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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 Travel Shoes for Europe
Written by: Niki Landry
Table Of Contents
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.
Wearing the Naot Sabrina sandals in Lisbon
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. It can be hard to keep your feet feeling perfectly content when you’re walking all day, but with the tips below, you can take to the streets like a local and survive the days!
Wearing Skechers slip on sneakers in Paris
When choosing the correct footwear to traverse stone streets, make sure your Europe walking shoes include these features:
- Adequate foot support
- Cushioned supportive insole
- Rubber sole with ridges and/or grooves
- Style (a bonus)
At the end of this article, you’ll find a complete survival guide on how to choose comfortable travel shoes for Europe, but first, let’s take a look at our list of the best shoes for walking on cobblestones:
Comfortable Sandals for Europe
Söfft Mirabelle Sandal
In the summertime, nothing beats a sandal, 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.
Sandals are the most comfortable shoes for traveling in europe in the summer, particularly in destinations with hot weather such as Rome, where the heat is absolutely overwhelming. If your feet swell in the heat, wearing enclosed shoes might feel torturous.
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, and they also help protect your shoes from sliding off on the cobblestones.
Shop: Amazon | Nordstrom | Zappos
Naot Sabrina Sandals
TFG’s editor found the Naot Sabrina sandals to be the most comfortable sandals ever! She wore them to walk non-stop through Italy, Switzerland, France, and England on a fast paced 2-week trip. You can see her wearing them in the pictures above and read her full trip report with everything she packed here.
They’re easy to slip on and off and have cute silver hardware on the side of the elastic ankle straps. The footbed molds to your feet, which comfortably allows you to keep hitting the pavement even when your legs want you to stop.
Shop: Amazon
Vionic Kirra Sandal with Arch Support
Sightseeing in Europe is a serious workout! Get ready to walk until you drop. Well, hopefully with the tips in this post we’ll help you avoid that! We just want you to be prepared with the best and most comfortable shoes possible for your European adventure.
Opt for shoes with arch support like the Vionic sandals shown above. This is one of the most popular walking sandals for Europe and pretty much almost any other destination.
Please avoid slip on or slide sandals and definitely no flip-flops. Aside from comfort, it’s very easy to twist your ankle on the uneven streets so a secure shoe is a must.
Read this post for a full list of the most comfortable walking sandals!
Comfortable Slip Ons for Europe
Shop: Amazon | Zappos | Kohl’s | Nordstrom
Dr. Scholl’s Shoes Madison Sneaker
If you prefer a closed-toe option, then slip-ons, oxfords and loafers may be more your style. Look for slip on sneakers like the Dr Scholl’s Madison that offers insole support and cushioning.
Not only do they offer moderate support, they are available in over a dozen colors in sizes from 5-11 but some styles offer wide widths, too. You can always add an insole to some shoes to adjust for your own comfort level.
Shop: Amazon
Skechers Go Walk Joy Walking Shoe
When you’re searching for the best shoes for traveling in Europe, keep in mind that you might be walking 5 to 6 miles per day. You will be exhausted when you’re done exploring the beautiful cities. For that reason, thousands of travelers swear by Skechers walking shoes such as the style shown above.
Nothing beats the Skechers cushioning when you spend all day standing and walking. These tend to be the preferred option for problem feet!
Shop: Amazon
Vionic Splendid Kani Slip-on Walking Shoes
For slip-ons with orthotic arch support, Vionic has the best choice. Readers say that this brand is the best with one stating, “I have about four pairs of Vionics and love them all. They are super supportive and comfortable.”
No matter what shoe you choose, it’s extremely important that your shoes be broken in and comfortable to avoid soreness and blisters. Always pack bandaids and moleskin, just in case.
Tip: Pack a pair or two of these no-show socks to wear with your low-cut shoes.
Comfortable Sneakers for Europe
Shop: Allbirds
Allbirds Wool Runners
Let’s get one thing clear: sneakers are incredibly popular in Europe. Many travelers worry about being pegged as a tourist because they’re wearing sneakers. but that just isn’t the case anymore.
Obviously, there are more fashionable options than others, such as the popular All Birds sneakers shown above, but the bottom line is that it’s what you wear them with – and don’t forget that confidence is the key to style no matter what shoes you have on.
Shop: Amazon | Zappos | Walmart
Skechers Ultra Flex Salutations Sneaker
For fans of Skechers superior comfort, consider the low-key Salutations sneaker. It has a similar clean design to the All Birds including a discreet logo that doesn’t scream comfort shoe brand.
Keep the rest of your outfit minimalist and chic topped with a well-tailored jacket or coat. Your shoes won’t matter to anyone else and the best thing is that you’ll feel ultra-comfortable!
Taos Footwear Star Fashion Sneaker
Stylish sneakers like the Superga Cotu or Converse Shoreline are a popular option for women without foot issues. However, support and comfort is always a priority when it comes to travel. Shoes like Converse that you may have once been able to stand in all day for over 10 hours may no longer be comfortable if your lifestyle has changed over time.
Instead, opt for similar looking sneakers such as the Taos Star Fashion Sneaker. They offer hidden arch support while maintaining a classic design.
Bombas makes the best no-slip, no-show socks and we can’t recommend them enough!
Comfortable Walking Boots for Europe
Blondo Villa Waterproof Ankle Boots
For visiting destinations in the shoulder season or with unpredictable weather, a pair of comfortable, waterproof boots are a must for traveling in Europe. It’s essentials to have footwear that can handle all the elements and keep your feet comfortable, warm, and dry all at the same time.
The Blondo Villa boots shown above are easily the best women’s walking shoes for Europe in Autumn, Winter, and Spring. In fact, this is THE most popular travel boot in the entire TFG community! Our editor also raves about them. Read the full review!
Shop: Amazon | Zappos | Sorel | Moosejaw | Backcountry | Shoes
Sorel Emelie Chelsea Boot
To bear the brunt of cobblestones, look for options with a thick sole and cushioned interior such as the Sorel Emelie shown above, which can be used in both rain and some snow. It has a sturdy rubber sole, which is incredibly helpful offering traction on uneven streets and also when walking downhill on slippery floors.
We’ll take a moment to note that some cities such as Paris or London can even experience rain in the summer. Always check the weather before your trip and opt for waterproof features whenever possible!
For more ideas, take a look at the best and most comfortable women’s waterproof leather boots as voted by TFG’s readers!
Sorel Cate Lace Up Boots
If you can find a pair that you can also wear at home, that’s always the best. Black ankle boots are ultra-versatile and are also a European footwear staple. They can easily be worn casually with jeans or leggings to sightsee and you can dress them up with tights and a dress, too.
Don’t forget about other neutral colors, too. Tan and brown are just as versatile as black shoes and add an element of interest to all-black outfits, too. The Sorel lace up boots shown above are available in a variety of different shades – you’re sure to find your perfect neutral!
Note: don’t be afraid of shoes with some heel. If they’re from “comfort” brands like the ones shown in this post, they’re heeled because they offer arch support. Here are some shoe suggestions if you suffer from serious foot issues such as plantar fasciitis.
Comfortable Ballet Flats for Europe
Shop: Amazon
Yosi Samra Samara II Flats
For the record, we really DO NOT recommend ballet flats as your sightseeing shoes. If you want a dressier shoe option, bring a packable pair like the stylish but budget-friendly Yosi Samra’s shown above.
You can wear these for short periods of time such as in the evenings for dinner when your feet are swollen and you just want to have a change of shoes. They could also work as the shoes you fly in – just promise us you won’t try walking in them all day, please?
If you love ballerina flats and want to wear them for longer periods of time, try to choose a comfort flat like the ones featured here and here.
Shop: Amazon | Nordstrom | Zappos | Hush Puppies | Walmart | DSW
Hush Puppies Chaste Ballet Flats
The Hush Puppies ballet flats shown above are a good option for a dressy, versatile shoe on light travel days or evenings. They’re the readers’ top pick for travel flats. However, we don’t recommend you spend eight hours walking in them. Always look for a flexible sole, cushioned insole, and a soft upper that easily molds to your foot.
We’ll overemphasize that ballet flats are our least favorite option for cobblestones because they tend to offer almost no support. Trust us when we say that your feet will take a beating on those beautiful stone streets.
Shop: Amazon | Nordstrom | Zappos | Dillards
Josef Seibel Pippa 07 Flats
It’s also important to note that some women don’t require as much support as others. One reader raves that her Josef Seibel ballerina flats were some of the best traveling shoes for Europe.
She said, “I love the comfort and look of Joseph Seibel’s black flats. I wore them while touring, walking on cobblestones, and going out to dinner and they still look great.” The ballet flats don’t look very stylish in the pic above, but TFG’s editor tried them on at Nordstrom and they were surprisingly cute!
Take a look at our full list of the most cute and comfortable ballet flats for travel!
My cozy chelsea boots outfit traveling carryon only from London to Paris on the Eurostar (similar style)
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!
Tip: Packing cubes make the perfect shoe bags to protect your luggage from dirty shoes. Take a look at other shoe bag ideas here!
Wearing Naot Sabrina sandals in Italy
Keeping Your Feet Happy
In addition to the best shoes for Europe, there are a few steps you can take to keep your feet happy on your trip:
BREAK IN YOUR SHOES. 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 shoes for traveling 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.
PACK MORE THAN 1 SIGHTSEEING SHOE: 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.”
TAKE IT EASY AT THE END OF THE DAY. 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 the pillow or two. It helps your feet recover and reduces swelling. I’m always shocked how much of a difference it makes!”
Product Comparison Chart
Here’s a quick overview for each of the best walking shoes for Europe:
| SHOE STYLE | PRODUCT 1 | PRODUCT 2 | PRODUCT 3 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Comfortable Sandals for Europe In the summertime, nothing beats a sandal for traveling, but it’s important to find something fashionable and supportive. |
Söfft Mirabelle Sandal Check Price |
Naot Sabrina Sandals Check Price |
Vionic Kirra Sandal with Arch Support Check Price |
| Comfortable 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. |
Dr. Scholl's Shoes Madison Sneaker Check Price |
Skechers Go Walk Joy Walking Shoe Check Price |
Vionic Splendid Kani Slip-on Check Price |
| Comfortable Sneakers for Europe Stylish sneakers are always a good option for any city streets and some of the best walking shoes for Europe. |
Allbirds Wool Runners Check Price |
Skechers Ultra Flex Salutations Sneaker Check Price |
Taos Footwear Star Sneaker Check Price |
| Comfortable 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 Villa Ankle Bootie Check Price |
Sorel Emelie Chelsea Boot Check Price |
Sorel Cate Lace Up Boots Check Price |
| Comfortable 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. |
Yosi Samra Samara II Flats Check Price |
Hush Puppies Chaste Ballet Check Price |
Josef Seibel Pippa 07 Flat 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 🙂