Bangkok shoes needed- please NOT crocs!!!

[bangkokshoes]

I am off to Thailand this week and still haven't decided what shoes to take! I've got sandals etc for the beach towns but can anyone who's been to Bangkok advise?

I need some breathable slip on shoes not sandals because some temples etc absolutely do not allow open toed shoes (even though you have to take them off). Also the advice is that Bangkok pavements are dirty and feet will get super dirty in flip flops. Finally we plan on walking a bit so need to be comfy.

I checked a Tripadvisor forum and the only ones I've seen suggested are absolutely AWFUL!!! I still think of myself as young and (reasonably) cool, and even though I know I'm not going on holiday to look trendy, I honestly wouldn't be seen dead in some of the suggestions! HIDEOUS shoes like crocs for example!!! Others looking like orthopaedic shoes suitable for my elderly grandmother!

Any slightly more stylish suggestions welcome! Thanks!

What would wear on a hot day in London if you were planning a day shopping or sightseeing? You feet would get pretty dirty in any city in flip flops.

Any shoes that are comfortable for walking all day and breathable (eg leather, canvas) will be fine. That could be anything from trainers or Converse to Mary Janes or court shoes or shoe boots. No need for them to be slip on.

If you want to wear your sandals, that would be ok too. Just take a pair of socks for the temples. Not the most stylish look but you won't be the only one! They have clothes to lend people who aren't dressed appropriately so plenty of people will be wearing mismatched stuff or a random pair of socks and shawl that they have brought with them to cover up.

toms?

I just wear flip flops and sandals round Bangkok. It's not different to any UK city really, just warmer and probably more interesting. Your feet won't be caked in dirt. Enjoy, I'm jealous!

I wear Birkenstocks. Some of the pavements are uneven and not in great condition. They are sturdier than flip flops.

Yes to socks to cover your feet.

Thanks all. I would wear low top converse in London. I'm not keen on converse or similar though because I'd need socks (or shoes would stink). Weather is 38 degrees.

Also does need to be slip on because you take your shoes off about 50 times a day.

Toms a good idea, thanks.

I wore birkenstocks all around South East Asia. Comfy, robust and easy to slip on and off. And you can get closed toe birks if you wish (I didn’t).

I wore my Birkenstocks and my Saltwaters round Thailand very happily last year.

..... just to update my hasty post. Travelled round Thailand (including Bangkok with 3 pairs of shoes - Birkenstocks, Saltwaters and Stan Smiths. Makes me a bit of a cliche I know, but ticked every box in terms of comfort and style.

I was there in January and I lived in Birkenstocks. No problem at all getting into temples, sandals were the standard footwear as far as I could see. If you're worried, carry a pair of ankle socks in your bag.

I lived in havaianas freedom sandals last time I was there. My feet did get a bit grimy but the whole lot washes easily. I dyed my feet in wet Birkenstocks once.

We've been to most of the main temples and bare feet have never been an issue. It's covering shoulders and knees in near 40 degrees that's the challenge.

Isn't it just the Grand Palace you need to have closed shoes?

Birkenstocks I would say always a great holiday choice for me

I've done sightseeing in hot countries in fit flops.

I also wear birkenstocks ALL the time on holiday

I also really like ECCO and Skechers also have some surprisingly comfortable but stylish sandals.