suze

I would take a pair of really nice ballet flats, for what you describe. But I never wear "heels" anyway (never have). The right flats can work OK for a few more high-end restaurants and also be handy as a back up for slippers in the hotel room or on the plane.

And no, there is not better or more appropriate place to discuss footwear and apparel for a trip than Fodor's that I am aware of.

mnag

I always carry one pair of heels (sandarls or smart boots with a heel if we are going to a cooler destination) in a color like Grey that more or less matches all my outfits. I'm pretty short and used to wearing heels when going to a fancy restaurant locally. I just feel more dressed up. Flats or sandals all day long for walking but I do make room for one pair of heels...I know its tight but we usually end up checking a bag so works for us.

progol

I have problems with walking, so look for comfort in everything I buy. Most of my daily walking is with the unattractive New Balance walking shoes - but they give me the best support of all the shoes I’ve ever bought.

I usually bring along a pair of Naot Mary Jane shoes or sandals, depending upon the season. I can walk a little ways in them and enjoy an evening stroll. But I can’t buy most cute shoes as I need good support. This brand works best for my “nicer” shoes.

HappyTrvlr

Warm erThet- black patent sandals, cooler weather little black kitten heels almost flats

4sammy234

This is always an issue for me! So hard to pack especially at this time of year when the weather can vary. I never take heels or wedges - like you said they take up space and they aren't practical for many reasons (cobblestones, comfort, you won't wear them many other times other than dinners out).

Last November for Italy, I took tennis shoes for the really casual days - I got some sleek, discreet black Nikes that I wore with black leggings. I also took a pair of tall leather boots, not flat but with a slight stacked heel, they were comfortable and fashionable. For dinners out I wore leggings or "skinny" pants with the boots .You could also get a pair of ballet flats for the same purpose, but I thought the boots were perfect - and would have worked if it rained (it didn't).

TDudette

Sorry I skipped all but I own a black flat pair of Croqs that look like ballerina slippers. They are very comfy for walking and cute. Good luck!

suze

This person isn't checking a bag.

Surfergirl

My Bernie Mevs. I prefer the "Fame" model, although they are getting hard to find. They are wedge, and so little platform, but go practically straight across. I can't wear flats and don't wear heals, other than Mary Janes every once in a while. I use these sandals for everything . . . slip on to get breakfast out of a hotel room, go to the beach, long walks, and they are so comfortable and nice looking too.

scdreamer

I take along a pair of Rothy black flats. They hardly take up any room, and they're washable.

https://rothys.com/womens

caze17

I also enjoy nice restaurants while traveling, and enjoy dressing up, including heels. Lately, I have worn ankle booties with skinny pants. Something like this:
https://shop.nordstrom.com/s/dolce-v...-women/5037020

They do take up room, but I usually only take two other pairs - flip-flops and sneakers, so I can still manage everything in a carryon. But that's how I am in normal life too. Super casual or all dressed up!

Have a great trip!

suze

Just go on Zappos website and enter a search for "black flats" and you will have a parade of nice looking shoes across your screen for days to come (ask me how I know this!)

Vicky

My favorite thing yo do is wear a very fancy cocktail dress and heels (I'm tiny) and go to a luxury hotel for a drink. If the hotel us a ways I'll need to carry the heels in my handbag and switch when I get there. If somewhat close I have sone heels that are ok to walk in.

I love my new Kate Spade multicolor glitter ballet flats with velvet bows lined with fur but almost too beautiful to wear!

littlejane

flip-flops.. I've been known to get through an entire 2-week holiday with just 1 pair of flip-flops

ekscrunchy

I just ordered a pair of these slippers which can be ussed for nice restaurants, too. Have not received them yet but they look pretty and I would have no problem wearing them outside:

https://birdiesslippers.com/collections/all


I can never resist ARCHE and they are SO comfortable.

suze

Flip flops? For Italy in October?? Don't your toes get cold???

Leely2

Eks, those are cute. Please report back on the comfort level. I always keep a few pairs of “office slippers” at work. I have a standing desk so often change shoes a few times a day.

Peter_S_Aus

Besides what shoes you might wear, the killer is what shoes and trousers one’s companion might wear.
Zip off trousers with sneakers ain’t such a good look.
Maybe that look is coming into fashion though, it is not uncoimmon in Venice.

jubilada

when I was in Italy in October, in Rome and Puglia, it was in the eighties.

suze

And you wore flip flops out to a nice dinner then?

Belinda

A few weeks ago i met my friends from SF at a nice restaurant in Paris for dinner. She was wearing there.