Appropriate shoes for Switzerland?

Posted by Christopher (Philadelphia, PA, USA) on 03/02/08 08:54 PM

This may be a very silly question with a very obvious answer, but what are the best shoes to wear around the Berner Oberland in March? Are boots or high-top water-proof hiking shoes necessary?

I'll be spending 7 days in Italy prior to heading to Switzerland for three days and we're trying to pack as light as possible...lugging around water-proof boots will make that impossible.

My wife and I were planning on wearing casual, comfortable leather shoes while in Italy and if faced with the need for boots would buy them there and then ship them home.

Does that sound like a good plan? Or are trails mostly cleared? Unless we plan on doing some serious hiking through deep snow, should we not even worry about boots?

Thanks in advance!

Posted by Travel Boss

Myrtle Beach, USA

03/04/08 08:05 AM

12313 posts

Assuming you aren't hiking (most hiking trails will be closed) and just touring, a pair of waterproof shoes will work. I have a pair of waterproof lace-up leather oxfords with lug soles by Dockers that work well. You might also go with a Chucka style that comes up the ankle more. Don't wear cotton socks, get a decent wool sock for warmth and comfort (they also hang dry well).

I seriously doubt you will encounter anything that requires heavy boots. If you do, buying something there is a good plan. In that case, you'll probably want some Ducks, shoes with leather tops and rubber non slip bottoms for snow and ice. They are great in snow and slush and don't weigh a ton.

Posted by Tom

Newport Beach, CA, USA

03/04/08 08:17 AM

769 posts

I think a good quality leather-water-proof oxford-style will be fine. I just got a pair of Eccos that have natural leather, gortex waterproof and a grippy/almost hiking boots style sole. From the top they looks like an oxford. I got them for Spain/Portugal trip coming up and didnt want to bring my favorite hiking boots, but still wanted sturdy hill-town and castle climbing shoes. These fit the bill for me. Keen also has some.

Also - if you find yourself in a late flurry in the alps - you can always rent a pair at the mountain shops for a day or two. Not $$$ and saves you the weight. Just bring along or buy a good pair of hiking wool socks.

Posted by Tom

Danville, VT

03/04/08 10:08 AM

12040 posts

Echoing Kent, March is still skiing season in the Berner Oberland. Most of the hiking trails are either covered in snow, or choked with mud. If all you plan to do is walk from Murren to Gimmelwald (or vice versa) along the paved road that connects the two, then you probably only need a pair of sneakers.

Posted by Frank

Falls Creek, Victoria, Australia

03/06/08 04:01 AM

48 posts

I've tobogganed back down from Murren to Gimmelwald in March, it depends on the snow season. I wouldn't on it to be a clear paved road.

I'd be more concerned with comfort than the type of boots/shoes with the proviso that I'd recommend something with a decent tread pattern. Smooth soled shoes are deadly on ice, and certainly the off road trails will have ice patches in the mountains, as will mountain roads (such as Murren - Gimmelwald)which are not cleared for vehicle traffic.

If you are planning on mostly visiting the cities (Bern, Zurich, Lucerne) or staying in the lower towns (such as Interlaken) you won't notice much of an issue over whatever you wear at home.

Walking/Mountain trails (Wanderweg or Bergweg) are not cleared of snow at all, although there is maintenance/clearing in Spring/Summer.

Buying boots in Switzerland isn't cheap though, and wearing in a new set of boots wouldn't be ideal for hiking any distance.

I'd just try to have decent tread on your shoes.