shoes Sperry Topsider my first pair

My personal opinion of the Topsider that it is too light weight. Much better for the deck of a boat. For Italy I prefer heavier (thicker) soles for better protections or cushioning on the rough streets and cobblestones.

I would wear them for an entire day when you have a lot of strenuous walking to do and see how you feel at the end of the day. If they are comfortable then you should be fine, if not, get something else.

Donna

I agree with both Donna and Frank. They may not have heavy enough sole for the cobbles you will encounter in Italy and they may not feel comfortable for all the walking required. It has been years since I had Topsiders (really, they are not a real useful shoe in Idaho, lol) but my feet never found them that comfortable over a long period of walking. The leather always felt pretty stiff and I would get hot spots easily on the heels. I would go more for comfort than non-skid soles. I would not want anything with leather soles, though.

Are you doing some walking ahead of your trip? If so, I would wear them on your long walk days, seeing if they are comfortable for at least 4 miles...altho I would probably try them over 6 or 8 but I go overboard easily!

I wore them on my trip. I did put in a pair of Dr.Scholls gels. Very comfy. Walked all day in Venice with happy feet.

First pair of topsiders? You must've not been in high school in the '80s! :)

I have been on 10 different RS tours -- and have never worn any shoes other than the Sperry boat shoes. They work for me, they are comfortable and look just dressy enough so that I son't have to bring other shoes with me. I have done everything from hike the Swiss Alps to stroll the alleys of Venice in them. But then I run barefooted and find that comfortable too. :-)

Thank you all for your advice . Just in case I plan on taking two pair of
shoes just for walking , better safe then sorry. I think these have softer leather then some sperry's . The sole is more then a half inch , " inch in the heel " but not stiff at all. I am starting to wear them and going to take your advice and do so for even longer when I go to work . Well now I know when this brand came out , no I was not in high school in the 80's. .
Barefoot is healthy and comfortable so I do that at home or wear sandals Mark but alas I do love shoes , "contradiction I know ".

Whatever shoes you decide upon, I would still have two pairs of shoes and alternate them each day. Each pair gives you different pressure points on the feet which will help to alleviate soreness. If your feet aren't happy - then you can't be happy. :)

IMHO this would NOT be a good shoe for your tour, unless you have no problem with your feet after walking and standing around on them for hours. While I think Sperry Topsiders look good, they completely lack any arch support. Your tour shoes must offer you top quality support. Speaking for myself, these would be among the last shoes I'd wear on an Italian holiday.

Top siders don't have the cushioning you need for a punishing day of walking on hard pavements and they are too thin for cobblestones and setts. I see people in flip flops and ballet flats so it is possible it would work for you, but I know that if I don't have sandals with a good athletic cushioned sole or shoes designed to cushion that I end up with serious food problems.

There are lots of fairly good looking athletic shoes designed to really support the foot as well as dozens of walking shoes designed to be unobtrusive and good foot protection. Boat shoes are not in their league.

Take a look at Merrill's breeze clogs -- these are the most comfortable shoes I have ever worn and I have done 15 miles a day on pavement in them on European trips. In Rome a total stranger came up to me and said 'aren't those the most comfortable shoes ever?' And I second the two pair at least advice. Sometimes you don't really know a shoe until you have put in a few miles and switching off helps (although I don't need to do that with the merrills -- but I always have another pair regardless.

Topsiders are fine if you put in a couple of Dr.Scholls gels.

I love my Sperry Topsider's but feel they don't have enough cushion or support for a lot of walking.

Thank you , I will try the inserts as the S T Sider are very comfy , and since I love Zappo's easy to check out a lot of shoes at one sitting.. just order , check them out , return with no hassle .

One last report incase anyone buys the same shoes. I did by the inserts and they are wonderful but pricy.