Style has been discussed alot but I'm trying to decide what kind of shoes I might need for day hikes in Cinque Terre (and possibly Switzerland). Do I really need hiking boots? They're so heavy to carry! Would tennis shoes with good sturdy soles be adequate? They're fine for mountain hikes here in the Ozarks (often narrow & steep dirt trails).
I've about given up on taking a dress just because I can't figure out comfortable but decent shoes. Would it be worth packing a pair of low heels just for evenings?
Thanks

Not sure where you're planning on hiking in Switzerland, but for Cinque Terre -- at least for the footpath connecting the five villages -- I'd say a definite no to hiking books.

I've backpacked and dayhiked in the Cascade Mountains of Washington State for close to twenty years (in non-snow conditions) without wearing hiking boots, just a old pair of Nikes with a good-gripping sole (they finally gave out last fall.)

When I was in Switzerland years ago, my girlfriend & I hiked from Gimmelwald up to the Schilthorn in tennis shoes (with again, good-gripping, soles.)

I always attend several nice performances when I travel to Europe, as well as a few nicer restaurants, so take a couple pair of dressier shoes to wear with nice slacks, dresses, or skirts. I suppose it depends on what your plans are, but there are more versatile options between hiking boots and heels.

In warmer weather (and I think Italy in late Sept still qualifies), I take both a pair of black flats and a pair of nice-looking leather "slides". These can be worn with slacks and skirts, etc., and look pretty decent if they are not sporty looking ones. I mean slides that are leather with leather soles, not those clog-type synthetic things. You may want only one pair -- slides or flats.

Last year I was in the Berner Oberland and did several hikes. I really wished I had packed some trail type athletic shoes with heavier soles. Hiking boots would have been nice but not sure I would want to carry them.

If my lightweight Merrell cross-trainer/gym shoes are not adequate for the hike, then neither am I.

Thanks for the lively dialogue. I figured I can leave out the boots. Wish I could keep it down to 2 pair but shoes are always my downfall. It looks like tennis shoes and nice walking shoes are essential; loafers look funky with skirts, so maybe a moderate heel. And, I'll probably want my Tevas for the beach and maybe (but hopefully not!) the shower. Yuck, that's 4! So much for packing light.

I am huge fan of packing light BUT shoes are so important! I'd rather wear the same ole t-shirt a couple days and be sure to have what I need to make my feet comfortable.

Twice worn clothes won't ruin a trip, but not having the proper shoes or several options (so if one pair give you blisters for example) certainly could!

your tennis shoes ARE your nice walking shoes. Then bring a simple comfortable sandal. THats only 2 pairs.

nsw55, here are a couple of ideas.

First, I have not been to Cinque Terre, so I can't say whether they would be adequate, but I have done an amazing amount of day hiking in my Tevas. When it's been hot, I have found myself wearing them even if I had other light hiking shoes with me.

Second option, instead of your Tevas, bring a nice looking pair of comfortable black leather walking sandals. There are lots of these around, often with a slightly built up wedge-shaped heel which makes them look just fine in the evening with dressier clothes. They look great with dresses and skirts, too. This is such an easy solution to the shoes-in-the-evening problem for summer -- it's in colder weather that you're really stuck.

I can't imagine going on a trip without 3-4 pairs of shoes. Agree completely with Suze. (Suze, are we related? Leave the washcloth at home and take another pair of shoes!)

Yes Marilyn I think you must be my long lost sister!!

For nsw55~~ how about 3 pair: 1) Nice looking black sandals that are comfortable with a bit of a heel, 2) Crosstrainers or sturdy athletic shoes preferably not white, and 3) Tevas or flip flops.

OK 4) those dress shoes but I bet you won't wear them enough to make it worthwhile packing 'em IMO.

I was feeling a little bit guilty about hogging luggage space for my shoes, until I read this through! This is my shoe list: one pair leather t-strap Eccos, can be worn with capris and skirts, one pair black sneakers for capris and shorts, one pair black mules with heels for dinner, and flat sandals for when I can't stand to put socks on anymore because of the heat! For two weeks in Italy in early September. I may have to compromise on the clothing, but I don't think I'll be fielding any complaints from the DH.

I vote for 3

1. Ecco sandals excellent for walking (not hiking), good for beach, warm weather and cobblestone streets.

2. Lace up shoe (either walking, tennis, etc). Something with good foot support and will hold for hiking could be mephisto, ecco, nike, etc (Wear these on plane to save space and pack small slippers for the plane in your carry on (fold up kind).

3. Evening shoe - generally black, small squat heel for a little lift but still support if there are cobblestones walking to dinner.

This works for me, but each has to feel comfortable with their choices.
Good luck.

Well, thank you Suze, Marilyn and din! I'm so glad I'm not the only one with this dilemma. I agree: few clothes and comfortable feet.
In summer, it's much easier. I live in sandals most of the time. However, late Sept. into the 1st week of Oct. is hard to define, especially the last days will be in Switzerland. I assume it will be cooler there.
I like the idea that my tennis shoes are my everyday walking/hiking shoes. Since I'll look like a tourist anyway maybe that's the way to go. I'd like to find a cool little trail shoe that's so outrageous it would go with anything. Red or purple preferred.