Shoes (that’s it)

I normally do some Keene hiking shoes as I like the stability of them on the cobble stones and trails. Then I bring some supportive flip flops that I can wear with a dress. I am super klutzy, and last time we were across the pond, we hadn't been there an hour when I tripped, fell, and messed up my knee. Thankfully nothing was broken, just in pain.

That said, I get you when you say you don't want the hikers and only one pair. So then I would go with the light duty trail shoes or maybe a pair of hiking sandals.

I say unto you: Bring a second pair of shoes so you won't be shoeless if something happens to your walking shoes. Also, give your feet a break after a day of hiking.

I did the RS Best of Italy tour this month and wore my low-top hiking boots on the plane because we would be doing hikes in the Dolomites and Cinque Terre (my husband and I are hikers). Don't you know, even though I've worn these boots at home on several hikes, once I got to Italy I had severe toe issues while wearing them. Nothing I tried helped. I was soooo glad I had a second pair of shoes to wear so I could do the city walks without pain. It saved my trip.

I’d use trail runners (tennis shoes with grippier soles) and I’d strongly recommend bringing some simple sandals/flip flops or something lightweight to change into in the evening. Being able to change shoes makes a big difference when doing a lot of walking and flip flops will add next to no weight or bulk to your luggage.

Here’s an example of shoes that work really well for everyday use, as well as hiking - https://www.altrarunning.com/en-us/search/?q=Lone%20Peak&utm_content=ecomm&utm_medium=cpc&utm_source=google&utm_campaign=&utm_term=&gclsrc=aw.ds&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=19778900786&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIhLnM7fXNjQMVYyzUAR3SBjPfEAAYAiAAEgL-FPD_BwE

I agree with others and after numerous RS tours I recommend you don’t bring just one pair of shoes but then there’s those that seem to be just fine with it. I always put in a pair of lightweight comfy flats to go to dinner and give my feet a break. On our GAS tour we hiked the trail from Männlichen to the Kleine Scheidegg and my Brooks Ghosts were just fine. Unless you plan on doing some heavy duty hiking, athletic sneakers should be fine just not smooth bottom one’s.

I wear Keen Newport H2O sandals. They are sturdy, come in attractive colorways, and are good for lots of terrain and temperatures. I wear them from April through Nov. here in PA. I have worn these on the MyWay Alpine and Switzerland tours. For chillier times of year, I opt for good old Merrell Jungle Mocs. Both these shoes are available in men's and women's sizes.

I do include a lighter pair of shoes for a change. My feet are happier that way. I try to choose a squashable pair - recently, I discovered Keen Howser II which are fabric on top - available for men and women. In fact, I wore these extensively tromping through concrete-filled London and Paris last December and was very happy with them. Concrete, while different from stones, mud, etc., can be just as challenging as some other surfaces.

The Lone Peak trail running shoes are light to pack and great for trails that most people would go on. If you have a standard size shoe, you could get something there if your one pair of shoes fail.

Two pairs. Shoe are the most important thing you bring and the hardest to acquire once you are there. If going with one, I'd choose lightweight hiking shoes. I have some by merrell that look like athletic shoes; I spray them with waterproofing. It would be better to have a pair that started out leather and waterproof but this works okay -- but I also have a second pair of comfortable walking shoes so I can trade off. You always discover things about your feet and your shoes with a lot of walking -- having two pair is prudent.

Shoe are the most important thing you bring and the hardest to acquire
once you are there.

They do have shoe stores in Europe. :-)

For moderate hiking in those countries you mentioned, I would take something like a Brooks Ghost. I always take just one pair.

If you are like me and have a hard time finding comfortable shoes I strongly suggest you take 2 pair. A few years ago I was visiting my family who live in Germany. We were all staying in a rental house in a small town on the Rhine. My aunt only had one pair of shoes and the bottom of one shoe disintegrated. Luckily we were sightseeing in a slightly smaller town that had some shops and she was able to buy a new pair of shoes. Being on a tour, if something happened to your one pair of shoes you may not be in a location or have the time to be able to shop for new shoes.