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“Just Do It”…But in What Shoes?

Posted by (California ) on

I’m officially on my third pair of Nike Air Max 270s, and they absolutely did not disappoint on my 13-day Rick Steves Best of Germany tour! 🇩🇪

They handled miles of cobblestone streets, castle climbs, museums, train stations, and long city walks—and my feet stayed happy throughout the trip.

That said, I also tried to be kind to my feet along the way. Whenever I could, I gave them a break, put my feet up during afternoon naps or downtime, and changed into open-toe sandals for dinner so they could breathe. I think that combination made a big difference.

I’m planning to wear the Nike Air Max 270s again on my 17-day Best of Italy tour next year, but now I’m curious… 🇮🇹

What is your go-to travel shoe for Italy or a Rick Steves tour?

If you could pack only ONE pair of walking shoes, what would it be?

** Brand?**
** Model?**
❤️Why do you love it?

Let’s see if the Rick Steves travel community can crown an unofficial “Best Walking Shoe for Europe!”

Posted by
1287 posts

I'm a Nurse and have tried them ALL since 1990.

My favorites these past 2 years are the Hoka Bondi 8 or 9 and the newer Hoka Bondi SR.

I used to love Keen Targhee, but the Hoka Bondi is my daily shoe for nursing and Europe travel now.

They have amazing support. The Bondi SR is waterproof if you need that.

This is discussed very often here - you will get MANY opinions.

Posted by
117 posts

There is an entire section of this Travel Forum just for that topic! On the main forum page, under Tips and Trip Reports, there is “Best Walking Shoes for Travel.”

Posted by
7542 posts

You are fairly new to the forums, so perhaps you dont know that there is a entire forum devoted to travel shoes. AFAIK, I have never seen a consensus on what is a "best" walking shoe; for Europe or anywhere else. https://community.ricksteves.com/travel-forum/best-travel-shoes

Different feet have different needs when it comes to support, padding, toe box width, heel grip etc, etc, etc. And different locales require different footwear. What I found great in Paris would have suuuuucked in Egypt or the Scottish highlands. What I needed in the Alps would have been unsuitable for me in London.

For a sneaker type of walking shoe I have 2 different styles of Sketchers, as well as a pair of Vessi weekends that are on rotation. And I have a pair of Clark's leather loafers and a pair Clark's slip ons for city touring - I can walk on cobble stones all day and still be in shoes dressy enough for an evening out. I NEVER travel with only one pair of shoes. At least I dont since my first trip to Europe when I had an accident that completely ruined one of my shoes. On my very first day. Lesson learned.

Posted by
12690 posts

There is a forum for walking shoes, but it's a bit bare lately because most people don't use it. Probably because most people don't know it's there. I will admit I wasn't really even aware of it. Or rather I suppose I knew, but must have forgotten about it, and I have been a member of this forum since the beginning.

But seriously, if you want to find out about shoes, go to the packing forum or the walking shoe forum and research. There are dozens and dozens and dozens of threads about shoes.

Posted by
528 posts

As CJean noted there are so many variables, there is no “best”. I think most of us have experienced different shoes for different conditions, etc. And what worked for me in 2013 didn’t work in 2025.

I’m glad you found something that works for you.

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