Hello. I have an unexpected opportunity to travel to Italy for the first two weeks of December. We will be exploring Florence and surrounding areas for the first four days and then spending the remaining time in Venice. We will be doing A LOT of walking.
I am not a seasoned traveler and just made my first trip to Europe this past September, when we went to London and Paris.
I have researched and realize that it's likely to be rainy and relatively cold while we're in Italy. My concern is shoes. I've researched but at this point I've got myself so confused I'm not sure what to buy.
Price is NOT my concern as this is likely the only time I'll ever get to visit Italy and I am willing to spend whatever I need to, to make sure my trip isn't ruined with the wrong shoes.
Please give me specific brand/ style suggestions. I live in a small town and will have to travel a ways to buy the shoes and it will be helpful to look for a specific shoe/s.
I'm 59 yrs old with a little too much weight on my frame and knees that have seen better days, but luckily I don't have any other foot or leg issues that need addressed.
Any help anyone can offer with specific suggestions for brands of shoe that I should look at will be greatly appreciated.
Posted by
Gettysburg PA
7225 posts
You might find some advice here:
https://community.ricksteves.com/travel-forum/best-travel-shoes
Online shopping at Zappos.com is your friend
Free shipping, free returns
Posted by
Collierville, Tennessee, USA
518 posts
I love Dansko shoes. I bought a waterproof pair of booties, called Diana I believe, for an RS London tour. They were great, but are now worn out and Dansko no longer has them. I recently bought another pair, Brook, for an upcoming RS tour. Not waterproof but I think Dansko makes a spray to use that I need to get. For the London tour I also bought a pair of Eddie Bauer waterproof boots. I was concerned about the seeming lack of support but we walked 17,000 steps one day and my feet were fine! And by the way, I was 61 when on the London tour.
Posted by
San Diego, California
5648 posts
If you already have good walking shoes, I'd suggest using a waterproof spray on them. I prefer familiar shoes, so that is my approach. I only bring two pairs when I travel in winter.
There are several online sights with free returns.
My favorite brands are Sorel, Earth, Aetrex, and Hoka, and they all have websites.
There's also great sales at Sierra Trading Post, where I just secured a waterproof pair of Sorel low ankle boots for $59- what a steal!
Pack wool socks, (not synthetic fibers.)
Make sure you have full- length rain gear, as you don't want wet knees. A fitted poncho can work well if you have a backpack/ purse to protect. Also bring a clean trash bag to protect your suitcase in the event of a downpour. I've found umbrellas useless, but also, most hotels lend them out.
We had a crazy wet May in Italy this past April, so I learned a lot.
Have a great trip!
Posted by
Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, USA
14818 posts
What shoes worked for you in September? I'd take them or see if you can find a waterproof style in the same brand.
I'm not fully convinced you would need waterproof shoes if you are mainly staying in cities. I DID take waterproof shoes in August when I went to Orkney and Shetland but we were spending every day outside walking in wet grass or downpours - no ducking in to a museum or church when rain started chucking down, lol!!
What a fun trip you will have!
Posted by
seattle
2144 posts
Brooks running makes comfortable waterproof shoes with lots of stability. A friend just wore hers on a 4 week italy trip and was extremely pleases. They offer free shipping and returns.
Posted by
Michigan
476 posts
I love shoe discussions! I also live in a small town with limited shopping options unless I want to drive 30-45 minutes...so I second the Zappos suggestion. I have 2 pairs of relatively new shoes that I especially like, and one pair that I have had for 2 years now:
I like Reiker/Remonte boots and have a pair of Liv 72. I have not tested them on cobblestones, but have worn them in NYC where I walk quite a bit. Very comfy and warm. Tread seems like it would be quite grippy for cobbles, etc. Water resistant at least, haven't tried plunging into a puddle (yet). I like that they are in the "stylish dressy sneaker" category, so can be casual or paired with nicer pants or a skirt if needed.
I also just bought these Adidas Terrex Free Hiker 2 hiking boots. I got mine online via Dick's Sporting Goods, but Zappo's and others have them as well. I have been hiking locally with these and they are great. Super comfy and warm. Very grippy, very water resistant (there is a Gortex version for waterproof if that is preferred - I think waterproof shoes are too hot generally). The "sock" upper is not for everyone, but I like it and even with my high arch/instep, I don't have too much trouble getting into the boot. Also, not too heavy! They also have low top versions I think if a boot is not your thing.
I also like Allbirds, although I don't think their new stuff is as good. And they have the usual durability issue that many "sustainable" shoes have. That said, I think the Trail Runners are a solid choice. Light-weight, they have some water resistance, but also dry quickly. Took these to Sicily, Rome and Sorrento last spring, they did well for me on all surfaces.
I want to add - don't forget good socks. I like the lightweight merino wool socks from Costco, but just got some Dri-Tech socks made by Dickies of all places, and they are fantastic - nice and thin (but warm), don't bunch up, dry fast, and come in different styles.
Posted by
OP
3 posts
Thank you all for the great suggestions. I’m following up on all of them.
Posted by
69 posts
No specifics here except for many a Blundstone type boot. I think a low boot that comes above your ankle is the way to go. Even if your shoes are waterproof, rain dribbles inside, makes your socks wet, then you have soggy socks to try to dry.
I wore Blundstone type boots to Scotland and my feet stayed warm and dry.
Posted by
USA
423 posts
Hello,
I have been to Italy in December where we had beautiful weather, a bit chilly in the mornings but sunny and only a bit of rain.
I think any boots with a flat heel that are waterproof will be fine, and you can do price comparisons on google. I like Clarks for comfort. Or SAS.
Happy Travels