Shoes-Cinque Terre

running shoes are fine, enjoy!

I wore my Keen sandals, but was doing more of a gentle stroll between three of the towns than a hike.

I wore Columbia light weight hiking shoes (Hatana) on the trails and they worked great. Many sections are paved, but there was a fair bit of scrabbling up giant stone steps (and down), and I was glad to have lightweight shoes with good traction.

Have fun!
Sara

How about hiking shoes? Running shoes (especially if trail shoes) will be okay, but there are some places where I'd personally feel more comfortable with a more substantial sole. Admittedly, I did some of the trails in your garden variety athletic shoes. I survived.

I walked to all villages on the cinque terre and I wore running shoes -- not even trail running shoes. There are however uneven surfaces so if you fell more comfortable in hiking boots there is nothing wrong with that. Happy travels!

Trail running shoes with good traction. As mentioned some of the trails are paved but not all and the trail we were on was rocky with a lot of steps up and down. Have a great time, it’s a beautiful place!

We walked to all the villages and both of us wore sturdy sneakers.

Here is the official policy regarding shoes on the trails - extent to which it is enforced may be questionable:

OPEN FOOTWEAR AND/OR SMOOTH SOLES, I.E. NOT ANTI-SLIP (SUCH AS VIBRAM TYPE) ARE FORBIDDEN. THE TRANSGRESSORS WILL BE PUNISHED ACCORDING TO PARAGRAPH 2, ARTICLE 30, LAW 394/91 AND SS.MM.II

"On the trails it is compulsory to wear closed, waterproof and ankle covering shoes, with an anti-slip sole."

https://www.parconazionale5terre.it/page.php?id=339

Wouldn't hurt to do some research before heading out.

Great link.
As it was warm, I do remember seeing many people wearing sandals (just nuts) and very few in full over the ankle hiking boots. But it’s your choice as to what you feel most comfortable in. I don’t remember any boot police….

Thank for the replies! I had seen that statement on the park website which is one reason I ask. Happy to hear most wear good without boots.

I did the whole thing using low hiking shoes. They had lug soles like Vibram. Definitely recommend.

We wore low-profile Merrill hiking boots. There was a sign at the trailhead where we showed our entrance tickets that said sandals were not appropriate footwear and were forbidden. There were a few slippery areas but sneakers probably would have been fine. I like to err on the side of caution when hiking new trails.

For strolling around the trails between the villages, running shoes are fine, trail runners would be better. Trail hikers are ideal but, they're not the most flattering depending on your style and outfit. Depending on the time of year, don't be surprised to see people wearing sandals - either nicer upscale type or, closed-toe type (Keen, Ecco, etc...) around town and some venturing on the trails.