Visiting Pompeii

Sandals are fine. Your feet will get dirty, but the footpaths inside are level and easy

Hi Doug, Thank you so much for your reply and observation about the footpaths...this will help tremendously. Take care!

I wouldn't even bring sandals unless you are also planning on visiting the beach. In Rome there are tons of walkways made out of cobbles, they are very uneven and hard to walk on. As for Pompeii, there are a lot of dirt walkways and lots of pebbles and stones. Also, with the amount of walking you'll do each day your feet will need more support than sandals can provide. Donna

I think that it's a personal preference and what you're most comfortable with. Whenever I travel to Italy I bring a good pair of walking sandals (with a backstrap for good support) and wear them when sightseeing as well as out at night with a dress. Yes, my feet get dirty and yes, the cobblestone streets are uneven but for me they are the most comfortable and the most practical so I usually only have to bring one pair of shoes.
Maria, wear what you're most comfortable in but be sure to break them in well before traveling if they are new shoes!

Maria, Just be sure you are comfortable. I had read much about Pompeii and the Roman Empire generally before I visited, but I was astounded by the sheer size of the site. It's one thing to know intellectually that an entire city was buried, but it's a whole other matter to see it and have that "wow" moment emotionally. If you're half as captivated by it as I was, plan for a lot of walking that day. A pair of comfortable walking/hiking shoes worked well for me.
Matt PS If you plan well and start the day early, you can also see Herculaneum the same day. Yes, it adds to the walking but it is certainly not just more of the same and is worth the visit.

I wore my New Balance walking shoes. Glad that I did. Some pathways are cobblestone and it can be very dusty. IMO, don't think sandals are the way to go.

Thank you everyone for your observations. It is wonderful to hear from those who have first hand experience and can let me know the pros and cons. I will think about your comments to help me decide. Again, thank you so much!
Maria ()"o)

I have to say it cracks me up to hear people say that sandals just won't work in Pompeii. Makes you wonder what the ancient Romans wore. :-) But, yes, I know what you mean. It depends on the sandals and the wearer. Have a great time. You might also enjoy Herculaneum. It's much smaller than Pompeii but has a certain charm to it and its own different story. Unlike Pompeii, which was buried under ash over many days, Herculaneum was frozen in place by a flash volcanic mud flow.

We were on a trip with a bus group from Sorrento. One of the girls had on flip flops, plastic ones. They broke almost immediately. She ended up taking a taxi all the way back to Sorrento- we were going on to climb Mt Vesuvio. If you have good sandals, like Chaco, or Teva with good straps, (read that as a back/ankle strap) you should be OK. The stones are very uneven, so some ankle support would be better. And, like others have said, you are going to get darn dirty feet! I wouldn't suggest sandals that have leather bottoms, you will slip on the stones. IF you are also planning the walk up to the top of Mt Vesuvio, wear tennis shoes. The rocky stones all the way up will be hard on your feet. If you are taking a guided tour, you are going to be on your feet for 3-4hours, if you say "flat" sandals, I hope there is some arch support or you might end up with very sore feet!

I would wear tennis shoes and walking shorts as Pompeii can be hot during the summer.

Most walking in Pompeii is on the streets - cobblestone streets. They are uneven and challenging to the knees and ankles to many of us. In some places there are footpaths along the streets. These are on dirt/grass. I wore sturdy walking shoes. Some walkers may find sandals will work. Be prepared for a lot of walking if you want to see a significant amount of the excavated portions of Pompeii.

Maria, when you say 'sandals', I think "Teva" or "Ecco"...they would be perfect. Lots of support, can't feel the cobblestones through the soles, cool (you can rinse your feet off at the water fountains - NOT the nice ones with basins, though LOL!). Nothing wrong with tennis shoes, but I'd personally pick the sandals if it's hot. And it'll probably be hot... IF you mean $1 flip-flops from Old Navy, NOOOOOOO!!! ("Teva"-type sandals will be basically an athletic shoe with straps on top.)