freespiritJC

I'm a teen girl heading to Italy for the month of June for a photography class. I'll be in Florence for the majority of the time but will also visit Rome and Venice.

Any suggestions on cute but comfy shoes for walking around Florence? I'll be walking a lot every day so I don't want my feet to hurt!

Also, what are some basic things I should bring to wear? Are dresses ok if they are a bit above the knee, or do they have to cover the knee to go into a church?

Any additional specific things I should pack? Thanks so much for any input!

kybourbon

It will be hot so anything lightweight. Some churches are stricter than others (no shorts, short skirts, sleeveless). Capris are ok for most churches. If you want to wear sleeveless, carry a big scarf to drape around your shoulders and cover up.

cathies

As kybourbon says or an alternative to a scarf is a tshirt which will easily fold into your day bag and can be pulled over the top of a singlet top etc.

bvlenci

In some churches, skirts above the knees won't be allowed. Capris would be fine everywhere, even at the most strict.

The only comfortable shoes are shoes that you've broke in and worn for some time, including on long walks, before you get here. I have several favorite brands of good walking sandals, but what's suitable for my feet may not suit yours. I almost never wear closed shoes in the summer. The brands of walking sandals I like most are Ecco and Mephisto. You can get Mephisto a lot cheaper in Europe than in the US, but you really need to bring shoes or sandals that you've already broken in.

freespiritJC

Thank you kybourbon, cathies, and bvlenci for your help!!

nytraveler

I have a couple of pairs of Skechers Mary Janes that I have worm for years and find them much better for cobblestone and other uneven streets (many streets) than sandals

Expect it to be very hot and humid (mid 90s and above) so everything should be light.

If skirts don;t cover the knee or you are sleeveless or bare bosom you will not be allowed in some churches - and in others locals (often elderly women) may well make nasty comments about how disrespectful you are if you do get in.

cathies

Bare bosom - good grief, I hope not!

scdreamer

I am also going to Europe for a month this summer, and I googled "most comfortable shoes for walking on European cobblestone." This is what I found:

http://www.amazon.com/Keen-Rose-Sand...SIN=B008JE8WUY

Keen rose sandals - I think they are pretty cute for being really comfortable shoes. Can be worn with casual clothing and also with a skirt for a dressier look. You can even get them wet. I bought a pair and wore them eight hours right out of the box - they really are the most comfy shoes ever. I've had a ton of compliments on them. I ended up buying a second pair in "grape" because I love to wear purple, and I'm going to take both pairs with me this summer.

Have a wonderful time in Florence - one of my favorite cities.