CAn I leave my running shoes at home?
 

We are spending three weeks in Italy: Venice, Florence, Tuscany, Rome and Calabria. I always wear my Birkenstock sandals to walk in (I can go all day in them, no problem) and hate wearing shoes and socks. We are planning a day in Cinque Terra...that is the only place I think I may need running shoes (athletic shoes) for the hiking. I am trying to save space. Can I leave my running shoes at home?

Leave them, the worst scenario is that you have to buy ones in Italy..not so bad, I think :)

Are you planning to take at least one other pair of shoes, or just the sandals? Personally, I wouldn't travel with only one pair of shoes for a multitude of reasons. But that's just me. If it happens to be raining, I don't want to be walking around in wet sandals.

I hiked the trail in the CT and wore athletic shoes. I wouldn't recommend wearing sandals for that, but that's not to say I didn't see people in flip flops or sandals. I guess it depends if you even are planning on hiking the trail, and if so, what sections.

Enjoy your trip! Don't stress about the little things. Like kenderina said - worst case is that you have to buy pair over there! ;)

Thanks for the tips. I am planning on bringing more than one pair of shoes, but only sandals...comfortable ones that I can walk on on the cobblestones. Now I can stress about other things, like my luggage, carry on and purse!

When I hiked in the Cinque Terre a few years ago, a park official checked to make sure I was wearing appropriate footwear before allowing me on the trails. I don't know if that still happens, or whether Birkenstocks would be considered appropriate. . . .

Birkenstock sandals have got to be the ugliest sandals there are. In the land of gorgeous and classy shoes like Italy, I would be embarrased to wear Birkenstock for everything, every day, everywhere. I get the comfort thing, so save it. My opinion.

<<< Birkenstock sandals have got to be the ugliest sandals there are. >>>

One word - Crocs

A rainy day in Rome or a Tuscan hill town is perfect for atletic/running shoes. I'm not so sure about sandals.
If you've worn them on rainy days without a problem, leave your running shoes at home.

haha, that's true, Crocs are definitely uglier, but they're plastic, what do you expect.

I really wouldn't take only sandals on a trip, especially not if you plan on doing what you are calling hiking. Birkenstocks are not good for that, and I don't know what kind you have (they do have more than one model), but the usual ones are not good for hiking and not that flexible. Saying you can walk all day on them at home isn't the same thing as heavy-duty walking/hiking in rough terrain on vacation. So, if you have time (not sure when you leave), just try hiking on some moderate terrain with those shoes for several hours and see how you like it.

dear cipparone, there are several discussion threads here about shoes...search "comfortable shoes" and you will get many suggestions of great supportive and fashionable shoes to wear:
Keens "Barcelona"/Mary Janes, Mephisto "All Rounders", NAOT, Josef Seibel, Born, Ecco "Receptors", Think sandals, Clarks "Artisan" and "Privo" lines, Dansko has some cute cushioney "Mary Janes" and my all time comfort shoe the Finn Comfort...pricey, but with foot problems and a closet of shoes I cannot wear, I was lucky enough to find FC!! I just ordered the "Jersey" from Zappos.com! It's all about comfort--you are the one who ultimately decides, and I wouldn't worry about what others think!! JMO

<Birkenstock sandals have got to be the ugliest sandals there are. .... My opinion. >

Viajero2 - I understand that is your opinion, and that is fine, but how does that help the OP? Why even post?

I winced when I read someone's advice to buy hiking shoes in Italy. The thought of hiking the CT trail (especially the Vernazza-Corniglia or Vernazza-Monterrosso legs) with new shoes not yet broken in makes my feet hurt. This is just a word from a woman of a certain age (long past chic) with hard to fit feet.

I didn't understand in the OP post it to be serious hiking on a trail. I know the Cinque Terrae area is a hilly one, but I don't think you need real hiking shoes to go on the streets, but maybe you do need athletic shoes :)

My DH did the whole trail wearing dainty little Pumas - he survived but
the Pumas didn't!

I am sorry if I gave the impression that one needed hiking boots for the CT trails--just something sturdy with a little support such as running or walkign shoes. It's just that my feet don't take well to even sneakers that are not broken in. Remember, old lady speaking.

Just don't leave your shoes running at home. Or the bathtub faucet.

If you're under 30, you can probably do the CT trails in flip-flops. Anything older than 30, and you're going to need your running shoes -- not hiking shoes, just good, supportive, well-made running shoes. I'm sorry, but Birkenstocks ain't gonna cut it on those trails!

Save space on anything else. Shoes are important. Bring two pairs, at least.
The Birkenstocks will be handy at the airport.

Invest in a cushy pair of socks.

The only "shoe" to wear is Birkenstocks. Only ugly people say they are ugly, and who cares.