Sandals in Venice asking for broken toes?

Not just crowds, but very old, uneven walking surfaces. And don't forget the aqua alta

Get good walking sandals and you'll be fine. And anywhere in Europe watch for the crowds. Watch for them in NYC, too!

Sandals are fine, just watch your toes from getting stepped on. I usually travel in sandals in the summer. If you are going fall/spring, consider closed toe shoes for your own comfort/warmth.

I wear sandals in NYC too...just mindful on the subway to pull in my toes on occasion! I think the cobblestones would be a bigger problem. I hate to say it but wear something sensible.

Mary

Sandals don't break toes, people break toes.

I wear sandals on all my trips to Europe and the US (I hate hot feet in the summer)...never had a broken toe...yet. I wear Tevas now (the Tirra model - love them), so they are slightly sturdier than the Naot I used to wear.

If you are worried about exposed toes, check out Keen...they have fisherman type sandals (just google Keen sandals) - open webbing but with a covered toe to protect your tootsies. The downside? Probably harder to get any gravel or stones out of them. They ain't pretty, but they are comfy! (I've never had a pair, but worked at a shoe store for 12 years and people LOVED them!)

Of all the major cities in Italy, Venice is the one where I would encourage sandals.

No Vespas, no trucks, no cars means that the heavy coating of dust and soot on, for example, Rome's paving stones isn't there, so none of that on your feet.

Where Rome is paved with small paving stones and cobblestones, Venice is paved with mostly modern large flat paving stones.

There are no kerbs, but there are bridges. If you can wear sandals at home with stairs then you can use the bridges.

And if you get just a little tiny bit off the main routes that 99% of the cruise ship passengers and other tourists use, you don't have to worry about toes being stepped on. If you do walk on the main drags (boo hisss) more than their feet you have to watch out for the wheels on the luggage they are dragging behind them.

Venice is a fabulous place to stroll and mess about on boats. Sandals work on boats, too.

I wear sandals whenever weather permits. I used to swear by my Ecco sandals, but then I bought a pair of Clark's - even more comfortable and definitely more stylish. I still wear sandals from both. The Eccos are better for hiking and difficult terrain, like Pompeii. The best footwear for Europe are thick soles, otherwise the cobblestones are a killer.

I wore my Naot sandals every day of our 15 day trip to Rome, Florence, all over Tuscany, and Venice. I took tennis shoes with me and wore them only briefly twice. The Naots are very cushioned and look great with everything.
http://www.zappos.com/naot-footwear-kayla-black-matte-leather