Hot feet in September?

It’s my understanding that you can bring whatever luggage you like as long as you can handle all of it yourself

I wouldn’t ever wear anything other than a good walking shoe/sneakers -those cobblestones are brutal
I’d rather have hot feet than painful feet

I found Skechers Step ins to be super comfortable, good for walking and they are lightweight and cool

Trail runners typically aren't hot at all, but watch out: some can be very "bouncy" and a bit weird to walk in for an extended period of time. Took some time getting used to, in my case.

There's a lot written on the Forum about travel shoes, but I suspect there are almost as many pairs of feet as preferences. As others have mentioned, hot is better than sore. We only wear hiking boots when in Italy, Merrill Moab, upsized 1/2 a size for orthotics. Trainers are not enough support for cobblestones IMO. Yes, they weigh more, but you won't regret having them along. Here's just one of many, many threads about travel shoes....
https://community.ricksteves.com/travel-forum/best-travel-shoes/backup-pair-of-shoes-needed-must-work-on-cobblestones

I live in Italy, hiking boots in September would be excessive. Not everywhere is cobblestoned. I usually wear sports sandals or lightweight non-Goretex lightweight trail runners by asics which let the feet breathe a little. Sandals are better for the temperature but trail runners and socks are going to be more comfortable and keep your feet cleaner and 'safer' (I often don't look where I'm stepping when sightseeing) in cities. I find wearing a sock very low down below the ankle bone seems to keep the whole foot cooler!

I was in Italy last September. I took my Oboz Low walking/hiking shoes and a pair of lightweight New Balance mesh sneakers for a change in the evenings when I was only walking to dinner. For my sightseeing days, the Oboz were de rigueur. I definitely want a pair of non-mesh closed shoes for rainy days. (I was in a downpour while walking between towns last fall.)

Hey Janet, those Oboz look great as an alternative for lighter walking days....

DSM TE - as a tourist you will definitely be walking a lot on an RS Italy tour, I seem to recall at least 4-5 miles a day, and you can't avoid cobblestones in historic centers! Maybe ask yourself how far can you walk at home on uneven surfaces without good support? The answer for me is not without hiking boots, not to mention standing for a few hours at a time in museums. Good luck!!

I’d definitely go with athletic shoes….either trail runners or similar. I wore Altra Lone Peak trail shoes on my Best of Italy in Late Sept/Oct 2022. I wear Injinji toe socks which are wicking. There are ventilated Smartwool running socks. I am allergic to them and found them hotter than the Injinji but YMMV.

I did find it quite hot in Rome in mid-Oct but my feet weren’t really hot.

As others have mentioned you don’t have to bring just a carry on size suitcase, just one you can handle yourself. Remember youll need to manage your bag on/off the vaporetto in Venice and get it to other tour hotels if the bus can’t get close. In Monterosso al Mare you’ll likely have to manage it on/off the local train so keep that in mind.

If it’s helpful, here is a link to my Best of Italy TR from 2022. The Covid info won’t apply to you.

https://community.ricksteves.com/travel-forum/trip-reports/best-of-italy-sept-30-october-16-2022

I found a new pair of women’s Sandals I would like to recommend.
Taos Super Side
3 colors, to choose from.
They have “scuba fabric” under each strap…no rubbing. Velcro straps to adjust if hot, swollen feet.
You can get them wet. No slip, sport bottom. Only in whole sizes….I wear 8 1/2 & ordered 8 & 9….8 was perfect.
Online & in stores. Zappos, Dillards, Scheels, Taos Shoes
I have worn them walking for miles & find them very comfortable. If you have narrow feet they may not work for you

Just to reiterate, you can take any size luggage you want on a RS tour. I just did 2 this spring and believe me there were folks with bigger bags. You do have to handle them yourself as stated before.

Good luck with your shoe search and enjoy Italy!

I like the looks of your Taos Super Side. I have two pairs of discontinued FitFlop sandals that are very similar. One is reserved just for travel since it runs a tad wider than the other pair. With the good arch support and textile liner, they hold up to cobblestones and walking all day. Hint: put sunscreen on your exposed feet so you don't sunburn them.