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One unexpected issue that many travelers discover once they get to Europe are the cobblestone streets. Find out how and why to choose the best walking shoes for Europe!
Best Walking Shoes for Europe
Written by: Niki Landry
One of the charms of visiting many European cities is strolling through the authentic streetscapes. Old buildings, narrow alleys, and picturesque towns make for lovely photos, but often come with a pitfall: the cobblestone street.
My biggest piece of advice is to choose function over fashion. Really? Yes! The last thing you want is to allow pulsing, injured, or tired feet prevent you from enjoying the trip of a lifetime.
While great to look at, stone streets aren’t always the easiest to walk on and can make for sore feet even if you don’t normally have discomfort. Depending on the city, these streets can also be hilly, slippery when wet, and uneven.
Pair this with the miles of walking you’ll do and your feet may be screaming by the end of the day. Take it from one reader who shared this story with us:
There are no shoes made in the world (yes I’m being a little melodramatic here) that are made for a 3 week tour of Europe that has so far averaged between 8 and 10 miles (16 kilometers) of walking per day. We are 2 weeks in and my feet are tired, swollen, and sore. I have worn the right shoes, traded off daily if not twice a day, and have not experienced any blisters. However, there is nothing that prepares your feel for this type of stress and usage. But I wouldn’t trade Parisian strolls, light “hiking” in the Alps, or walking through through the cobblestones of Florence for the pain. Just a word that no matter what preparations you make, your hopes and plans will outwork the ability of your feet to remain pain free.
At the end of this article, we share tips on how to choose the right footwear for your trip, but first, let’s take a look at our list of the best walking shoes for Europe to help you survive the infamous cobblestone streets.
Tip: Packing cubes make the perfect shoe bags to protect your luggage from dirty shoes. Take a look at other shoe bag ideas here!
The Best Sandals for Europe
In the summertime, nothing beats a sandal for traveling, but it’s important to find something fashionable and supportive. As much as I love a simple slide-on sandal, they aren’t the best for long days and walking uphill.
I highly suggest shoes with an ankle strap and cushioned sole like the Söfft Mirabelle Sandal. Leather straps also make for a more comfortable fit as opposed to a stiff, man-made upper. Buy it here!
One reader says, “I wore Crocs Flat for six weeks throughout France, Spain, and Italy averaging 12 to 15 miles a day. They were great and I had no issues walking and no pain.” Buy it here!
We’ve got thirteen more comfortable walking sandals for you to choose from!
FitFlop Superskate Black Loafer Flat
The Best Slip Ons for Europe
If you prefer a closed-toe option, then slip-ons, oxfords and loafers may be more your style. I love the look of these shoes without socks, but it’s not always the best option if you want to keep your feet comfy and fresh. Instead, pack a pair or two of these no-show shoe liners to wear with your low-cut shoes.
These three styles come with insole support and cushioning like the FitFlop Loafer Flat, but you can always add an insole to an existing shoe you own. Buy it here!
Several readers recommended Clarks for the best travel shoes for Europe.
One reader said, “My Clarks got me through 4 weeks in Italy, walking 5 to 6 miles per day. My feet were tired at the end of our day, but not sore and no blisters,” while another added, “I have to say, Clarks have also worked the best for me too. I had the BEST gold pair ever, wore them ALL day in Rome in the sweaty summer and while I still had to use bandaids and moleskin, I was impressed that they performed as well as they did.” Buy it here!
Finding shoes that are both comfortable and fashionable is the ultimate goal for almost all female travelers. Find out where to shop for comfort shoes!
The Best Sneakers for Europe
Sneakers sometimes get a bad rap. As one reader says, “The only shoe that feels great is a full-on sporty sneaker (which looks sooo uncool).” Today, there are so many stylish styles that are equally as comfortable.
Stylish sneakers like the Superga Cotu are always a good option for any city streets and some of the best walking shoes for Europe. They’re particularly good on wet cobblestones, which you’ll encounter since many regions may experience rain year-round. Buy it here!
Ecco Soft VII High-Top Fashion Sneaker
One reader says, “Adidas Tubulars literally saved my life. A little bit of pain for the first 48 hours getting used to them and then it was like I wasn’t wearing shoes for the rest of the 5 weeks of my Europe trip. They have OrthoLite insoles in them and you can choose a basic color or you can mix it up with something colorful.”
Even if you dress casually, you can still looked pulled together with one of these shoe options if you choose classic, tailored clothing. Choose a shoe with a sturdy rubber grip on the sole.
If you have issues with your ankle rubbing on the back of low-cut shoes, then a pair of mid-top shoes like the Ecco sneaker shown above may be what you’re after. I wore my pair continuously on my spring trip to Portugal. Buy it here!
Take a look at this fun selection of women’s casual sneakers!
Hush Puppies Chaste Ballet Flat
The Best Ballet Flats for Europe
Ballet flats are my least favorite option for cobblestones because they tend to slip off the back of the foot and rub, especially on narrow-footed women, but it may be necessary if you need dressy options without a heel during your trip.
The Hush Puppies shown above are not the best walking shoes for Europe for a full day of sightseeing. They’re the perfect option for a dressy, chic shoe on light travel days or evenings. However, we don’t recommend you spend eight hours walking in them. Buy it here!
Josef Seibel Pippa 07 Ballerina Flat
One reader says, “I love the comfort and style of Joseph Seibel’s black flats. I wore them while touring, walking on cobblestones, and going out to dinner and, they still look great.” Buy it here!
Similar to the shoes listed above: look for a flexible sole, cushioned insole, and a soft upper that easily molds to your foot if you plan to spend extended periods of time walking in them.
Take a look at the ten most cute and comfortable ballet flats for travel!
Blondo Villa Waterproof Ankle Bootie
The Best Boots for Europe
For visiting destinations in the shoulder season or with unpredictable weather, a pair of ankle booties like the ones shown above from Blondo are the best walking shoes for Europe. They’re great for keeping your feet warm and dry, but are also a European footwear staple. Buy it here!
One reader says, “I did Europe for 16 days of heavy walking in one pair of ankle boots in December. I changed the insoles out and my poor, terrible feet never felt better. I used the Naot insoles that came in the boots, and then changed them out with a pair of Superfeet insoles. I also had an ultra thin foil like insulating layer to help keep my feet warm (made by Pedag) that worked very well.”
To bear the brunt of cobblestones, look for options with a thick sole and cushioned interior. Also, a bottom with grips will help going downhill on slippery stones. I like the simple pull-on style like the Trinculo Boot for ease of dressing and removal at the airport. Buy it here!
For more ideas, take a look at the best women’s waterproof leather boots as voted by TFG’s readers!
Here’s a video showing you how to choose the best shoes for Europe’s stone streets
How to Choose the Best Walking Shoes for Europe
Bring no more than three pairs opting for shoes that match all your clothing. Learn more about how to create a capsule wardrobe with just three pairs of shoes!
Pack one pair for sightseeing (walking), one pair of any special activities you have planned, and then a third pair to either dress up your outfits or one that’s appropriate for a change in weather.
These are the best shoes for sightseeing in the cold and these are the best shoes for sightseeing in the heat. Black ankle boots like these are the most recommended shoes for Europe when dealing with either cold or mixed weather.
Please read these posts for more Europe travel shoe inspiration:
Please note: ballet flats are a popular travel shoe option when you want a dressier look but they are NOT recommended for long hours on your feet sightseeing.
Choose one of these cute and comfortable walking shoes instead – they’re the options most recommended by our readers!
It can be hard to keep your feet feeling perfectly content when you’re walking all day, but with the best walking shoes for Europe, you can take to the streets like a local and survive the days!
Geox Nebula Walking Shoe (seen in Europe 2017)
When choosing the correct footwear to traverse stone streets, the best walking shoes for Europe include these features:
- Adequate foot support
- Cushioned supportive insole
- Rubber sole with ridges and/or grooves
- Style (a bonus)
Geox Italian Sneakers have built-in comfort plus elements of style, too.
Keeping Your Feet Happy
Before we jump into the best shoes for Europe, there are a few steps you can take to keep your feet happy on your trip.
The most important thing you can do for your feet is break in your shoes before your trip. As one reader says, “My advice to all: walk tons in the shoes you plan to wear. Do NOT take any shoes you can’t do 1-2 miles in.”
Some of the best walking shoes for Europe may have a rough break-in period, and you don’t want to endure the pain during your travels. If you break them in at home, you can wear them for shorter intervals and give your feet a break.
Additionally, it’s helpful to pack a few shoes for Europe and switch them out throughout your trip based on your activities and destinations. As one reader says, “The main thing I try to do is switch up my footwear. I try not to wear the same shoes two days in a row, that way pressure points and painful areas are distributed differently each day,” while another adds, “I like to have different shoe options too. I find changing it up is the best thing for my feet.”
One reader swapped between two shoes and kept her feet happy. She says, “I just got back from two weeks in Italy, rotating between a pair of Hartjes XS lace-ups and Keen Rose sandals. I walked between 7 and 9 miles a day in really ferocious heat and never had a problem, and am truly grateful for both of those pairs of shoes.”
And lastly, give your feet some love when you are resting and sleeping for the night. A reader shares, “I married a man who spent his youth backpacking, hiking and doing survivalist training. On our long trips, we sleep with our feet elevated slightly on pillow or two. It helps your feet recover and reduces swelling. I’m always shocked how much of a difference it makes!”
Here’s a quick overview for each of the best walking shoes for Europe:
| SHOE STYLE | PRODUCT 1 | PRODUCT 2 |
|---|---|---|
| The Best Sandals for Europe In the summertime, nothing beats a sandal for traveling, but it’s important to find something fashionable and supportive. |
Söfft Sandal Check Price |
Crocs Flat Check Price |
| The Best Slip Ons for Europe If you prefer a closed-toe option, then loafers, slip-ons, and oxfords may be more your style. These three styles come with insole support and cushioning, but you can always add an insole to an existing shoe you own. |
FitFlop Loafer Check Price |
Clarks Slip-On Check Price |
| The Best Sneakers for Europe Stylish sneakers are always a good option for any city streets and some of the best walking shoes for Europe. |
Superga Sneaker Check Price |
Ecco Sneaker Check Price |
| The Best Ballet Flats for Europe They're my least my favorite option for cobblestones because they tend to slip off the back of the foot and rub, especially on narrow-footed women, but it may be necessary if you need dressy options without a heel during your trip. |
Hush Puppies Ballet Flat Check Price |
Josef Ballerina Flat Check Price |
| The Best Boots for Europe For visiting destinations in the shoulder season or with unpredictable weather, a pair of ankle booties are the best walking shoes for Europe. They're great for keeping your feet warm and dry, but are also a European footwear staple. |
Blondo Ankle Bootie Check Price |
Born Boot Check Price |
What do you think are the best walking shoes for Europe? Please share below!
For more ideas on walking shoes for Europe, please read:
- Most Cute and Comfortable Sightseeing Shoes
- The Best Sandals for Travel this Summer
- 21 Most Comfortable Shoes Bloggers Swear By
- Best Travel Shoes of All Time According to Our Readers
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Author Bio: Niki is an interior designer and artist from Louisiana. In addition to her design work, she writes for local and online publications sharing her experiences and passion for travel. Niki is currently adding stamps to her passport while building her design practice, Niki Landry Designs.
Great article. I live in Mexico–cobblestone streets and uneven sidewalks–and the traditional athletic shoe/sneaker just doesn’t work here. The soles are too spongy and soft, they provide no protection when the foot strikes the hard stone. Sure, sneakers are great for the US, when you go from house to car to gym (where you work out on a soft-impact floor) but that just won’t work on cobblestones. A more rigid sole, like you find on Sperry Topsiders or boots, works much better and keeps your foot pain-free.
Hi Kimmie, thank you for sharing your great advice about the cobblestones!! A comfortable shoe is always a necessity with adequate foot support and a good rubber sole 🙂
My advice? Find a full-service shoe store. They’re rare these days, but if you can, it is sooo worth it. The one I went to was able to help find insoles that had correct arch placement for me (mine are farther forward than most). Also, for cooler, wetter weather, after-market waterproofing is an option. I found a pair of suede boots I LOVED (Earth Shoes Boone), which are not waterprrof, but a silicone treatment fixes that right up. They have good support and have both laces and a zipper (for both adjustable fit and easy on/off).
Hi Terrie, thank you so much for sharing your amazing advice, this is really useful!! 🙂
Bought a pair of Superga which was disappointing. The sides of my feet hurt from friction. I will still wear them but this tine, with socks. 😫
Hi Farah, thank you for sharing your experiences of the Superga sneaker, that is such a shame that you did not find them more comfortable. 🙁
Can I add another suggestion for people who want a great walking shoe is the NZ brand of Allbirds, these were recommended to me be some American ladies in Rome. I’ve now purchased a pair and am off to Venice hopefully with more comfortable feet than the last time,!
I’ve tried to find these online but I can’t tell what the NV brand is.
Allbirds have been a game changer for me. I can even go sockless.
My husband I traveled to Italy in April and I researched shoes for months – ordering and returning several pairs prior to deciding on the Blondo waterproof booties and Ecco Soft 7 sneaker. I have extremely fussy feet and for the most part, switching between the two pairs worked fine, but I found myself wishing I had just a little more cushion in the soles of both. If we had stayed longer than our 10 days, I may have gone shoe shopping. My husband swears by his Crocs and found his feet were sore too. The cobblestones really do take their toll!
Hi Lori, thank you for sharing your experiences of the Blondo waterproof booties and the Ecco Soft 7 Sneaker with us! Hope you had an amazing time during your trip to Italy! 🙂
What brand was the waterproof boots you showed in your video? I did not see them posted.
Hi Judy, the boots in the video are Eileen Fisher, but they are not waterproof boots. Hope that helps! 🙂
Do you have any idea where I could find shoes like in the main image? Thanks!
Hi Lauren, unfortunately the product sold out some time ago so we’re not sure of the brand. Sorry we couldn’t have been more helpful 🙁
Hi Alex: Where did you put the links to all the shoes shown in your video? I can’t find them. Thanks for this post, I know it’ll come in handy for my trip to Florence in the spring—absolutely can’t wait! BTW, while in Italy did you bother to get a pair custom made?
You can never go wrong with Birkenstocks for comfort and stability! Most people think of the Arizona sandal, but they sell attractive shoes and boots as well.
Sketchers are wonderful. Very light and the cushioned sole is great when you’re going to be on hard surfaces all day, like cobblestones or pavements. If your feet swell because of a long flight or an injury (after my broken ankle I suffered from this for a year), they are soft enough to stretch a little and accommodate.
ALex, what brand and style are the gray textured booties in your video!!???
thanks!
Hi Pam, I think they’re Eileen Fisher, bought earlier this year at Nordstrom 🙂
What does everyone think of allbirds
As I am going to Italy next summer, this blog has been a fantastic help. Thank you so very much for insight!
Thank you Peggy! Have fun 🙂
What would you suggest for a 3 week river cruise from Hungary to Amsterdam beginning in mid September. Lots of walking! I want to look stylish but comfortable.
hello! Your blog has been very helpful in all my travels. I would be going to Paris for the first time in August. I would have to wear my Go Walk Skechers as Im taking care of my heel (fracture last year). I got a Vionic pair too. Would both be suitable?
Hi there! I think so. Readers rave about their Go Walks and also Vionics. Sounds like you’ve got it covered!
I love my Go Walks, but they will not keep feet dry in all the rainy weather in Europe.
May I know where to find that boots you have? It’s gorgeous!
Hi Joanna, which boots? The ones in the video?
Great article. I have the Sofft sandals! I love them, however there is not much arch support. They are very comfortable & I get loads of compliments. I got the tan leather.
They have many cute styles, good choice Dana!
This article save my life during our last trip to Europe! Thanks,
That’s great to hear Taina! Thanks 🙂
I LOVE the shoes in the picture with the bike. Any idea what brand they are? I would love to get them for my upcoming trip to Europe.
I LOVE the shoes in the picture with the bike. Any idea where I can find them?
I’ll definitely try some of these out for my upcoming trip to Europe!
Hi Susan, glad you like them!
We are visiting europe and specifically germany in june- we go there regularly and notice our daughter and her in laws dress ro go to town. Please assist with tips. I am 67 years old. We will also spend 10 days of the month looking at property in the Mosel region and i want to dress appropriately. I dont have limitless money.
I was going to add that, if you need a dressy pair of shoes for going out to dinner etc, go for wedges (and not too high either), as ordinary heels really don’t cope with cobblestones and even if you’re only walking a block or two, you can still have a problem with many heeled shoes.
Great advice Jennifer! Totally agree!
I’m studying abroad in Wales this spring (January- June) and I plan to be traveling all around main land europe! What lists do you recommend looking at for packing?
We have a lot of content about Europe, from general tips to specialized packing lists per destination. Here’s a few to get you started: https://travelfashiongirl.com/what-to-wear-in-wales/
https://travelfashiongirl.com/what-to-wear-in-europe-packing-lists-for-every-destination/
Enjoy your travels!
Sanuks were great for Maui, for the cobblestones of Portugal, not so much. Especially Sintra where some of the cobbles were so slick & smooth, it was like they were polished. The Sanuks went back in the suitcase and I wore my leather gladiator sandals for the rest of the trip. Cool & comfortable and no more slipping on the cobblestones.
Great advice Amie! Thanks for sharing!
What do you recommend for May. Is it cold still?
Depends where you’re heading Eva! Northern Europe will still be chilly, but Southern starts to get beautiful about then! Happy travels!
This article is so useful for American cities with cobblestone streets as well. I’m heading to a business conference in New Orleans in September, and these suggestions for comfortable shoes are perfect!
YEs, couldn’t agree more! Enjoy NOLA! Eat some beignets!
I’ve been having such trouble finding good, flat sandals this summer here in Madrid. Part of the issue is I have tiny feet (35). I’ll have to check out a few of the options you’ve listed. Thanks!
Kate | http://www.petiteadventures.org/
Good luck 🙂