We leave for Italy April 14 and return home on the April 28th. We'll go from CT, to Tuscany, Rome and then the last 5 nights in Sorrento. Based on anyone who has traveled during spring time, would like some advice on footwear to bring. In addition to our walking/hiking shoes, should we bring sandels (Tevas/Keens). Or not warm enough? Or should we just bring an extra pair of walking/hiking shoes. Only want to bring two pairs of footwear, one pair to wear and the 2nd to pack. Any guidance?
Posted by
San Jose, CA
1994 posts
Check the weather, but I don't think you'll be wearing sandals, and hiking sandals are heavy to carry if you don't need them. I just travel with one pair of walking shoes, which I wear on the plane; mine are black, so I also wear them to dressy occasions... not elegant or what I would do at home, but no one has ever objected. If your walking shoes absolutely wouldn't work at a nice restaurant or concert, then I'd suggest a pair of ballet flats, which are light and don't take much space.
I do bring a spare set of insoles, which have helped a couple of times when I got really soaked in the rain. I also take cheap, lightweight flip flops for the shower.
Posted by
Forest Grove, OR
11848 posts
Leave the sandals. When we travel we take two pair of shoes: a sturdy "athletic" walking shoe that will go all day (6-10 miles) and I bring a "dressier" black mary jane that is good for 3-4 miles. (My husband brings a pair of leather Clarks or something similar. My favorite MJs have been Keen and Clarks, and I replace the insoles with an I-N-S-E-R-T from the Walking Company, which I can also use in the athletic walker. I find my shoes last longer with the Walking Company item and there is certainly less back and leg pain. If you are blessed with hot weather, maybe you can buy a pair of Italian sandals.