My question has probably been answered hundreds of times but because I took a nasty fall walking in the center of my town I have been jolted by the fact that I’m going to need really, really good shoes for my trip in July. And I’ll need to try several pairs. I have a large bunion and so my go to shoe as a walker has been Brooks Ghost. It’s the only sneaker I’ve worn for the last decade. Are there better sneakers I should try that will provide better traction but still have a wide toe box? Yesterday I tripped on an uneven surface so better grip wouldn’t necessarily have helped but now I’m so worried about the streets in Portugal. Thanks for any info— it is appreciated.
Posted by
Prince George, BC, Canada
473 posts
We were in Lisbon and a number of other towns in the Alentejo region of Portugal this past fall. Sidewalks are tiled or cobblestones so can be quite uneven. The tiles are usually marble, so are really really slippery when wet. You have to be extremely careful on hills, either going up or down. Many of the cities/towns are quite hilly - Lisbon and Porto especially, so care needs to be taken.
Posted by
Surrey, UK
868 posts
You might want to look at the Skechers range.
Some shoes have quite wide soles, which are good for balance.
And the fabric uppers should accommodate your bunion.
Posted by
SE Pennsylvania
3241 posts
Another forum member has recommended Altra shoes, and I found the Vibram version suits me really well.
https://www.altrarunning.com/en-us/trail/womens-lone-peak-9%2B/AL0A85RH.html?dwvar_AL0A85RH_color=91I
Posted by
Salem, Oregon, USA
3878 posts
welcome to the forum cynthiakondziela. I'd wear the shoes you are most comfortable in. Uneven surfaces aren't necessarily addressed by more traction (in fact that can work against you if they are too grippy). Have you considered using an assistive device such as a cane or walking stick? They can provide an extra level of support and balance when dealing with uneven surfaces. There has been recent discussion in the forum about folding trekking/hiking poles that might be useful.
Posted by
Cascais, Portugal
2026 posts
I’ve lived in Cascais for ten plus years so have a bit of experience with shoes. In the early days, I wore Ecco Yucatán sandals in the summers and Abeo, and sometimes sketchers in the winters. For the last few years, I’ve been wearing Oofos closed toed shoes in the winter, and Hoka. Aetrex sandals are my favorite for summer.
Really anything with tread that’s comfortable will work. When wet, the cobblestones are quite slick but they dry quickly after the rain stops. The black ones aren’t as slippery, so aim for them when possible. And, most important for me, watch where you are walking! The cobblestones aren’t even in many, many places as they are just set in sand which settles unevenly at times.
July will be quite warm. Sandals are a must for me in summer.
Posted by
OP
2 posts
Wow! Thanks to all of you for the brand recommendations! Thankfully I have time to try out some of them now. I think I may look into a walking stick too. At first I bristled at the idea as I’m 67 and in really good shape but I don’t want to miss a day! About 15 years ago I was a chaperone on my daughter’s school trip to Paris and I fell at the Eiffel Tower and had to spend the next day in bed at the hotel. I have so much anxiety the more I read about the cobblestone streets! I appreciate each and every response from everyone.