Looking for men's and women's walking shoes for Italy next February/March that are somewhat water resistant. This will be the only shoe we take. Any recommendations of shoes that your feet love at the end of the day?
Posted by
Florida, USA
12172 posts
My favorite right now are a pair of waterproof black leather Ecco shoes. They're good walking shoes and dress up pretty nicely.
Prior to that a pair of waterproof brown leather Dockers shoes with lug soles did well. I decided they didn't dress up enough and I never really needed the lug soles.
If you want a cheap place to shop for shoes online, try Cabelas. I haven't bought shoes from them but I've bought other items. They were shipped promptly and (although I haven't returned anything) have a good reputation for returns.
Posted by
Tresana, Highlands Ranch, CO, USA
23281 posts
We are both big fans of the ECCO line with the gore-tex linings. There is a whole section on shoes on this site. Might review that for more suggestions.
Posted by
Chicago, IL, USA
435 posts
A second on the ECCO suggestion. Also, Merrell is makes great walking shoes. Oxfords for best for me. I add a water-resistant spray prior to first wear.
Posted by
Dallas, TX, USA
1170 posts
You have an REI store near you. They have a good selection of outdoor/waterproof shoes.
Posted by
Bend, OR
576 posts
My daughter wore Ecco boots to Germany, Amsterdam and Brussels this Christmas and had toasty dry feet even when wading through ankle deep ice water. My husband and daughter's boyfriend both had equally good luck with their Soloman waterproof shoes (more of a hiking shoe style).
Posted by
Northern, CA, United States
58 posts
Hi Renee:
On the "Graffiti Wall", there is a section dedicated to "walking shoes". For me, I wrote down several of their suggestions and headed to the shoe store intent on making an "informed decision". Everybody's foot is different allowing a different fit for different individuals. After trying on about 21 pairs, I purchased two pairs of Naots as they were the best for me. In an effort to prepare for my June trip, I am wearing them as often as I can. (I bought a pair of shoes and a pair of sandals) They are perfect and the shoes appear relatively water-proof. Yet, while this brand is perfect/comfortable and supportive for my feet, perhaps that may not be the shoe fit for you. Therefore Renee, I would recommend that you and your guy take the time and experiment for YOUR FEET! Yeah...not a fun couple hours stuck in a shoe store trying on shoe after shoe, but those couple hours can save hours of misery while you meander on the cobblestones in Italy if you didn't get the right shoes for your feet.
Take care
Posted by
Seattle, WA, U.S.A.
251 posts
Another vote for Ecco. The Ecco Track II Low is great; it looks decent, has good tread/traction for hiking, and has a Gore-Tex lining.
Enjoy your travels!