Best Shoes for Italy: Essential Shoes for Your Trip
If you’re planning a trip Italy and want to be comfortable, we need to talk about packing the best shoes for Italy. Trust me, having the right shoes for Italy can make or break your adventures. Walking through Italy, you’re going to be on a lot of cobblestone streets. Based on my experiences living in Italy, I’ll tell you everything I’ve learned about staying comfortable and give you my essential tips on packing the best shoes for your Italian adventure for any season.


Don’t have time to read the whole article?
I recommend Dr Scholl’s Women’s Time Off Sneaker – a complete comfort walking shoe with a ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ rating from me!
🏅Top 4 Picks: Best Shoes for Italy

Dr Scholl’s Women’s
Time Off Sneakers
✔️ Lightweight total comfort fit
✔️ Color Varieties
✔️ Good for all kinds of terrain

Josef Seibel Women’s Tonga Sandal
✔️ Breathable all-day comfort
✔️ Stylish AND comfortable
✔️ Better than Birkenstocks

Ryka Women’s
Eco Knit Slip Ons
✔️ Cushioned soles
✔️ Fun color options
✔️ Comfortable + long lasting

Cliffs ALL DAY Walking Boot
✔️ All-day comfort boots
✔️ Stylish, fashionable option
✔️ Sturdy, ankle support
Choosing Shoes for Italy: Factors for Consideration
Remember, it’s important to consider a few factors when choosing the right shoes for Italy. The weather, terrain, and activities you plan to do while your trip should guide what shoes you choose to get. Here’s how you should decide on what shoes you should bring to Italy:
Activities on your trip. First, consider the types of activities you’ll be doing during your trip. If you plan to do a lot of walking in cities like Rome, Florence, or Venice, comfortable shoes for Italy with good arch support and cushioning are essential.
The terrain of Italy. Italy has diverse landscapes. You’ll find cobblestone streets in historic cities and hiking trails in the countryside. If you plan to explore rural areas or hike, pack a pair of sturdy hiking shoes or boots.
Weather in Italy. Are you going to Italy in the summer or winter? The weather in Italy varies depending on the time of year and region. In the summer, lightweight, breathable shoes are a great choice. However, waterproof shoes or boots may be necessary during the rainy season.

Space and weight of shoes. Consider the weight and bulkiness of the shoes you pack.
Pro Tip: Bring two kinds of shoes, easily! Wear your sneakers or boots on the plane to save space, and pack sandals in your luggage.
A good strategy for bringing the best shoes is to strategically pack two pairs of shoes for different activities!
By keeping these factors in mind, you’ll be sure to choose the perfect shoes for Italy! Let’s move on to my specific recommendations for different types of shoes for your trip.
☀️ Shoes for Italy in Summer + Spring
Italy comes to life in the spring and summertime! The weather warms up and the sun sparkles over the hills of Tuscany. Don’t worry, you’ll be navigating the cobblestone streets and the rolling hills in no time. Here are my top choices for the best shoes for Italy in the Summer and Spring:

Josef Seibel Women’s Tonga Sandal
✔️ Breathable all-day comfort
✔️ Stylish AND comfortable
✔️ Way better than Birkenstocks

Dr Scholl’s Women’s
Time Off Sneakers
✔️ Lightweight total comfort fit
✔️ Color Varieties
✔️ Sustainably made / Eco

Ryka Women’s
Eco Knit Slip Ons
✔️ Cushioned soles
✔️ Fun color options
✔️ Comfortable + long lasting
“The magic of Italy seems to be in its ability to connect to some time out of time, some era that is unmarked by modernity. There is so much peacefulness in being present, right here.”
Rebecca Serle, One Italian Summer
🍂 Shoes for Italy in Winter + Fall
The rainy season is here! If you’re packing for these seasons, you’re definitely going to want to take the right shoes for Italy. Staying warm and dry is important to enjoy your trip! From cozy boots for wandering the cobblestone streets, to sturdy shoes for visiting the hillsides of Tuscany, I’m sharing with you the best list of shoes for Italy in the winter and fall.

Cliffs ALL DAY Walking Boot
✔️ All-day comfort boots
✔️ Stylish, fashionable option
✔️ Sturdy, ankle support

Dansko Waterproof Outdoor Walking Shoes for Women
✔️ Waterproof for any weather
✔️ Very durable, molds to feet
✔️ Breathable with arch support

Hawkwell Women’s Combat Boots
✔️ Comfortable and fashionable
✔️ Great value
✔️ Cushion insole + supportive
☔ Best Waterproof Shoes for Italy
In truth, you don’t want water seeping through your shoes while wandering the streets of Florence or Rome! Here are my top picks for the best waterproof shoes for Italy:

Cliffs ALL DAY Walking Boot
✔️ All-day comfort boots
✔️ Stylish, fashionable option
✔️ Sturdy, ankle support

Dansko Waterproof Outdoor Walking Shoes for Women
✔️ Waterproof for any weather
✔️ Very durable, molds to feet
✔️ Breathable with arch support

Chooka Women’s Waterproof Chelsea Boot
✔️ Very affordable waterproof
✔️ Soft, cozy inside interior
✔️ Great value for price
By packing waterproof shoes for Italy, it ensures you are ready for any kind of weather. Above all, these kind of shoes will help you out particularly in the winter and fall months in Italy.
🥾 Men’s Shoes for Italy
Don’t worry, I’ve got men’s shoes covered here too! After consulting with my expert travel partner, I’ve narrowed down his best comfortable shoes for Italy for men for any season:

Columbia Men’s Newton Ridge Waterproof Boots
✔️ Comfortable and lightweight
✔️ Waterproof
✔️ Suitable for all seasons

New Balance Men’s 877 V1 Walking Shoe
✔️ Incredible cushion support
✔️ Best for value
✔️ Versatile, good for all year

Dockers Men’s Newpage Outdoor Sandals
✔️ Memory foam comfort
✔️ Extendable range of sizes
✔️ Instant comfort all-day
Ultimately, with any of these choices of shoes for men for Italy, you can’t go wrong!
✅ Tips for Packing Shoes for Italy
It’s hard to know how to pack your shoes properly and efficiently for your trip! You can follow my helpful tips to pack your shoes for your travels to Italy:
Packing Tips:
- Use shoe bags or wraps to protect your shoes from getting scuffed or dirtying your clothes. This will prevent your clothes from coming into contact with the soles of your shoes.
- Place heavier or bulkier shoes at the bottom of your suitcase for easier access to your other items.
- Stuff your shoes with socks or other soft items to help prevent them from getting squashed in your luggage.
- You can even use shoe packing cubes or compartments in your suitcase to keep your shoes separate from your clothing!
There are the most extraordinary alleys and by-ways to walk about in. You can lose your way twenty times a day, if you like; and turn up again.
Charles Dickens, Pictures From Italy
Your Final Step: Pack Your Shoes For Italy!

Now that you know what shoes to bring, you’re ready to take on Italy! Whether you’re walking the streets of Florence, or visiting a vineyard, ensuring you have good shoes for your journey to Italy will be key to maximizing your comfort. With my recommendations, you can’t go wrong choosing the best shoes for Italy. Grab your perfect pair from my list and pack your bags! Have a wonderful time in Italy!
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✈️ Traveling to Italy?
🏛️ Are tours in Italy worth it?
YES — Booking tours with Viator is my favorite way to book tours and experiences.
🚗 is it safe to rent a car in Italy?
YES — Renting a car gives you freedom to explore! I like to rent with Discover Cars.
❤️🩹 Should I buy Italy travel insurance?
YES — If you’re a worrier like me, give yourself peace of mind with Safety Wing, the #1 travel insurance for travelers.
Want to read about Rome?
• 9 Things To Know About The Best Colosseum Tours In 2024
• Is Rome Safe? Everything you need to know before visiting
Planning to go to other destinations in Italy?
- Read my guide about how to find the best gelato in Florence!
- Here’s a list of the 7 Most Famous Churches in Florence, Italy.
- Check out the best way to spend one day in Milan.