Our family will be in Lauterbrunnen, Switzerland for 4 days (mid May.) We will mostly stay in the nearby area, planning to see Trummlebach Falls, ride up to Jungfrau, Thun & Oberhofen castles, the artillery bunker at Beatenbucht, maybe rodlebahn in Grindlewald. I'm more of a stroller than a serious hiker... Do we really need proper hiking boots for these kinds of trips, or could we do with sensible walking shoes? I hate to haul them if we're not going to need them.
Posted by
Seattle, WA
17439 posts
I don't see anything on your list that would call for hiking boots. There are steps to descend at Trummelback Falls, but walking shoes should be fine. If you choose to walk there or back from Lauterbrunnen, you are on a paved path.
Posted by
OP
RDU, NC, USA
15 posts
Missed that-thank you!
Posted by
San Francisco/Marin County
9436 posts
Each time we've been to Murren and the Berner Oberland (walking/hiking all over), I've just worn my Birkenstock sandals and had no problems.
Posted by
Vernon, Canada
32353 posts
Kim,
I've only worn my normal travel shoes (Rockports initially and now ECCO Trac II Low), and never had any problem with "strolling" in the Berner Oberland. Some of the trails are more of a "rigourous experience", and in those locations high top Boots with ankle support would be a good idea. However, for the average trails, good quality shoes should be fine.
Happy hiking!
Posted by
Puyallup, WA, USA
881 posts
I prefer hiking shoes - especially ones with high ankle support, as they can help in other cities going over all the cobblestones. Maybe a nice crossover pair?
Done the Birkenstock thing twice though, and it's worked out fine. =-)
Posted by
Oklahoma City, OK, USA
430 posts
Agreed with most --
I've hiked the BO in plain boat shoes from JC Penney (not recommending... just saying it's possible...)
Now travel usually in my Timberland work boots -- and hiked the BO in those.
I have seen more and more people wearing crossover shoes -- something half between walking shoes and hiking boots -- and using those for all their travel.
I certainly would not bring a second pair of shoes just for the hike days -- whatever you bring, do full duty with it.