I don’t think 1 pair of shoes is the best solution. A better solution might be lightweight and comfortable sandals + a durable city hiker or urban loafers (I’m a guy). If you will indeed be trekking through mud and snow regularly, then consider a third pair — maybe the hikers you linked to.

I’m with Don. I prefer low cut sneakers alternated with sandals that offer enough support that you can spend a day on your feet — while carrying at least the extra weight of your day pack. Even though I usually do some real hiking I do not take hikers. I would only take hikers if you’re going to be doing a lot of 1/2 day or longer trail hiking while carrying your full gear. There are thousands of miles of hiking trails that will get you to the waterfall or the next village and are suitable for low cuts or sandals if you aren’t carrying 40 lbs on your back.

As for all-weather, I usually just do a couple of courses of spray-on water repellent on the sneakers — adequate for summer, maybe not if you’re doing real hiking in winter.

I agree with what both Don and oldlady have said. I had a slightly different approach when I was traveling because I was hitting cities and wanted to have shoes I could go out to bars/clubs in and i wanted something that was comfortable and usable in all weather.

I wrote a blog about my selection and why I enjoyed it… As a note, I was traveling the first week of November and the weather was kind of nasty.

If you don’t read the blog, the gist of the article is that I took Crocs and loved them. Great for rainy weather, lots of walking in museums, doing laundry and you want to wash all your socks, etc…

Can you expand on which type of crocs you actually used? I can’t imagine the side portholes on the regular (everyone has) crocs would be comfortable in rainy weather or hiking by any means (sticks, pebbles). After a quick look at the website, it does look like the “viking” shoe or the “specialist” shoe may be a good choice for those wanting to use to walk around the city, go out in, possibly hike, and more…

http://shop.crocs.co…
http://shop.crocs.co…

I actually used these clogs…

the sticks and pebbles can get annoying with these ones, but they are good for the shower and such because of those same holes. i also used those side holes to strap them to my bag.

these things totally saved my legs because i had to walk a couple cities with all of my stuff with me and without them i would have been very unhappy…

For Rain, Snow,Mud I recommend this site it has shoe Covers For All seasons (Great Product)!!!! That way you can bring Any hiker and sandel and put these in your pack.Its Very Compact!!! http://overshoe.com/…

A good way to do use shoes are alternating between crocs and sperry topsiders. They are water resistant (made for sailing) offer good grip and last for years. The only disadvantage is the rubbing of the back heel, which can be solved with a $3 set of heel cushions from wal-greens. Have used this combination in most of my travels and have never been dissapointed. One additional upside is the ability for the shoes to dry in a relatively short amount of time. Hope you find that useful

Thanks for all your help everyone!

I really don’t like the look of Crocs. The answer that helped me the most was by Don who said that one pair of shoes won’t cut it. Thanks!

I would say to buy a good pair of Chaco sandals for warm days and then take a pair of Sperry topsiders for every other day. I went from the top of the Alps to beaches of Italy to rainy London and used only these two pairs of shoes walking miles and miles every day… never had one issue. I would never backpack with anything else.

sperry topsiders… as in the original boat shoe? i have the classic brown ones but i feel that the sole would be a little thin…
or are you talking about the billfish 3-eye with the little bit thicker sole?

Apparently I’m the only guy here with a metrosexual’s taste in shoes

augustin25 wrote:

Apparently I’m the only guy here with a metrosexual’s taste in shoes

haha, ya i walked most of europe in a pair of leather dress shoes. after about 1/2 way through the trip my legs were killing me, so i switched to my very unmetrosexual crocs…

abyrne, Yes the original boating shoes. They have lasted me in all my travels quite well. The billfish are probabaly a good way to go, but for the sales of saving money, you could just buy inserts (anyone that fits and wears well with u) and the $3 heel cushions from wal-greens or USA drugs that I wrote about. I tried both of those things and have never experienced any troubles and have worn the same pair for traveling for 4 years. The biggest advantage of the sperry besides durability is being able to dress it up or down according to where you are going. Well hope this helps. Good luck and good travels

I just don’t understand the fascination with Chacos. The ones I’ve had are heavy and uncomfortable (other people I know have the same complaints). I guess they might be good in very wet climates, but otherwise, I just don’t see it.

When I went travelling in Asia (slightly different to Europe I know) I got myself some Timberlands. They have been amazing. They are still going strong now after a year and have helped save my feet through many hard treks. They’ve been with me on the Great Wall of China, Jungle trekking in Thailand, trekking in Laos, walking miles in Vietnam, and been the life and soul of many a good parties. You can pick them up from outlet stores really cheap and they are waterproof too! Just get some nice comfy socks to go with them and have fun walking! Enjoy your trip!

Alex

Type of shoes depends on the terrain you’ll be walking. If you’re just going to urban areas a pair of good trainers (not sneakers) is my preference ( I have wide feet so I prefer New Balance). I also take a good pair of sandals (which seem to be a more popular item of footwear in europe than north america). Chaco Z1 Unaweep sandals are super light, have lots of support and a thick rugged sole for walking n city and country conditions (just don’t wear socks with ‘em).

I just noticed this thread was moved from the Packing forum to here, the Website Functionality forum. Just curious about that one.

I say trail-runners for the cooler months and sport-sandals (like Teva or Chacos) for the warmer times. And as others have posted, you will need nicer shoes for going out at night.
Happy travels