Good Shoes for Sicily in August?
 

I'm travelling to Sicily in August. I'm trying to figure out the best shoe situation for walking around town. It will be ridiculously hot, so I really need some kind of sandal, but I can't stand big, clunky shoes. I'm looking for something cute, comfortable and not insanely expensive. Any ideas?

I think Teva makes nice looking sandals with enough sole and support to make it possible to walk around all day and not injure yourself.

I also am very fond of FitFlops -- I assume they sell them outside of Italy -- because they really grip your foot. They are surprisingly secure and they have a very bouncy sole. Some of the styles look cheap, but I honestly don't think anybody in Sicily will judge you poorly for wearing them.

You should be buying sandals well in advance to see if they work for you. One problem with FitFlops is that the "thong" piece on some styles can cause a sore between the toes if you have high airches. It cuts the skin.

If you know where you are going in Sicily is going to have a lot stairs outdoors (ie Taormina, Ragusa, etc), I would go for low Teva-type over FitFlop type, because walking down stairs in an elevated sandal or wedge-sole sandal is tricky.

PS: I've never worn NAOT sandals but they are stylish and they make serious walking styles. They are an Isareli company. You can find reviews of the shoes on Zappo's and other places.

One more PS: The type of Teva sandal that I am talking about that is more stylish is the Zirra style or Kokomo and some of the Cabrillo styles.

I don't know if you can get these in the US, but if you can they are worth considering:

http://www.moshulu.co.uk/ladies/ladies_sandals/avon.htm

I bought a pair last year and they are soooo comfortable, and infinitely adjustable as both fastenings are velcro. they also do some nice trainers which would make a good alternative for times when you don't want a sandal. [eg if it should rain].

I'm going to Palermo, but might be making some day trips to Patti, san stefano di camastra, ponte di sagana, etc. I typically prefer a thong style sandal. Thanks for the input! Any recommendations (for or against) on A2 Aerosoles? Someone told me they were really good and comfortable.

No opinion about the A2 Aerosoles specifically (never have worn them) but any thong-type sandals need to be "road tested" descending steep stairs (which are plentiful in Italy) and also to make sure you won't end up with a bad sore between your toes wearing a particular style every day 24/7.

I've worn thong-style sandals enough that between the toes doesn't bother me. It's the soles that give me issues. My first trip I had a pair of sandals that had stitching in a pretty pattern on the insole that about killed me and a pair of "Earth Shoes" clogs that were so heavy it was a close call which was the most uncomfortable! lol I need something with plenty of support and cusion without being too heavy. Other than that, I know I can handle the rest. Thanks so much to everyone for their input!!