wearing sandals ONLY in Rome/Amalfi Coast sept 6-22nd..opinions?

It certainly is more comfortable to wear close-toed shoes in bad weather, but like you said, a little water won't kill you. Still, I'd wear close-toed shoes on the journey & squeeze your sandals into the bag. Can't imagine the weight of a pear of sandals will break your back.

I lived in Seattle for a while. Weather can be variable no matter where you are and there are no guarantees. If I still had Seattle skin, then in Rome, in mid-Sept, I personally would try to keep my feet from getting sunburned.

Let's hope they don't blend in with the Collosseum Gladiators. They all got arrested a couple of weeks ago!!! Like you I travel with a carry on. Like others I always take two pair of shoes for my comfort. I find the cobblestones wearing. However, if you're comfortable with one pair of sandals, go for it. Have a great trip.

It's not the raindrops that have bothered me, but the road surface stuff that gets into the sandal. I too recommend packing the sandals and taking a pair of walking shoes or tennies or something.

Personally, I have done Rome in very flat Target sandals. It is not always the most comfortable walking on cobblestone, but definitely do-able. Ecco sandals are built for some more support and road surface won't get in too easily. I would say go for it if you'd like. The only thing is if you want a different shoe to dress up a little more (not sure which ecco's you have), although you could always purchase something in Rome if that is the case.

I find that with all the walking, my feet really like to have a change of shoes, whether it's sneakers once in a while or another pair of sandals for evenings. I traveled for almost 2 weeks in the Far East with a smallish backpack and a small gym bag, 2 pairs of sandals and a pair of hiking shoes (and camera equipment, computer, etc). When my feet are happy, all of me is happy.

Sandals will be fine if they are the sturdy type. On my last two trips during warm weather I wore Ecco Yucatans. They are very well made with a sole that is similar to a running shoe. Top parts are softish with velcro at heel and top strap for adjusting. My feet are very picky and subject to multiple problems but these sandals were perfect. Other shoes that require socks would be way too hot. Bought my sandals on Zappos (tried in local store first to get proper size).

You'll blend right in....with the Gladiators in front of the Colosseum that is. Wear whatever you are comfortable in, nobody cares but the fashion police.

One problem with sandals is that certain sites are really dusty, especially the Forum. Another problem is the very uneven cobblestones. I would suggest something with a fairly stiff sole to help keep your feet from getting exhausted. (There's a reason that good hiking boots don't have flexible soles.)

What bothers me most about sandals in Rome would be getting my toes stepped on, repeatedly. Some places can be very crowded.

I was in Italy (Rome, Positano, CT & Venice) for a month in July with only one pair of great sandals (Reicker), and had NO problems. I did lots of walking - but no hiking.

I'm with Kerry, I've been all over Europe, including Italy, many times for up to 2 mos, wearing only one pair of sandals (Birkenstocks / Teva's) and never had a problem. I've even hiked in the Alps with no problem.

Only one pair of shoes here per trip... the ones I am wearing. Birkenstocks in the warm weather and Haflingers in the winter. No problems ever. If it gets really unseasonably cold you can really look like a tourist and wear socks with your sandals...Just wear them proudly!

Like you I travel with only a carryon and 1 pair of shoes - which I wear on the plane. And by late September, I'd wear closed shoes, since can be cold and muddy at some sites. My regular sandals are Chacos - way to heavy for stashing my in luggage. Before a recent trip, I found some very lightweight Merrills walking sandals - light enough it stash in my luggage but with good support for walking, and I found it nice to have them on some warm days.

Thanks for all the replies from all you experienced travelers out there! I've decided to take another pair of shoes..Dansko mary janes..flats that have great support & traction. Now just trying to break them in for the trip next Monday but bringing blister band aids just in case. :)

YES you can. Went to Italy in July for 2 weeks and that is all my daughter and I wore. It was slip and wear. We took along shoes but ended up wearing the sandals.

The two things I'd worry about are either breaking a strap when you have an occasional misstep on cobblestones or not having enough between you and the gravel/cobblestones to keep your feet from getting bruised. If you pick sandals that are sturdy enough to survive those two tests, you will be fine. September is normally great weather in Rome, if anything it will feel hot and you'll be glad to wear sandals. You may get some rain but it will seem like August (or better) in Seattle.