What trainers for city break (Rome) as only pair of shoes?

[HippyKayYay]

I'm going to Rome very very soon for the weekend and I can only take one pair of shoes, so I need something that will do me for walking all day but also work for (not hugely fancy) dinners. So no 'running trainers' trainers, but am worried that something like Stan Smiths (which I like look of, but don't own a pair of) won't be comfortable enough.

Anyone got any suggestions of something that ticks all of the boxes?

Stan Smiths. I'm on my 3rd pair. really comfy, I don't remember them needing lots of breaking in. wear with everything - dresses, jeans, leggings. Enjoy your holiday!

New balance 337

327 sorry

These Clarks trainers are smart and super comfortable

https://www.clarks.com/en-gb/nalle-lace/26159124-p

I was in Rome recently... if you take trainers make sure they have some grip on the soles! Mine didn't and the combination of rain, cobblestones and no grip nearly ended in disaster several times

I always take my Mint Velvet trainers on these types of trips. They are super comfy, but they do need wearing in!

Ecco

https://gb.ecco.com/en-GB/product/5643186627/ECCO-SOFT-7-W
Something like this - I bought some similar a couple of years ago for when sandals aren't practical in the warmer months. Found them pretty comfy to wander in on holidays - don't do traditional trainers, so these were a good compromise! Wear with dresses and trousers.

I could have written your post OP! Am also off to Rome next week, and was panicking about having comfortable enough footwear for the day, that we can also go out to eat with in the evening - we won’t have time to go back to the hotel to change…
Anyway, I just ordered these (delivered today) and they seem super comfy. I was umm’ing & ahh’ing, but a good friend has the same ones and said they’re fab. Planning on wearing them with smart jeans/navy trousers.
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Fitflop-Womens-Leather-Trainers-Sneaker/dp/B0C8177MCW/ref=mp_s_a_1_2_sspa?crid=2ILLXNZGQTBK1&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.FpL39KsVevHq2qHpmVIFh1rodDP-xz1Nsx6-v_Lgv_50Wn99mrtaI0k97QBV0dOO7lmLaP6-vvrvjB5oqUHlXOdZrlVknHgP0nDFVWi46mltUisMqgLOnR8wre_ne6rT28BU30nropxVyF0W5inPAKP-BncdMgGQqcJK2cPa83XwlDXaX7_JpjggSNNaD87UfwSsLad7m2m5SJJn31qjgFIdhTWX-9gtt1iF8w79G321yKVWV2BSNJE0o2r4kidlYyyVh9LrMea-sFi2NKdGrDidn9yqcSWmFwmz8rrN7-4.ySwfHLmzs92Fca1K43TuxXaAlMPNwtEmEy8L_LjfV3Y&dib_tag=se&keywords=fitflops+rally+leather&qid=1710538823&sprefix=fitflops+rally+leather%2Caps%2C148&sr=8-2-spons&sp_csd=d2lkZ2V0TmFtZT1zcF9waG9uZV9zZWFyY2hfYXRm&psc=1

This is what I was going to say.

Stan Smith's are the only pair of trainers or shoes I've had to get rid of as they shredded my heels so much! Bought some before Christmas (seemed fine when I tried them on in TK Maxx!), wore them several times with/without socks, with plasters on, tried using a hairdryer to get them to mould to my feet.... Nope, still crippled me. So I sold them on Vinted. I would not risk these if you haven't had them before as they obviously do not suit all feet.

I was in Rome last Easter and wore Adidas Ozwego on my feet.

Izwego

The tourist uniform last year was chunky trainers and the obligatory trench coat - everyone was wearing one. However, It did rain for 2 days whilst I was there.

Always take a second pair of shoes when travelling in case of bad blisters (you will want footwear that rubs somewhere else) or rain sodden shoes.

If you really have no space, a pair of butterfly twists is a good back up option in case of a crisis.

https://butterflytwists.com/

Have a look at vionics. Something like this maybe? (Picture 1) They'd look good with a daytime look and also with a skirt or dress. And they're really comfortable.

Vionics also do sandals which I wear on holiday and they're really comfortable as well. Mine are similar to the second picture.

Weirdly, I actually have a pair of hoff Rome trainers and was thinking just today while wearing them how amazingly comfortable they are!

I also love stan smiths. They never rub.

New balance 327

Or my Adidas sambas are soooo comfy.

Both very trendy and very comfortable

I've been to Rome with trainers and brogues. Found the brogues more than adequate for walking (including the cobbles) and mostly didn't bother with the trainers. Mine are v good quality, supportive ones with good soles, though - I suppose that might make a difference. But if you've only got space for one pair I'd go for a worn-in pair of brogues over a brand new pair of trainers any day. If the new ones rub your feet, you're finished!

New balance

It shows that we are all so different. I find gazelles really flat and can’t wear them for long.

My husband likes converse or Stan smiths but not his Gucci trainers for city breaks.

I have the Velcro stan smiths and also some Carvela trainers which I’ve worn for recent weekends away with lots of walking. I also take a pair of black flip flops to give my feet a break if the weather is ok in the evenings. This is when I’m travelling budget with not even hand luggage.

Why can’t you wear your brogues if they are comfy?
I have an old pair from Clark’s they are my comfiest footwear and usually my first choice for any trips.

I was also in Rome last week (football not rugby) and did a daily average of 25k steps in these Skechers. So comfortable. Am thinking of ordering the white. I christened them on a trip to Venice - again, lots of walking and they were fine.

(When I went last time, it was 40 degrees and I wore Birkenstocks all day.)

Depending on what plans you have, there is a LOT of walking in Rome. Could you take some comfy trainers and buy a cheap pair of sandals/evening shoes there?

https://www.newbalance.co.uk/327/

These are my favs for city trips. Can be dressed up or down.
Also have Alexander Mc Queens that I can wear all day but would always go for the NB ones first.

Ditto. I walked over ten miles 17,000 staps everyday. Don't wear anything like converse ( I got a nasty blood blister doing 10,000 plus steps a day at a festival walking on grass). I have Adidas superstar and even they can rub like a bugger. Sketchers need no breaking in I find.

For elegant trainers, I like Isabel Marant. I have these: https://www.isabelmarant.com/us/isabel-marant/sneakers_cod17826287wd.html?dept=snkrs

But, that said, why can't you travel in your sneakers and take a very thin pair of sandals in your bag for the evenings at the restaurant?