You're going to Italy and you're going to BRING shoes?

Seriously, take 2 incredibly comfortable and durable pairs of shoes (even if both are equally good, it's always a good idea to alternate shoes for the sake of your feet, back, etc.), and then give yourself permission -- i.e., the mission -- to buy the fashionable sandals or heels (you imagine) you also need. What better souvenir of Italy?

Why not wear a pair of nice deck shoes which will match your husband's?

Like most SHOES questions it is , in the end, what you feel good and comfortable in.
A girl friend of mine will not wear anything but mid - heel mules be it for walking in New York, Rome or Paris.
Also some people walk for hours, some just to the next cab or restaurant.

As far as men's comments on this topic,
they are welcome only if they have walked in high heel sanadals outside their home.

If you wear sneakers to walk at home, wear sneakers in Italy! NO way would I recommend switching to a 2-1/2" heel or platform as your daily shoe, if that's not something you normally wear.

I bring 3 pair of shoes (2 sandals and 1 sneakers) for europe in summer. The sandals are good looking, comfortable and with a bit of heel or wedge. I don't wear skirts.

Yes - in the US many people - esp those that live in suburbs - don;t walk at all. They go from house to car to job or mall or movie or??? And the length of the mall is often the most they walk.

Unless you live in one of a few large cities walking is not a major means of transport.

And - if you're not used to walking long distances the idea of being out in the rain for more than the dash from the car to the store or office IS a mystery for many people.

I'm always amazed at the number of queries on the US board about what to do in New York if it rains. Other than cancelling your picnic in the park what difference does it make?

The people always ask about rain gear. It makes me thing of the Gorton's Fisherman - in a gigantic yellow slicker, big floppy hat and rubber wader overalls - with waves splashing over the bow of his boat. Unless it's a hurricane or monsoon all you need is a small folding umbrella and shoes that don;t leak.

You would not believe how I sweated this very question before my trip to Italy. I ordered and returned many pairs from Zappos, and a couple local stores. I'd try them on my treadmill. I have wide, flat feet, and a bunion, and foot pain is a constant problem. I settled on a couple pairs of Naot sandals. I wore them every day. I broke them in for a few months before going. They seemed perfect. What I did not count on was my feet swelling from the flight and the heat (Hello! July in Italy!) and the shoes that had been comfortable gave me a blister within hours of landing in Rome. Fortunately, I had brought moleskin, and a variety of other pads, and was able to continue walking.

No matter how well they fit, it doesn't hurt to bring the Dr. Scholl's moleskin along w/you. It wasn't easy to find that stuff in Italy, and when we did it was expensive.

trust me - we europeans do not go round laughing at what tourists are wearing on their feet!

WE're too busy laughing at what they've got on the rest of them!

When I go to Italy in the summer I take a couple of comfortable pairs of sandals - I have had good and bad experience of Mesphisto and Rohde, so don't take brand new ones. Personally I like ones with about an inch or inch and a half wedge which cushions the cobbles if there are any.
At other times of year sneakers are fine and I would agree with others comments about getting a colour to tone in with what you are wearing rather than white. Just remember to take a pair of shoes to wear in the evenings when going out to restaurants if you are wearing a skirt. Yes you can wear sneakers, but would you at home?
Finally if you get the chance to try some Italian Geox shoes or sneakers they are not cheap, but really comfortable.

you can buy Geox brand on the internet at Zappos.com

Geox shoes are available in most large cities ( I find them too low for my feet, sneaker as well).
I don't like pants in the summer heat so , in order to wear comfortable footwear, I have started wearing light (cotton or silk, linen at night)) long skirts. Just one way to "hide" flats or comfortable sandals

In my salad days, when I was green in judgement, I based my choice of footwear on what looked good. I had many a pair of high-heeled shoes with the peeled-back heels that result from encounters with cobblestones.

Now I wear SAS exclusively when I'm doing a lot of walking, though I do have an attractive pair of Rockport sandals that I also wear. I usually bring one pair of comfortable dressier shoes for evening wear.

I will reiterate... no one cares what kind of shoes you wear (except you!) & nothing (hardly) ruins a trip faster than blisters or a twisted ankle.
:-)

Ok, my only defense to this was I was at that age when looking good was more important than being comfortable so on a trip with my new husband to New York, I brought along these lovely Kenneth Cole boots, with thin square heels. As soon as we got off the taxi, I got stuck in one of those grills on the sidewalk. DH had to literally get down on his knee and pull me off. As soon as he pulled my heel off, I fell on my bottom. NICE! The next day (ok, I'm also stubborn and don't learn lessons easily) we walked ALL over NYC. By mid-day we ended up on 5th Avenue (by accident) but by this time my feet felt like they were on fire so I ended up buying these ugly shoes (similar to Uggs) that cost a fortune! But my feet felt like heaven. So lesson learned the hard way--now nothing but Merrell flip flops and shoes for me when I travel.

By default, I had to take a pair of Mephistos to Italy last summer. They were hot ( black, "Rush" style) but oh, so comfortable for walking. I took Beautifeel sandals for dressing up, and due to a suggestion on this site, threw in a pair of leather flip-flop style sandals. Boy, I was glad to have each of those styles. Definitely take what feels good on your feet. I'm glad I did not have to buy shoes in Italy - they were so expensive there!

When I was young I wore high heels almost exclusively, and I wore them with everything, and walked for miles everywhere with no problem, IF the shoes fit properly. I was not going to Europe in those days so no telling what the cobblestones would have been like. Now, I think I have one pair of heels left for what occasion? I have no idea. I still draw the line at some "comfort" shoes. I don't care how wonderful they are on ones feet, some of them are beyond ugly. I try to find as attractive a shoe as possible but it must be comfortable. I don't every wear trainers except if I take the dog for a walk. I wear an 11, and those shoes look cute on a size 6 or 7 and with me, it looks like I'm wearing the boxes..just big old ugly white boats!!!!

Here's another HUGE recommendation for BeautiFeel, especially if you know your feet do not appreciate "support".

It's absolutely true - here in the USA, unless you live in a city, you never walk very much - from your home to your car, from a nearby parking space to your job, the supermarket, wherever.

You should bring only one pair of walking shoes and a pair of shower shoes. Italy is famous for shoes and why not just purchase a couple of pair at the market while you are hear. Beats buying a tee shirt or ugly statue of the leaning tower. In the open markets you will find a plenty of great deals and be the envy of your freinds when you return and model for them.

Hope this helps and good luck