What Shoes to Take to Europe - 5 Rules for the Right Shoes - Wolters World
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Date: 2022-02-04
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Comments and reviews: 10
Rachel
Gosh, I couldn't disagree more about the buying the shoes where you are. Breaking in shoes is a real issue for some people, and bandaids don't help if your feet are really rubbing badly. Nothing ruins a trip more quickly than uncomfortable shoes, so my rule is exactly the opposite: take ones from home that you KNOW are super comfy and you can walk a long distance in, even if they are not stylish where you are going. Also, buying shoes that are trendy where you are, only works if you are actually stylish enough to wear them at home. You're only on vacation for a few weeks. Don't buy shoes you will only wear for those three weeks.
I understand your point about not wanting to be a target, but I think that is a lot less about the shoes and a lot more about the language and how lost you look. I wear American running shoes all the time in Paris and I'm not taken as a tourist because I know where I'm going and it shows. Obviously, that can't always be the case, so I also think it's better to assume you will be taken for a tourist and protect your things accordingly (as you obviously advise too.
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Gosh, I couldn't disagree more about the buying the shoes where you are. Breaking in shoes is a real issue for some people, and bandaids don't help if your feet are really rubbing badly. Nothing ruins a trip more quickly than uncomfortable shoes, so my rule is exactly the opposite: take ones from home that you KNOW are super comfy and you can walk a long distance in, even if they are not stylish where you are going. Also, buying shoes that are trendy where you are, only works if you are actually stylish enough to wear them at home. You're only on vacation for a few weeks. Don't buy shoes you will only wear for those three weeks.
I understand your point about not wanting to be a target, but I think that is a lot less about the shoes and a lot more about the language and how lost you look. I wear American running shoes all the time in Paris and I'm not taken as a tourist because I know where I'm going and it shows. Obviously, that can't always be the case, so I also think it's better to assume you will be taken for a tourist and protect your things accordingly (as you obviously advise too.
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Pluscelamemechose
Ok, so running shoes are comfy and broken in. They are also usually stained, torn, stretched out and the bottoms are collapsing. Add that to the schlep leggings/sweats/sweatshirts/logo tshirts most US travelers wear and you have homeless/bag person written all over you. My own sister is guilty of this. She looks like she's crawled out from under a cardboard edifice. Add a death grip around a refillable cup advertising star bcks, and you can bet she's headed for the bathroom yet again. Its disgusting. She hasn't run 50 yards in 40 years, but she repeatedly buys those shoes. Clean they scream I don't exercise and dirty they scream I don't care. Self respect feels better than running shoes, but you can't tell that to some people. It takes EFFORT to make yourself presentable. Presentable isn't just for weddings and funerals. And it can't be found crumpled up at the bottom of the clothes basket. If you're not going where you want in life, it might be that your clothes tell the world you think you're going nowhere.
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Ok, so running shoes are comfy and broken in. They are also usually stained, torn, stretched out and the bottoms are collapsing. Add that to the schlep leggings/sweats/sweatshirts/logo tshirts most US travelers wear and you have homeless/bag person written all over you. My own sister is guilty of this. She looks like she's crawled out from under a cardboard edifice. Add a death grip around a refillable cup advertising star bcks, and you can bet she's headed for the bathroom yet again. Its disgusting. She hasn't run 50 yards in 40 years, but she repeatedly buys those shoes. Clean they scream I don't exercise and dirty they scream I don't care. Self respect feels better than running shoes, but you can't tell that to some people. It takes EFFORT to make yourself presentable. Presentable isn't just for weddings and funerals. And it can't be found crumpled up at the bottom of the clothes basket. If you're not going where you want in life, it might be that your clothes tell the world you think you're going nowhere.
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Jasmine
Ergonomic lace up shoes will give your foot support, stability and laces are more supportive than slip ons. Choose a waterproof style in a neutral colour, and wear these when walking. You can get similar boots too. Trainers with good insole support are fine in Europe, in Britain particularly in London you'll see a lot of trainers worn to travel in.
Choose orthotic insoles if your shoes aren't ergonomic.
On an average European trip, apart from these bring a spare pair of insoles, slippers, one dress shoe and a pair of low heeled sandals with supportive straps.
You are right and spot on about shoes. Leather is best, it's breathable and your feet won't sweat as much as nylon or plastic.
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Ergonomic lace up shoes will give your foot support, stability and laces are more supportive than slip ons. Choose a waterproof style in a neutral colour, and wear these when walking. You can get similar boots too. Trainers with good insole support are fine in Europe, in Britain particularly in London you'll see a lot of trainers worn to travel in.
Choose orthotic insoles if your shoes aren't ergonomic.
On an average European trip, apart from these bring a spare pair of insoles, slippers, one dress shoe and a pair of low heeled sandals with supportive straps.
You are right and spot on about shoes. Leather is best, it's breathable and your feet won't sweat as much as nylon or plastic.
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Ellie
I do think it's important to blend in - for the main reason of avoiding the attention of theives who are all over the major cities in Europe especially Rome. However I've also bought shoes when travelling and found that for the purposes of immediate wear - this is not so good an idea. Australia - especially Sydney and Melbourne have so much range (including converse of course) that I find I prefer the shoes here and can wear them in before I go rather than the newshoes dictating how much walking I can do because they've given me blisters and are generally uncomfortable. I also think flip flops should be included - only for the beach and in the shower /public bathing areas of course.
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I do think it's important to blend in - for the main reason of avoiding the attention of theives who are all over the major cities in Europe especially Rome. However I've also bought shoes when travelling and found that for the purposes of immediate wear - this is not so good an idea. Australia - especially Sydney and Melbourne have so much range (including converse of course) that I find I prefer the shoes here and can wear them in before I go rather than the newshoes dictating how much walking I can do because they've given me blisters and are generally uncomfortable. I also think flip flops should be included - only for the beach and in the shower /public bathing areas of course.
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Kristen
After two visits to Europe I learned the hard way! I found for me, wearing Grasshoppers with adding in separate Superfeet insoles have worked like a charm. My arch is weak so having just a little extra support goes a long way! Wearing tennis shoes/sneakers did nothing for my feet the first trip. Lastly, Grasshopper shoes have a good simple look to them and many colors go with anything you wear. Remember in most European countries, wearing understated clothing is key for not standing out like a tourist. Avoid the white sneaker!
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After two visits to Europe I learned the hard way! I found for me, wearing Grasshoppers with adding in separate Superfeet insoles have worked like a charm. My arch is weak so having just a little extra support goes a long way! Wearing tennis shoes/sneakers did nothing for my feet the first trip. Lastly, Grasshopper shoes have a good simple look to them and many colors go with anything you wear. Remember in most European countries, wearing understated clothing is key for not standing out like a tourist. Avoid the white sneaker!
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Angarsk100
As a guy, I was used to always wear tennis shoes for long walks. My last minute decision was to bring boots, the short (up to the ankle) cushioned type and with soft rubber soles. I can't over emphasize how glad I am I did that. I walked all day long with the exception of days when we rode the train and I didn't get one single blister, never even felt the urge to pull them off as soon as I got to the hotel. Hope that helps.
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As a guy, I was used to always wear tennis shoes for long walks. My last minute decision was to bring boots, the short (up to the ankle) cushioned type and with soft rubber soles. I can't over emphasize how glad I am I did that. I walked all day long with the exception of days when we rode the train and I didn't get one single blister, never even felt the urge to pull them off as soon as I got to the hotel. Hope that helps.
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nem4youb
I am planning an extended trip to Europe and I am a runner. So I plan on bringing my running shoes. Since they take up so much room in the carry-on, I will be wearing them when I travel. So there's that. Otherwise, I will be wearing a good pair of walking shoes or soft clogs. But let's face it, there's no hiding my nationality no matter what shoes I wear!
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I am planning an extended trip to Europe and I am a runner. So I plan on bringing my running shoes. Since they take up so much room in the carry-on, I will be wearing them when I travel. So there's that. Otherwise, I will be wearing a good pair of walking shoes or soft clogs. But let's face it, there's no hiding my nationality no matter what shoes I wear!
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kira
so what about having flat feet, i wear hiking shoes because there really great for support, when i wear flat shoes or boots my feet ankles and knees hurt in mins, i don't want to look like a tourist but my shoes are really important for my jacked up feet are there any different shoes you can recommend i don't like shoe inserts because they dont work for me.
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so what about having flat feet, i wear hiking shoes because there really great for support, when i wear flat shoes or boots my feet ankles and knees hurt in mins, i don't want to look like a tourist but my shoes are really important for my jacked up feet are there any different shoes you can recommend i don't like shoe inserts because they dont work for me.
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Anita
I like your rule # 5. Thats the best. Ive lived in Europe for many years and always found great things to buy, high quality and lower price. You get value. Plus, since they walk a lot there, they know how to make a good shoe for just that. Take an empty suitcase and go shopping the first day. Youll be too jet lagged to do much else.
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I like your rule # 5. Thats the best. Ive lived in Europe for many years and always found great things to buy, high quality and lower price. You get value. Plus, since they walk a lot there, they know how to make a good shoe for just that. Take an empty suitcase and go shopping the first day. Youll be too jet lagged to do much else.
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David
Good shoes are vital. I had really bad blisters by the 3rd day from walking with a new pair of shoes that weren't broken in. You dont want to have to spend one of your precious vacation days laid up cause of bad blisters in your feet
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Good shoes are vital. I had really bad blisters by the 3rd day from walking with a new pair of shoes that weren't broken in. You dont want to have to spend one of your precious vacation days laid up cause of bad blisters in your feet
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