Packing Shoes

I guess they expect flooding? I know it does flood there sometimes. Maybe others can give you an educated guess as to the probability of that happening while you are there.

I'd forget the boots and take my chances. I bet you could buy something suitable if needed.

In the broader context, you do need to have some excellent shoes for walking several miles and hours a day over cobblestones.

We've never packed rain boots and would never do so because of the weight. Sure, we've occasionally had damp shoes but they dry overnight. Your chances of encountering "acqua alta" in Venice are also pretty slim. At the very most, pack a waterproof shoe which can be worn on dry days as well.

Ann,

I would not pack rain boots as you can buy them in Venice if 'Acqua Alta' is predicted during your visit.

You may want to read this very informative article on Acqua Alta & flooding in Venice:http://www.tripadvisor.com/Travel-g187870-c151727/Venice:Italy:Acqua.Alta.And.Flooding.In.Venice.html

Who is this "everyone" who says to bring rain boots to Venice in May? Acqua alta is very unusual at that time of year. I cannot imagine carrying rain boots on the remote possibility. Most hotels have boots to provide to guests should it occur . . . But in May it is unlikely.

I live here and I don't travel with rain boots. I do like a pair of Gortex shoes, or at least walkers that are not leather that dry quickly. Smartwool socks are also nice for travel, wicking away moisture. You can buy Acqua Alta boots for €15 on teh street if AA happens and impedes your touring. We just walk around it.

There is virtually no chance that you will need rain boots in Venezia in May. If I thought I might need them, I would buy them there rather than pack and carry them (I would leave them at the hotel when I leave).

Most people don't even pack an umbrella. When it rains in the big cities umbrella sellers are everywhere. My wife loves her 5euro umbrella that we got in Florence. We did get thin light ponchos to pack as a just in case.

I am not sure where you got that advice. If I were you I would pack a pair of walking sandals. You may get a little rain in May, but I have never needed anything but a light jacket and an umbrella, which you could buy every where if you even need that. I would not bog up my packing with a pair of boots in May. The humidity is pretty high in Italy. It is like California surrounded by water.

Rain boots will not help in Venice during "acqua alta" events. Rising sea levels, very high tides and wind from the wrong direction can combine for tides almost a meter above the usual high tide. Streets and ground level floors are flooded.
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/02/12/venice-carnival-acqua-alta-snow_n_2668783.html
Happen as just before I arrived during Carnival Week 2013. Folks there said there first floor rooms (second floor in the States) were the lowest dry floors. Wellingtons not rain boots needed.
http://www.comune.venezia.it/flex/cm/pages/ServeBLOB.php/L/EN/IDPagina/1066

A waterproof sport sandal won't keep your feet dry, but they'll dry eventually, and the sandal goes more places.

We were there in early May and didn't have any issues -- the rain we had was no worse than what you'll see at home and easily manageable with both sets of shoes (open and closed). As others said, it can flood, but I don't think I'd waste the space and would rather take the chance.

Don't bring your rainboots! You want to have room to bring some goodies back. Have been to Italy many times including Venice 5x and have never packed rainboots especially in May. Have a great trip!

Have been to Italy many times & have never brought boots. Just be sure to have more than one pair of comfortable shoes, in case you get caught in the rain & need a day for your shoes to dry. I always travel with a waterproof (not just water repellant) raincoat (Travelsmith sells good ones) & a small umbrella just in case it is too hot to wear a coat. Have fun!