Let’s rescue your feet from the rustic beauty of the cobblestone streets of Europe!!! Let’s ensure we always have happy feet throughout our travels!!!
Short on time? Let’s get straight to the important part. A quick and sweet sum-up of what the article offers for the best shoes for touring Europe. Below are the categories I will cover, along with the best options in each of them, to make it easier for you to make your pick.
- Top Pick (Flats): Rockport Total Motion Ballet
- Top Pick (Loafers & Oxfords): Clarks Juliet Loafer & Cole Haan Grand
- Top Pick (Smart Sneakers): Nike Zoom Pegasus Turbo 2 & Cole Haan 2
- Top Pick (Boots): Dr. Scholl’s Calf Boot & Hush Puppie Cyra Chukka Boot
- Top Pick (Hiking Boots): Danner 30800 Mountain Light & KEEN Targhee II
- Top Pick (Sandals): Birkenstock Unisex Sandals & KEEN Whisper Sandal
- Top Pick (Flip-Flops): OOFOS OOlala Thong Sandal & Nike Slide Sandal
What are the significant features to keep at the top of your list while selecting The Best Shoes for Touring Europe????
There are a lot of aspects of touring Europe that can either make or break your fun trip. When thinking about The Best Shoes for Touring Europe, several things come to mind.
The beautiful cobblestoned alleys filled with European charm would be the first on my mind. These rustic streets can surely leave your feet crying out loud, with either a blister or a sprained ankle.
If well planned, this can indeed be avoided, leaving you with a gush of happiness while you wander these streets.
A few pointers you need to keep a keen eye out for a while picking The Best Shoes for Touring Europe!!!!
Season:
For a fact, the season plays a vital role in what kind of shoes you choose to carry on your trip to Europe.
Obviously, no one will need high boots while traveling to, say, Italy in the Summer! Sandals will be the more appropriate choice here. However, a trip to the alps during the winters would surely need the perfect winter boots.
Comfort:
I’m usually a person who tends always to put fashion before anything else. However, while touring Europe, I indeed say put comfort before style or fashion. That’s if you are looking at getting in a lot of sightseeing and fun.
I would put a great pair of comfortable walking shoes at the top of my list. For all, you fashionistas out there, worrying about how cool and stylish your Instagram picture will look, DON’T WORRY. There are a lot of stylish and fun walking shoes to choose from. Trust me, they exist!!!
Practicality and Terrian:
Don’t forget that Europe is a continent best seen on foot. Long walks through the scenic countrysides or the wandering trails along the rustic cobblestone paths. Each have their charm and beauty.
But all these uneven surfaces can wretch havoc for your feet, especially if you aren’t wearing the appropriate shoes.
We all seem to love watching the Parisian women or the high fashion Italian women walk the streets in their high heels. However, we don’t realize that they have had years of practice, which we indeed don’t have.
So, let’s allow practically to rule over us and make the smart choice of choosing shoes that are cute and stylish yet practical.
Don’t forget to ask yourself these questions…
Does my trip entail a lot of walking??? Is it a beach destination??? What about mountain hiking??? Or just the cobblestones streets??? There will be different answers for all these questions. Example great walking sneakers, Sandals or flip-flops, hiking boots, or just a pair of wedge heels or cute flats.
Ensure you make your pick wisely because there is nothing more painful and having the wrong shoes on while on a trip. It surely won’t be much fun if your feet are killing you.
Waterproof:
No matter which location you pick in Europe, if it’s during the cloudy and rainy season, you surely will need a pair of waterproof shoes. If you are looking to travel to the Netherlands or Ireland, you surely need great water-sturdy shoes and an umbrella on you!!!
No matter how comfortable or stylish or even practical your shoes are, if they aren’t waterproof, they aren’t going to serve the purpose. You are going to land up with miserably sore, cold, and tired feet. Goretex is known to be one of the best materials when it comes to waterproof shoes.
Weight:
If you are planning to backpack through Europe, then the weight would surely be crucial. Even if you are planning budget travel, many airlines only allow carry-on’s, which are a particular weight limit.
Apart from this, one should also consider what your feet feel about the weight it needs to carry through your long sightseeing days. Try to avoid heavy shoes as they create additional fatigue for your feet as well as your luggage.
Foot Conditions which need care:
If you are someone who’s feet decide how long you can walk because of a prior condition, then make sure you choose wisely. Ensure you make your pick for The Best Shoes for Touring Europe bases your feet’s requirements.
When you are picking out walking shoes, keep in mind conditions like High Arches, Plantar Fasciitis, Metatarsal Pain, Bunions, Flat Feet, etc.
Style and Fashion:
The fashion you choose to wear and how you style yourself says a lot about one’s personality. However, if you are looking to blend in and not be tagged as a tourist, one needs to understand a few things.
In Europe, people don’t tend to be overly forthcoming about what brands they wear. When it comes to the loud display of brand names etc., when traveling around Europe, try to keep it simple if you are looking to blend in. If not, go all the way; your style is who you are!!!! Be proud of it…
So Happy Wandering, Happy Reading! Happy shopping!
The Best Shoes for Touring Europe: Different Styles and Types
So, let get our bags packed and our shoes ready for yet another adventure through Europe!!!
Flats Review
These versatile shoes will keep you incredibly comfortable and fresh throughout the day.
Many travelers tend to vouch for flats more than any other style when it comes to versatility and comfort.
While making your selection ensure they have the perfect cushioning and support to keep your feet comfortable and protected. They should also have soles with enough traction for cobblestone alleys.
Pros/Features:
- Travelers tend to put them very high on their lists
- Very versatile. Can be worn on jeans, dresses and other get-up’s
- Excellent for backpackers, lightweight travelers
- Great for short trips or an evening out
- If well padded, they can provide the utmost comfort
Cons:
- Cannot be made more comfortable by wearing socks
- If you don’t make the right pick, they can have hardly to no cushioning and support
- Not Ideal for the winters and distant walks or cobblestone pathways
Loafers & Oxfords Review
These are a part of the flats bucket of shoe styles. Over the years, they have made their comeback in a big way. Hence, I decided to give them a title of their own.
Rating high on the fashion and style scale, these vintage and retro yet modern chic shoes are versatile.
They tend to make any outfit look more stylish and classier. I love them because some options can be worn with socks, which helps with adding comfort.
Pros/Features:
- Since they fall in the flat’s category, they are adored
- Their rustic yet fashion-forward look makes them a crowd pleaser
- Versatile fashion at its very best
- Most options tend to come with ample cushioning and support
- You can also add additional cushioning inside if needed
Cons:
- Not everyone tends to like this style of flats
- The fact that a lot of them have lacing sometimes is an issue
Smart Sneakers Review
Sneakers by themselves are loved by one and all when it comes to traveling.
However, add on smart to the equation, and you have yourself a great pair of smart, fashionable, comfortable, and stylish sneakers.
They are indeed an all-rounder when it comes to travel comfort.
Pros/Features:
- They have entered the fashion world and are here to stay, even in Europe
- Their overall comfort has made them a crowd pleaser
- They have excellent cushioning and support
- You can also add additional cushioning inside if required
- They are great for exceptional cases like flat feet, plantar fasciitis, etc.
- They fulfill most travel activities
- Great for long walks and sightseeing trips
- Best shoes for cobblestone streets
- Very hard to make the wrong choice when it comes to smart sneakers
- Pick a simple style, and it will make itself versatile
Cons:
- They are not as versatile as we may want them to be
- May not be great for dressier outfits and occasions
- Not ideal for beach travels
- Not suitable for places where you may find a downpour
Boots & Riders Boots Review
Travelers, when asked about which were their favorite travel shoes, most opted for boots.
They tend to be very easy to transition from day to evening or night. No matter the setup or the location, they leave you looking stylish. They also allow you to cover a wide range of activities as they are very comfortable and supportive.
Try to opt for styles with strong, thick, and lower heels. If you are heading into a colder climate, try opting for high boots or heavy-duty snow or climate change boots.
Pros/Features:
- They can never look anything but fashionable
- They are very comfortable and supportive; most options come with adequate cushioning
- Most options also tend to be waterproof
- They tend to keep your feet in excellent health and dry and happy
- Great for colder temperatures
- Lower heels are more practical
- Boots tend to be very versatile, no matter the outfit. They can make you look stylish
Cons:
- Not the best pick for a warmer climate or a summer traveler
- Not an excellent choice for weight-watchers, unless you decide to wear them while traveling and not pack them
Hiking Boots Review
Hiking boots are a very technical category of shoes and need an in-depth article on them. I will do one soon.
Try and find yourself a great set of hiking boots, which are also brilliant for long walks.
This means you have the very best at your feet. Four brands that most travelers swear by are Keens, Danner, Timberland, and Merrells.
Pros/Features:
- Not an excellent option for weight-watchers
- Not ideal for warmer climates, unless well researched and selected
Cons:
- Not the best pick for a warmer climate or a summer traveler
- Not an excellent choice for weight-watchers, unless you decide to wear them while traveling and not pack them
Sandals Review
If your travels include countries like Spain, Greece, Mexico, etc., ensure you have a great quality pair of sandals.
Make sure they are very supportive and comfortable so that it can take you through your trip with ease.
Pros/Features:
- Great for hotter climates and beachy travels
- They can be very fashionable yet quite comfort giving
- Super lightweight and no packing stress
- Great for sightseeing and long days
Cons:
- Not great for colder weather travels
- Not great for people with foot conditions
- Not great for people who need extra padding and foot support
- Not great for many activities
Flip-Flops Review
If you plan a beach getaway, the first item on your list after a swimsuit is your flip-flops.
Soak up the sun, feel the breeze through your hair and the sand at your feet. But never forget to carry a great pair of flip-flops, it just always makes everything better.
Pros/Features:
- They are one’s best friends if your travel is to a beach location
- They are weight-friendly, and everyone is happy to carry them as they hardly take up any space
- They are comfortable and easy
Cons:
- They are indeed not ideal for extended days of walking and sightseeing
- They aren’t suited for colder travels
- They aren’t great for dressed up activities
- They aren’t a very versatile option unless you are on a beach travel
Conclusion:
To conclude, I would like to say that one must ensure they keep their feet very, very happy no matter what. This is to ensure your feet allow you to have a wonderful and fruitful trip.
Thus, making your pick on The Best Shoes for Touring Europe is very crucial. There are a few points to keep in mind before you jump and find your pair of The Best Shoes for Touring Europe. This will ensure Happy feet!!!!
Ensure you always have HAPPY FEET!!!
Ensure you invest in excellent foot care. Pick the best insoles, which can add extraordinary comfort. Wear great socks to keep good foot health and prevent blisters. Always ensure you carry a blister kit in your baggage.
Ensure you break into your shoes before the big TRIP!!!
One of the best things you can do for your feet on a long trip is to ensure your feet are given time to break in your new footwear before heading out.
Ensure you carry 2 or 3 pairs of comfortable shoes!!!
It allows you to keep switching shoes throughout your trip basis events or locations. This also allows your feet to be comfortable without having to be in the same pair of shoes all the time.
Lastly, ensure you pamper your feet and give them rest!!!
Pamper your feet whenever possible, with some nice warm water and great creams. Allow them to sleep as well as you do by night. Resting your feet allows you to get set and ready for another long and fun-filled day ahead.
Looking out for travelling shoes in general??? Check out our article on “The 3Categories Of The Best Shoes For African Safari.“
So, Invest in travel, it’s an investment in one’s self. The world is ours!!! Everything is possible!!!
Wandering Feet, Happy Feet, Happy Us…
*** Please note all of the above is written using data, research, and reviews. We don’t intentionally want to recommend one product over another.