One of the questions I get asked most often by WanderLux readers is “What are the best shoes to take to Europe?” In fact, it’s probably the second-most popular question after “What clothes should I pack for Europe?”
When you visit Europe, you’ll probably spend long hours on your feet, and picking the wrong shoes could make walking painful, so comfortable footwear is a must. But you also want to know that your shoes and boots look good and will take you from sightseeing tours to evenings relaxing in bars and restaurants.
Last year, I visited Europe for three weeks with my husband and sons. We encountered cobblestone streets, uneven pavements, and all those steps up and down to the London Underground so packing the right shoes was essential.
With that in mind, I’ve put together my list of the best walking shoes for European travel. I’ve included shoes for daytime exploring and evenings out and some extra suggestions for the men and children who might be accompanying you.
With the right shoes packed for your European vacation, you can look forward to a more enjoyable trip without back or foot pain!
How to choose the best travel shoes for a European trip
Of course, your choice of shoes needs to suit the time of year you visit Europe and the itinerary you’ve put together. Your shoes also need to complement the type of outfit you prefer to wear and the places you want to visit. For example, two weeks exploring the cities of southern Spain in August will need different shoes from a mid-winter trip to England.
American travelers often notice that people in Europe tend to have a more polished, put-together look, especially in major European cities. You don’t need to pack formalwear unless you’re attending a formal or cultural event like visiting the opera. But putting together a smart-casual capsule wardrobe will help you blend in and feel more confident, and your shoes will play a big part in this. Think stylish flats, cute sandals, and clean white tennis shoes instead of the sneakers you usually wear to the gym.
Europeans also tend to dress up more for evenings out. If you visit a cool wine bar or go for dinner in a terrace restaurant, you’ll notice the locals elevate their outfits with unique accessories, chic outerwear, and, of course, the right shoes. So, it’s worth packing at least one pair of slightly dressier shoes to give your outfit a little European flair.
Sneakers
A pair of comfortable sneakers is a must-pack item for European travel, especially if you’re planning to spend the full day walking long distances around a city.
I generally avoid taking athletic sneakers, which can look a bit too casual for European travel. Instead, I pack a pair of sleek white sneakers that will pair well with pants, shorts, and summery dresses.
I swear by my Paul Green sneakers and wore them a lot in Europe last year.
These stylish travel shoes are smart enough for visiting museums and palaces, they have plenty of room in the toe box, and a bouncy sole that gives all-day comfort for long days exploring the city streets.
Converse sneakers are really popular in Europe, and you’ll see them worn everywhere in cities like Paris and London. They’re available in a wide range of colors, but beware that they don’t offer much arch support. However, some styles have removable insoles, so you could easily replace them with a pair of supportive insoles.
If you prefer a sportier look or maybe want to fit in a couple of workouts during your European vacation, these New Balance sneakers are a good choice. They have a comfortable sole and provide enough support for a long walk or everyday exploring.
Loafers
The classic style of loafers makes them an excellent choice for smarter looks, especially if you’re visiting Europe in the Fall. They look great with jeans or slim black pants, and you’ll see a lot of European women wearing loafers as their everyday shoes.
The classic Gucci horse-bit loafers are my favorite shoes, and I highly recommend packing these slip ons for your European vacation.
If you’d prefer a more affordable option, these Sam Edelman Loraine loafers are made from soft leather and have the elegant style you’re looking for.
Ballet flats
A pair of ballet flats or flat slingbacks is the best choice for days out when you want to look a little smarter. Their timeless style is cute with dresses and skirts and looks chic with black pants or slim-leg jeans.
I have several pairs of classic Chanel flat slingbacks, which are an excellent choice for your Europe packing list. Other good brands to consider include Rothy’s and Margaux.
I have several pairs of Rothy’s slingbacks and love them because the soft footbed keeps them comfortable all day. These Rothy’s Almond Slingbacks have a stylish almond-toe profile, and the open slingback has a soft, stretchy strap with a silicone pad to help keep it in place. Rothy’s shoes are made out of recycled plastic for less waste, they come in a gorgeous range of colors, and you can even wash them!
These Margaux Crosby slingbacks are a dressier pair of flats in Italian nappa with a leather lining. Their on-trend Mary-Jane styling has a pointed toe and a slim adjustable top strap.
Sandals
You won’t need sandals for a winter vacation in Europe, but they are a must-have for summer trips.
My top pick for the most comfortable sandals is my Birkenstock double buckle sandals, which I wore everywhere on my last European trip. These walking sandals are so comfortable and versatile enough to pair with almost every summer outfit.
You can choose from various options, including slingbacks and platform sandals, but the classic dual-buckle Birkenstock slide sandals are probably the most popular version.
A pair of strappy sandals in a neutral color is another good packing option as they will easily take you from day wear to evenings out without taking up much room in your case.
My favorite Cole Haan sandals are a regular on my packing list because the footbed is super soft and padded, and I like the security of having a heel strap to keep them in place. The sandals I have are out of stock now, but this pair of Cole Haan sandals is similar.
Europeans tend to dress up more in the evenings than Americans, so it’s also worth packing a pair of flat, dressy sandals. I packed my Hermes Oran sandals, which look elegant but are still comfortable to wear after a long day of sightseeing.
More affordable options with a similar style are widely available, like these Steve Madden Hayden slide sandals on Amazon.
Flip-flops aren’t a necessity if you’re not spending much time at the beach, and you won’t generally see Europeans wearing flip-flops around the city.
However, they’re lightweight and easy to pack, so if you have pool access, it’s worth throwing a pair in your suitcase. I have these Olukai beach sandals and really like the great arch support and comfortable footbed.
Heels
High heels and cobblestone streets aren’t a great mix, but it’s nice to have a pair of cute shoes for evening looks.
A wedge espadrille sandal is a great option for summer vacations. They’ll work with shorts and summer dresses during the day and smarter outfits in the evenings. These Castaner Carol canvas espadrilles are comfortable and have a lower heel that will make negotiating the cobbles easier.
Block-heeled sandals are a dressier alternative to wedge espadrilles. I packed a pair of Loft block-heeled sandals for my European trip but they’re sadly no longer available. These Nine West Women’s Griselda Block Heel Sandals are pretty similar and come in a great range of neutral colors.
Boots
You probably won’t need boots for a summer vacation in Europe, but waterproof boots are a good option for visiting Europe in the Fall and Winter.
Ankle boots are ideal for long days walking around European cities and can just as easily be dressed up for an evening out. Choose flat boots or a low, stacked heel for better comfort.
These Stuart Weitzman ankle boots have a walkable block heel and will pair well with jeans or skirts.
These Veronica Beard Lisa suede ankle boots are a dressier option for evenings out in Fall and Winter, but avoid wearing them on slippy, rain-soaked cobblestones. A suede upper can easily be damaged by snow or rain, so if you pack suede boots or shoes, treat them with a weather-proofing spray before you travel.
You probably don’t need to pack rain boots, but knee-high waterproof boots will keep your feet dry in rainy weather and give you a little extra warmth. I always recommend a flat boot with a rubber sole or a low heel boot for visiting Europe in winter, especially if you’re traveling to a country with winter snow.
These Timberland waterproof boots are a great choice as they have non-slip soles and an anti-fatigue footbed for added comfort.
Men’s Shoes
Men can probably get away with packing fewer pairs of shoes. They’ll mainly need a comfortable pair of shoes for sightseeing and a smarter pair of shoes for the evening.
The classic Adidas Samba sneakers are an excellent choice for sightseeing. They come in a great range of colorways, and the cushioned sole will keep his feet comfortable for long days exploring your destination.
Loafers are popular with European men because they feel comfortable but look smart enough for evenings out. These Brunello Cucinelli penny loafers are elegant with pants but casual enough to pair with linen shorts.
These Peter Millar leather boat shoes offer a more relaxed and affordable option.
If you visit Europe in the colder months, a rugged pair of boots will keep his feet warm and dry.
Again, look for boots with waterproof uppers and non-slip soles, like these Allen Edmonds Higgins Mill boots with a side zip for easy on and off.
Kids Shoes
Kids will generally need comfortable, supportive shoes for your European vacation. Europeans are generally more relaxed about little kids, so they’re unlikely to need smart shoes unless you plan to visit a high-end restaurant or similar.
Athletic shoes are ideal for sightseeing. Look for breathable options with great support and easy-access closures, like these kids’ Skechers sneakers, especially if you’re visiting in warm weather.
The European weather can be changeable, so a pair of waterproof shoes is also a good option for rainy days These Merrell Waterproof Hiking Sneakers come in a great range of kid-friendly colors and give a supportive, comfortable fit.
If you have pool access or are planning to visit the beach, a pair of water shoes will protect their feet and prevent slipping.
More Tips on Choosing Shoes for European Travel
Remember that the weather in Europe can be very unpredictable, especially if you’re visiting the U.K. or other Northern European countries. You’ll likely see rain at least once on your trip, even in summer, so make sure you have a closed-toe option to keep your feet dry.
Although modern European cities have regular pavements, you’ll often find cobblestone streets and uneven surfaces in Old Towns and smaller towns and villages. It’s better to save your stiletto heels for travel days when you’re mainly sitting down or evenings out in more modern locations.
If you have high arches or flat feet, or suffer from other issues like plantar fasciitis and back pain, choosing the wrong shoes could cause pain that risks ruining your vacation. It’s a good idea to consult a podiatrist or physical therapist to fit your shoes with inserts or orthotics that will make long sightseeing trips more comfortable.
Packing a few shoe-cleaning wipes will help keep your shoes looking good throughout your trip.
And one last thing – never pack new shoes you haven’t worn in, as blisters on the first wear can really spoil your big trip. However, even the most comfortable shoes can cause blisters in hot and humid conditions, so the best thing is to keep some blister plasters handy just in case!
The Wrap Up
When you’re planning a European trip, picking the right pair of shoes means more than just choosing shoes that pair well with your outfits. Of course, you want your shoes to look good, but you also want to know you’ve got the most comfortable walking shoes possible, to make the most of your vacation.
Our guide makes it easy to choose a good pair of walking shoes, so you can avoid painful blisters and back issues, and stylish shoes with a little European flair for socializing at the end of the day.
Once you’ve made your choices, you can relax and look forward to your exciting European trip!
Check out my other post about the best travel clothes for women to expand your wardrobe!
