Finalizing packing for a trip to Italy in a week - I know it's smart to pack light, but does everyone really get by with just one pair of shoes? We both have very comfortable walking shoes, but are still considering sticking in an extra pair, if only to give our feet (and our primary shoes) a break every now and then. Is this wise, or a waste of our limited baggage space? <BR>

I never travel with less than two pairs of shoes (wear one, pack the other); all you need is one rainy day, and you'll not think the space is wasted.<BR><BR>If I have to unpack a sweater to make room, I do it. Finding a sweater to buy if you're cold is fast and easy; finding a pair of shoes to buy if yours are wet or giving you blisters is neither.<BR><BR>

I completely agree with Elvira.<BR>I'm of the minimalist philosophy of travel, but 2 prs of shoes (no more, no less) is my standard, even on a short 3-4 day trip. <BR><BR>One pair may get wet, ripped, just start rubbing you the wrong way (yes, even if you've worn them for months or years comfortably).<BR><BR>It is also bad for the shoes --they need a day in between to air out, keep the interiors from disintegrating. <BR><BR>You can always layer clothes, wash them out, or as Elvira suggests, but something cheaply and easily. Not so with shoes

You want at least two pair of shoes, because one pair can never go everywhere. Take one pair for long city walks which will also make do for country strolls. Take another pair which can go from afternoon to evening. For a mediterranean summer, I would add a pair of sandals - they really don't take much space. If you don't have the perfect pair, take this great opportunity to buy them in Italy.

Definitely take 2 pair for all the reasons listed above. Wear the heavier pair on the flight.

Are two pairs enough?

I'm visiting Prague and Vienna next week and I was planning to take 2 pairs...comfortable leather sandels and comfortable leather covered-toe walking shoes...will this work?

I've been to Europe twice, once for a month, which included hiking in the mountains. Both times I only took one pair of shoes. Make sure they're comfortable, and if they are waterproof you don't have to worry about them getting wet (mine weren't either time and I survived though).

Another minimalist packer here who takes two pairs, one for walking/hiking/tooling around, and the other for dinner out with friends and colleagues. Even if I didn't almost always have to have the latter, I think I'd take two pairs for reasons already stated - to give your feet a breather. I have, on occasion, completely worn out a pair of shoes in Europe and used it as an excuse to buy another to bring home.

Count me in on the 2 shoe crowd. One is bound to get wet and smelly. Your feet will appreciate a change as well. It's easier to clean and dry clothes than shoes! Have a grand time!

Oh God, it would be the worst kind of torture for me if I had to decide on just which 2 pair of shoes to take on a trip! I have to have a pair for dressy evening,a pair for day,a pair for if my feet are killing me..that is if I can control myself

Two pair - Mephistos on my feet on the flight, and a pair of black (usually) flats w/ crepe soles. Then I am covered for everything.

2 pair of good walking shoes. 1 pair of nicer shoes for evening. Why two pair of walking shoes besides getting wet, I have found that changing walking shoes daily helps make the feet feel better.

Oh man, you are my hero to manage that! <BR> Last trip was in the fall, I had heels for evening, a pair of boots for everyday walking,a pair of really soft merrels for the day that my feet were swollen and sore and would not want to be inside a boot,then I had the pair of red boots that I got right before the trip that I was sure would look great with everything I packed,of course,I never even wore them.

Get a grip, Scarlett.

a grip? why is that one of those bags that you can carry as many shoes as you want in it?<BR>thanks for the tip,xxx.

one pair!!!!<BR><BR>if you really need another pair, just buy them, you're going to Italy after all!

I always pack a second pair of shoes (heels) for Italy, but so far I've never worn them. There's so much walking around, I'd rather be comfortable. Plus, I hardly ever get to wear my dressier outfits. I usually end up having dinner somewhere where it's not practical to get back to my hotel and change. I've wasted a lot of luggage space carrying around clothes and shoes that never get worn. My advice is that the second pair be "presentable" flats.

I'm a very light packer, usually get by with just a carry-on, but I wouldn't dream of traveling with only one pair of shoes. Your feet and your shoes will all be happier if you can alternate between two pairs.

I started out packing shoes like Scarlett, but I am slowing recovering -- now I only take 2 pairs of shoes, regardless of the fact that I never wear more than 1(the whole trip, not just at a time). I think that going to Italy is a great excuse to buy shoes anyway, so why take up the space ahead of time?