Hey. We are visiting Venice and Florence in last week of November. Trying to decide what shoes to take.
With the rains and walking on cobbled Streets.
Are good quality hiking shoes an overkill. Or a normal sneaker would do?
Posted by
Tresana, Highlands Ranch, CO, USA
23343 posts
How about something in between? Obviously you don't need something as bulk and heavy as a hiking boot but a good waterproof (not water resistant) shoe is good idea. There are lots of good options. We prefer the ECCO oxford style of shoe that is waterproof.
Posted by
278 posts
Its a good question to ask. Waterproof is good for at least 1 pair. A midsole flexible and supportive shoe. What ever brand that is for you would depend on your feet and wallet. I found an 80 dollar midsole dressy sneaker style shoe from Clarks worked better than a $230 low heel ankle boot, though it was not a hiking boot. It was the midsole, with just a little bit of heel like an inch and a half, with its padding that cushioned my aging feet as it gripped the uneven and very hard cobblestones. The stones last for hundreds of years because they are so hard. So even if it were a running shoe or walking shoe, a midsole was y far more comfortable. But I am older and perhaps my feet need more help.
Hope you will write a trip report, we will be in Venice next spring.
Posted by
5 posts
Hello, just returned from those cities plus Rome a few days ago. Waterproof will be very helpful. You will be walking A LOT on uneven and VERY slick surfaces. I wore Goretex trail running shoes with Superfeet inserts. My wife wore basic, thin soled New Balanced sneakers. We both had comfy feet but mine stayed dry. :-)
Naturally, you know your feet best when it comes to comfort but waterproof shoes are recommended.
Navigating Venice is a different story. Bring a GPS unit, map, Sun Dial...you will still get lost! But that is part of the adventure!!
Posted by
82 posts
I just returned from 5 weeks in Northern Italy and wore Ahnu Montara hiking shoes (not boots) every day, rain or shine. They provide great traction on slippery pavement, protection against the unevenness of cobblestones, and are comfortable during hours in museums. They are more expensive than sneakers but the benefit of travel without pain makes the expense well worth it.
Posted by
Morehead, USA
20 posts
I use Keen trail running shoes.
Posted by
99 posts
Just returned from a 11 night trip to Italy including Venice and Florence. We had waterproof hiking boots from decathlon and rain jackets and over trousers from the same company. All of them proved invaluable as it rained 4 of the 11 days we were there. Normal sneakers if they get wet would lead to seriously cold feet.. I wouldn't recommend them..