Hikers are what’s good for hiking, but I wouldn’t tote a pair of hikers for this itinerary. You’ll find thousands of marked, maintained trails that would be easy to handle in runners or cross trainers. You’ll be able to do some hiking in your sandals, but they don’t look sturdy enough for a day on a trail.

Other factors to consider….

You may want to alternate shoes. Sandals one day, trainers the next.
I can’t imagine 43 days in Europe without running into some serious rain and you may find some very chilly evenings — even in mid-summer. Summer in some of these places isn’t a whole lot warmer than winter in LA.
You may even want sturdier shoes in cities. It’s easy to spend 16 hours walking and standing (toting your day gear) without ever sitting down in Rome.

Thank you for the advice! I’ll start looking for some trainers to bring as well.

i have a pair of merrell and they are so comfortable!!!! love them!!!!

Hi
I once traveled with trail-running sneakers and I wound up using them once or twice. I now always travel with Chacos (during the summer) because they are specifically designed for outdoor activities. They are great for activities ranging from white-water rafting to hiking to city-walking. AND, they can even double as a shower-shoe.
Happy travels

I’m having the same dilemma, I bought a pair of Birkenstock sandals that I think seems good enough for hiking and walking around, but I’m nervous that I’ll be cold in the UK and Switzerland or that they won’t be suitable for walking around for long periods of time..I don’t even own a pair of sneakers!! Has anyone traveled with birks before? i was thinking of bringing those and a pair of comfortable flats as well for going out and days where I won’t be walking around too much

KRF888-
Based on personal experience, I wouldn’t travel with Birks. Birks suck when wet and they don’t give you the best support. You have hiked in them? I love my Birks but they are not a multi-sport/purpose sandal. I swear by chacos
ANd yes, it is TRUE that you will want a closed-toe shoe in the cooler and wetter places (i.e. London, Dublin, Berlin, AMsterdam, etc etc). If you don’t own a pair of sneakers, purchase a pair of Converse low-tops. They are super light and packable and you can get them in a million colors.
Happy Travels!

I’m really interested in getting chacos for this summer. Do you think if i’ll only be in Paris for 5 days and Interlaken for 2-3 days that it will be/won’t be worthwhile to pack along a pair of closed-toe shoes? Also, how different would you say chacos are from tevas? Thanks for the advice

mbee10 wrote:

I’m really interested in getting chacos for this summer. Do you think if i’ll only be in Paris for 5 days and Interlaken for 2-3 days that it will be/won’t be worthwhile to pack along a pair of closed-toe shoes? Also, how different would you say chacos are from tevas? Thanks for the advice

Hey,
WEll, in summer Paris will probably be really hot. Interlaken could have hot days and could have damp/cool/rainy days. No matter what, I still would have a pair of closed-toe shoes with me because the weather in Europe has been very unpredictable these last few summers. I have traveled in the western and central European countries in July where it rained for about 3 weeks straight (2005) — or more. AS for Chacos, yes, they are very similar to Tevas. I like them better because they have a sturdier and more durable design. Another great thing about them is that the strapping system is completely adjustable (unlike Tevas) so it provides for a more custom fit. They will run you about 100USD but they are high quality and last forever.

Hope I helped. Happy travels!