Walking shoes or Running Shoes vs. Cross-training shoes on a RS Best of Italy Tour ?

As a marathon runner and traveler, I really don't think it matters. Personally, I normally just run in my running shoes. For lots of walking I have athletic walking shoes but I can walk 3-5 miles in regular shoes that I have (sandals). I would recommend getting the shoes now and starting to wear them to walk so that you are comfortable in them. I would recommend the walking shoes.

Denny, while running shoes aren't usually worn for sightseeing, it really doesn't matter what sort of shoe you wear as long as it works for you and has a good bottom gripping surface (I mentioned that slippery, wet stone in another post). Whatever you can do a lot of walking in at home will work in Italy. Just make sure they're broken in before you go.

My understanding is that running shoes offer slightly better support and cushion for your foot under "high impact" (either running, or lots of walking on hard surfaces would qualify).

From the REI website:

Q: How do walking shoes and running shoes differ?
A: Walking causes less impact to your feet than running does. As a result, walking shoes don't offer as much cushioning in the heel as running shoes provide. Walking shoes often focus on providing cushioning under the ball of the foot. Running shoes emphasize low weight and breathability more than walking shoes, offering more comfort for walking at an up-tempo pace.

Does not matter the shoe type. Better is its condition, well used, comfortable for all day wear. Have always slippers too for use in where ever staying, hostel, or hotel. Give those hoes drying, breathing time! Walk well!

Don't wear a new unbroken-in shoe, whatever you do. If you are leaving in three weeks, perhaps wear a sneaker you already own and that your foot knows well.

Also consider that cross training shoes usually have solid uppers which is good for wet weather. And you can get black ones which is better of you want to look a little more formal.
That's what I do.

Actually, though I've never paid much attention to what kind of sneakers I actually have (4-5 pairs), I did an "inventory" recently and found that I didn't have any running shoes, period, only cross-training and cross-training.

Woops! I shouldn't have that. I just found a new Addidas running shoe lying around.

At this point, I am seriously thinking of bringing my recently purchased ECCO Track II low Gore-Tex shoes (for Rome with its cobblestone and wet, slippery cobblestones, too; as well as the fact that Rick Steves states that the three days there will be strenuous walking) and CHACOS open-toed sandals for the rest, whenever possible. I know that may be a little crazy, but my feet love being bare and well ventilated. I will just have to be very careful about where and how I place my feet on the ground. I don't mind getting my feet wet.

It's a difficult choice...I keep going back and forth. But only two shoes/sandals. I'm going to travel light no matter what. That said, footwear is the single most important item in travel of the Rick Steves kind, so a lot of people assert.

I would just put on what ever shoe you think you want to wear on the trip and go down town and walk around for about an hour or so and see how they feel. Go up and down hills and just stay on your feet for an extended time. That to me is the best answer. You can't tell by walking around a department store or your house.

We are leaving for Italy in 4 days. We have been wearing Merrill's for long time and really like them! Actually have three pairs of them! I also use Powerstep Orthodic Supports. This combination works great for me.

Just wear the shoes that are comfortable for you to walk miles a day on on uneven terrain. I vote for the eccos and another pair that are light and comfortable to alternate with. Above all they should be broken in.

This thread is dead. OP visited Italy in April.

Denny- how was your trip?

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