khedge

What are the best shoes for walking on cobblestones? My injured ankle always hurts after (not during) walking cobblestoned streets in Europe. Thanks!

Lifeman

For a woman--flat shoes (no heels obviously)or walking shoes/boots

For men-the same

ira

Hey KH,

Have you considered an Ace bandage for your ankle?

J62

Hey KH.

You can also get elastic/formed ankle braces at CVS, RiteAid, etc. They are easier to use than ace bandage.

avalon

Some people walk better with a small elevated heel rather than totally flat shoes. Ballerina type flats pull on the calf and ankle muscles. Look at some of the closed toe Sketchers. I have foot ankle and calf problems and have just tried them and they seem to be working out

avalon

This is the model I bought

http://www.skechers.com/shoes-and-cl...ot_ticket/bkcc

viaggiatore4

I bought Lifestyle loafers with a 1 1/2 wedge type heel made out of a thick rubber type substance. They are an attractive mock alligator in a bronze/brown color with a buckle. I understand Europeans dress up a bit more than Americans. I am wearing the new shoes around the house to break them in before our Oct. European trip. I am also taking shoe cushions to add half-way through the trip. I think a shock absorber addition could not hurt.

Dayenu

First, the sole must be flexible. When buying shoes, make sure you can fold them in half.

Than, the sole should be thick so you won't feel the cobblestones while walking.

Third, the back of the shoe should be strong, not soft, for better support.

Also the shoe should have a little wedge to it for better heal-to-toe foot balance.

If you have problem feet, maybe arch support insert or bandages are needed? Wide width? I guess this should be a question for a health professional, have you seen a doctor for that?

Mimar

Avalon, flats only pull on your muscles if you've shortened the Achilles tendon by wearing heels. (I did this when I spent one long day in heels.) You need to stretch those muscles and tendons.

joannyc

I bought these and like them. Haven't worn them on my trip yet but they are comfortable.

http://www.llbean.com/llb/shop/54077...SearchDispatch

wanderfrau

Everyone has their own idea of what comfortable is and what works for some on cobblestones doesn't work for others.

I have problem feet and ankles recovering from injury. For me, the two most important things for walking on cobblestones are 1) arch support and 2) ankle support. That means nothing completely flat and nothing that slips off my foot.

There are many excellent brands and there have been many threads with lots of suggestions. Whatever you choose, wear them for many hours before taking them on your trip.

suze

You want a lot of cushioning in the sole & arch support. Sneakers are OK flat (and maybe use a custom orthodic insert). For boots and shoes a small heel works best for most people. Dense rubber soles are what I find most comfortable.

nytraveler

Flat, sturdy well-fitting walking shoes. (IMHO sandals are fatal.)

If you already have an ankle problem wear an elastic brace.

For evening I always have a pair of either very pretty flats or low-heeled wedges - so I can walk a long distance. If I know I have a special event I will do full stilettos - but then plan on cabbing and not walking except in the hotel and restaurant/opera house/concert venue, etc.

hanl

Here in Brussels there are cobblestones everywhere and I walk a lot. The only shoes that really pose problems are those with a narrow wedge heel, or a thin stiletto type heel, as it's easy to go over one your ankle wearing those (and ruin your shoes as well!). Any other type of shoe is fine, in my opinion, so go for what you find most comfortable.

hanl

Should add that sandals are usually fine on cobbles as long as they are well fitting across the toe, ankle and heel and your feet aren't sliding around inside them.

MarionMontgomery

In the heart of the county in England that was the centre of the induistrial revolution in the 19thC -Lancashire- I can assure you that the ONLY suitable footwear for cobblestones-given all roads were then cobbled with granite sets- are hobnail clogs!
Given they are difficult to get authentic versions of(they are tie ups not like the Dutch ones)I would suggest stout walking boots for lengthy walks, especially in wet conditions.

alihutch

Anything other than high heels

portiaperu

For a woman I would recommend several of the Wolky styles. I have two pairs of the Jewel sandals and have worn them extensively on travels throughout Europe and the US, covering miles of cobblestones, roughly paved (and some unpaved) trails, and typical city sidewalks. They are completely adjustable, have a lovely interior cushioning, and are very high quality. There is a wide range of leathers and colors available (I currently have red and black patent.)

See: http://tiny.cc/sonbj

I would advise against flats. I believe advice from specialists (medical) is to wear a small heel or platform (my preference) for maximum comfort and protection
when walking.

Happy travels!

P.S. Wolkys are widely available, this website topped a quick google search.

colonna

Look at the Naot Chi ankle boot (it's on Zappo's). It is very supportive and comfortable, the leather is soft, and it has enough elastic so it doesn't rub uncomfortably against the leg. It's water-resistant, not -proof. It's my favorite shoe/boot for cobblestones.

Of course some people might think it is funny-looking...

Ackislander

We could have saved some bandwidth here if we had known the poster's gender and nationality up front.