I'm looking to buy my footwear for europe soon so i can break them in before i go. but the problem is, i have no idea what to get. would hiking boots be better then walking shoes? which will be more likely to hold up over 2 months? which would be less likely to give me blisters? what do you guys swear by for your footwear???
|
I brought a pair of hiking boots and they were awsome. Tons of support for walking all day. I also brought them b/c I did alot of hiking.
Hiking boots are generally a bit more bulky then normal runners so its also how much room you have. I brought a pair of cheap skate shoes with me, the hiking boots can get a bit cumbersome at time. You just want something to slip on your feet you can just chill in. |
I went with a hiking style of boot, not leather though, just due to the fact that they double nicely for a pair of shoes that you can wear out to a club/bar whatever...
But pinion is right, they are a little bit bulkier and heavier than your standard pair of runners... Leeroy :ph34r: |
I have a pair of hikers and a pair of runners.
Last time i caught a plane, i had to take my shoes off (hikers) when i went through the metal detector. Turns out theres a solid metal plate in the sole (to give support i guess). The guards ran them through the x-ray to show me :) They suggest that i wear soft shoes (runners) when i go to the airport - but i'd rather not as my hikers weigh a lot more and i dont want them in my pack (excess weight etc). Wyzfen |
I vote for hiking shoes!
Even if you're not planning on doing a lot of rough terrain hiking, when one is backpacking, you do end up walking a lot, the whole day at times... Even if the hiking shoe is bulkier and heavier, IT WILL GIVE YOU THE MOST SUPPORT AND COMFORT, you'll be especially thankful by the time your feet get swollen at the end of the day - the hiking shoes give you the room for that. I've heard some horror stories about blisters et al., but I didn't get a single one with my hiking boots. I used Merrell hiking boots, I love Merrell, they make the best quality hiking shoes! And you're lucky, b/c these days you can get hiking shoes that are black and actually look like regular shoes from the outside, this way you can go from day to evening. If you don't want to be bothered with the cumbersome'ness of putting on and removing actual boots, you can get hiking shoes that are not ankle high (although those offer less support in the ankles). Enjoy! |
Hiking boots
Pros: Waterproof to keep your feet dry, double as club shoes Cons: Heavy, can rub your skin raw where not fit right Sneakers Pros: Far lighter and more comfy (for me) Cons: Would suck if got wet, won't double as club shoes |
This was a bit of a dilema for me before I left but I ended up getting a pair of hiking boots, which Ive only worn a few times. Its been sandals the rest of the time, even when it shouldnt have been. I would not reccomend hiking boots just because of the weight and space they take up when you arent wearing them.
|
on my trip a few months ago i took two pairs of shoes [i was only gone for a couple of weeks]:
+urban/hipster sneakers [know the kind i mean? sneakers that you wouldn't do any sports in? they look cool but aren't actual functioning athletic shoes.] +high heel boots [a comfy european brand] i brought the boots b/c i knew i was going to be going to lots of live shows at clubs so i can see better b/c i'm taller, and i worried about going into a-maze-ing museums in silly street shoes. i had bought really good inserts [$30 - the kind marathoners use] that worked in both shoes. this was the best thing i could have done. what i learned about three days into my trip: i did not need the boots and i hated that i had brought them. extra weight and i only wore them a few times. i ended up being really happy with my sneakers b/c they were so comfortable and i discovered they were fine to wear anywhere - from rock clubs to museums to boggy mountains in the scottish highlands [did some modest hiking in them]. so my advise would be to go with shoes you think you're most comfortable in. |
Unless you're going to be hiking in the coutryside a lot, I'd say go with the type of shoes you normally wear when walking around town. If you do decide to go with hiking boots, check around your town and see if you can find a pair of moccasins to change into when you get to your room. I found a pair that looks for all the world like ordinary "penny loafers," but they are so light and comfy. Plus, they take up next to no room in your bag.
And yes, those boots will cause all kinds of trouble when you get to the metal detectors...even if there isn't a metal shank, all those eyeholes will set it off. Good luck! worldwidemike |
ok, that brings up another related question. How strict are they at clubs in europe on foot wear? here in boston i've been turned down from clubs while wearing a non-flashy, nice looking pair of dark colored sneakers. would something like this fly in a european club?
(either the pulse or vigor models) http://www.merrell.com/catalog/gallery.asp?NavID=MS also, do the models shown on that site fall into runner or hiking boot? or a mix of both? opinions on the shoes at that link welcome, and hoped for! |
I found these neat loafers todaay I guess they are made by national geographic :worship: but you simply slip them on not laces and they are flashy enough they would pass in any club, light too!
|
hmmmmmm....would it be crazy for me to only bring sandals? I love walking in sandals and I'll be going in the summa.....& my feet dont get cold....If they were a super comfortable pair? :thumbup:
|
i vote hikers (i wear em any way) i dont see why weight should be a problem since you'll travel in em, so put trainers in your pack (if your taking them) so when you taking your pack, you'll wear the hikers, and if you go out were your other shoes (if you have them) and leave you hikers so you won't carry them
|
Just got back from dragging four little kids around central Europe for five weeks, I wore my Bama sandals every day, rain or shine, city or country. Never had a blister and they don't even smell bad. Didn't do any serious hiking, but they were fine for walking all day, every day, and looked good with a skirt.
|
aaaaaaah thanx for the comfirmation! sandals it is! ;)
|
COMBAT BOOTS!!
But I'm biased. I'd wear them with shorts if it didn't look so damn wierd. A lot of ppl complain about them, but I find them incredibly comfortable, especially with inserts. |
Eh, I wear combat boots with shorts sometimes. But I never take 'em with me when traveling - WAY too heavy and big to lug around in the luggage. And taking them on/off at the airport is another bitch & a half.
|
Hi guys, this is another interesting topic, you guys rock! Well, back home I usually wear shoes from SafeTrend, they are very comfortable, slip & oil resistant and I'm sure no one should have a problem getting to clubs since they are kinda "flashy" heheheh
|
Quote:
|
I got some Black Rockport Walking shoes at Sears for $55!!!! They Were Awesome....I brought those and bad ass plastic slides I got at Wal-Mart for $3......
Whatever you get I would reccommend something black because they are great to get messy or whatever and you can still go out to the bars/clubs and they can look relatively dressy/classy........ |
All times are GMT -7. The time now is 01:48 PM. |
Copyright©2002-2018 TravelPUNK.com