Shoe Suggestions

Check the graffiti wall. There's a section on comfortable shoes.

Sara,

I wear a leather walking sandal. Very thick, cushy soles, with some arch support. I got them at REI. Sometimes I wear them with socks if I am going to be walking a lot and it is humid.

I haven't had a blister since I found these 2 years ago!

Tennis shoes are perfectly acceptable. Most Italians wear them now unless they are working in a professional office job (just like here). Low-top, brightly colored converse shoes are very popular with the younger set. I wore Birkenstock sandals during most of my trip. Birks are also very popular with Italians, and Europeans in general. Keep in mind that, if you're going to tromp through the Roman Forum, your feet will get dusty and dirty. Basically, ANY shoe will be just fine in Italy because you will see EVERY kind of shoe. You will not stand out or be weird no matter what you wear. Both you and your husband should wear the same kind of comfortable walking or sport shoe in Italy that you would wear here (but definitely not flipflops).

Thanks for the input. I'll look into it.

ANY type of shoe that is comfortable, and broken in.

Tennis shoes are perfectly acceptable.

I just returned from Italy and went to Rome and Florence. I can tell you that in both places plenty of people wore sneakers- American's and Europeans!! So wear your most comfortable, broken in shoes. This goes for both men and women. The most important point is that they are sturdy because the streets and sidewalks are cobble stones or pavers- often very uneven.

I brought a pair of Ecco sneaker type shoes and a pair of Clarks leather sandals. Both worked fine. My husband wore his Keen sandals and Asics sneakers and he did fine as well.

Incidentally, the gladiator sandal type shoes are all the rage in both cities and are for sale everywhere. I almost wanted to buy another suitcase just to bring home new shoes! :)

You do not need to run out and buy a pair of shoes just for this trip if you already have comfortable shoes/sandals in your closet.

August will be hot, so I recommend sandals. Make sure you are OK wearing them all day. No places that rub, etc.

Take some duct tape with you on this trip, and if you do get a blister, that is a great way to protect your skin...or buy moleskin, etc. but bring something just in case.

All that being said, every time I travel, I grab my Chaco sandals - they are over 8 years old, but they are my trusted shoes for long walks in Italy, in cities big and small.

I always bring a tennis style shoe (mine are Puma) for the plane ride over (my feet get cold on the plane) and use these as a back up pair. It's just not comfortble for me to be in the same shoes day after day...I need a change of arch support, etc.

Those of us on this board can recommend lots of brands, but you need to make sure the shoes work on your feet. Find a good shoe fitter and try on lots of shoes if you really feel the need for new ones, and for heaven's sake, make sure you break them in for several weeks before you pack them in your bag for your trip! Wear them on long walks to make sure they feel "ok".

Your shoes are fine. Wear what you like.Shorts are also fine.

Ron

I'll second what Angela said about the popularity of "gladiator" style sandals. Very popular there as there are here - in case you haven't noticed. That's why everyone who has just been to Italy will tell you to wear what is comfortable because what you see in the states, you will definitely see in Italy. There are no obvious differences in fashion between the two countries. BTW, the gladiator look might be "in" but it is not very good for hoofing it around in a big city!

My 1st trip I went with the warnings about shoes. But plenty of Europeans wear tennis shoes, and on subsequent trips so did I (however I did get a dark color, not white). Wear whatever you are wearing at home.

Keen sandals are great, supportive, airy, good soles for tearing up the stone streets- pricey but I have had mine for 4 years now and always travel with them. Make your feet look like platepus(sp?)feet-but-beats getting tired half way thru your day. good for men and women. get them !!

For a recent trip to Spain I bought a pair of Ecco "Yuccatan" sandals (black to wear with everything) and they were perfect. My feet are very, very picky. I have thrown away shoes on some trips due to discomfort to my poor feet. This is not a leather sandal and has velcro at heel and cross strap. Very important--the sole is built like a running shoe or country walker. Tried them on at a local store but ordered from Zappos--free shipping but no tax. Husband has worn Eccos for years and never has to break them, etc.