Shoes to take to Rome, Florence and the Cinque Terra

The main issue is – how much weight do you want to carry around. Shoes of the heaviest thing most people bring. I've made it through many trips to Europe, including things like going to the the opera in Paris, with a pair of subtle black walking shoes, plus 99-cent flip-flops for around the hotel. As far as not wanting to stick out – you will be noticeable as soon as you open your mouth. And you'll never see those people again. I opt for lighter luggage and acceptable attire – not necessarily what I would wear in the same situation at home.

I bring one pair of comfortable shoes to walk in, and one pair of comfortable sandals to walk in. I tend to use my Chaco brand sandals the most...a pair I've owned for over 10 years and has been on every overseas trip I've taken..which is one or two a year.

Lately I've found Vans canvas shoes, and they are comfy enough to walk around the cities for me. I just took a pair to Umbria and used them on the cooler days for walking around Assisi, Orvieto, etc.

Shoes are shoes. Wear what feels good on your feet, won't give you blisters, and you can wear for a full day..especially if you are walking around hilly towns in Italy. No one cares what you have on your feet but you. You will stick out as a tourist no matter what. you don't speak fluent Italian do you?

Just go with an open mind and have fun...stop thinking you have to blend in. There are lots of other tourists there too, and not just from the US.

I'd say take the flats, if they can squish and are comfortable. I like wearing flats at night as they give my feet a break, but they have to be able to handle the terrain ( cobblestones, etc...). The boots would be good looking and trendy, but they'll take up room and be heavy. You can always buy something there.

Even if your entire wardrobe is made in Italy, you will be assumed to be a tourist when you speak or take out your camera/map/water bottle. Simple flats or nice sandals would be fine for a night out and don't take up much packing space.

A guy chimes in, ;). If you plan to hike the trails of Cinque Terre you will need, ok would be wise to have, a pair of hiking boots, trail sneakers, or shoes with a solid vibram sole. I like my Oboz Firebrand Low cut hiking shoes in Earth tone. They have some red oxide colored leather accents and they look nice. ;) Please note the smiley faces........

As we will be mostly in urban areas - Venice, Florence, Rome - I am bringing what I call Fashionable Footwear (Michael Kors heels) for evening, in addition to New Balance lightweight sneakers, Clarks sandals and flippies for around the hotel room. Because my Fashionable Footwear is the biggest footwear item, after we have cleared security, I will wear these onto the plane. Once I am situated, I will change to the lightweight sneakers, but at least my FF will be with me, but not be taking up room in my carryon, and will fit under the seat in front of me. Not practical, I know, but vanity trumps all, ha ha!

CT isn't that difficult of hiking. If it's comfortable to walk in on the street and has something other than a smooth bottom, it'll be fine. I've seen people in flip-flops on the trails. I wouldn't suggest them but you don't need much more than that.

I would say anything flat and comfortable. Whatever you do, don't take Danskos. I did a face plant right in front of our hotel wearing them.. They are great to wear for 12 hr shifts here at home but not so great for the uneven sidewalks and cobblestones of Europe. Comfort is the name of the game for those long days of walking.

A thick or cushy sole that helps you avoid stone bruises is useful day or night- even my Keens and Clarks are fine for that. Also, if you are going during winter or it is bad weather, i recommend short boots that you have waterproofed with silicone spray. Have used a pair of ten year old + boots in skitowns and amsterdam/munich/milan in winter.

I made it through 3 weeks in 8 countries with two pairs of shoes. A pair of beige Privo by Clarks shoes(closed toe) and a pair of black sandals(open toe). I am a stylish women and found the balance of wanting to look good at all times and walk all over Europe. I had to walk the cobblestone streets as well as I walked into a fine restaurant. And as someone said packing is a great consideration.

Sturdy walking shoes and a pair of dressy flats will be all you need. In the end, no one will care what shoes you are wearing but you and your blisters. Leave the boots at home.

A vote for the comfortable walking shoes + pair of flats as well. Cobblestones and slippery stone are heck on your feet, and I watched some women have to slowly and painfully pick their across those cobbles in heels.

I wore my Privos everywhere - even hiking the CT - and packed two pairs of them: one light colored and one dark. Wear what what can stand up to miles of walking on hard surfaces, and lots of steps.

Check out the brand Soft Walk. Nordstrom online carries them and they havean insole that looks and feels like an egg crate mattress that you put on top of your bed. Great for cobblestones. I wear them every trip to Europe and at home

Happy Travels
Mimi