terre trails

I've gone the full length and back twice using the blue trail one way and the interior trails the other. I did it once before it was a national park and again a couple of years ago. One time I wore low-cut hikers and the other boat shoes. If the tevas are the open-toe type, that's probably not a good idea. It's not strenous; both round trips were done easily in spring/fall daylight and included loooking around and beer stops in the villages.

Ed, Thanks for the reply. I'm planning on bringing only two pair of shoes and I'm trying to avoid bringing sneakers. How was the hike in boat shoes? I'm tossing around the idea of bringing something thats sort of a very casual dress shoe with a good sole as well as sandals. Do you think the former would be ok?

You see all kinds of shoes on the trail, from heavy duty hiking boots to flip-flops. While I would not recommend the latter, I did just fine in my ecco hiking sandals (open toe) on the trail from Monterosso to Vernazza which is a more strenous one.

Boat shoes (w/out socks) were fine. It's just what I happened to have on. It's just a walk, not a grand adventure.

We hiked it in tennis shoes. You do NOT need hiking boots. Save the weight in your luggage. You could also do it in Tevas, just make sure they are really comfortable for hiking, going up and down dusty trails, stones under your feet, etc.

You really don't have to get too crazy with special shoes. When we walked the trails, we saw the younger Americans in flip-flops with backpacks on their back with their hiking boots hanging from them. The Germans were more serious. They had hiking boots and hiking poles. They shooshed the trails at a very good clip. We had comfortable sport shoes with good support.

I wore regular Puma running shoes and it was fine. That stretch isn't that rugged...well maybe last portion into Vernazza.

I saw people wearing sandals so it is doable in those as well I guess.

Marcus,

My experience is much the same as the others have described. I've seen everything from flip-flops to heavy duty hiking boots, but most people just seem to wear normal "street shoes".

The last time I hiked the trails, I was wearing a pair of Rockport European Tour shoes, and had no problems. IMHO, hiking boots are NOT necessary.

Happy travels!

We hiked the whole trail in October 2008. The trail from Riomaggiore to Vernazza starts out wide and paved and turns into a gravel path towards Vernazza. Your teva's will be fine but it would be better to have a pair like Keen's with your toe covered for protection. They are great in the water too. I have worn mine all over Europe.

From Vernazza to Monterossa it is a steeper and rougher trail where a good lightweight running shoe would be better. It was actually closed down after it rained, too steep and muddy in spots with a steep drop off.

Any sturdy shoe or sandal with some grip will be fine. I wouldn't do it in flip-flops.

I have to disagree with Paul that you "need" hiking boots for that portion of the trail.

I did it quite easily in running shoes and my g/f was in similar shoes.

Regardless what you are wearing, you need to be careful of loose stones etc.

In my opinion, hiking shoes would be too bulky/heavy/hot and not necessary.

Just my 2 cents though.

I agree, no hiking boots needed. My friend did the whole hike in flip flops (not advisable, lots of steep ups and downs with loose rock), but something more substantial like tevas should be ok...i did sneakers which were also fine.

I have seen more than one young lady from a certain unnamed country in Asia (I knew the country because I speak some of the language) doing the Cinque Terre trails in spike heels. It seemed odd until it was explained to me that the spikes dig into the mud of the trail, kind of like crampons digging into hard snow.

Nice to see this post, Marcus - thanks for asking. I didn't hike the any of the trail last time but am planning on walking shoes similar to Tevas for our trip next month. Glad to see those should be fine for what we're planning on. I have definitely been the person in the past hiking through Kauai in flip flops, but I don't recommend it for steep and/or muddy hikes (although it's certainly do-able)!

You don't have to do anything too special. Just a pair of Merrell's would be fine. Just make sure you're wearing shoes that are fairly well broken in and I always suggest wool socks to prevent blisters. Have a great trip...

Trail running shoes for everything this side of deep snow. I am not kidding. Most hikers are going lighter and lighter...

I hiked the entire trail in Keen Mary Janes and it was just fine - yes, it's slippery in some spots, rocky, dusty, etc., but you just have to be careful and observant. I saw plenty with flip flops and less stable footwear. The portion of the trail you selected does have a few quite steep spots with big stone steps - just take your time and you'll be fine. Although if it is wet/damp, it won't matter what kind of shoes you have, it is very, very slippery.