So, you’ve booked a European vacation for this summer. That’s exciting! Maybe you are already thinking about what to pack.
Most women understand that it’s not cool to be walking around European cities in big, clunky white sneakers, which is why they love my suggestions for comfy, closed-toe walking shoes. But what about sandals? What type of sandals should you pack for your trip that is practical and comfortable but not boring?
Here are some guidelines on what to look for, plus a look at some of the latest comfortable walking sandals for women in stores right now.
The best walking sandals for travel need to be:
- Comfortable – They shouldn’t pinch at the toe or the sides of the shoe, and they should have a cushioned, comfy footbed.
- Lightweight and Airy – To keep your feet feeling energized and fresh
- Water-resistant – Wet, cold feet can ruin your trip.
- Neutral or a fun color- stay away from pure white, which gets dirty easily in sooty European streets.
- Sturdy – Make sure they can withstand a lot of wear and tear
- Good for walking on cobblestones, grass, rocks, sand, and historical ruins. A strong sole is a must.
- Straps at the ankle or across the middle of the foot help hold the foot in place, so you don’t twist your ankle.
- Practical, stylish, and works for night and day outfits.
- Easy to slip on and off – especially important at airport security checks
- Compact, streamlined, and flexible for packing
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1
Modern Metallic
This cool sandal from Birkenstock with its chic, silver metallic finish is modern and contemporary. The legendary Birkenstock footbed conforms to your feet for all day comfort. Pair them with a pair of blue or white jeans and a modern top for a look that's hip.
2
Cleverly Disguised Orthopedic Comfort
This bestselling sandal from Børn perfectly cushions your foot with every step. The unique rocker sole has extra padding to support every step and reduces stress on your knees and joints. They're also cute to boot!
3
Slide Sandal
I just had to slip these flexible slide sandals from Børn into my list. These sandals give you on-trend styling with the comfort of a quality shoe. A cushioned footbed with arch support adds to the exceptional comfort.
4
Comfort Sandal
The Teva Verra sandal is modern and lightweight. These are good walking sandals for travel because they have an adjustable strap for a fantastic fit and a durable rubber sole for comfort and wearability.
5
Nice Neutral
These strappy leather sandals get rave reviews for being comfortable and great for walking. If comfort is your chief concern, then these may be the sandals for you. A microfiber fabric footbed supports each step and a lightly textured sole offers enhanced traction.
6
Dressy Wedge Sandal
Sometimes you want a bit of height, but you want the comfort too. So try the Pixie Wedge Sandal by NAOT. With a 1-1/2 inch wedge heel and a comfortable cork footbed, this shoe is both chic and easy to wear. (It comes in several color combinations too!) One of the stylish sandals for travel, this is the perfect shoe if your travels involve a dressy occasion where you'll be on your feet.
7
Comfort and Style
The picture of these flat ankle strap sandals doesn't do them justice. These sandals aren't just a pretty face - or
a foot - (LOL!) though. A cushioned footbed that supports the natural curve of your foot makes them comfy too.
8
Sporty Chic Comfort
These t-strap thong sandals incorporate colorful metallic straps with a lightweight footbed. This shoe is designed with cushioning comfort for all-day wear and comes in several color combinations. What more could you ask for?
9
Great for Wide Feet
I was drawn to the cute braided straps on these slide sandals from Baretraps. Wouldn't they look amazing with white or blue jeans or a pair of casual capris? These shoes are especially good for gals with wider feet.
10
Full of Style
When we think of comfortable walking shoes, practicality comes to mind before style. But this adorable slide sandal combines both. Aerosoles consistently makes comfortable walking shoes and sandals and this raffia slide sandal is no exception.
My very fashionable 22-year-old daughter wears tennis shoes a lot with all sorts of outfits. The shoes are often bulky, white with stripes. The first time I saw her in them while also sporting linen bell bottoms (pants were gorgeous…shoes awful) I was shocked. But she showed me a ton of “influencers” on Instagram that she follows…many gals from various European countries. They were all doing the same thing! They are all in their 20’s, slim, and gorgeous, just like my daughter. At 52, I don’t think I can carry that look, but more power to anyone that can!
Hi Kristin, I know the look, and let’s face it, you can pull anything off when you are young! (lol) I feel the same way. If I wear chunky runners with long, flowy bell-bottom pants, I will look wide and feel sloppy, but that’s me. For example, I bought these wide leg, white joggers last year and could have worn them with chunky runners, but I felt more “me” in these black sandals. See here: https://www.fabulousafter40.com/how-to-look-classy-in-white-wide-leg-pants
However, I have tried wearing chunky sneakers with short, sporty cotton sundresses, and I like the look (although my chunky sneakers are probably not as chunky as your daughter’s) So, that’s one way I am tweaking my chic and adapting to new trends at 60+. It’s about taking a trend and changing it up just a bit, to make it your own. Cheers, Deb
Crocs and Mephistos are my favorite walking shoes.
I have very narrow feet. Does anyone know of a good shoe brand that comes in limited sizes?
Zappos has all sizes and widths of shoes.
I have to disagree respectively. Walking on uneven cobblestones with sandals is a recipe for sore feet and a sprained ankle, not to mention dirty feet. I travel a lot and wear either solid black or white sneakers to tours. They do not look out of place. It’s the brightly colored sneakers that stand out and scream Tourist.
Wear what is most comfortable on your feet, and your happy face will be open and welcoming.
White sneakers used to scream tourist when I went on my honeymoon 27 years ago in Paris. My feet get hot in the summer, so I only wear flat sandals. No sneakers for me unless I’m in a gym. Plus, they make legs look stumpy.
Recommend Bzees as a great, stylish, lightweight, and washable. Brandi travels a lot- sometimes as much as 30 days at a time and these are my must-travel shoes. They are available at many retailers, brick-and-mortar,r and online.
My issue in finding shoes is that I have a narrow feet. And if the shoe doesn’t fit, no matter how comfortable it is built to be, my feet will be in bad shape by the end of the day. I don’t know why it is so difficult to find shoes in a narrow size. I guess that I’m in the minority of the population. Van Eli is my best bet, but other suggestions would be helpful.
I have narrow feet and shop at Marmi shoes online. They carry Van Eli and Sesto Meucci brands. Also, I shop at Munro shoes online.
Naot tends to run narrow.
I also have a narrow foot and size 10. It’s a never-ending hunt to find shoes. I find a good selection on Nordstroms online. I order lots and generally end up returning most. NAOT sandals work because they have cute styles with adjustable straps and a lot of wedge styles. Good luck!
I just returned from 16 days in Italy, where we walked about 10 miles daily. I took all sorts of cute, comfortable sandals, even some from this article, and NOTHING worked. My feet were so painful, swollen, and blistered (yes, I broke them in. Even though it was hot, I had to buy a pair of white sneakers and socks which I wear with skirts, dresses, anything. I never, ever wear sneakers other than for working out. I thought it looked a little stupid, but at that point, I didn’t care. And you know what else? I saw many women doing the same thing, including young and old, and even Europeans on vacation. Italians are incredibly stylish, and there is no way to compete with that. I managed to look like a tourist as much as I tried not to.
My advice is to wear whatever is best for your feet because no one cares. Next time I go to Europe, it will be my white sneakers.
Some German and Austrian leather sandals are very well-made and comfortable by Haflinger and Giesswein.
You can order them online at http://www.german-slippers.com.
As a European (Danish) native, I would like to point out that Europe is not a country; it has many very different countries and cultures. Wearing comfy shoes definitely would not make you stand out in Northern Europe. Ecco is a Danish brand that produces high-quality, comfortable shoes.
If you are going to Rome or Paris, you might consider bringing stylish shoes and outfits. Just remember that any holiday in Europe involves LOTS of walking.
Alegria makes sandals and other shoes that are stylish, supportive, and comfortable. They have multiple styles, closures, heel highs, and closed or open-toe boots. They also make shoes for men and nurses/doctors. http://www.alegriashoeshop.com/default.asp
Lesley, I agree! I just discovered this brand and am so in love with them. Bought the Vienna sandals. I was worried they’d make my feet look too big, but they don’t, and most importantly, I can walk miles in them (already have) with NO foot pain or tender spots. I already ordered a second pair. I haven’t tried the closed-toe yet, but I probably will after the great experience with the sandals. :0)
There is no such thing as a stylish walking shoe, and I promise, everything you showed will make you stick out like a sore thumb in Europe. I know, because I live in Paris. I work as an international flight attendant in New York and fly…Europe. I wear my awful aerosols, gram Central is the style, and I look like the Mary Janes you showed. Because I wear orthotics and have bunions, I couldn’t take the stares anymore with those shoes. I found Josef Seibel sneakers which seem to do the trick. Wear my designer bags, and statement faux jewelry, and I hope to offset the comfortable look. That is what the difference is in dress between Americans and Europeans.
Right. I don’t think it’s the shoes; I think it’s the clothes. Too many Americans wear casual, comfortable clothes: Yoga pants, short shorts, cargo shorts, and t-shirts. I was so impressed by the Italian style: the clothes, the accessories, and the creativity. I could only hope to dress like them and consider myself a good dresser.
You should see what women wear in my town! Sweats and baggy shirts. Talk about frumpy
Lynn is right. No such thing as a stylish walking shoe. I’ve made that complaint for years. Big, clumsy sneakers look awful on my small (size 5) foot but so do big, awkward sandals. Most of the shoes highlighted offer no support for feet and ankles. In addition, finding a shoe in my size is always a challenge. Most of these start with size 6!
If European footwear is so stylish, what do they wear when they come on vacation to the USA and walk miles a day?
I spend at least two months in Europe every spring and summer, and the best shoes are FitFlops. Perfect for cobblestones, hiking around the hills, and on the beach. So many styles to choose from so you can always be comfortable and stylish–and your feet will be so happy!
Kristi, I was so happy to see your review. I agree 100% with your endorsement of Fitflop’s brand of shoes. I wear them ALl the time. I have noarch in my foot; they wonder and have a widwideariety, so you always look fashionable.
I agree. I have a great pair I wear in the summer. My feet can swell and stay cool
At the same time.
So far, I have not found the ideal walking shoe. I need something deep enough for my serious orthotics – which eliminated most shoes I have seen. I have to have a tie shoe, as my heel is narrow, but my orthotics aren’t (I have very flat feet with plantar fascists and posterior tibial tendon dysfunction. Tie sho s must also have a stiff heel counter to hold my foot correctly on the orthotic. This means a severe athletic shoe is the only thing that will work. In Japan, we walked everywhere e, and my feet were miserable in all but one pair of shoes( Merrrills) – the ethers are OK for casual local walking but not for hiking. My feet were sore, and my ales swelled. For home use, I can get away with Orthaheels, but not for anything serious. I wouldn’t say I like the c choices in athletic shoes – I want solid black or tan – without dashes of color anywhere. They also should look reasonable with tights or stockings. Bare legs and short so ks may be acceptable in this country, but not in Japan. should also add t t Ido does not wear pants or knee-length skirts – mid-calf, is it ( there are elements of an overweight 60+-year-old body that are better left to the imagination.) I plan another trip to Japan, and I know shoes will be the issue again. (need I mention I love shoes, especially the pretty delicate ones, and am seriously frustrated that I can’t wear them)
Julie, I feel your pain. I have to wear orthotics in my shoes too. I have found the Skechers are ok for some walking (the sandals), and Teva adjustable sandals have arch support. I can wear them for a couple of hours. Okabashi makes a great flip-flop with good arch support, and I use them for the beach and as house slippers. You order them online. But for serious walking, we will have to stick with our trusty sneakers.
I just moved to London with my husband last fall. I have to say that all my regular shoes from Seattle didn’t work, except for one pair I got at Macy’s. They are ballet styled with an elastic crossing across the top of my foot, and the brand is Strictly Comfort. Because of the very uneven walking surfaces, your feet, and your legs, up through your hips and into your back, get jostled much more than they ever would in the states. I bought a pair of flat leather boots with thick soles that I lived in until very recently when the weather warmed. I honestly prefer boots, it stabilizes the foot a lot better. On every previous trip to Europe, I’ve brought my Dr. Martens loafers; on one trip to Israel, I wore Clarks Unstructured. I’d rather have Comfort over pretty, and I dress with more of an “edge,” so heavier-looking shoes balance things out nicely.
My favorite is Clarks.
I just got back from Europe last week, where we drove through 4 countries & 3 different climate zones. I primarily packed dresses & brought seven pairs of sandals. I used them all because I had them, but I only needed two teams: metallic sandals & black ballet. The metallic sandals & ballets were comfort shoe brands & perfect for all the different terrains & activities. Also, in place of packing jeans, I packed my black Lululemon pants & paired them with my cardigan set. If you need running shoes, look at Nike Free TR Fit, blk/blk.
I went to Europe for two weeks last fall, with lots of walking. I learned that any heel, however, cushioned, will not stand up to 10 hours of walking! The most comfortable pair I wore was a pair of gold snakeskin Aerosoles flat sandals!
My favorite is a pair of sandals from Naturalizer.
Nowadays, people like to wear fashionable types of sandals.
Not with my wife’s swollen feet!
All great shoes. Exactly what European women wear!
Merrell is my favorite brand! But I’m going to Europe next month and am still unsure what to wear. I need something more than sandals for my flat feet.
Rochelle, if you like Merrells, try these – the Around Town backstrap shoe. It comes in several colors, and while it looks a little bit Birkenstock-ish, they are the MOST comfortable sandals I’ve ever worn! I could walk around the world in the—padded cork footbed that you sink into a little bit, with good grip and wide straps. The back is an adjustable buckle strap. I wear them with dresses and jeans/slacks – they give you a casual look but have comfy feet and legs. Not for dressing up, but you can take other shoes for that. This is the link to the brown version of this shoe: http://www.merrell.com/US/en/around-town-backstrap/23711W.html?ref=around%20town&dwvar_23711W_color=J55536#q=around+town&start=1.
I love my Arche flats. I just returned from Argentina and wore them every day. I also have a job that requires standing for 6-7 hours and wearing Arche, Born, Jambu, and Dansko shoes to work.
I just bought these:
v
Very comfy!! But if I remember correctly, sandals may not be appropriate for touring some cathedrals, and you’ll want closed-toe shoes.
Hi Stacy,
We’ve never had a problem wearing sandals in European cathedrals, but you must cover your shoulders and arms. It’s good to carry a little scarf with you.
I”m currently looking to Europe in the Summer of 2012. Someone recommended Chaco shoes – I like the looks of their sandals but want something a bit more dressy looking.
Mine are a pair of Merrells but not very stylish, but I could walk all of Berlin in them. They are better than running shoes.
Merrell’s is a fantastic brand and good for your feet, but some styles can look clunky. However, we agree, much better than a running shoe!
I don’t have a favorite pair of travel shoes; that’s why I need these!! I hope to go to Ireland next year to celebrate 25 years of marriage with my wonderful husband. We never got a honeymoon (we were too broke!), so this will be a grand celebration.
I saw many people on Rick Steves’ travel site recommending Naot brand shoes for traveling Europe. I went with their Nau Mai shoe for all the walking I’ll be doing on cobblestones.
http://www.zappos.com/naot-footwear-nau-mai-black-gloss-leather-black-patent
Hi Celeste,
Those will indeed look much better than a pair of tennis shoes!
Clarks
Birkenstock..is the one I’ve wore in the past…
Vionic shoes and boots often come in a size 5, my size. I have worn their ballet flats, slip on sneakers and sandals on many a city street. They have styles that don’t look orthopedic.