Recommended footwear for Women

See the Tips and Trip Reports section on this Forum , topic Best Walking Shoes and you'll find gazillions of replies.

I don't think you should try to buy shoes for your wife. I'm sure you do have a good idea what she will like, but you don't know how they will feel on her feet. It's possible that if she tried on shoes that were very well cushioned and fit her perfectly, she might see the advantage of using them on some occasions. You're unlikely to hit on that perfect fit yourself.

I did a couple of walks in the Dolomites last year, wearing what I call "lace-up walking shoes"--a bit bulkier looking than sneakers, but the same idea. They provided adequate support for the flat walks. If you stop at the local tourist office, they will point you toward trails appropriate for the footwear you have on. Do NOT veer from your plan and decide it would be fun to walk down the mountain. Completing such a walk on two sprained ankles is a bit of a challenge.

What I did before my trip was go to a full-service (i.e., rather expensive) shoe store and spend a good bit of time with a fitter. With his help I found shoes with very cushioned soles and a bit more arch support than average. Then we added a pair of orthotics (I think about $25) that provided more arch support. The shoes felt almost bouncy when I walked around the store. I had virtually no back pain or foot pain (not counting the sprained ankles here) despite walking an average of about 7 miles per day for 4-1/2 months.

I usually take 3 pairs of shoes: two pairs of shoes for during the days, and one dressier pair (we do tend to eat at fancy restaurants at least a couple of times each trip). Sometimes I take four pairs; I am a runner, and love to run on vacation, but really hate wearing my running shoes any time other than running. I am very practical and protective of my feet, but have a mental limit for how ugly my shoes can be.

I always take closed-toe shoes. Between the grime of the cities, and the possibility of toes getting stepped on, I just don't want my toes being exposed.

For several years, I wore different variations of Clark privo; can be worn with pants or skirts (those that look like flats, not sneakers) - something like the PBerry. Personally, the types that look like sneakers, well, they look like sneakers. All of the Privos have nice, thick soles that work very well on cobblestones. I probably would/could wear them on easier trails, as well. Or she could take a pair of sneakers for the trails; I do that, and wear my sneakers only when my feet need a break so much that I'm willing to wear the sneakers in public.

Last year I got the Anhu Gracie Pro, in a color they don't appear to carry any longer. Also has a thicker sole.

For my fancy/dressy shoes, I prefer wedges, because then I don't need to think or worry about a heel getting stuck in between cobblestones.

I would hate it if my husband bought shoes for me. But you could pick up a couple that you like that you think will work, from a local store, then she can easily return them if she doesn't like them.

Bernie Mevs - comfortable, affordable and fashionable... she will very happy and so surprised. Go on line to find a retailer near you or definitely on purchase on line. Your going to score big with the trip and also with the shoes. Have a great time.

Lorieann

What a wonderful surprise! At what point will she find out where she is going and what you have packed for her? (From your question I believe you must be doing the packing.)

We hike in the Dolomites (and elsewhere) a lot. I bring hiking shoes (Salamon), plus a pair of black leather Mary Janes (mine at ECCO) for street wear, and I squeeze in a pair of sandals in summer, but I am A-OK with chunky soles and extreme comfort like ECCO, Mephisto or Clarkes. My shoes need to be able to go 2 or 3 miles or I won't buy them.

Thank you everyone for the advise and suggestions. Too busy right now with work to review for at least another day but will look into each recommendation.

I really won't be packing for her, just trying to give her guidelines on expected weather and the like shortly before we leave.
She doesn't want to know where we are going until on the plane and then even then next stop would not be known until reached kind of thing. Have done this a couple of times before and she prefers it.
If I were to buy any shoes definitely would be a local store or place like Zappos with very generous return policy, but it is probably wiser as recommended above to not buy anything myself and send her links offering to buy her one of the options in the link that I think would be good for our trip and she can pick out color, style, etc...
Obviously would want to do this weeks ahead of time so any shoes can be broken in.
Trying to get her to wear the right foot wear and not over pack to cover all without telling her the terrain to expect is hard, so appreciate all of the advise.

I agree shoes are personal. I can't tolerate overly hot feet, so I wear sandals in Italy (and all summer at home too.) I have two criteria for travel sandals: first, they must have a strap across the ankle so when I'm sprinting for trains, I don't blow a shoe halfway down the platform. And secondly, they must have a wedge, not a heel, for comfort. I can and have walked all day in Naot sandals and I find them cute. They have many styles and colours, so you should be able to show her lots of options. I now have about six pair in current rotation - but only one can make the trek to Italy with me. Ah, decisions...

I have 2 pair Aerosole heels - one wedge that wore similar last time in Italy, in tan/nude color and another just got - black with a thinner, but not spike like heel...been wearing them around...surprising how comfy and stylish. My family thought I was crazy last time walking around Rome and Venice in these...but I was fine! Didn't bring my sneakers last time, but will this time as we are doing some hiking. Tan/nude and a pair of black - go with everything. Also bringing some dressier crocs and pair of regular crocs for pool/beach use. All under 100 - especially at DSW...

Spain has a fair number of actual cobblestoned streets -- not just bricks or setts but actual rounded rocks especially in small towns. It is a real mistake to have to walk miles on this stuff without well cushioned shoes. I'd be looking for sandals or walking shoes with athletic type soles with real cushioning power. There are a lot of cute walking and athletic shoes made these days. At least one pair should be in her suitcase - one that she can walk miles in.

I, too, love shoes so may be of some help. If you are going during boot weather, definitely wear them, tall or short. The cobblestones can be brutal so beware of heels and thin soles. Clarks has a series of sneaker type shoes, lots of different colors, that are really cute and comfortable, but I think you can only buy them now at outlets, not the retail stores. If you haven't packed too much, include a dressy pair to wear out to dinner or the theatre.

I completely understand the footwear dilemma when traveling.

I am breaking in a sandals I got for trip this summer. They are Ahnu style Sananda. They are comfy and supportive with some style that are not Keens or anything like them. The brand Art is another brand that has great shoes with supportive soles that even my teenager will wear.

Yes on the wedge shoes, some Cole Haan shoes have nike in the insoles of the shoes for a great cushion.

If she loves shoes make sure she has rom in her suitcase for the ones she wants to buy in Italy and bring home! Enjoy.

I've been very happy with both Ecco and Clark's sandals. I find Clark's to be more comfortable and generally more stylish and some have low or medium wedges or heels. Lots of women like Teva (Teva) but my foot's a B width (medium for Clark's and Ecco) and Tevas medium are really C width and they don't make narrow. I have tried on dozens and dozens of Tevas and they are always too wide. Sneakers with good traction will be okay, I'd be concerned about wet trails - and in the mountains, afternoon showers are likely. Many of the easy hiking trails may be manageable with good walking sandals. The important thing there would be straps that secure the shoe on the foot, though I've seen people on trails in flipflops. Any thin sole will be difficult/painful on cobblestones and they are pretty commonly encountered.

Try onlineshoes.com. They have a free shipping policy and a generous return policy, though you may have to pay for shipping. The website's easy, you can choose several search criteria and they usually have views of each shoe at every angle.

I ditto the sandal recommendation. Two brands I recommend are birkenstock or "walk-the-walk" shoes which are available online or through a distributor. Definitely need the heal strap. Want a pair with a great sole and wide leather straps. Think St.Francis of Assisi style. Glove Leather is the most comfortable. Have fun.

I was thinking even Louboutin makes sneakers, and then I noticed the $100 limit! Check out your wife's favorite brand of shoes. Go online to their website and notice if they have any walking shoes. Get her a gift certificate and tell her that she must purchase walking shoes/sneakers for the country. Let her pick. In the absence of a favorite brand name, pick DSW, and do the same. PUMAs are quite fashionable and have a bit more of a tread than Toms.

How much hiking do you realistically envision in the CT? When I was in Levanto, I stayed on the beach. Is hiking trails something your wife wants to do? The scenery is lovely even if not on a trail. In the Dolomites, again, you might not end up going too far, so any kind of sneaker would work.

The final thing that comes to mind is how much fun your wife might have if you are visiting, say, Florence. A few years ago now, I was enamoured of the Birkenstocks a guide wore in Vaison la Romaine. They were floral, and I could not find them anywhere when I returned to the US. If you are in Italy in mid-summer, think shoe sales. If your wife feels her stash of shoes is insufficient, she can augment. No, I am not advocating buying new hiking shoes the day before hitting the trail, but I think your wife may enjoy thoughts of a new summer sandal in the latest European style.

PS, I am a huge Bernie Mev fan. Sometimes they have them at my local DSW. I am taking the open toe MaryJanes in black with a ribby sole as my "nice" pair in Switzerland this summer.

Peruse the Keen website. Sandals, casual and hiking options. I own 6 pair. Travel most often in the fall so take the Voyager low top hiking shoes and either the leather slip on or lace up Presidio. I also own two pairs of the sandals and while out and about love my red Newports with both jeans and shorts. If going to dinner wear the Rose City pair with a skirt. Like the styles, their durability, the fit and the comfort. Costly but worth every penny. My red pair of sandals, the Presido lave ups and my Voyagers are all over 5 years old. Still look great. Enjoy your trip.

I would highly recommend any sandal in the Vionic for Orthaheel line. I have Clarks, Keen, Jambu, Merrell and Naot all in my closet.....but by far they are out numbered by my Vionic (probably about 25 pairs of sandals purchased over a period of several years and a handful of flats, sneakers, slippers added in for good measure). They have everything from traditional thong, to fancier wedge sandals....all with an orthotic footbed, that sure doesn't look like an orthotic shoe. For comfort, and ability to beat foot fatigue..these just can't be beat. And for fashion and the "cuteness factor"...that is in the eye of the beholder I suppose.....but they have tons of styles to choose from (some styles I just flat out don't like..but other styles I have in several colors. soo....pretty much a style to suit almost every taste I'm guessing).

One more vote for ECCO brand for your primary all around shoe.
And if it will be hot, a sandal from Keen or Teva or Birkenstock makes a good walking shoe and/or beach shoe. When I spent a summer in Rome, I bought Birkenstocks there because my feet got so hot with all the walking I did.
TOMS have no support at all, I wouldn't recommend for any walking, but they do have some wedges that are cute and more supportive than heels, for "dressing up" a bit.

I used to be in the shoe business. Pleasing women with shoes is the most difficult job. What is a fantastic shoe for one; is the ugliest shoe for another. All in the eyes of the beholder, right?
All the previous suggestions are not bad, but they are based on the personal experience of the writer. They have not seen lots of other people's feet.
In general besides being "stylish" which is very subjective, you want the shoes to have adequate support and cushioning for all the walking and cobblestones.

Here are some general features in the shoe to look for are:
1. thick soles for the cobblestones, lacing/closure over the arch area for better support (so no slip-on flats)
2. closed heel counter to hold the rearfoot in place (so no back strap). The heel counter should be firm, not soft and collapses on squeezing.

3. Closed toe box is optional but probably better for protection of the toes from stones, dirt etc. Your toes should not abut the end of the shoe (too short). You should be able to wiggle your toes in the shoe. There is no standardization of sizes, so don't go by the number, go by the feel.

4. Look at the shoe from the side. Push up at the toe. The shoe should bend at the same place where your toes bend. It should not bend easily (shoe too soft) but have some rigidity.
5. Twist the shoe like you would wring out laundry. If the shoe twist easily, too soft again.

6. The widest part of the shoe should correspond to the widest part of your foot. If your bunion is bulging out at the side, the shoe is too narrow. If your hammertoes are pressing up against the shoe, you need extra-depth shoes, soft uppers, or adjustable straps.
I suggest Aravon, which is the women dress shoe section of New Balance. You get the technology of the running shoes in a dress shoe. Their short heels are very comfortable. Your weight is shifted back to your heel not the ball of your feet, so you can wear them all day in comfort. Another option is Munro shoes.

Both companies offer shoes in a wide range of width. I noticed when I searched that Nordstrom was listed.
The above are just general ideas. Shoe fitting gets more complicated when we take into considerations of foot types and function.
Have fun shopping.