I agree with the two last posters. Some of you may refer to plastic beach flip-flops but that's not what we Europeans have in mind. I have different pairs 'cause I wear them all summer (including this month as the weather in Belgium asks for flip-flops). Mine are all made from nice leather, some even have a fairly high heel, but all are stylish.

It probably was a bidet!
But boy - o did it feel good to soak my feet in it after a long days walking!

The bidet is a great foot washer!! It's a general all around great washer.

There has been previous threads about flip flops if you go back in the subject box above. However, as someone who flys with people back and forth to Rome everyweek I would like to add my two cents. Go ahead and bring the flip flops but don't expect me to move you up to business class and elevate your foot just because you sprained it walking around Rome!Seriously, we have at least 1-3 women a week that have either sprained or broken their ankle wearing their flip flops walking in Rome.( Even my daughter who lives in flip flops at her college in Florida never wears them in Rome for the above mentioned reasons.) Hint-the red wine won't take away the pain!!!

I wore my black, Teva flip flops in Rome with no regrets (except when it poured rain and my feet were cold and wet.) Bearing three huge babies left me with very wide feet, and few shoes are comfortable. My Teva's are terrific.

I'm a doctor and for the sake of your body, keep the following in mind: flip flops (and to a lesser degree sandals) are good for the beach, as are running shoes for running, boots for trekking in the wild and walking shoes for walking.

Good quality walking shoes will provide you with heel comfort, arch support and will be easy on your ankles, knees, back and neck. You don't need to pay 300$. For 85$ you will be able to find Asolo, Garmont, Salomon or Merrels shoes that will provide you with what you need. If you want even more quality, buy Rockport, Mephistos or Clarks and the like.

It is very much possible that everything will be fine with your flip flops. But you're looking for trouble just like the guy who goes to the beach with his running shoes and soxes complaining about the amount of sand in his sneakers.

Every type of footwear has its purpose.

....just don't step in any dog-poo... don't want <i>that</i> to 'flip flop'.

My husband wore his flip flops all over Italy. Never wore tennis shoes; only closed in shoes when we went out for dinner to a nicer restaurant.

I would never think of wearing tennis shoes in a city. Not even in my own city.

Please don't wear flip flops in the Vatican or Sistine Chapel. i don't hink they would appreicate it.

THANKS! I love the varied responses..and have decided to bring them with, and wear them once in a while for shorter trips around town.

I hate having my feet closed in and i HATE socks, so i am going to get a pair of mules or slides that have a covered two...maybe some Ecco's or Merrell's.

Thanks again for your opinions and concerns.

Hello sidandspennysmom, I always pack a pair of Clark flipflops when I travel. They can be used as slippers when in your room and if one is going out for a cup of coffee they are so easy to slip on. But definetly take proper shoes for walking around beautiful Rome. Have a wonderful and safe trip!

what most of you aren't aware of is that Crocs flip-flops have orthotic support--as do all Crocs. They are not traditional *beach* flip flops. They are the only brand in that style that I can wear.
Des

When I stay in an apartment in Rome I take flip flops to run down to the grocer or to an outdoor restuarant. Be prepared for Italians to look at your toes, maybe because my nails were painted but I did notice women glancing at my toesys.

And I see that Desdemona has posted what others seem to have missed - you have Croc flipflops, which are SO much better than bog standard ordinary flat flipflops with little or no support.

Worry not, in Croc-flops you will have no problems at all. I wore them for 5 daus last October and apart from dirty feet - thank god for bidets! - they were the most comfortable things I could have worn on my feet. Also much more attractive than normal big ugly Crocs!

Have a great time.

Don't know about crocs, but I can't imagine doing so much walking, often on cobblestone streets, in flip flops. What on earth for? Your feet need support and protection. Not to mention how filthy they'll be in no time...

My feet need to look cute more than they need support or protection.

The ancient Romans (with a nod to the Eturscans) developed road building to a science. The cobbled streets range from several hundred to thousands of years old. They are sturdier than human feet.

Granted, the ancient Romans had only sandals or the occasional army boot to wear on them. But the ancient Romans mostly died around 50, so they didn't need their feet to last as long as we do.

Two comments on flip flops: first is, on stone streets you want a THICK sole for lots of walking, to keep the unevenness from assaulting your own soles; and a firmer sole is better than a very flexible one. Second, you may not mind dirty feet, but have you considered what dirty feet look like? Just asking.

If anyone posted here that they were going to hike the mountain paths of Switzerland and thought flip-flops would be a good choice, no one would find it strange to suggest otherwise. As the doctor said, appropriateness in footwear is a matter of a) survival and b) appearance, in that order. Both have something to do with comfort, IMO ...

Hi S,

&gt;..flip flops made by Crocs. Would i be crazy to wear them in Rome?

If you wanna wear FF, wear 'em. People in Rome will be no more offended than people anywhere else in the world.

I'm planning to bring my flips to Italy next month, I love them! Even though I know how my feet look after a day of walking in flip flops in New York...it is nice to have a break from closed-toe shoes! After all, this is vacation!