Ladies - shoe question

OK, so maybe bring the high heeled shoes. When you are heading out to dinner, perhaps you put them in a tote bag and wear your walking shoes to get to the location, then put the fancy shoes on just before you walk in. I've been it Florence, Rome, Venice.....in October you'll be OK. If you stick to the sidewalks, not so bad to walk, but I'd sure hope you aren't walking blocks and blocks in those high heels. Since you are sitting during dinner, I doubt that anyone will notice the difference in height. Personally, I don't care to bring shoes just for dinner/one event. I always pack 2 pairs of footwear, one sandal, one closed toe shoe and make do. Boots take up way too much room in a suitcase...wedges would be OK. (or you could wear the boots on the airplane to save space in your suitcase. If you are checking your luggage and taking a 25" or larger suitcase, then take whatever you want- just remember, you have to drag it around!

CJ, I always bring wedges to wear to dinner. They are easier to navigate than heels. But you still should stick to sidewalks and be careful - those cobblestones can get you! I also suggest bringing another pair of shoes - wearing only 1 pair day after day will get tiring on your feet. To save packing space (I am carry-on only) I wear my wedges on the plane (with a cozy pair of socks in my personal item to wear while in-flight), that way my 2 (or 3) smaller pairs of shoes can fit in my suitcase.

I'd personally leave the high heels at home.....but then, I'm no longer a high heel kind of person. There are soooo many cute low heel shoes that would be much better on the surfaces in Italy. Another concern would be having to watch so very carefully where you take steps going to dinner (a good idea even in flats on uneven surfaces), but it could be a land mine in heels. If you twist an ankle, that could mess up the rest of your trip. If you mess up your shoes, well...that would be sad, but not as sad as messing up yourself. Your hubby, no doubt, loves you as a petite person. So, be comfortable. I'm trying to remember if Knoxville has any cobblestones in the old historic area.............if so, give it a trial run. Enjoy your trip.

Having been to all these places several times including last Fall when I took a header in Florence while wearing low heeled shoes (fortunately I'm limber although at 62 I didn't tap dance the next day - ha ha). After dinner and in the semi-dark walking is a bit tricky (or can be). Disappearing curbs, 1/4 inch curbs suddenly appearing - after dinner calls for shoes that will give you a chance of recovering your balance should you stumble. Your beloved knows you are vertically challenged (my sister's 5'2") so he's already on board and any one else, well, you'll never see them again anyway. Make yourself feel pretty with a nice scarf (tell your husband you want a Gucci scarf and scare the daylights out of him). Boots are a waste of time and space unless that is what you normally wear on an almost daily basis. Comfort is the key here. October is wonderful - try anything with Truffles. Oh, and don't gag, but liver and onions in Venice is a whole different part of the culinary universe than anything you've ever had stateside.

I do not wear heels anymore either. But there are a lot of women, at least in Venice but I am sure Florence and Rome as well, who wear very fashionable high heel shoes. It simply amazes me how they do it. Even old women wear dressy heeled shoes.

New York Times Travel just posted an extensive article about travel shoes from the experts; flight attendants: http://nyti.ms/PHMUzd

How about getting a pair of heels with a thicker/chunky heel as opposed to a skinny stiletto heel...I know they aren't as fashionable, but then, neither is an ankle brace ;) (..and I can fall off a pair of flat shoes...and have! - I would be a menace in heels...lol)

I just returned from a vacation to those three cities. I carried a pair of black flats (Clarks) instead of my usual heels. I'm so glad I did, especially in Rome because of the cobblestones and in Venice because you have to walk everywhere! Of course, we went in August (hotter than blazes). I wore long dresses to dinner which made me feel dressier. However....you should wear what you feel most comfortable in!

Hi CJ, I like to wear heels, but when I'm packing light for Europe, they would take up too much room. I saw a lot of local women in Paris this summer wearing dressy ballerina-flat style shoes - an option you may want instead. And, realistically, in October at the later hours dinner is served, no one will notice your shoes. Enjoy your trip; we LOVE Venice!

I've been to Venice and Rome. I tried wearing ballerina flats in Rome and my feet were killing me. I can't imagine if I had worn heels. Definitely take some shoes that absorb some shock from all those cobblestones. Plus if you don't take heels, you will have room in your suitcase to buy some of those really super nice genuine leather shoes there. I was wishing I had taken less things because once I got there and saw the fashion and all the hand-made products I wanted to buy a whole new wardrobe.

Sounds like we are taking the same trip at same time! Anway, I have been struggling with the shoe thing. I am also doing one bag. Bringing my Finn sandals and a light hiking/walking shoe and wanted something - kinda dressy. I bought some comfy ankle boots with a 1.5" heel - I figured warm, stylishy, goes with everything, and comfortable - though I have never walked on cobblestones..... hoping for the best

Recent returnee from Rome - took two pairs of ecco sandals and wore them for walking all over the city. For evening took a pair of blingy gladiator style flat sandals. Remember you will be in Italy, home of good leather shoes - you could always buy a pair if you really felt it was necessary (as did one lady in our party....!)

I am in the middle of a two month stay in Verona, and recently took a weekend trip to Venice. What I am going to say might go against all reason and travel logic, but heels are definitely an option for you. My most compelling argument is that Italian women wear them all the time! I am also seeing a lot of ballerina flats with jeans and even more short boots with heels. I did not bring any with me on this trip, and finally bought a pair just to fit in:) I also broke the packing rule and packed tall boots, but wish I hadn't as no one else is wearing them here- they are all the short flat or short with heel type boots. Definitely bring two pairs of comfy and if you can sneak in a pair of heels (and want to), go for it!
p.s. The heels I bought here are far more comfortable than any heel I have found in the US!

Thank you ladies for all the responses! Of course I am bringing some good walking shoes for during the day but I think I am going to pack some heels and try them out one night (but bring flats as a back up!). My husband is meeting me in Rome (he has been deployed for 7 months!) so I would like to be able to dress up a little. He says the Italian women don't seem to have a problem with the cobblestones and stilettos. I think I will try out some heels that are chunky. I'm not adventurous enough to try stilettos. Wish me luck!

CJ,
My first time here, still here and I came with 1 pair walking shoe (nice looking), 1 pair wedge, and 1 pair fancy heels. Hate to burst any bubble but I, being a lover of heels, have worn my flats/walking shoes day and night. Streets are difficult to walk on in heels.