Shoes for fall/winter

[codemonkeyken]

Hi all,

I have a question about the shoes I will need for my upcoming backpacking trip this fall and winter.

Just to give you some background, this is where I will be:

September: Britain, Belgium, Amsterdam, Dresden, Berlin, Prague

October: Krakow, Vienna, Salzburg, Innsbruck, Munich, Luzern, Gimmlewald, Paris, Barcelona, Valencia, Granada

November: Sevilla, Lagos, Lisbon, Coimbra, Porto, Salamanca, Segovia, Madrid, Nice, Turin, Milan

December: Cinque Terre, Florence, Venice, Bologna, Pesaro, Rome, Sorrento, Naples, Pompeii, Bari

I have purchased this pair of Rockports for the trip: comfortableshoes.com/manufacturer-view.cfm?Manufacturer=53

But I am undecided about a second pair. Would runners suffice or should I go with a pair of hiking boots. I already have a pair of light duty Nike hikers similar to this: www.altrec.com/shop/detail/28182/ Would these work?

Any and all insight appreciated.

Ken

[freshsprout]

I haven't traveled in the countries you're about to embark on, nor have traveled in the fall/winter - so I'm going to let the others comment on outdoor shoes.. but I actually recommend you bringing a pair of flip-flops or getting some high-quality sandals like TEVA or ECCO. You can get those off shoes.com or zappos.com. Depending on where you're staying, I found the sandals essential going in and out of the shower and on warmer days (if you're going to be staying in hostels, many hotels have to share bathrooms too). It's just far more pleasant, they're light to carry... and you won't have to step barefoot on gross shower floors.

Irene

[ryannorris]

I travelled Europe from October to February, and I went from warm places to cold, snow places. I took a pair of Adidas sneakers and some heavier hiking shoes and I fared pretty well. If you think you'll be able to make due with one kind of shoe, then I would suggest doing that. It depends how much walking you do; I needed my hiking shoes a few time to go up hills and steep stairs and stuff. Choose comfortable shoes though, and if you don't, just alternate between concentrating on foot pain and back pain haha

[freshsprout]

Btw - I don't know about Italy and some of those other countries, but you also def. better factor rain (or worse) with your shoes and that they are all waterproof. Thinking about my sandals comment earlier, maybe you can scratch that and just bring flip flops for hotel/hostel usage?

[monty1104]

Hey everyone. I've got a question about shoes. Im planning on just bringing 2 pairs of shoes for travelling through Europe in winter. A pair of good walking shoes and a pair of flip-flops. These are the shoes im thinking of getting www.snowgum.com.au/Product_ProductDetail.aspx?ProductID=3389

So I have a few questions about them.
Will these shoes be dressy enough to get into clubs/bars?
Will these shoes be durable enough and warm/waterproof enough for winter?
Will I be able to wear these shoes for 6 weeks straight, or should I bring another pair just in case?
I have a bad ankle as a result of years of taekwondo training. I am planning on wearing a brace for most of the trip, just to prevent injury instead of having to treat it. Does anybody have any tips on other ways I can prevent injury?

Cheers in advance.