“What are the best travel shoes for Italy?” This is always one of the biggest dilemmas for women traveling to Europe! In this post, our readers help you avoid looking like a tourist with their expert tips. Find out their suggestions!
What are the Best Travel Shoes for Italy?
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Travel Fashion Girl help! A reader asks:
I’m going to Rome for one week. I want to be fashionable, yet I know we will walk a lot! How do I combine comfort and style? It’s supposed to be rainy and getting chilly. What are the best travel shoes for Italy?
Great question! Shoes for Italy need to be incredibly comfortable! Not only do they have to be broken in, but you should be able to walk on them on the cobblestone streets. If you are unsure about how to pack your shoes, packing cubes make the perfect shoe bags to protect your luggage form dirty shoes!
Here are some tips on the best walking shoes for Europe–including on cobblestone streets!
These are the best travel shoes for Italy in hot weather:
Wedges
Elevate your Italian wardrobe with a stylish pair of wedges! Not only are wedges ultra fashionable and offered in a variety of cute styles, but they’re also a great heel option for female travelers and are an ideal choice for Italy and the cobblestone streets in Europe. As well as being perfect for if you need something dressier.
The wedge featured above is from Clarks, which gets an A+ from Travel Fashion Girl for both comfort and style! Keep things neutral in a versatile sand shade or a plain black color. The vibrant orange pair is perfect if you want to go bold.
Find out our favorite cute and most comfortable wedges for travel!
Slip-Ons
For easy and hassle-free footwear, opt for a comfortable pair of slip-on flats. With a structure that’s simple and a look that’s stylish, these are a fantastic travel-friendly option to bring along.
If you want to go the clog route, try Swedish Hasbeens. Travel shoe brands Merrell and Crocs (they have cute Mary Jane styles now) can offer some balance of fashionable comfort.
Here’s our top picks for the most comfortable and cute walking shoes for travel!
Sandals
For hot summer days, Birkenstocks have been quite fashionable in Europe in recent years and are very popular amongst our readers. These are by far THE best and most comfortable sandals for Italy in the summer.
From the tour guides to the locals and travelers alike, everyone is wearing them! Stay comfortable in the heat and opt for a pair of these comfy sandals.
Here’s a list of our readers’ favorite comfy sandals for travel!
Stylish Sneakers
Do you need your feet to be covered? If you’re a sneaker girl, bring your Converse or Adidas. It seems that EVERYONE has on a pair of classic sneakers especially the popular Adidas Stan Smith style. These are ideal for summer and moderate weather year round.
Here’s a list of the most comfortable slip on sneakers for travel!
These are the best travel shoes for Italy in cold weather:
Blondo Waterproof Leather Boot
Boots
As if it can’t be recommended enough, boots are a total Europe must-have. Boots are a must for any time of year. The Blondo boots shown above are THE most recommended boots for travel! They’re stylish, waterproof, and comfortable. What else could you ask for?
Ankle boots are ideal for mild days with light showers but bring some mid-calf or tall boots for heavy rain. Some travelers also suggest stylish galoshes such as Hunter boots. Others suggest tall Neos to wear over any shoes. They’re very packable. Take a reusable dry pouch to stow them when they are wet.
Italians wear high quality, solid leather boots throughout autumn and winter. Shopping tip: don’t take them but buy some gorgeous boots there!
Take a look at the most recommended waterproof leather boots for Europe!
Ankle Boots
Ankle boots are a total Europe must-have. In fact, black ankle boots are some of the easiest shoes to travel with in Europe when it’s cold.
Black and navy in particular are popular neutral shades amongst Europeans, making them great color choices for ankle boots. Blend in with locals and instantly polish up your look by slipping on a pair of these beauties.
Discover the best ankle booties for travel to Europe!
Tall Boots
We love tall boots because they can act as both a stylish shoe option and something that keeps you dry during any unexpected rainfall.
The multifunctional Teva riding boot above is a perfect example of this, with an appearance that looks like a chic leather boot but a structure that consists of waterproof material. Finish off the look with a pair of dark wash jeans and a stylish raincoat.
Tip: Most travelers agree that three is the magic number when it comes to packing shoes! Learn more about how to create a travel capsule wardrobe with just three pairs of shoes!
Columbia Pardon My Trench Rain Jacket | Cole Haan Packable Rain Jacket
LIGHT, WARM COAT
As well as needing boots for protection against the rain. You should also consider deciding between bringing a lightweight down jacket, waterproof parka, or a trench coat based on the weather forecast.
If you choose a warm, water-repellent coat, pick a style with some tailoring or a well-fitting silhouette. You want to avoid outdoor-type jackets. Instead, look for a more feminine rain coat appropriate for cities.
Do as the Europeans do and choose chic, classic pieces. A little black dress or stylish black pants with a wrap style blouse plus comfy shoes are always in style!
Read this Rome packing list for more tips on what to wear on your trip!
Here’s a quick guide summary of the best travel shoes for Italy:
| SHOE STYLE | FEATURED PRODUCT | RATING | PRICE |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wedges: A great heel option for female travelers and are an ideal choice for Italy and the cobblestone streets in Europe. |
Clarks Annadel Eirwyn |
Check Price | |
| Slip-ons: For easy and hassle-free footwear, opt for a comfortable pair of slip-on flats. |
Aerosoles You Betcha Loafer |
Check Price | |
| Sandals: For hot summer days, Birkenstocks have been quite fashionable in Europe in recent years and are very popular amongst our readers. |
Birkenstock Yara Leather |
Check Price | |
| Stylish Sneakers: These are ideal for summer and moderate weather year round. |
Adidas Stan Smith |
Check Price | |
| Waterproof Boots: Italians wear high quality, solid leather boots throughout autumn and winter. |
Blondo Waterproof Leather Boot |
Check Price | |
| Ankle Boots: These are some of the easiest shoes to travel with in Europe when it's cold. |
Seychelles Lucky Penny Bootie |
Check Price | |
| Tall boots: They can act as both a stylish shoe option and something that keeps you dry during any unexpected rainfall. |
Teva De La Vina Boots |
Check Price |
Don’t let your shoes ruin the trip of a lifetime! Click the below articles for more suggestions on the best travel shoes for Italy (and the rest of Europe):
- 10 Cute and Comfortable Ballet Flats
- Ankle Booties are the Best Travel Shoes for Europe in Spring and Fall
- What Shoes to Wear in Paris
- Should I Pack Heels for Europe?
- Cute and Comfortable Walking Shoes for Europe
- The Unexpected Travel Shoe that’s Perfect for Europe
Read our ultimate guide on how to choose the best shoes for travel to any destination!
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Hey! What is your opinion of Sorel wedges for Italy first week of April? I have gray laced and Camel slipon Joan’s. I like the wedge and wear easily 12 hours a day. I’m a hairstylist so I’m on my feet a lot! I think they are really comfy…but those Italian cobblestone roads… I worry both about seasonal fashion and function. What do you think?
Hi Melani, they sound like a fantastic pair of shoes, very stylish. The best advice I can give you is to ensure that you pack shoes which you find comfortable and can stand to wear for the hours of sightseeing you are bound to do. We recommend that you pack no more than three pairs of shoes, so you could pack your Sorel wedges and then another pair of flat shoes in case you find your wedges uncomfortable for the cobblestone roads. Also the best tip is to monitor the forecast for your specific trip dates to ensure that you have the most appropriate footwear for the weather, if it is raining or cooler you may want to think about choosing an alternative style to your wedges. Hope this helps answer your question. Have the most incredible trip!! 🙂
Hi! My husband and I are traveling to Italy in early April for our 10th wedding anniversary. His grandparents were from there. We will be spending 3 days in Vemice, 3 in Tuscany, and 3 in Rome. Any tips on what to wear? Will skechers go walk shoes be too touristy?
Hi Ashley, this ten step guide to packing for Italy may be great place to start planning: https://www.travelfashiongirl.com/10-step-packing-guides/10-step-packing-guide-italy/ You should be fine wearing your sketchers shoes, ensure you pack shoes which are comfortable. Also it entirely depends on the weather forecast. It’s important to research the weather now and closer to your travels for the most accurate indication on what shoes to bring. Hope this helps. Happy anniversary, have an incredible trip!! 🙂
All you commenters sound pretty young-any suggestions for an old lady (77) who can only wear flat shoe and whose legs get tired when walking
Hi Pat, thank you for your comment. We have a variety of articles specifically targeted for women over 40: https://www.travelfashiongirl.com/over-40-fashion/ Take a look. You may also find this article helpful: https://www.travelfashiongirl.com/fashion-for-women-over-60-shoes-for-older-women/ Hope this helps! 🙂
I am in my 50s with young children and wear 1. Nike RN sneakers (lightweight, good cushioning), 2. Kork Ease gold (important to get this color due to leather softness) platform sandals in the lowest height, and 3. Birkenstock Mayari. I can walk 16 miles a day comfortably in the Birkenstocks. We walk a LOT in Italy, and I have taken this trio of shoes on a few trips to both northern Italy and southern Italy. Spring and summer. Enjoy!
Wow. Thank you for making this. I plan to visit Italy soon for vacation.
Enjoy!
I’m going to Sicily this June. Any tips on.what to bring in terms of outfits and shoes?
Hi Jessica, read this guide for full details: https://www.travelfashiongirl.com/10-step-packing-guides/10-step-packing-guide-italy/
Ballet flats for walking around Rome? Don’t do it! You will surely regret it. Wear some of the other fine suggestions for daytime walking and save the flats for dinner.
I have walked all day long in Paris and all over Italy in what I’ve found to be the most comfortable sandals: KorkEase one inch Myrna wedges and Eileen Fisher sport sandals. Both still look cute. No blisters and supported cushioning.
Great suggestion Lynda, thanks!
I’m used to wear Loriblu summer sneakers instead… great for walking and sooo stylish!!!
sound good, will take a look at them!
Hi Fashion Girl, your link to the slip on loafer does not go to the orange slip on featured in the picture. Can you tell me the brand and name of the orange slip on loafer?
Jenny
Hi Jenny, the items get sold out instantly so unfortunately, we link to the categories so our readers can search for available products instead 🙂
I walked 2 weeks through Euope…City sneakers are the best…cute and comfortable!!
I used Ralph Lauren Black City leather slip on sneakers.
Thanks for the recommendation Anna!!
All Birds – these are woollen sneakers and are trully the most comfortable shoes ever made. Wearing them feels like you sre just wearing a pair of thick, woolly socks!!
Wow those sound incredible!! I’ll have to look into them, thanks for the recommendation Georgina!
I wore ballet flats to Europe and got shin splints!!!!! My feet and legs ached until I purchased a pair of comfortable sneakers there. If you plan to do a lot of walking get shoes that support the sides of your feet and ankles-like Converse sneakers or Mephisto sandals. Both give a lot of support when walking on sand, cobble stones and hard surfaces. Your feet will thank you! Happy Travels!
Great tip! Shoes are certainly the most important part of your travel wardrobe!
I still haven’t found the best walking shoes…Skechers actually hurt my feet because I have wide feet – and wide sizes are often too wide in the heel. Also, memory foam tends to make my toes go numb. I love shoes, but times like these I really hate my feet! I want to be comfortable and not look clunky, and I don’t know if it’s possible. I’m going to Italy in early November, and we will be walking a lot, so I’m still trying to track down one good fit!
Oh man! It is really tough finding the right shoes! This post may help you out more: https://travelfashiongirl.com/20-comfortable-and-cute-walking-shoes-for-travel/
We recently came back from Rome for 11 days. I had a pedometer so on average we walked 20,000 steps a day or 8 to 12 miles! Most in my life and I am 42 years old! Anyway, forget looking cute, I wore my Skechers Go Walk 2 shoes in beige. So comfortable it was incredible.
I’ve been wondering about the Go Walk Skechers shoes, Good to know they’re a great walking shoe! Thanks for sharing!
I was thinking about Sketchers to wear to Italy, but not sure about the arch support. They are super comfy, but they do get hot and do not have a lot of arch support.
Your Skechers might be really heaven to put on at the END of the day when your feet need a treat. That’s what I did in London. Boy were my feet tired at the end of those days!😀
I like wearing cute Birkenstocks (they have a vast array of styles and colors) and also Mephistos sandals (super comfortable). I also pack a pair of New Balance retro trainers and this year I am taking a pair of 1 3/4″ Swedish Hasbeens sandals… will see how those work out. 😀
I love how the current fashion trends are working perfectly for travel shoes too 🙂 Let me know how the 3/4″ Swedish Hasbeens sandals work out! Thanks 🙂