We're planning a trip this fall that centers around a lot of English countryside day hikes, with a few nights each in London and Belgium thrown in as well. Our plan for packing light is to bring only one set of footwear for everywhere and everything, the Hoka street hiker shoes that we wear on the plane. My question is, will these be acceptable in nicer restaurants and bars that we might want to patronize? Or will we get a lot of raised eyebrows and even be turned away? We're not necessarily looking to go to 3 star Michelin places, but we'd like the option of fine dining or a jazz club in Brussels etc. And I'd pack a couple things to clean the shoes up if we encounter mud and such. All opinions are appreciated....thanks!
Posted by
California USA
4275 posts
The Hoka hikers are more toned down than some of their other styles, they should be ok for pubs, restaurants and such. Personally I always slip a pair of slide on type sandals or ballet flats into the outside pocket of my suitcase or along the lining. Even though I don’t have any foot problems I like to have something else besides my walking shoes to slip into back in my room, breakfast room or out on the street if we run into a city warm spell.
Posted by
Citizen of the World
3501 posts
I’d rule out the Michelin-starred restaurants during your trip. But if you think you may be going to more upscale restaurants or where you think there may be a dress code, black Merrell or Skechers shoes have always worked for me. Gray also. You can wear them during the whole trip.
Posted by
Singapore
971 posts
For the UK I think you'll be fine - we had dinner at Claridges in London last week and even there people were wearing trainers (ie sneakers).
My London club is fairly strict on dress code (no trainers, collared shirts, jackets and ties in some areas) but that's not common. And at the Soho House venues they actually make you remove your tie...
So in summary, unless you're aiming for very traditional institutions, you shouldn't have a problem.
For general country wear in the UK I normally wear elastic sided jodphur boots which are good in mud but still look smart:
https://afarley.co.uk/products/rm-williams-boots-mens-comfort-craftsman-chestnut
Posted by
Chicagoland
1192 posts
You may want to bring a lightweight, non bulky second pair of shoes in case your Hokas get wet on your hikes. My black flats take up little space in my bag. I realize larger sizes and men's footwear can be an issue.
Posted by
United States
778 posts
My kids gave me a pair of these for Mother’s Day in the camel color. I really like them for their comfort- biggest factor in my case- and their versatility. They compress extremely well, too.
Posted by
Minnesota🌲
10223 posts
I always bring along a pair of Hey Dude shoes. They range from deck shoes to nicer loafer type shoes, but their commonality is that they are extremely lightweight, extremely comfortable and extremely easy to pack in a small space. I discovered them a few years ago, and now I never travel without a pair. They usually run around $50-60+, but you can find them on sale at places like Marshalls, TJ Maxx, Sierra, and even Amazon.
Even if you aren't going to fancy places (and I never do), I love coming back to the hotel, switching out my shoes and heading out again for dinner or someplace in my lightweight comfy HD shoes. It's nice to change out of the heavier gym shoes, and it's also nice to have a back-up pair of shoes because you just never know...
Posted by
Maryland
1007 posts
English Autumn may equal rain, and you may need a second set of footwear to allow a dry out time. I also have traveled with only my gore-tex Dolomite hiking shoes which look great and are excellent in good and bad weather. I have light slippers for the hotel.
Posted by
Southern California
532 posts
I'm with jeanm and Mardee--it's good to have a light-weight second pair of shoes just in case, and to give your feet a break at the end of the day. Even if your Hoka's are water-proof, it's good to let them air out, and if they're only water-resistant, you could end up having to put on wet shoes the next day. I travel with Allbirds Tree Breezers flats. I can walk a couple miles in them if necessary, and they do double-duty as slippers in hotel rooms.
Posted by
SoCal
2047 posts
I wore fairly garishly-colored (not by choice) Brooks Glycerine trainers throughout Europe last summer, including three separate chamber concerts and the Prague Opera. No problems. Also no problems at several fine restaurants. Even the Michelin restaurants should be OK with you. But full disclosure: I'm not inclined to pay much attention to strangers' eyebrows.
Posted by
OP
4 posts
Thanks everyone for your very detailed replies...much appreciated!
Posted by
Washington
1023 posts
I packed a pair of Skechers Breathe Easy Roll with Me slip ons as my extra shoes on a recent UK trip. They come in black. They don’t scream “athletic shoe” as much as your average running or walking shoe.
Posted by
35 posts
I stand by my Blundstone original Chelsea boots. Comfy all day, easy on/off at the airport, great in the rain, with jeans and nice jacket, always works. throw on a nice scarf for evening and you're dressed up.