Shoes

Something else would be better, if only because (for me at least) on rough cobbles and the grime of the streets, flip flops can be hard on your feet. I like a good walking shoe, comfortable and fits nearly all occasions.

Simply posing a question. Would you wear flip flops to a funeral or a wedding, both which often take place in churches and cathedrals? For me it's a matter of respect not comfort but if you don't care, neither will the Italians.

Hope you have strong toes when you bash 'em on the cobbles and as filthy as Rome's streets are I hope you wash your feet before you go in anywhere - but if you want to it is unlikely anybody will throw you out for it. Shorts, yes. Vest, yes. Tank top, yes. Flip flops (or bare feet after the flip flops break on the cobbles), I doubt it. It shows about as much respect as turning up at a funeral in a bathing suit, but go for it - if you must.

They will not let you in barefoot--at least not if you are a little American boy with sore feet. Good thing daddy could carry him. But grubby flip flops? No problem.

People dress a little more formally in Italy than you might expect. Flip flops will likely be seen as pretty disrespectful, esp. inside a church. Throw in what others have mentioned (grime, cobblestones) and a good walking shoe sounds better and better. Ecco makes lots of good ones. Happy travels.

"what women need to wear while visiting churches in Italy" The rules are the same for men and women - shoulders and knees must be covered, but bare elbows are OK. I don't know the "rules" about flip flops, but it's still disrespectful to wear flip flops in churches, whether it's "allowed" or not. Then again, I live in New York, where I wouldn't wear them on the street either. But lots of people do; how they stand the dirt, dog feces, puddles, general grime, and total lack of foot support while walking block after block, I don't know. If these things don't bother you in an American city, I guess they won't bother you in Italy. Even if you wear them on the street, though, do bring something else to wear to churches.

No - you will be fine in flip flops for churches in Italy. I'll assume you already find them comfortable. My daughter took two pair for her post high school Europe trip and the only place she wasn't allowed was a "club" in London...

Keens are your answer. My husband wore them in Europe. I little more support than flip flops but just as comfortable. Some toe protection but they breathe and you don't feel like you have on "shoes."