Shoes that work in the rain

It would be helpful to know where you are going, city or country hikes where and when you are going, fall, winter, next spring? I have 3 pair of shoes I can wear in a soaking rain but it is so place and time of year dependent which shoes I take.

You're right, Mona, sorry for the lack of details. I will be on the Southern Italy trip in the first two weeks of October. I have hiking shoes, but they would definitely be overkill, and not useful in places like Rome, Sorrento, the Amalfi Coast (not planning on hiking), or Naples. Things like Sketchers or Bernie Mev flats that would be comfortable would not work in any kind of serious rain, and even with more than one pair, might not dry too quickly if really soaked.

I stand by and walk in my Ahnu Montara boots. I have these high topped ones, but they make low ones too. Here's a link to Teva which now owns the brand.

I only take 2 pairs of shoes on any trip. For serious walking with anticipated iffy weather, it's the Ahnus. They aren't as heavy as you might think, but I do wear them on the plane. I usually switch to my very comfortable and light but supportive Abeo 3590 flats in the evening.

I've never taken a 3rd pair of shoes, but I am thinking about getting some yoga slippers for around the room at night.

I can't abide wet feet so I wear Storm Chasers from LL Bean and most of my travel is city or village travel. They have the comfort of wearing a pair of sneakers; not bulky or stiff. I wear them when I travel so not to use up space in my carryon upright.

Since it’s southern Italy and October I’d take my Teva Vera sandals. They are strap up nicely and are secure enough to wear on uneven pavement yet are stylish enough for city strolls. If the weather predictions change drastically (I checked Rome’s 15 day forecast and didn’t see much that concerned me about rain) before your time in southern Italy, I’d look more for a closed toe walking shoe by Teva or Keens that can stand some rain and puddles. There are lots of favorites on this forum so I’m sure you’ll get more suggestions now that people know when and where you’re going.

I had forgotten about a pair of Aravon low hiking shoes that are waterproof and not too bulky, so maybe that's the answer. Hadn't planned on sandals, although I have good Ecco walking ones. But will need black flats for my three nights at the opera! Will keep checking the forecasts, though. But probably would be risky to count on no rain.

I have travelled with waterproof Clark Waves walking shoes -- black low-cut shoes looked OK with black pants for dinners and concerts. (Most people don't look at your feet anyway.)

I'd take my walking shoes, and use the Opera as an excuse to buy shoes in Italy.

I don't know if you really need to worry about waterproof shoes going to Southern Italy in the first half of October (maybe I am completely naive!! but I just don't imagine the kind of situation where you're walking around for days with wet feet) - but it is true that nothing is more miserable than trying to walk around and enjoy yourself in the rain with wet feet!!

I bought these in Clarks Gore Tex shoes in Glasgow a couple of weeks ago:

https://www.clarks.eu/c/Tri-Trek-GORE-TEX/p/26126909

They were way cheaper in Glasgow than they're showing on the EU website, even taking into account the exchange rate. I don't know how much they would be in the States. I got them for 85 pounds, which is around 95 euros. They're on the site for 130 euros!!

They are very sturdy, in fact a bit too stiff the first few days but I thought they did a great job keeping my feet dry and providing support for mini-hikes while not being some huge boot. The laces they come with are a bit loud (with orange stripes), so I bought some black ones to make the shoes more discreet.

I waterproofed a pair of Skechers GoWalks. Used Nikwax, but there are other products available. Washed them, applied the waterproofing, then held them under the faucet to see the water sheet off.

Regardless of the shoes you finally use, there is always the possibility of a downpour that will soak through. For that reason we always keep a pair of dry socks in a zip lock bag in our day bags. They've saved the day on several occasions. Just imagine half a day (or more) in wet socks. Icky!!

Thanks for all the helpful suggestions. After looking at some of the shoes suggested online, I think I will try to do my shopping in my closet. I will see if I can waterproof the Sketchers shoes, since I have two very light and comfortable pairs. And the idea of an extra pair of dry socks in the daybag is wonderful--hadn't thought of that but it would be most helpful if things were really wet. Not perfect if the shoes were really wet, but a great improvement!

Waterproof socks! Wear your sandals in all kinds of weather. Carry a dry pair of socks in a ziplock to change into when you’re out of the weather.

https://www.showerspass.com/collections/mens-socks/products/lightweight-waterproof-socks-crosspoint-brights

I wore a bootie from Vionic when it rained on one of my trips and my feet stayed dry. They are stylish and very comfortable (Orthotic quality). I love the bottom of these shoes, the grip is amazing. I just saw they have this new style this year, which I may be getting for myself:

https://www.vionicshoes.com/women/boots/kaufman-casual-sneaker.html?76=20

Letizia, what is the name of your old booties? Are they heavy? Do they provide good ankle support? Are the ankles comfortable? Tight? Loose? I usually wear boots all day every day on my trips. I'd love to have something supportive and comfortable as well as somewhat fashionable. I've worn out many pairs of Vionic/Orthofeet shoes. Right now, the only ones I own are house shoes. I wear them every day.

Lo- So I have looked for them online, but because I got them about three years ago looks like they no longer sell the style I have BUT they look like this, flat with the same sole (I have them in black):
https://www.amazon.com/Vionic-Womens-Adrie-Ankle-Boot/dp/B075VYZL9L

They are not heavy at all, provide a good ankle support and arch support. The fit around the ankle is loosish, so it is not pressing on my ankle (I don't even think about it) but I get the support. I love the grip on the bottom, really stable for wet cobblestones but then also for slick museum floors. Plus they are really fashionable. I never feel underdressed or overdressed with them. These are pretty much the only shoe I wear a sock with (just a sports ankle sock). I wear my Vionic flip Flops all weekend long and the boots almost daily in the winter.