best shoes for traveling europe
When traveling through Europe, your choice of shoes can make or break your experience. Europe is a diverse continent filled with cobblestone streets, rugged trails, and endless avenues for exploration, all demanding the perfect combination of comfort, durability, and style from your footwear. Whether wandering through the historic streets of Rome, hiking in the Swiss Alps, or enjoying the romantic Parisian boulevards, your shoes should keep up with your adventure without sacrificing comfort or your sense of style.
In this post, we’ll discuss the best types of shoes for traveling to Europe, make specific shoe recommendations, and explore what to look for in a perfect travel shoe.
### Why Your Shoe Choice Matters
**Comfort and Support:** The cities and towns of Europe are best explored on foot. Whether walking along the canals of Venice or climbing the hills in Lisbon, your shoes should offer excellent support to prevent fatigue and foot pain after a long day of sightseeing.
**Durability:** European trips often include a mix of urban exploration, day hikes, and casual walks in parks. The shoes you choose should withstand different terrains, weather conditions, and repeated use over weeks of travel.
**Style:** Europeans are known for their sense of fashion, and though comfort is essential, you don’t want to compromise style entirely. A good pair of shoes should transition seamlessly from sightseeing to a nice dinner or a night out without looking out of place.
Let’s explore the types of shoes that offer the best of these qualities.
### 1. **Sneakers: Your Everyday Companion**
best shoes for traveling europe
Sneakers are the most versatile option for traveling through Europe. They offer comfort, support, and breathability, making them suitable for long days of walking. A stylish pair of sneakers can also be worn in casual restaurants or bars without feeling underdressed.
#### What to Look For:
– **Arch Support:** Opt for shoes with good arch support, especially if you have flat feet or any foot condition that requires extra support. Brands like Asics and New Balance are well known for their excellent support.
– **Breathability:** Since European summers can be hot, breathable shoes are a must. Mesh materials help prevent your feet from overheating and comfort you in warmer weather.
– **Lightweight Design:** The last thing you want is to lug around heavy shoes while walking around. Lightweight sneakers are more accessible to pack and wear all day long.
#### Recommended Shoes:
– **Nike Air Zoom Pegasus 40:** This shoe offers a comfortable, cushioned base for all-day wear. The breathable upper mesh keeps your feet cool while the sole provides ample support, perfect for days full of walking.
– **Adidas Ultraboost:** With superior cushioning, these shoes are functional and fashionable. They’re ideal for city walks and light hikes.
– **Allbirds Wool Runners:** These eco-friendly shoes are known for their comfort and simple design. Their Merino wool fabric is temperature-regulating, making them a good option for various weather conditions in Europe.
### 2. **Walking Sandals: Perfect for Hot Climates**
Walking sandals can be a great alternative to sneakers if you’re heading to Mediterranean destinations such as Spain, Greece, or southern Italy, where the summer heat is intense. A high-quality pair of sandals provides support and breathability without sacrificing comfort.
#### What to Look For:
– **Adjustable Straps:** Make sure your sandals have adjustable straps to keep your feet secure and prevent blisters. Shoes with cushioned straps also ensure comfort during long walks.
best shoes for traveling europe
Supportive Footbed: Many sandals have contoured footbeds that provide excellent arch support. Look for sandals with cushioning and shock-absorbing soles to protect your feet from hard surfaces.
– **Durability:** Invest in a pair made from high-quality materials, as they will last longer and withstand the elements.
#### Recommended Shoes:
– **Teva Original Universal Sandals:** These sandals are lightweight, durable, and water-friendly, making them ideal for beach days and walking around coastal cities. They offer enough support to keep your feet comfortable even after miles of walking.
– **ECCO Yucatan Sandals:** These sandals are a fantastic option for those seeking both style and support. They have a rugged outsole for traction and a soft footbed for all-day comfort.
Birkenstock Arizona:** These iconic sandals have contoured cork footbeds that mold to your foot shape over time, providing excellent comfort and support.
### 3. **Ankle Boots: For Cooler Climates and Versatility**
A solid pair of ankle boots is essential if you’re traveling during the fall or winter or venturing to northern Europe (think Scandinavia or the UK). Not only do they provide warmth, but they can also be quite stylish, quickly transitioning from casual daywear to a chic evening outfit.
#### What to Look For:
– **Water Resistance:** Northern Europe, in particular, can be rainy. Opt for waterproof or water-resistant boots to keep your feet dry.
– **Comfort and Cushioning:** Like sneakers, your boots should provide enough cushioning and arch support to withstand long days of walking.
– **Durable Soles:** Cobblestone streets are no joke—look for boots with thick, sturdy soles that provide good traction.
#### Recommended Shoes:
– **Blundstone 550 Series Boots:** These are durable, waterproof, and easy to slip on and off, making them perfect for rainy days and long walks. Plus, they pair well with both casual and semi-dressy outfits.
best shoes for traveling europe
Timberland Courmayeur Valley Chelsea Boots:** These stylish boots offer excellent traction and comfort for walking, and their sleek design transitions well from day to night.
– **Dr. Martens 1460:** Known for their durability and comfort, these boots can withstand harsh weather conditions while looking fashionable.
### 4. **Slip-On Shoes: Convenience and Style**
Slip-ons are ideal for those who want shoes that are easy to take on and off, especially when going through airport security or quickly switching between indoor and outdoor activities. They’re also great for short walks or casual outings where you don’t need the same level of support as you would for a full day of sightseeing.
#### What to Look For:
– **Lightweight Design:** Slip-ons should be lightweight and packable to bring them along quickly.
– **Cushioning:** Although these shoes are usually worn for shorter walks, you should still look for cushioning in the footbed to maintain comfort.
– **Breathability:** Mesh or canvas materials help keep your feet cool, particularly during the summer.
#### Recommended Shoes:
– **TOMS Classic Slip-Ons:** These iconic shoes are lightweight and easy to pack, making them an excellent choice for short walks or casual days. Plus, they come in various colors and patterns to match your style.
best shoes for traveling europe
– **Vans Slip-On Sneakers:** Vans are a classic choice for travel. They are both stylish and comfortable. They provide a decent amount of support for short walks and are incredibly easy to slip on and off.
– **Skechers Walk Joy:** Known for their comfort and easy fit, these slip-ons are perfect for a few hours of walking or a quick errand when you need something comfortable.
### Final Thoughts: Picking the Right Shoes for Your European Adventure
Choosing the best shoes for traveling Europe comes down to understanding the type of travel you’re doing and the climate of your destination. Whether wandering the streets of a city, hiking in the mountains, or lounging by the beach, your shoes should be comfortable, durable, and stylish.
When in doubt, consider packing two pairs: one for extensive walking (sneakers or boots) and one for casual wear (slip-ons or sandals). The right shoes will help you get the most out of your trip, allowing you to enjoy Europe’s beauty, history, and culture without foot pain.
Safe travels, and happy walking!
