A visit to Europe presents the supreme shoe-packing problem–you want to look stylish (and never out of place in sneakers), but you know you’re going to be walking for miles every day on hard sidewalks along with cobblestones. I tested a number of different travel sneakers on trips below are the ones I would pack.
Best Shoes to Wear in Europe This Season
These are the best shoes to wear in Europe since they are stylish but stood up to days of walking.
Produced Izzabella
I’m skeptical of folding flats, because while they’re fantastic for packaging, they rarely are comfortable for walking. The Born Izzabellas surprised methey provided a high degree of support and cushioning, although they are not only a stow-and-go apartment that folds neatly into a purse for packing. Born uses a handcrafted construction process which sews the entire shoe together simultaneously, which removes unnecessary seams that rub and rigidity, and that I could certainly tell the difference. So that I didn’t have problems wearing them on surfaces, the footbed is very cushioned too. The Izzabellas are my new ballet flats–they did not cause blisters or foot fatigue and the shade. I packaged these and wore them when I transition from sightseeing to supper, and they worked wonderfully and seemed great.
Adidas Originals NMD_R2 Sneakers
Adidas’ shoes have exploded in popularity among fashionistas–you will definitely see locals that were stylish rocking them. The NMD_R2 style is part of Adidas’ attention that is street-style, along with the layout draws inspiration from vintage runners, giving an appearance to these shoes. In addition to the fashion, you’ll get all of Adidas’ performance technology keep you comfortable–such as a Primeknit upper (which is super mild and won’t cause blisters), trademarked boost energy-returning properties, and great arch support.
Sperry Seaside Perforated Sneaker
Sperry’s Seaside Perforated Sneaker is a compromise between a full-on sneaker plus a flat. The shoe slips on and off easily (they’re my go-to flying sneakers as they’re ideal for airport security), but still offers plenty of support and cushioning on the bottom. The PU footbed is super light, yet still manages to get integrated support. As they have Sperry outsole that gives you great grip on slick surfaces, I strongly recommend these shoes to wear in Europe for days when the weather might be moist.
Allbirds
Against wearing white sneakers I’ve written diatribes in the past, but I have to eat my words, since I rocked Allbirds’ yarn runners all over the streets of New York City and Switzerland on current trips. Made from a breathable Merino wool (I wore them 80-degree days and they did not make me hot), those unisex shoes have been designed to be worn without socks and seem miles distinct from a regular white workout shoe. The shoe is crushable and lightweight, so that they pack readilythey are machine-washable, which is a bonus when you are wearing white. I can’t overstate how comfortable these are right out of the boxand I think they are pretty stylish for a sneaker.
Aldo Perine Slip-Ons
Aldo’s Perine Slip-Ons work for casual look or a dressy with pants and dresses, but pull their weight in the comfort department ideal shoes to wear in Europe. These cool embossed faux leather plimsolls have a foam only and lining that help protect against foot and leg fatigue and absorb shock, even on hard surfaces.
People Footwear
Shoes that were knitted have become my favorites for packaging — they weigh nothing, plus they squish down to save luggage space. Knitted uppers cause blisters compared to conventional shoe materials or irritate my toes, and they provide more ventilation. One of my favourite brands of footwear is created by Folks Footwear. I attempted the Stanley Knit sneaker design (unisex) and also the Spanno slip-on, each of which are created using the trademarked DreamKnit construction utilizing automatic quilting machines. I adored how lightweight both fashions were, and how they molded to my toes (no socks needed). You can’t fail with ones that are knitted, if you’re looking for shoes to wear in Europe.
Nisolo Elayna Sneaker
Nisolo’s handmade Elayna Sneakers are some of the most stylish shoes that I own like rose cotton laces and gold eyelets. Besides being beautiful, the Elaynas offer stability and relaxation in the kind of Vibram soles–which makes walking shoes for Europe.
Rockport Raelyn Knit Tie Sneaker and Ballet Flats
Rockport takes sports technology, knitted fabrics, and casual fashion and unites them into the Raelyn (available in either a ballet apartment and a sneaker). Both designs have a patented Ortholite foam footbed that cushions each step you take; as well as a fantastic firm only that is made from a lightweight EVA material, which offers shock absorption without weighing you down. The woven cloth textile sock liner means you can wear them with or without socks.
Ecco Soft 7
Athleisure shoes are super on-trend at this time, and Ecco’s Soft 7 (for guys and women) works the design perfectly. They have a classic, basic style which goes with pretty much any ensemble, and are packed with comfort features such as a removable leather inlay only, the ECCO Comfort Fiber System (which combats moisture and odors), an anatomical shape which molds to your foot, and long laces that will assist you to get the perfect match.
Pink Lily Silver Knit Sneakers
If you believe all shoes are unstylish, then you may reconsider after seeing the Diana Sneakers, which come in a fun metallic silver which sets them aside from sneakers of Pink Lily. These are cool and functional, with slip-resistant outsole, and a cozy padded inside.
Sperry Crest Ebb
Sperry’s Crest Ebb sneakers were almost intended for going through airport security, with a flexible back that provides a simple slip-off and slip-on styling. The shoes are made from a soft cotton which removes any breaking-in period, and also the fashion that was boat-shoe is great for European shore holidays.
Aldo Merane Sneakers
Aldo’s Merane Sneakers are stylish and will look good with even your more fancy dresses. The inside is lined with a comfy cotton for comfort. The durable sole will last you for several trips.
Bombas Socks
You don’t need to ruin the appearance of these cool shoes with regular socks, so that I tested Bombas No-Show Socks, that can be a much lower profile than socks out. Unlike most socks that are no-show, these have a heel grip which stop them from slipping down and bunching up on your shoes, and they worked with the majority of the pairs I tried previously.
Gekks
If even a no-show sock is a lot for you (like if you’re sporting a ballet apartment), I advocate Gekks, a new system which you install into your shoes to provide you with all the advantages of socks (no blisters, no odors) without a sock lines, even at the cheapest sneakers. These are ultra-thin and won’t interfere with your shoes’ match, and you’ll be able to get ones designed for shoes, loafers, slip-ons, or ballet flats.