How to choose the best shoes for a Walking Tour

Since you’ll spend more time out exploring and be in the middle of the action, our Walking Tours provide incredible opportunities to see your destination in a new light. On our Tuscany Walking Tour, for example, you’ll stroll through ancient cities, walk along country roads and saunter past rolling vineyards.

All of this walking across a variety of different terrain may have you wondering just what type of footwear you should pack. Here are some tips to help you pick out a pair of walking shoes that will get you (comfortably) through your trip, so you can focus on enjoying the scenery and not worry about your feet.

1

Ask around for recommendations

Local running or hiking stores are great for providing helpful advice based on what you plan to be doing on tour. No matter what, it’s important that your shoes are sturdy and comfortable enough to keep your feet feeling fit for your entire tour. We like Oboz hiking shoes for their variety of heights and stylish designs. Allbirds are also a great pick if you're looking for a comfortable and environmentally friendly shoe. They are made from recyclable materials and wool that make them breathable & temperature-regulating.

2

Consider the variety of walks and their impact

If your tour is going to take you across city cobblestones, rocky trails in the woods and vineyard paths, make sure you’re wearing shoes that can handle it all. Your favorite pair may be great for walking on paved roads, but not ideal for a wooded trail or gravel road. If you have any terrain nearby that’s similar to what you’ll experience on tour, try a few walks and see how you feel in your shoes.

3

Break them in before you go

You just got the new series of your favorite shoe and are ready to bring them on tour! Before they get packed into your luggage, make sure you’ve given yourself sufficient time to get used to them—that way, your shoes won’t turn against you while you’re out sightseeing. It’s a great idea to pack some Band-Aids and Vaseline as backup, just in case your new kicks give you trouble on some of the longer walks.

4

Add up the mileage

While we recommend that you’re able to walk for at least two-and-a-half hours each day, it’s also a good idea to consider the amount of walking you’ll do in your free time. If you’re the type of person who really likes to get out and explore, your miles can add up quickly and you’ll need a pair of shoes that can handle the extra steps.

Have you ever been on a Walking Tour? What shoes would you recommend? Share your recommendations with us on Facebook!