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waterproof shoes in Switzerland?

We are doing the Rick Steves Switzerland tour starting next Sunday. If anyone has done this, would you recommend waterproof tennis shoes? I'm only bringing one pair of tennis shoes and wearing them on the plane, and putting a pair of sandals in my carryon suitcase.

Posted by
3125 posts

I was there last Sept. and brought two pairs of my running shoes and only needed one. I’m getting ready to head back to Switzerland in June and will be using a smaller suitcase and am debating 1 or 2 pairs. My only reason for brining 2 is if 1 happens to get real wet. In fact, I just asked my parents for their thoughts when I meet them for lunch earlier today. My mom asked “How can you travel with just one pair of shoes.” 😊 But then she said I could always use a hair dryer (most hotels provide them) to dry them if I needed too. So, I think I will just bring 1 pair. I think you will be fine with your tennis shoes and sandals.

Enjoy the tour!!!!

Posted by
584 posts

If there is a chance of rain in the forecast, I always take my waterproof tennis. I have both Salomon and Ecco that are great shoes. Then I don’t need to worry. The only issue would be if you’re also going where it might be in the 90’s cuz then your feet might sweat. Anything lower in temp doesn’t bother my feet.

Posted by
1056 posts

I was fine on the Switzerland tour in the fall of 2019, just prior to Covid, with one pair of regular tennis shoes and one pair of sandals. If memory serves correctly, I wore the sandals nearly every day, as the weather was warm.

Posted by
8880 posts

I bring my waterproof version on every trip no matter what. It doesn't hurt if the weather is sunny and helps quite a bit if I end up in the rain. I also wear on the plane with sandals in suitcase.

Posted by
5604 posts

I take my two most comfortable pairs of shoes and spray them with a waterproof spray before I leave. Never had a problem with wet feet, even when standing in line in the pouring rain at The Fringe in Edinburg, waiting to get into a venue .
HAVE A GREAT TIME!

Posted by
2299 posts

Ditto what Pat said. We use Cadillac Shield spray. My feet just need a change. I could never go with just one pair of shoes.

Posted by
497 posts

For Switzerland I usually take my waterproof Keen hiking trainers which are great. I did bring another pair of waterproof Birkenstock sneakers which were nice enough I could wear those with slacks, etc. I stopped taking sandals. For me they aren’t practical but I know others who swear by them. This last trip to the UK where the weather was hideous I had the heavier Birkenstocks— also waterproof sneakers that I could wear two pair of socks with as well as the lighter white Birk sneakers. I can’t get by without two pair because I have feet and leg issues and doc wants me to rotate out.