Going to Italy next week - what shoes to pack??

Wear whatever shoes are comfortable for walking. Keep in mind that you will be walking on cobblestones and marble floors. Comfort is key!

Thanks. I understand I need to wear comfortable shoes, and I definitely plan to. I'm more asking about appropriate shoes for end-of-March weather. Like I had asked in my original post: will it be too warm for boots?

They were wearing boots in Paris in Aug. last year, so I think it's more about what's comfortable for you. Does it help to remember that Italy is more humid (damp) than Colorado? We did a trip to France in April and I don't think I ever took my coat off and I think the temps were about the same. It won't just be the temps, is there rain? wind? If you have boots that you can be comfortable in for 2 weeks, I don't think you'll be too warm.

I completely understand the desire to be fashionable in Italy. For those of us that try to be fashionable at home, we can't imagine not being so in one of the most fashion forward countries. However, this is a vacation afterall and not a business trip. I think you will be fine if you wear boots during this time of the year. But will you want to be stuck in boots alllll day? Will your feet be supported well enough in the boots you have in mind? As others have mentioned, comfort is of utmost importance on vacation. In the end, comfortable shoes lead to comfortable feet which leads to less back pain which leads to less headaches which leads to less griping. So, if your lucky enough to have stylish boots that can handle walking all day on cobblestone streets- bring the boots and feel great. Otherwise you could bring just one pair of boots which you wear on the plane and trains so you don't have to pack them, and an alternate pair of shoes you know to be not-so-stylish but oh-so-comfy. You won't regret it. Have a great time!

I would seriously just wear your favorite pair of athletic shoes, preferably not in a white color. I always wear black Nikes and then a pair of Tevas when I travel there in summer.

Thanks. I'm not new to traveling....we take several vacations a year and always do a lot of walking. Honestly I have NEVER worn sneakers on vacation. I just can't do it. I only wear sneakers when exercising. (My husband doesn't really understand, either.) I have two pairs of comfortable boots (one pair I wore while touring Germany, Luxembourg and France) and was fine. The newer pair is even more comfortable. I think I have my question answered. Thank you for all of the help!! When we planned this trip we thought it would be cold, so the projected highs of 50s-60s threw me. I should note that we will be taking it a little bit easy on the walking, as we'll have our two kids with us (2 and 5). They're great little travelers, but their bodies can only take so much. We will have a good stroller with us.

Thank you, that does help! This is our first trip to Italy, so I wasn't sure what 50-60 felt like. I assumed it was different with the humidity (it's very dry in CO). I'll bring a pair of flats just in case. We've been to Germany and France, but that was in November and pretty cold.

I have been in Italy the last two years at the time of year. I had one pair of black sandals and one pair of tennis shoes. Siena is hilly and streets are uneven...tennis shoes are great. Florence is flat and a good walking city. I find that I cared more about my feet not hurting and getting to see everything that I wanted to see. I wore the sandals at night as we ate in good restaurants each evening after having breakfast in our hotel and lunches from the street vendors/markets each day. Have fun! I will be there in late September/ early October this year.

Thank you, Karren! I'm definitely not a tennis shoes person, but I have two pairs of very comfortable knee-high boots. I'm just concerned these will look too "warm" for 50s-60s highs. It's 60 here in Colorado today, and I'm wearing sandals, but again, I realize humidity can completely change how warm/cold it feels. So really the big question is: boots....appropriate or not?

The answer to your big question is....wear what is comfortable to you and what your itenirary is.......honestly, no one is gonna care what you wear while you are here.....no one is gonna stop and stare.....and if you get that one odd person who does.....so what! While you are checking out the Coloseo will you really notice that person? Myself, i'd recommend a good pair of tennis shoes for walking around all day.

Laura, I think your idea of one pair of comfy boots sounds o.k. In ref to sandals, it's nice to slip those on for breakfast or to relax in. I wear workout shoes not only because they are comfortable and broken in, but also because they protect my feet when going on the subways, trains, etc. They also provide support when carrying/toting my luggage--don't want to twist an ankle, etc. Have fun on your trip making lifetime memories with your family!

I would bring one pair of boots and one other pair of comfortable shoes.

Wear what is comfortable!!! I spent a month in Italy in 2009, took lots of shoes and wore maybe two pair. Comfortable sneakers and comfortable sandals! The people there could care less what your shoes look like. Also you will probably fall in LOVE with a few pairs while you are there. The prices and selections are to die for!

I have a friend in Italy right now, and she e-mailed me yesterday to say it's too cold for sandals. I'll bring a comfy pair to wear to breakfast and such, though (and just in case it does get warm). You guys are kind of beating a dead horse with the "sneaker" thing. :) I wear boots every day in the fall/winter here, and wore them to Germany/France. My feet were fine. We're not talking boots with heels....they're comfortable "riding" type boots. Definitely wouldn't wear sneakers!! Sorry, just not my style. :)

Hi Laura, Just a word of support for the boots. I have never packed sneakers for traveling. I understand the part about being comfortable, but it does not necessarily follow that the only comfortable shoes are sneakers. I have a pair of black boots that are so comfortable that I can walk around in them happily all day. However, those suggesting sneakers are, I'm sure, well-intentioned and either made the mistake or know someone who made the mistake of choosing vanity over comfort. That's not what you're doing here. The comfort of the boots was never the question, only the appropriateness of them, given the weather. I do want to point at that the weather can be different from Rome all the way up to Milan, so be prepared. Rome is on the same latitude as Chicago, and Milan is on the same latitude as Ottawa, so be prepared for temperature differences. Have a wonderful trip!

Thank you, Elizabeth! I agree...everyone had wonderful intentions and I REALLY appreciate the advice. But, yes, my question was more about if boots would be weather-appropriate. I have two pairs of really comfortable boots that will be great for walking. Looks like I'll be packing a pair of comfy sandals, too. Just checked the weather for the different cities we'll be visiting.....it's high 60s in Rome and Milan right now! The other cities are still forecasting highs of upper 50s to low 60s. We'll try to be smart about dressing in layers while still packing light. :) We can't wait! Prep/packing week!

Was in rome last week. People were wearing gloves and beenie hats at night. Some even had big winter coats on during the day. Being quite far south, the uv light's starting to go up so if you're fair you may need sun protection. I would go on the comfy side rather than the smart one.
S

Thanks! Surprised to hear about the beanies and gloves. We'll definitely wear layers and plan for cooler and warmer temps. We're from Colorado, so one day it can be 70, the next day it can be 30 and snowy. Lord knows we're used to dressing for all seasons! You're right....definitely important to be comfortable for two weeks!

Both trips over wore my Blundstone boots (low, pull-on boot) which looked great with my jeans (sorry, can't do dressy pants - such a bother to hand wash...lol)and took some sandals, but was mid-Sept, so the weather was warm enough for the sandals...honestly - didn't notice what others were wearing...

We are in Sorrento at the moment, temps mid fifties during the day. Women in boots (long and short), winter coats and scarves. At night the temp drops so gloves as well then. Men in winter coat/jackets and scarves. It seems to me that the date dictates to Italians what to wear rather than the temperature eg September means off with summer clothes and on with autumn wear.

I'm with you on the sneakers. But what sandals do you have that are sturdy enough for cobbled streets and still cute? I'd love to know! Ciao

As to will you feel out of place wearing boots( what will locals be wearing) they still think its winter, 55 is cold to most of them( mind you they have had a horrendus winter this year) ,, just to put it in perspective, my friend lived in Hawaii and wore boots in winter there, cause it was winter, even though winter there is warm as summer where I live. So while its not cold compared to Northern Europe,, its still winter to many locals and they wear their winter clothes. Also, its easy to throw some sandals or flats in the suitcase they don't take much room , ( wear boots) but i would avoid flips in europe,, your feet get dirty so easy and people step on you !, (plus on cobblestones most flips offer no padding or support)

Thank you! I will throw in a pair of sandals. I have some that I always wear on our warm trips (Florida, California) that are comfortable and sturdy (and a bargain - brand Earth Spirit). Otherwise I will alternate between my two pairs of boots.

I have read and heard that European's don't usually wear white athletic shoes, ever. I found that to be in the case during our last three visits. I have always been happy with Munro shoes and sandals. They are available at some Nordstrom's, Nordstroms.com and at Zappos.com. Last summer I took one pair of Munro sandals and wore a pair of Munro shoes (Journey). As we were in Rome at the end of August for six nights, I only wore the sandals. Boy did they get a work out. I wore the shoes for the other three weeks we were in Europe. Nordstrom and Zappos have free shipping. You can also return shoes to any Nordstrom store.

Thanks; we're almost done with our trip, actually. I've alternated between my black and brown boots, and they've been great! Wore heavy sandals one day, and those were fine, but I've preferred the boots. I really don't see locals wearing white sneakers. Mostly it's been mid-calf boots and flats for the women (or loafers for older women).