Shoes for backpacking

[sCream]

Going to europe soon, and im only planning on bringing one pair of shoes and sandals. So im just wondering if you guys have any suggestions for shoes that i can walk in for extended periods, and look good enough that i can wear out to the bars etc.

[legereandrew4]

go to MEC and ask them, buy all black boots, look fine with pants at a bar, and they will be comfy! they will point you in the right direction. dont cheap out on them!!!

[FiveFreshFish]

Break them in before you leave.

[ashee]

I wore flip flops my entire trip except one day when it was really cold in Paris, I found that unless you were purposley trying to look like a bum most restuaunts and clubs didn't care.

[pints]

I would go with finding a more dressed up looking boot or something similar. Some of the more major cities have clubs with strict dress codes especially if you're a guy, plus if you're going to a slightly more upscale place you don't want to stick out like a sore thumb or a tourist. They'll also suit you better if you decide to take in cultural events like concerts or ballets.

[Lagerstatten.ca]

I've been a big fan of Keen Footwear the past 5 years. They're super comfortable, mold to your feet and they look awesome. You can find their stuff at MEC, Gravity Pope and R&R (Chinook/Market Mall).

[Gurpy]

Originally posted by ashee
I wore flip flops my entire trip except one day when it was really cold in Paris, I found that unless you were purposley trying to look like a bum most restuaunts and clubs didn't care.

You were backpacking in flip flops?

[Hi-Psi]

I would say go with something slim fit, in Europe everyone wears slim fit shoes and you will stick out like a sore thumb in anything like a skate or hiking shoe. I bought some white diesel slim fit shoes before I left on my trip (yes I know, white was not the best idea but I hate black shoes) and they worked great, we did a ton of walking and my feet never heard, I even climbed the swiss alps in them! lol no joke either!

I would also take a pair of flip-flops as those came in handy most of the trip, you can wear them everywhere and they are pretty comfortable to walk in. My friends wore them the whole trip (walking, hiking, restraunts, clubs, etc) and they hardly ever took them off.

I saw some people wearing hiking shoes and yeah they are fine to walk in but I personally think they are overkill and looked kinda goofy on some of the people. Again that's just my personal opinion.

Jay

[alloroc]

Originally posted by FiveFreshFish
Break them in before you leave.

^ This is the best advice I have seen on beyond in a long time.

[dennisaur]

I went backpacking for a month last year and for 6 weeks this year wearing a good ol' pair of sturdy columbia sandals. comfy as hell too.

[dezinr]

I bought a pair of Keen sandals with the rubber toe when I went to Barcelona for three months. They were super comfortable, they can be wore in the water, they are anitmicrobial. Best investment I made for travel footwear. I still have them 3 years later and wear them whenever I travel.