Best Walking Shoes for Europe: 10 Different Styles

There is nothing more exciting than an amazing trip to Europe! You’ve spent months planning and detailing the perfect itinerary and now it’s time to start packing!

Out of everything that is going in your luggage though, I would argue that there is one essential, often overlooked item that can really make or break your long days of sightseeing: Having the best walking shoes for Europe!

Whether you want the best European walking shoes to blend in with the locals or just need something comfy and practical, you are, no doubt, going to need walking shoes for Europe, as you are going to find yourself on your feet for longer than you might expect.

Therefore, I’ve put together this ultimate guide to help you figure out what’s the best shoes for a European trip, no matter where in Europe you might be heading to or what you might be exploring!

These shoes will look great also with a nice long travel skirt and one of these best jackets for travel. Put on a cool travel hoodie under if it gets chilly!

Best Shoes for Europe & My Favorite: Tom’s Classic

No time to go through the whole process of what all to consider and how to pick the best walking shoes for European travel? My choice no. is the Tom’s Classic canvas shoe.

There’s more info about these in the Review section, but I’ve traveled with these shoes extensively and can highly recommend them.

Best European Walking Shoes Overview

Scroll further down to see a complete review of these shoes.

Name	Category	Material	More details
TOMS Classic Canvas Shoes	Classic	Canvas	Check prices
Skechers  Women’s Go Walk 5-Honor	Comfortable	Textile and Synthetic	Check prices
Forever Link Combat Boot	Boots	Synthetic Leather	Check prices
Minnetonka Anna Ballet Flats	Flats	Leather or Synthetic	Check prices
Hey Dudes Lace-Up Loafers	Cute	Canvas	Check prices
Dr. Scholl’s Ankle Boot	Fashionable	Fabric or Textile	Check prices
TOMS Mesh Shoes	Summer	Mesh	Check prices
Birkenstock Gizeh Thong Sandal	Sandals	Synthetic	Check prices
Dr. Scholl’s Time Off Sneaker	Sneakers	Faux Leather	Check prices
TOMS Men’s Classic	Men’s	Canvas	Check prices

What To Consider When Choosing The Best Walking Shoes For Europe

When considering shoes for European travel, there are quite a few things to take note of. The last thing you need is to sprain an ankle on your first day as you wander the cobblestoned alleys or to get a huge blister from poor planning! Here are some of the things you’ll want to know and consider when choosing your best shoes for walking Europe.

Practicality

You are most likely going to be walking long hours and on uneven surfaces. Be sure that what you have is practical for that type of travel. Heels may FASHIONABLY be the cutest option for that dress, but it’s not going to be practical for walking around all day. Which ties into…

Comfort

Above all else, you should really put comfortable walking shoes for Europe at the top of your priority list. This isn’t to say that stylish walking shoes for Europe don’t exist (they do!) but if your feet are causing you misery, then worry about comfort, not fashion!

Waterproof

Depending on where you go in Europe, you never know when you will be caught in the rain. E.g. Poland can be shrouded in rainclouds from November through May and if you are planning on going to Ireland, England or the Netherlands, you better just have an umbrella with you at all times!

Therefore, no matter the comfort and practicality of your shoes, if they get wet, it is amazing how quickly you will get cold and miserable.

Tip: While actual waterproof shoes are the best bet, other materials are still good at keeping out the wetness. Open mesh shoes that haven’t been weather treated, however (like many sneakers) are going to let the rain soak right through.

Bonus Tip: Did your shoes still get wet? Find some newspaper and stuff inside overnight to help get them dried out faster!

Terrain

Another major thing to consider when packing your shoes for your trip is the terrain you are going on.

• Are you going to be walking cities? Consider a sneaker style shoe, like the Dr. Scholl’s Time Off Sneaker.
• Are you planning a beach holiday in Spain? These sandals are comfy and ideal for the seaside.
• Are you going to be hiking the mountains? Sturdy hiking boots, like these, are a good option.

Material

There are a few things to think about when considering materials for shoes for European travel. Here are a few materials of shoes to keep in mind:

1. Waterproof: As mentioned above, waterproof material is something you are going to want to look into, almost no matter where you travel to in Europe. Goretex is a great waterproof material
2. Mesh: If properly rain and weather treated, mesh shoes offer good ventilation and are more lightweight than many other shoes for those watching weight limits. However, these are prone to wetness when not pre-treated.
3. Leather: Leather shoes are sturdy and hold up well, but can be quite bulky.
4. Canvas: Many popular shoes, like the TOMS, are now in canvas styles. These are lightweight and easy to wash. As you’ll see below, canvas is often present in the best walking shoes for women in Europe below.

Season

Obviously, if you are going to Prague in the summer, you are not going to need boots! However, if you are going to be skiing in Switzerland in December, then that pair of winter boots is probably a necessity!

Weight

Depending on the kind of travel that you are doing, you may strongly need to consider how much your shoes weigh. If you are doing carry-on only luggage, there are often weight limits with some European budget airlines.

But also consider the weight on your actual foot. If you are sightseeing all day, you probably don’t want something too heavy, creating more fatigue in your feet and legs than you are already going to get simply from walking all day.

Special Foot Considerations

Make sure that if your feet are finicky that you pick the best shoe for walking based off of YOU. For example, consider the following when picking a walking shoe:

• Bunions
• High Arches
• Flat Feet
• Wide Feet

Style and Fashion

This one is low on the list for a reason. Don’t get me wrong, there is absolutely nothing wrong with looking your absolute best for all those Instagram photo ops! However, no amount of style is going to make up for a miserable attitude because your feet are killing you. :)

Another part of style to consider is that while sneakers, tennis shoes and name brands are seen more and more often today, Europeans don’t often wear a ton of clothing with brands displayed. In fact, the first time I traveled around Europe, you could spot a tourist a mile away from their shoes. While this isn’t as prominent anymore, choosing shoes that are more “plain” will help you if you want to blend in.

Let’s now look at types of best women’s walking shoes for travel in Europe:

Best Shoes For Traveling Europe: Shoe Types

Now that you know everything that you need to consider before jumping into a pair of travel shoes for Europe, you can start to narrow down the style of shoe that will meet your requirements for your own comfort, style, and destination.

Sneakers and Activity Shoes

You simply can’t go wrong with a stylish, plain style of sneaker. These are going to give you the most support, comfort, and diversity of use.

Great for: All day sightseeing and cobblestone streets (a good chunk of all of Europe!)

Why I love them: They are one of the most comfortable and reliable shoe options and when choosing a simple design, they can go with a multitude of outfits. However, if you’re looking for the best shoes for walking in Europe’s cities specifically, make sure the style is not too overly sporty and cheap-looking.

Not ideal for: Unless you are having a strict beach trip, I almost always recommend everyone have a sturdy pair of sneakers and activity shoes in their luggage when traveling Europe.

Best Walking Sneakers For Europe: Dr. Scholl’s Time Off Sneaker

Boots

Ankle Boots

Pick an ankle boot that has good support and a strong, thick heel. Of course, heels that are lower to the ground are more practical than higher ones.

Great for: Shoulder seasons where rain or keeping warm is a consideration. Also good for colder or more temperate countries in Europe, such as Germany and France.

Why I love them: They are diverse and can be worn with a lot of outfits and still look super stylish. Waterproof ankle boots also help keep feet dry while looking great.

Not ideal for: Summer travel, backpackers and those watching weight limits.

Rider Boots

Knee high boots are another great option for long days. Look for boots that have lower heels and are waterproof.

Great for: Shoulder and winter seasons in locations that might see snow but not enough for heavy duty boots, such as the Czech Republic or Poland.

Why I love them: You can look fashionable and still be comfortable!

Not ideal for: Summer months or warmer climates such as Croatia, Spain or Sicily. Also, not good for people with limited baggage space.

Hiking Boots For Europe

If you can get a sturdy pair of hiking shoes that double as walking shoes, you will have the best of both worlds. Shoes like Merrells and Keens are great for people wanting to do a few day hikes and nothing too long term as far as hiking is concerned. You have two shoes in one and these types of shoes are much lighter than full-on hiking boots.

Great for: Hikers and middle of the winter travel or for destinations such as Iceland or Lapland.

Why I love them: They are sturdy, tough, waterproof and comfortable

Not ideal for: People watching their weight limits.

Sandals

Activity, Athletic and Travel Sandals

If traveling in the summer, especially to hotter countries, such as Greece, having a pair of THE best sandals for traveling Europe can be a great option for comfortable footwear.

Great for: Long days of sightseeing and summer months.

Why I love them: The right travel sandals can not only be really fashionable but also extremely comfortable. No need to give up one for the other!

Not ideal for: Cold weather climates and people who need extra foot support.

Best Sandals For European Travel: Birkenstock

Flip Flops

If you plan on sitting in the sand and soaking up the sun, a comfortable pair of flip flops is a must to pack in your bag.

Great for: Anyone staying in hostels ANY time of the year as well as for beach holidays.

Why I love them: They are lightweight and so easy to shove in a bag without needing much space.

Not ideal for: Long days of sightseeing and walking as well as cold climates.

Flats

Flats are a tricky shoe for European travel. They are incredibly easy to pack and go with a lot of outfits. However, most don’t have great inside support and cushion, making them painful to be in for long hours of walking on hard and uneven surfaces.

If you do opt for flats, look for THE best travel flats for Europe – ones that have good padding, and the backs don’t rub your heels.

Great for: Short excursions or for pure aesthetical looks (i.e. out for dinner in Paris)

Why I love them: They are lightweight and pack so well!

Not ideal for: Long days of walking, cobblestone streets and wintery weather.

Best Walking Flats for Europe: Minnetonka Anna Ballet Flats

Best Travel Shoes For Europe Reviews

As someone who has done extensive travel in Europe and walked just about every type of terrain the beautiful continent has to offer, I’ve made some mistakes on walking shoes in the past, but also learned my lessons!

Here are my top recommendations of women’s walking shoes for Europe for any type of travel and terrain for your feet (and attitude!) to stay comfy and happy so that you can have the best trip possible!

Best Shoes For Europe Top Pick: TOMS

I love the TOMS for travel and think they are one of the best shoes for walking around Europe. I brought them on a trip to Transylvania in summer, to Croatia… and have also loved them for flying.

Pros:

• Lightweight
• Come in a variety of colors and styles
• They break in nicely and even start to conform to your own fit (great for bunions!)
• Are cute and versatile with clothing with better support than flats
• Can machine-wash 

Cons:

• Need to be broken in a few times before you really get the good comfort
• Start with a new pair (after being broken in), as ones with the soles already starting to wear thin will have you feeling all the uneven European pavements.
• Not ideal in wet conditions with smooth pavements, as they don’t have a ton of grip
• They can start to smell if your feet sweat a lot. You can wear slip-on socks to prevent this from happening
• Many people claim they run very small, so be sure to read sizing reviews before purchasing
• Check for signs that you have legit TOMS, as there are unfortunately knock offs out there

Click here to read more reviews about my top pick for best walking shoes for travel in Europe – the TOMS.

Most Comfortable Walking Shoes For Europe Top Pick: Skechers Women’s Go Walk 5-Honor Sneaker

If you are wanting comfortable European walking shoes, you know Skechers are always a great option.

Pros:

• Lightweight
• Neutral colors making them great for diversity with clothing
• Decent arch support
• Easy to clean and wipe off
• Super comfy walking shoes for Europe – you’ll love the way they feel! 

Cons:

• They are not as sleek and as streamlined as flats (more loafer like, therefore slightly bulkier than a typical flat)
• Inconsistent sizing reports. Sizing can be all over the board. Some say they run way too small, while just as many people complain of being too big!

If you are looking for comfortable shoes for Europe, consider these Skechers.

CHECK THE CURRENT PRICE OF THE SKECHERS SNEAKERS

Best Walking Boots For Europe Top Pick: Forever Link Combat Boot

Boots are a great shoe for European travel. These combat-style boots are practical, can be cute and are totally in style.

Pros:

• Does well in wet conditions (some extra waterproofing spray would never hurt though!)
• Laces allow for tightening or loosening depending on calf size
• Looks great with leggings and jeans
• Perfect style for the weather of shoulder seasons for travel in Europe
• The heel isn’t too high

Cons:

• Not made of real leather (in terms of durability)
• Not heavy duty for very cold and snowy weather
• Comfortable walking boots for Europe can be a tough find. Add some insoles to these boots to give even extra comfort and support

Read more reviews on the Forever Link comfortable walking boots for travel here.

CHECK THE CURRENT PRICE OF FOREVER LINK BOOTS

Best Walking Flats For Europe Top Pick: Minnetonka Anna Ballet Flats

Ballet flats can be good travel shoes for Europe because they are so packable and cute. Just don’t put them on for the heavy-walking days.

Since ballet flats can be paired with anything, be it a cute dress or a pair of jeans, I consider them to be the best stylish walking shoes for Europe that’ll look awesome in any photo.

Pros:

• Minnetonka brand is known for comfort
• Ballet flats come in a wide variety of colors
• Real leather
• Quality and durable materials
• Elastic band in the back prevents the back from slipping (aka no blisters)

Cons:

• As with most ballet flats, these do not have a ton of support
• Needs a few wears first to be properly broken in

See current pricing of these great ballet flats for travel here.

CHECK THE CURRENT PRICE OF MINNETONKA FLATS

Cute Walking Shoes For Europe Top Pick: Hey Dude Lace-Up Loafers (Women’s)

Cute and fashionable aren’t always interchangeable. If you love quirky and cute, THESE are your go-tos for good walking shoes in Europe! This is as cute as it gets.  

Pros:

• Lightweight canvas material
• Machine washable
• Memory foam

Cons:

• May run small
• The laces don’t tighten

Click here to check out all the designs of these loafers. There are nearly 30!

Best Fashionable Walking Shoes For Europe Top Pick: Dr. Scholl’s Ankle Boot

Just because you are traveling doesn’t mean you can’t look great too. Right now, ankle boots are totally in, making them a great, fashionable choice to wear while traveling.

And, Dr. Scholl is a well-established “healthy” shoe maker from Germany. So you can count on the quality.

These are the best ankle boots for walking in Europe.

Pros:

• Lightweight
• Comfortable

Cons:

• Runs small and narrow

See the newest reviews of the Dr. Scholl’s Ankle Boot here.

CHECK THE CURRENT PRICE OF THE DR. SCHOLL ANKLE BOOT

Best Walking Shoes For Europe In Summer Top Pick: TOMS Mesh

For all of the above reasons, I obviously love TOMS, but these shoes in the mesh version are truly the best shoes for traveling Europe in the summer months.

Pros:

• Lightweight
• Thin and breathable
• Durable
• More foot coverage than sandals 

Cons:

• Again, be wary of fakes. Do a thorough check immediately when receiving before wearing
• Can smell if your feet get too sweaty (but just toss in the wash to help with stink)

Click here to see the reviews and check the shoes.

CHECK THE CURRENT PRICE OF THE TOMS MESH SHOES

Stylish Walking Sandals For Europe Top Pick: Birkenstock Gizeh Thong Sandal

You know with the name “Birkenstock” that you are guaranteed a European style sandal with the backing quality of German made products. I own a pair of Birkenstock myself and they are definitely better for my feet than simple flat flip flops.

I find them to be the best sandals for cobblestone streets.

Pros:

• Quality and well-known brand
• Extremely comfortable sandals for Europe (great arch support and a good, deep heel cup)
• Waterproof
• Very diverse as they can be worn as water flip flops but also out for the day sightseeing
• Wide variety of colors

Cons:

• With high quality comes a high price tag
• Needs a few wears to break in and get used to the thong straps
• Can make some unfortunate noises when walking if they are wet

Click here to read why so many people love the black Gizeh Birkenstock sandals.

CHECK THE CURRENT PRICE OF BIRKENSTOCK SANDALS

Best Sneakers For Europe: Dr. Scholl’s Time Off Sneaker

If you are looking for the best walking shoes for traveling Europe, sneakers are often your best choice. Again, with a brand like Dr. Scholl’s, you know you will be getting the best quality and will be able to walk miles without hurting your feet.

These are the rare cute sneakers for walking in Europe, which you can pull of even with a dress.

Pros:

• Lightweight 
• Anatomical cushioning for comfort & support
• Eco-conscious, recycled materials
• Water-resistant
• Great grip

Cons:

• Higher price point

Click here to read more Dr. Scholl’s Time Off Sneaker reviews, in my opinion the best sneakers for walking in Europe.

Men’s Travel Shoes For Europe Recommendation: TOMS Men’s

If you are also looking for the best men’s walking shoes for Europe, you could do the same selection tips as we did above to narrow down the absolute best walking shoe for men. But if you are just looking for a good, all around walking shoe, then I have to, yet again, recommend TOMS.

(See above reviews of TOMS for the majority of the pros and cons, as they are true across the board for men and women’s)

Pros:

• Can be worn comfortably all day
• Can be dressed up or down
• Great for summers
• Durable

Cons:

• Assess for fakes when initially received
• Can run small

Click here to see more pros and cons of the men’s TOMS Men’s Alpargata Loafer Flat.

Other Tips for Picking, Packing and Wearing the Best Shoes for European Travel

Before Your Trip

Test Them out

Right when you get your new shoes, do some testing to make sure these shoes will be ideal for YOU:

1. Find an incline to walk down: Your toes should just slightly start to touch the top of the shoes when at an incline.
2. Walk around the house: Walk around for a full day and see how your feet feel. It isn’t as authentic of a test as being outside, but at least you can return them if they don’t work out at this stage.
3. Walk some stairs: Walk up and down several flights of stairs. How do your feet feel? Are your heels moving around? If so, expect blisters.

Waterproof Them

Even if you chose a shoe that is waterproof, consider buying a waterproof spray, like this one, just so that you have some extra protection.

If your shoe wasn’t waterproof, then absolutely do this step before leaving.

Break Them In

Once you know that those are the shoes you want, start breaking them in slowly. Wear them for a few hours here and there until they have started to conform to your own foot. Even some of the most comfortable walking shoes still need a little breaking in before long and extensive uses.

Choose 2-3 Pairs

Unless you are packing ultralight, consider bringing two pairs of shoes for your European travel. Maybe you choose one dressier pair and one quality walking shoe. Or, consider bringing one walking shoe and one specific to a special excursion you might be doing (beach, hiking etc).

Or, if you know you are going somewhere with the potential for rain, bring along two good walking shoes so that you can always have a backup!

Moral of the story though? ALWAYS have a good walking shoe for Europe.

Use Your Shoes To Help Efficiently Pack

If you are bringing along sneakers to wear in Europe or shoes of similar bulkiness, don’t waste valuable packing space. Stuff socks or other small garments inside your shoes when packing.

Another option is to put more breakable type items into the shoe for more protection.

Don’t Get Your Clothes Dirty

Even if your shoes are brand new before your trip, remember that they might get wet, muddy, or dirty on your vacation. The easiest and cheapest way to keep my shoes separate from my clothes is to actually just put them in a cheap, disposable shower cap! Easy and affordable!

Wear Your Heaviest Shoes on Travel Days

If you are bringing along boots or another pair of heavy shoes, consider wearing them on your travel day. This drastically cuts down on luggage weight that you won’t have to, well, lug around.

So there you have it! There are obviously quite a few things to consider when buying the best European shoes for travel, but hopefully, I’ve helped you figure out the best ones for your particular trip.

What are your personal favorite walking shoes for travel?

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