One of the things I get asked ALL THE TIME is… “What kind of shoes should I buy/pack/bring for our trip to Europe?” It’s a loaded question, as there are so many good options, but I think the main thing people want to avoid is bringing a bad options. (Which there are infinitely more of!) So I think it’s a fair question and a good topic to address. What DO you wear for shoes when traveling?

I used to have a hard stance that you want to look as much like a local as possible… but I’ve softened my views a bit. For the main reason, you aren’t experiencing Europe like a local! Most people are walking way more than most of people who live here do in a day. You need your feet to be really comfortable in a way that those of us who live here do not. Plus, when the rain comes… you keep going. Most of us will tuck back into our offices or homes. I’ve come to be sympathetic for people trying to look local… but having to be on their feet for hours longer than we are.

Plus, I’ve realised that looking like a tourist isn’t the worst thing in the world… as long as you look like a smart one. Those people who try to wear “normal” items that aren’t practical for city life look much more ridiculous. (I’m thinking of you American girl, limping through the street in huge heels that you have never worn for more than 50 feet to and from Valet Parking.) So be a tourist… just be a cool one. In fact, cool tourists are kind of the funnest people to be around anyway.

So I’ve come up with a little round-up of shoes I would REALLY wear here in the summer. Shoes that are comfortable for walking, shoes that won’t slide on and off all day… because that’s annoying not only for you but people you’re walking with. (Experience talking!) These shoes are shoes that aren’t all gladiators and strappy ankle sandals, because… well, it’s a bit colder here. Even in the summer. So while you may have some nice days and some glorious afternoons, you’ll probably still find yourself needing shoes that get you through a morning drizzle or cloudy day.

And if you’re looking for nice shoes that you can walk to dinner and a show in? Well, I’ve tried to find some that will go the distance for you. They’ll get you there without tears, or snapping your ankle in half. (At least, that was the goal.)