At the risk of raising Fodorites' ire, I have a shoe question. I'm going to be going to Italy, Switzerland and France for a month in September. Mostly it will be the large cities, but with 2 days of light hiking (Cinque Terre and Alps). I'm wondering if Danskos (Golden Gate collection, which have a wider, lower base than their famous Professional clogs) might work for the whole trip. If other women have done this, could you let me know what shoes you brought?
(And yes, I have searched and read the many other posts about shoes on this forum. But not whether Danskos could do the mild hikes.)
Need rec for shoes for Italy and France for both city and country
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Do the Dansko Golden Gates have a rigid sole? If so, I would not use them for hikes. Otherwise, they should work though I have never tried them. Be sure to take 2-3 pairs of shoes - it feels so good to change them after a full day of walking!
try the shoes on a light hike before you go. If there isn't any ankle support (important for not twisting or spraining) bring something else.
Bring 2-3 pairs of shoes. 2 as a minimum in care it rains and you shoes don't dry out over night.
Are you normally a clogs person? If you can wear them at home for full days, several days in a row, I'd take them. Also do you own them already, so that they are broken in?
Personally clogs don't work for me and I would go with a pair of sneakers, sandals, and walking shoes.
I have to say I've never brought one pair of shoes on a trip for both hiking and city walking. Why not bring bring two pairs? For one month, I'd say you absolutely need at least two pairs. Your feet will truly thank you!
Thank you all for your thoughtful comments and suggestions.
I should clarify: I'm bringing two pairs of shoes. The other pair of shoes is Dansko sandals (same type of sole), which I don't intend to hike in.
Yes, the closed-toe Dansko shoe I'm considering is my own, and broken in.
And - doh! - why I didn't think of taking it for a light hike around home is beyond me. I'll try that this weekend.
Thanks again.
Hi Luxing,
I'm such a spend thrift and I wanted to share again a wonderful resource for good, comfy shoes (among other things!). I was looking for comfortable shoes to take with me to Rome as I knew I would be walking a lot....in fact....that's what I ended up doing...no taxis or subway or buses for me! lol
Last year, I found a pair of Merrell walkers for 14.99 at this site: http://www.bargainoutfitters.com/browse/browse.asp?c=43
The offerings change from week to week and sometimes your particular size isn't readily available...but what a great feeling if you happen to luck up on a good deal! It's worth a try!