My elderly dad wears spikeless golf shoes everywhere while traveling and swears by them.
Puma’s Pumagrip outsole is fantastic. The Velocity Nitro has worked well for walking, in my experience. They offer a WTR version that’s water-repellent and a GTX version with Gore-Tex.
Look for slip-resistant shoes. There are styles made for restaurant kitchen staff.
Currently, all my travel shoes are Vionics. They’re designed for people needing arch support, so experiences may vary. They offer excellent grip and stability. I never get blisters in them.
Not sure what style you’re seeking, but I can’t make my Dansko XPs slip on wet floors.
Allbirds Trail Runners are my go-to!
Sperry produces ‘boat’ shoes that are designed to be slip-resistant.
Tal said:
Sperry produces ‘boat’ shoes that are designed to be slip-resistant.
I use Sperry high-top deck shoes in the summer for uneven surfaces and slippage. They’re great, but for rocky or cobblestone areas, I’d suggest Merrell or more all-terrain footwear. We just toured Italy where we encountered various surfaces; I carried a shoulder bag and would swap between Merrells as needed for wetness or blisters.
This is tricky. You should blend in while traveling to reduce the risk of becoming a target for theft.
Fancy shoes in developing countries or running shoes in Europe can attract attention.
On my travels, I only faced rain once in Bergen, Norway. I avoid tourist crowds by traveling during shoulder seasons. I wore Adidas Sambas—even on slippery cobblestones, I managed without falling.
I walked down the notorious Prastgatan street in Stockholm alongside someone in 4-inch wedges, holding the railing to avoid tumbling.
While shoe shopping, seek rubber soles with good grip. Shoes boasting anti-slip features, like Doc Martens, should be on your list.
You can also add insoles for arch support. Stylish loafers can work anywhere and some have rubber soles for versatility. Ultimately, choose shoes that fit well, have good rubber soles, and then find a style appropriate for your destination. Best of luck!
@Shan
Running shoes in Europe won’t draw attention. Not in 2025.