What Shoes to Take to Europe - 5 Rules for the Right Shoes
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- Опубліковано 9 кві 2016
- Read the Updated Blog on the Best Shoes & Rules for Shoes When You Travel to Europe: woltersworld.com/5-rules-for-...
Female Travel Advice on What Shoes to Take for Your Trip to Europe. Whether you are heading to Paris, London, Rome or anywhere Jocelyn gives you her 5 Rules of Shoes for Europe.
What Shoes Should I Take to Europe? Shoe Advice for Traveling?
Filmed in Paris, France
Copyright Mark Wolters 2016
USA Today & 10Best's #1 Independent Travel Videographer 2014
FlipKey by TripAdvisor Top 10 Travel Bloggers 2014
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The locals are going to know you are American no matter what you wear or don’t wear. Never wear brand new shoes, broken in comfortable shoes only. If you are going to the older historic cities, make sure you have plenty of sole....those cobblestones will kill you if you aren’t prepared. Been there, done that. Be vigilant about your belongings and have a great time.
The running-shoe thing is SO true! I went to Norway for a family reunion, and was amazed at how many people there look like me. My first day there I spent exploring Oslo on foot, returning to the hotel in-between long walks for a nap, etc. When I walked around in my running shoes, everyone I met spoke English to me, and other Americans were more likely to talk to me. When I switched to leather hiking boots later on (though still wearing the same clothes), everyone spoke to me in Norwegian!
I wear several different styles of New Balance foot wear. Wide width (4e) extremely comfortable and light. Quite honestly, don't really care if someone looks upon me as a tourist, hey, that's what I am. If I don't quite fit in with the locals, so be it. I am there to enjoy and experience another place on this earth.
After trying a lot of different shoes I find that the only shoes that will not 'ruin' my feet in Europe is running shoes, no matter what people think. I walk usually more than 10 miles a day with a camera equipment on me and can't wear cheap converse shoes for that amount of walking. I pay $200 for my running shoes and I don't suffer during my trips to Europe. That's the only way to go for me.
As a guy, I was used to always wear tennis shoes for long walks. My last minute decision was to bring boots, the short (up to the ankle) cushioned type and with soft rubber soles. I can't over emphasize how glad I am I did that. I walked all day long with the exception of days when we rode the train and I didn't get one single blister, never even felt the urge to pull them off as soon as I got to the hotel. Hope that helps.
in iceland, pretty much 90% of the country wear nike/adidas running shoes in the summer. but if your going out in nature wear waterproof hiking boots.
I wouldn't want to walk 5-10 miles a day in brand new shoes.
I only bring shoes that I've worn a lot already and know for sure they won't cause blisters and ruin my day - plain leather with good cushioning and support.
My five rules for shoes on a trip: Comfortable, comfortable, comfortable, comfortable, and not too ugly. You need a version of this video for men! I actually like/use Lowa low top hiking boots.
Tibets are my favorite to use for everything
I always like a good matte black Chelsea boot. The ones that are water resistant. They've held up through countrysides, city centers, and easily slip off at the airport in those instances where you need to take your shoes off. Plus they're cute and match anything.
Alicia Ramirez do you have recommendations for comfortable ones?
Jennie Vu Aetrex makes a comfy Chelsea boot 👢
I like your rule # 5. That’s the best. I’ve lived in Europe for many years and always found great things to buy, high quality and lower price. You get value. Plus, since they walk a lot there, they know how to make a good shoe for just that. Take an empty suitcase and go shopping the first day. You’ll be too jet lagged to do much else.
You hit the nail on the head with point #2. You ALWAYS know it's an American when they're wearing running shoes, so true! Urban shoes, or whatever you called it, is the perfect way to describe what the rest of the world wears to stay comfy.
Love and London hey
We need to be ready for a run AT ALL TIMES !
Europe is not the rest of the world
So what do you do when all you can wear is running shoes in order to fit your orthotics?
Unless tennis are inviting murderers Im wearing what makes my feet feel good and that's tennis shoes. If its just jerkweeds pointing and laughing saying tourist then so what? I am!
Nice to see Jocelyn do a video for once! Great tips for being comfortable and blending in with the locals. What kind of bag do you like to bring? I had a very expensive pocketbook snatched in Paris a few years ago so I won't make that mistake again.
High heels can be problematic ... Lot's of cobblestone streets in Europe. Take with you street shoes.
+Cta2006 I have seen more than one tourist wipe out when high heel met cobblestone. Mark
+Cta2006 High heels can be problematic for long walks, I agree, but they're nice for the occasional fancy outings esp. in Paris. For the cobblestone streets in Europe I'd bring with me a good pair of walking shoes. You got the best of both worlds there! Check out my video on how to pack light & stay stylish in Paris!!
Yes! I brought my most comfortable pair of Sketchers to Europe, and our first day of walking in Munich my feet were DYING! I saw a gorgeous pair of grey suede stylish “tennis shoes” in a window, tried them on and my feet were in heaven! I bought them and they were amazingly comfortable! A couple of days later in Saltzburg I saw the same brand (Ara) in a window and bought those, too. They are now my favorite “go-to” walking shoes. Stylish, oh so comfortable and a great souvenier! When people ask where I got my great shoes (which happens often), I love saying that I got them in Europe! I can’t wait to visit Spain this year and buy more comfy shoes!
Ara is great Mephistopheles too
I buy shoes as souvenirs too! I love fitting in with the local style, and I love the craftsmanship of local shoes. My favorite and most comfortable shoe was a suede shoe purchased in Barcelona. So lightweight and soft, the brand was Maians...not sure if that is spelled correctly, but they are a fantastic travel shoe! Unless it rains of course ;-)
I bought myself a massage ball/mobility ball that I roll under my foot at the end of each day it helps relieve any tight spots and also it feels good!
I always, always pack Band-Aid Active Friction Block Stick in my purse (it could fit in a pocket too). I originally bought it for a hiking trip but it's perfect for those surprise blisters that pop up even with my worked in shoes. I highly recommend it!
+plugrapls Mark even takes some with him when he travels. They can be life savers
I loooove the idea of buying my shoes where I go! Thanks for that one!! :)
I thing the most valuable lesson from your video is trying to walk long distances before you go. I walk a lot in my city, therefore I know which shoes are the most comfortable and I can take them with me on my next trip.
What shoes are you wearing in this video? The leather booties. I absolutely love them!
Yes the running shoe thing! People love to wear those super bright white shoes. I love my running shoes but I only bring my black pair for hiking or outdoor activities. I always bring my other shoes for around the town and stuff like that! Great vid!
+OnTheGoWithCarson no socks and sandals? ;)
OnTheGoWithCarson B.B.
Jocelyn is smart and cute! Great collection of videos here from Wolters World.
Interesting video. I will be spending a month in Europe and will be bringing running shoes because I run but i love the idea of buying shoes wherever I travel, brilliant!!
To avoid blisters wear a pair of polypropylene sock liners under your regular socks. They not only keep your feet dry by wicking moisture away, all the rubbing takes place between the two pairs of socks, so.... no blisters!
Mmm, yes! I love the idea of buying shoes from shops where you are.
I agree with Jocelyn. I also buy my shoes at the country I am visiting.
love!!!! I love seeing Jocelyn hosting a video ❤
I bought second hand hiking shoes on eBay, walked 2 miles to and from work for 3 months, wore them walking down the mountains in Catalunya for a week, and left them (intentionally) on a park bench in Barcelona. They were great, and I was so happy when I didn't need them any more.
Great vid! Would love to see Mrs. Wolter videos more often.
And socks! Here in Palm Springs I can’t find warm socks but when I’m In the UK I stock up,
2 things in life I've always invested in, good shoes and a good bed ; )
Thanks for sharing
+Deb InPEI exactly! They both make life better
and nice food.
Deb InPEI if you're not in one, you're in the other !!!
Right? right lol
Invest in things that separate you from the floor! Shoes, bed, chair, etc...
I recognize that apartment near Abbesses in Montmartre because we stayed in it just this November! That was a sweet place with Perfectly Paris!
Most needed video , today I am packing my shoes and this video helped me alot
You just described why running shoes are a good choice light and comfortable
Thanks this is super helpful! Where in Paris did you get your shoes? Luuuuv em.
I love the Jocelyn videos I could always relate :)
I love all these detailed videos on what to wear to blend in and yet I'm European and I just wear whatever is most comfortable lol
I like slip on black sketchers- they look good with everything and are comfy.
I pack my Merrill shoes for everyday walking, they are more casual so does not look like sneakers, but its not too dressy either, one dressy shoe low heels, and sandals (Merrill of course). Can't get more comfortable than Merrill :)
We wear a lot of sneakers, too.
Great tips preparing for Paris in Aug. and working on my shoes now..thanks a ton!
+Chante Wright You are very welcome! Have a great trip!
Yes! I had asked earlier for a video with Jocelyn talking about European fashion. Thanks for this great vid.
I look forward to your next fashion video. Perhaps one where we can find a place to buy some nice European clothes while there?
If anyone is looking for a particular shoe, I highly recommend the "Cole Haan Zerogrand" they were the only shoes I wore during a 2 week trip to Europe. They're running shoe comfort with Oxford style :)
+coltconnn thanks. Will check them out
:)
Clarks makes great comfortable shoes for long travels as well!
Thank you for your tip
Running shoes are the most comfortable for walking. And my feet are never sore, and I walk most of my day when traveling. I love the looks I receive (Especially in England) when I walk in my sneakers. I have paid the price for trying to look less like a tourist with improper footwear. BRING your American tennis shoes!
I am planning an extended trip to Europe and I am a runner. So I plan on bringing my running shoes. Since they take up so much room in the carry-on, I will be wearing them when I travel. So there's that. Otherwise, I will be wearing a good pair of walking shoes or soft clogs. But let's face it, there's no hiding my nationality no matter what shoes I wear!
I just picked up a pair of Alden All Weather Walkers with a crepe sole - extremely comfortable and they can be resoled as needed. On previous trips I had just worn hiking boots and yes, the weight of a boot can be exhausting by the end of the day.
I wear hiking boots with ankle support and thick thread soles to soften the impact of cobblestone streets. I used to pack them in my luggage. But due to weight restrictions, I now wear them on the plane, before entering TSA.
Make sure your shoes are a bit on the wide side, as your feet will swell. Birkenstocks Mantova are the only shoes I take, unless I need hiking boots or more formal shoes. They are great to walk/bike in and dressy enough to wear most places, even with a skirt/dress.
Thanks for the tips Jocelyn!! xx
+cathyguzzo You are very welcome!
I wear Timberland almost every day of the year, home and abroad. Best shoes ever.
this is so true. a caption and photos of examples would help. my husband always told me "good walking shoes" ..for me that means Mephisto, Munro, maybe Ecco. I have 2 pair on trips: one more of a moderate hiker and one pair suitable for walking a few miles but can also be worn with a skirt. sometimes I've also brought a decent ankle boot. winter boot if im travelling in the snow( wear hiker or snow boot on the journey and always have at least one other walking pair in my carry on in case of lost luggage.
Good shoes are vital. I had really bad blisters by the 3rd day from walking with a new pair of shoes that weren't broken in. You dont want to have to spend one of your precious vacation days laid up cause of bad blisters in your feet
I found in Germany (and by the looks of your video it's the same in France) that you need a hard soles on your shoes because of the way they pave the foot paths (sidewalks). With soft soled running shoes I found I could feel all the lumps and bumps in the paving stones. I wore lightweight school shoes that my kids wear to school every day.
+Iceman3801 Generally, yes, I like hard soled shoes. But if you go to Portugal the stones they pave everything with get slick as snot when it rains so there I wear rubber-y soled shoes ;)
+1 This is exactly the advice I give people traveling to Europe. I wore Converse on my first trip to Norway and my feet were miserable from walking on the cobblestone streets. You need sturdy walking shoes!
Great videos! thanks for the advise. Does the not wearing running shoes apply when traveling in southeast Asia as well?
Fantastic video!!! Really good tips!!! 👍👍👍👍👍
+Rachel Camm thank you Rachel!
Rule #6: Watch your step! In the U.S., the streets/sidewalks are basically paved. Flat cement. In Europe, it's cobblestones and bricks. I've seen people spraining their ankles. I've also sprained my ankle in Europe, but fortunately it was very minor. You don't want to end up spending your entire trip in your hotel because you injured your foot. Women should also avoid high heels for the same reason. Forget about fancy-pancy shoes when going out in the evening. Who do you plan on impressing? You'll never see them again anyway.
Great information. Thanks!
I usually wear running shoes as I have a Achilles tendon injury that never really goes away. I once went into a local museum in Limerick (Ireland) and the lady asked me if i was American, I have to admit I did look like an American tourist with runners, jeans and a backpack.
When I was in Italy I wore my leather sandals along with my shorts and a light weight shirt. My next trip to Europe I will end up wearing light weight shoes as well.
Running shoes are actually quite common these days. Going to the gym has become really popular, and more and more people walk around in workout gear on the streets (unfortunately)
i loved your video just what i needed to hear!, i am going to paris next year with my school from june 20-29 and we will do a lot of walking around, and since you are the expert i wanted to ask if the Nike Roshes we be comfortable but also not make you look like a tourist ?
Thanks!!! I could not have explained the shoe situation better.
+annainaspen You are very welcome :) and great foot travels to you :)
If you haven't tried Go Walks, I love them. They are a lightweight slide in simple tennie without any of that bulk. And, they come in different solid colors.
I don't own a pair of the bulky ones period.
I can't believe my notification bell was OFF for this channel for so long. Ahhh!!!
Omg Jocelyn! This video came at the perfect time. I'm not American so I don't have tennis shoes lol. But these tips have been very useful. I will definitely get a pair of shoes when I get to Paris :)
+maria cummings Glad we could help! Great travels to you Maria. And thanks for all the great comments!
My favorite boots I bought in Spain also.
im always wearing my lovely mountain shoes, wear them, they are great
i think , they are also called hiking-shoes
but i like calling them mountain shoes
Hello i love your videos! I had a question about the eurail pass! I want to travel from Madrid to Paris and back but i dont know how the rail works and reservations. Do you have any tips?
Great tips, thanks! :)
Tina
Soft footbeds tire out the feet faster because they don’t support feet as well as shoes with sturdier footbed and body/material that cradle the foot without being hard shelled.
Getting used to walking is the best advise. I can wear ballet flats (not having a lot of support) walking for weeks on hard surface because my feet and ankles are used to walking for hours on hard surface. If you want to strengthen your feet and ankles for European vacations, try walking 15,000 to 20,000 steps a day for 2 months prior to the trip. You will find that you will be better at handle the amount of walking. At that point, your footwear won’t be creating discomfort.
Very helpful!!
Cheers for Camper :) I always buy a new pair everytime I visit Barcelona!
First WW video I'm watching with Jocelyn. I like her :)
Planning a trip to Paris in May and came across this great vlog. Can you suggest some brands of shoes?
I've always used Nike shoes living in France, Guatemala or Canada.
RigoStar haha Canada is not Europe? Nor is Guatemala?
I bought my Docs in London 20 years ago. Still have them but I rarely wear them anymore.
on the flip side eastern europeans are obsessed with adidas and puma shoes
In Holland, Germany, Belgium and France to.. zo not only in eastern europe
Adidas are everywhere in England and Germany, where else not sure but maybe you mean more like don't wear gym shoes, sneakers/tennis shoes are very popular. I will find it hard to only have a few on our trip but will regret dragging too many around as well lol. Thanks for sharing
Good tips - some I hadn't thought of. Thanks!!
I was wondering if you folks ever thought of doing reviews on airlines. Or talking about your favorites and why.
+Mc Kenna Or... ultimate restaurant winners... Like favorite Paris coffee shop, fine restaurant, best on-the-go if you are in a certain town. And why
+Mc Kenna we have though about airlines. We also are starting some travel tech reviews soon so we are trying to get something out in that review stuff
Looking forward to it
Perfect video!
I love these videos! Why/how do the wolters travel so much?
Advice for Americans:
1st, lower your voice, especially in quiet places such as museums or churches (and public transportation, especially within the northern half of Europe). Yeah, you’re Americans, but you’re not in America anymore at this point! :D
2nd, for guys: leave your khaki pants and cargo pants at home; wear jeans during the daytime/for casual activities and suit pants (appropriate colours: dark blue, dark grey or black) for the evenings/for business/for fancy restaurants.
3rd, for gals: never wear stilettoes; opt for a low heel if you really have to wear heels (maybe to a fancy dinner).
4th, no matter what kind of shoes you’re bringing on your trip, make sure to wear them in at home before your visit.
Enjoy your stay! x
Jenna Maria omgosh, this!!! Yes! Watch our (very old) vid on How Not to be an Ugly American. You may get a laugh or two.
Hey Jenna! Wow thank you so much for telling us how to act! I sure hope my behavior is up to your standards when my husband and i visit Italy in December. We will be thinking of your words of wisdom during our stay. As far as your style pointers...thanks for that too. You have provided us the perfect blueprint of how to act and dress like everyone else in Europe, so thank you for that. After all, we're not individuals or anything :) Oh by the way, if we're Americans, we will continue to be Americans no matter where the fuck we are in the world. Just like Italians will be Italians, and French will be French, oh and don't forget the Spanish, Jenna! My husband and i will make sure to message you a list of clothing before we leave, just so we know we have your approval before we waste all of our time packing our designer clothing. Oh Jenna, one last thing. Go fuck yourself :)
@@mariahzingarelli3409 Wow. Triggered. I love it. 😂
@@mariahzingarelli3409 I'm an American and I always notice American people like you always get triggered and offended by anything people will say to you. You need to get over yourself and not be so rude and vile. Watch your language and be respectful. Otherwise, people won't respect you with that nasty attitude of yours. ;)
By the way, good pointers, Jenna! I will agree that we Americans can be pretty loud but I'm able to work on that. Haha. As for clothes, I got figured out. You have a good day. Cheers! :)
My shoes are made in the US by Soft Star in Oregon- going to Greece w. a few pair of sandals and maybe 1 pr of Merry Janes. My only other shoes are Converse classics- not sure if I want to take them as they weigh more than the Soft Stars. I also have a pair of Xero sandals- the first design they made . I take them as they are great for the beach. Even though I am Greek and fluent in the language, I have a tinge of American accent and I am sure I am thought of as a tourist, whereas in the states I am considered Greek. So much for 'fitting in'. Que sera sera.
I have just returned from Europe and my advice would be to bring shoes that are sturdy and supportive, especially on hard cobbled surfaces. Flimsy soles just won't cut it! As for sports running shoes, nearly all the people we saw in the major cities in Germany and the Netherlands, tourists and locals were wearing running shoes. People on their way to work were wearing sports shoes on trains, trams, cycles and walking, but more than likely changed when they got to the office. On the other hand there were lots of people wearing boots and even stilettos, even while riding cycles, when heading out for a night on the town. I think the important message is, like everywhere, wear shoes to suit the occasion and the level of activity.
I'm traveling to England and France in January (cold and rainy). Are there any specific shoes you would recommend for this time of year? Leather boots or rain boots perhaps?
I love this advice! Point made perfectly! I know this about my Paris trips. Going back this summer and ironically, I just bought a new pair of Camper! I buy two pairs a year. One for spring/summer and fall/winter. Great for being on your feet all day and for walking! I definitely try to blend. I'm a loud American but I'm soft when I'm in Paris. Thank you so much for this fantastic video! Just shared it with a friend who is going to Hungary. I'm originally from Savannah. Did you go to SCAD? Such an awesome school.
Michael White I did go to scad. And I love my Campers too!
Jocelyn Wolters ❤️😊👍
Hi Jocelyn,
I am used to walking a lot (walked 8 hours around both the Louvre and Kew Gardens in UK), but I do have flat wide feet. I have Keds tan leather walking sneakers. Are those OK or will they make me stand out. I wore a decent leather flip flop/thing sandal last time in Paris (probably stood out).
Lol, I agree with the comment about us Americans. I was walking around Vienna a year ago with a guy from London I met at the hostel and he mentioned how loud I talked. I asked, "I do? Maybe it's because I'm American?" He replied, "Yea, I can usually tell who is American if I can hear them from 30 feet away." Now when I travel I use my "indoor voice" outdoors so I don't give myself away as an American.
+beachbum0014 That's funny! We constantly remind our boys to use 'their European voices'. Normal people say indoor voices, we are just nuts. ;) jocelyn
Actually Spanish people are very loud too
I'm American, and I'm quiet
Be yourself.
Oh man I have to work on that so hard, when I am in Japan, I use my library voice and find it is nice. However once I get back to work, I go back into American mode and I know I am loud, and with my job I do have to be. :)
Ergonomic lace up shoes will give your foot support, stability and laces are more supportive than slip ons. Choose a waterproof style in a neutral colour, and wear these when walking. You can get similar boots too. Trainers with good insole support are fine in Europe, in Britain particularly in London you'll see a lot of trainers worn to travel in.
Choose orthotic insoles if your shoes aren't ergonomic.
On an average European trip, apart from these bring a spare pair of insoles, slippers, one dress shoe and a pair of low heeled sandals with supportive straps.
You are right and spot on about shoes. Leather is best, it's breathable and your feet won't sweat as much as nylon or plastic.
Hi Jocelyn, what type of shoes would you suggest for early January in Italy? Thinking of getting shoes there as we don't have suitable shoes in South Africa... 🤔🤔🤔
throwback to when i hiked a mountain on the border between austria and slovenia in converse lmao, my feet hurt a lot after!
I'm Italian, I'm used to wear classy shoes and clothes everyday...but hey, I like to look like a tourist abroad xD sneakers and backpack all the way
Once a new pair of shoes starts hurting your feet bandaids won’t help. DSW sells a few European brand shoes- I found a comfy pair of Ecco sneakers in a tan color there and was on sale. Also like Dr Scholls slip on sneakers or comfy black Chelsea boots
I'm an Indonesian. I'm in my 20s and I'm 160cm so because of my height I probably look a little younger. I wear running shoes, m but they're always a pair of plain black or dark grey pair of Adidas Ultra Boosts (these are SUPER comfortable). I think that gets a pass because while I'm in Amsterdam and Milan I see people wear the same sneaker as I do too. That could be a solid option if you wanted to stay comfortable without standing out too much
Ironically, white running/training shoes are so in vogue right now! You could wear the most elegant outfit ever and throw in a pair of Adidas or Nike 😊
not my cup of tea, but to be considered for upcoming trips lol
MissLil Nova - one of my German class teachers always wore some of the fanciest suits and button up shirts and ties but he wore it with puma sneakers. Looked HORRIBLE!!
The last thing I wanted to bus on a trip is a shoe. Anyway, basically I got one shoe for winter and another for the rest of the year (and yes, I got a special one, when suit is required), so I do not require to select shoes for a trip. :)
Hi. I read that it's rainy season in Europe around September on. What kind of shoes do you suggest ? I worry that once wet from a day of sight seeing, then I can't wear it the next day. Do I need to bring 2 pairs ( didnt plan on 2 walking shoes) that can weather the rain ? Thx
can you tell me what coat you are wearing? It looks lightweight but warm-what brand please?
After two visits to Europe I learned the hard way! I found for me, wearing Grasshoppers with adding in separate Superfeet insoles have worked like a charm. My arch is weak so having just a little extra support goes a long way! Wearing tennis shoes/sneakers did nothing for my feet the first trip. Lastly, Grasshopper shoes have a good simple look to them and many colors go with anything you wear. Remember in most European countries, wearing understated clothing is key for not standing out like a tourist. Avoid the white sneaker!
Thanks you for the tip! I also have a weak arch so I looked these up. Just to confirm, are you referring to the loafers? Or they they also sell like sneakers?
Good first point. 🙏🏼
Very good tips. From my own experience, I can only confirm good footwear (or lack of it) can make or break a vacation or holiday trip.
I'd also like to add that it's always good to have two or three pairs of different footwear even for a medium-lenghth trip (i.e. a few days, a week, etc.): A pair of comfy casual shoes for formal occassions or walks in the city, a pair of quality hiking boots for the outdoors, and a pair of simple slippers for whatever accomodation one's staying at. I think it strikes a good balance, even for travellers who don't have that much money to spend and can't afford to buy new footwear in the place they're visiting.
And yes, while running shoes have their uses, they're certainly not versatile, so relying on them is a bit risky. The same with female tourists only taking high-heeled shoes with them. It's always better to have some basic variety to choose from when it comes to footwear, especially if one needs a contingency plan to replace damaged footwear or needs to rest his legs in something different.