luxing

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.)

mamc

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!

highledge

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.

suze

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.

strass

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 <i>need</i> at least two pairs. Your feet will truly thank you!

luxing

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.

Renee

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!