We will be in Ireland for 5 days in mid September, what is the best type of shoes and socks for me to wear? I just purchased a pair of Asics sneakers. They are very comfortable and I plan to break them in. I want to know what other shoes I should bring and what kind of socks would work best in Irish weather. I thought about buying a pair of Teva sandles but my feet get cold easily and I don't want to look like a dork wearing socks with sandles.
Thanks for the help!
Posted by
Danville, VT
12040 posts
The best shoe is the one you have broken in. Unless you plan to hike through a peat bog, you don't need to worry about any particular type of shoe or sock (although it will be too warm for wool). September weather is mild. Rain storms are frequent, but unlike the sudden downpours you experience in Florida, rain falls more gently in Ireland.
Posted by
Florida, USA
12172 posts
You will be happier with a comfortable shoe that is also waterproof.
Most Asics are extremely porous. You won't be comfortable if your feet are soaked from walking in the rain or the grass following a rain.
Some shoes are sold waterproof. You can also purchase products to waterproof new shoes.
For socks, If I'm hiking,I like the wool blend hiking socks Costco sells. There are better socks but most cost three to ten times as much. If I'm just walking cities and museums, I take acrylic socks because they hand-wash quickly and easily.
Posted by
Indianapolis, IN, USA
16 posts
Keen Newport or Venice sandals handle water well, and you can wear them with or w/out socks. They have good arch support as well. Our whole family lived in our Keens on our trip to Ireland earlier this month.
Posted by
Swedesboro, NJ, United States
9 posts
I probably wouldn't recommend regular athletic or casual sneakers for anything other than walking around in towns. Most of the historical sights are stone, in some degree of ruin, and since it rains frequently, slippery and muddy. It really depends on what you plan to do.
I prefer a light hiking sneaker such as Keen or Merrell with Vibram soles, which is meant to give some traction in wet conditions. As far as socks go, lightweight wool or wool blend are my pick.
As far as other shoes to bring, you might want something a little nicer looking for in town days. Clarks and Born are both make very comfortable casual shoes. I have worn Clarks both while traveling and at work where I'm generally on my feet all day.
Posted by
Anaheim, CA, USA
1455 posts
Becky
I was there last week and saw all sorts of shoes. I know September is not June, but I saw sandals, sneakers (incl white one) and everything else in between.
I would stick with the most comfy one and with a rubber sole. In the event of rain, you want something which can provide traction with the cobblestones. I wore my Ann Taylor boots and practically ate sidewalk because my boot bottom were not rubber.
If worse comes to worse, you can duck into a store and buy a pair. I went to Marks & Spencer at Grafton Street and found THE most comfy pair of black shoes for 45 euros. OK, not the cheapest but it was better than eating pavement!