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?

I was exactly the same with Nike- their gym trainers do not fit my wide feet at all! However air force are very wide to the point I am usually a size 6/7 but I only need a 5.5 in them! Bonus is if below a size 6 fits, buy them from the junior range and they’re nearly half the price ;)

I wore Sketchers and Birkenstock sandals when I visited Rome.

@ThePoshUns - that restaurant/bar is just what I was looking for. Do you know if you can book just for drinks?

Yes you need to book and it can be just for drinks. You have the table for 2 hrs and they put a few bowls of snacks out for you as well.

It has views of the palatine and Vittoriano monument

I would suggest a comfortable pair of smart loafers, that would work for day or night.

I have ones similar to these for work events and they are just as comfy as trainers and being fitflop you can walk for miles, even over cobblestones etc as they have the microwobble base or something. I even wear mine with dresses, blazers and tights and they go well for work stuff.

https://www.fitflop.com/uk/en/shop/f-mode-padded-detail-leather-flatform-loafers-p-HG3#090

These look nice too but have a thinner sole:
https://www.fitflop.com/uk/en/shop/allegro-crush-back-leather-loafers-p-GK6?crossSell=you%20may%20also%20like#090

https://www.fitflop.com/uk/en/shop/allegro-fringe-buckled-leather-loafers-p-HG4?crossSell=you%20may%20also%20like#001

Adidas Stan Smith or Campus

www.adidas.co.uk/campus

Or Gola are making a comeback

www.gola.co.uk/womens-gola-classics-c60/best-sellers-c86

The Merrell sandals aren't nice - sure they might be comfy - but not really smart for going to a restaurant.

@ThePoshUns - thank you 👍

Inevitably, I find this thread a day after I needed it!

My research suggested these for city walking:

https://www.hoka.com/en/gb/outlet/transport/1144710-SS.html

I have yet to test them out with masses of walking, but I like how they look.

This. You can wear your existing trainers and carry a small pair of ballet flats or slim sandals in your personal item. I’m assuming you have no checked bag and that’s why you think you can only take one pair.

It’s really not possible to order walking sandals / shoes , get them delivered, hope they fit you and wear then in - all in a few days. Walking 10 -12 miles a day with sore feet will ruin your trip more than “ not looking cute”.

If you care that much , just take your selfies that don’t include your feet.

I'm going to give a late addition of Allbirds Tree Skippers. Lightweight, breathable, basically no break in time. They are my standard city break shoe and can carry off an evening restaurant too, depending on the colour.

Erm, I don’t think I’ve taken a ‘selfie’ in my life! Definitely not one of my feet (do people do that??)

I don’t have any suitable shoes, as mad as it sounds! Apart from, I guess, my currently caked in mud running trainers. I don’t own a pair of ballet flats. I’m not taking sandals as it’ll be 10 degrees in the evening.

My only option is my (grubby) running trainers and trying to fit them into my very small carry on (under seat size) and wear my brogues on the plane so I have those for the evenings. Or buying a new pair of immediately comfortable trainers (!) that will work for day and evening.

I've done it - taken a selfie of my feet - by accident!!!

My Liu Jo trainers were comfortable from the off, have platform soles which are great for walking around in, and they're also quite dressy!

I live in Rome, and it's not sandal weather yet for a good while (until May, at least). Locals are still wearing boots and trainers.

I am so jealous! I'd love to live in Rome

I have these, not worn yet.

I have other Merrells, they’re great for walking.

@Whalesong

I live in Rome, and it's not sandal weather yet for a good while (until May, at least). Locals are still wearing boots and trainers

Well of course they are!

Anyone who has travelled to southern Europe in autumn - early spring has witnessed the locals in their boots and puffa jackets, whilst as tourists they are wearing sandals and short sleeves .

Forecast is showing a high of early 20s for Rome over next week. I would be travelling in trainers which I would wear in the evening, and would put a pair of walking sandals in my rucksack. All clothing casual layers .

But OP has said she doesn't want sandals anyway .

Seriously, just bung your running trainers in the wash and wear those. There is no way i'd risk wearing a new pair to Rome, it will be utterly miserable if you get blisters. Plus the ground there is filfthy - I had to soak the soles of my white leather trainers in bleach when we got back. I wish i had just worn my trusty New Balance running trainers so I could have just put them in the washing machine. Unless you plan on going to any ultra smart restaurants there's no need to change your footwear for the evening either. Complete waste of time heading back to the hotel to change for dinner!

I did a Rome city break this time last year and stan smiths were perfect however, they were absolutely filthy by day 2 so I would reccomend non white shoes. Not sure what it was that made them turn black but I’ve not had it in other cities!

Trainers during the day in Rome,definitely.

But you will need different shoes to wear in the evening as your feet will swell and be sore. If you really don't have much space take something like this

https://www.birkenstock.com/gb/gizeh-eva/gizehessentials-tothebeach-eva-0-eva-u_1942.html?utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_term=pmax&utm_campaign=2403_sale_GB&utm_content=Sale&gad_source=1&gclid=Cj0KCQjw-_mvBhDwARIsAA-Q0Q5PkBl2CTBIwNj7OvHwXeqrmLYJMCdM9Tj7KYfEMXlDbDgOH41H_AsaAnYmEALw_wcB

The EVA sandals weigh nothing, and they are blissfully comfortable.

Absolutely @ShinyAppleDreamingOfTheSea

We went to Florence in April.

Locals were all wearing a uniform of blue puffa jacket, jumpers, scarf and boots.

Meanwhile the tourists were all in short sleeves and sandals.

Our host asked us if we weren't chilly? Nope, it was glorious compared to a wet day in the UK.

In my European city and in Barcelona and Seville last week, everyone was wearing adidas sambas. It has been very warm in Southern Europe but it’s very cold this weekend and for the foreseeable where I am. March is very unpredictable.

https://www.teva-eu.com/en/gb/women-sandals/original-universal-slim-leather/1151031.html

I can enormously recommend these. Covered miles in Naples in them. So so comfy and no breaking in requires.

https://www.teva-eu.com/en/gb/womens-terra-fi-lite-hiking-sandals/1001474.html

actually mine are like the style of these above but in a brown suede type material.