Walking

I live in Florida so I wear flip-flops all the time but I do not wear them in Italy except around the house or a brief walk. The pavements are all stone and usually somewhat uneven. I assume that "after a long day of sightseeing" your feet will already be tired, so the support provided by runners would be much more comfortable.

Thank you, good point about support .l do love my flip flops very comfy

That is up to your feet. I wouldn't - theres the support issue, but also the rubbing of the thong on your toes from 90 minutes of constant movement. Plus, flip flops in a city feel dirty to me (your foot is so exposed that it will pick up all the grime one finds on city streets. A sandal with a back strap would make me more comfortable.

I do change from my walking shoe into something a little less heavy later in the day for a walk like you are talking about, so that makes sense. Just for me it would be a slip on or sandal with straps.

Depends on a lot. I live in flip flops, and wore them almost every day in Europe last summer for 5 weeks - (including Florence and Rome and the CT) while my Birkenstock sandals got very little use. But I am in my late 40's, and the flip-flops are Chaco, which have solid rubber soles and some arch support, and I am used to walking long distances in them because I wear them so often regularly. I had zero problems with (not even a thought about) cobble streets or uneven terrain. I did also bring trail runners for hiking.
If you are worried about whether they will be appropriate as far as respectability or fashion, I say it depends too. I did also wear them in Paris, and never felt out of place or like anyone looked at me sideways. I would say my 'style' most closely resembles a woman in a Patagonia catalogue; skirts, shorts, t-shirts, sun-hat, flip-flops. I saw people more dressy than me, and people less dressy. I do think the Chaco flip-flops are a step up from other styles that are made of foam or cheaper rubber. I think these might be too casual for cities. But its not another world, if you'd wear the clothes in SF of NYC, you can wear them anywhere in Europe...

Are you saying that you are staying near Piazza Navona in Rome? In addition to the issues of support and the challenges of the cobblestones and irregular pavements, flip flops and Roman streets make for very dirty feet. I would at least recommend a sandal with a sturdy sole.

In Italy - I strongly recommend thick soled sandals like SAS or "Walk-the Walk" or hiking type with a heel strap. Concrete sidewalks, paving stones, etc. Up Hill/Downhill walking. In fact, sturdy sandals are my only footwear in Italy. That way, I don't have to pack socks. I only wear one pair over on my feet.

I pretty much live in my Tevas (not flip flops tho - they are the ones with two front straps and an ankle strap) in the summer - even when we go on holiday, even in a big 'dirty' city - because if my feet are hot then I'm hot (and cranky). Yes - your feet will get dirty - I solved that by taking some deodorizing foot wipes and cleaning them up at the end of the day - but you could also take a quick shower or use some baby wipes or something to clean them. For myself, I'd be worried about lack of ankle support in a flip flop on the cobbles, but then again, I can fall off my Birks, so what do I know...lol.

I love my Keen sandals! I’ve taken the Keen Rose in black as my main shoe for my last four trips (just bring a pair of flats for an occasional evening dressed up).

I agree with others that flip flops and the uneven cobblestones wouldn’t be comfortable.

My husband and I are in our 60's we have the Oofos original thong sandal. Have worn them all day walking around italy, Greece and Spain. I wear them walking all over NYC. They are very comfortable with support.

Thank you for your input into my question regarding flip flops. After reading the pros and cons, l have decided on a nice sandal, can stroll in the evening for dinner/wine etc.This is a very friendly and helpful forum ❤ it. I have a fews more questions,will start a new post.

(11)Your post sound a bit on the weird side 🤔

(11)if you removed your post thank you 😊

Another vote for Keen Rose-toe is covered so you don't stub it. Flip flops are notoriously unhealthy for a variety of reasons-although I admit I wear my LL Bean ones places other than the beach since they do have support.