Backpacking in Europe, what shoes to bring?

Gonna be backpacking in Europe in for the month of July.

Needless to say, I can't take that much stuff.

What kind of shoes should I bring? I'll probably bring a total of 2 pairs of shoes. 1 pair of comfy tennis shoes for walking around and another pair of nicer shoes that I can wear to parties/clubs.

I'm thinking of maybe some chukkas (either in suede or calf?). Any other suggestions?

Thanks in advance.

myke

depending on what sort of clubbing you're intending on, you may very well be able to get away with a pair of 'fashion' sneakers like nice clean pumas or something like that. The upside there is you can wear them during the day also if your other shoes are wet/stinky/etc. It also depends on what sort of clothes you're bringing. If you're really backpacking then I doubt you'd need shoes that would go with a suit, so yeah, maybe chukkas/bucks/(http://www.jcrew.com/AST/Browse/Mens...8582/18582.jsp) would be a good call.

mate, go for suede desert boots/chukas - very versalite, light, easy taken care of

Originally Posted by jo-fu

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depending on what sort of clubbing you're intending on, you may very well be able to get away with a pair of 'fashion' sneakers like nice clean pumas or something like that. The upside there is you can wear them during the day also if your other shoes are wet/stinky/etc.


It also depends on what sort of clothes you're bringing. If you're really backpacking then I doubt you'd need shoes that would go with a suit, so yeah, maybe chukkas/bucks/(http://www.jcrew.com/AST/Browse/Mens...8582/18582.jsp) would be a good call.

backpacking in these means the same as backpacking in a three-piece suit - heavy, uncomfortable and easily damagable

Limmer light hikers or their walking shoes.

Just take pair of JBs (open sandals) and a pair of trainers. If you a4re back packing nothing more formal is needed.

I'll be backpacking through SE Asia in August and plan to bring tennis shoes, flip flops, and boat shoes. Don't plan to go to any nice restaurants or anything like that. Might even leave the boat shoes at home as all I am brining is a carry on size backpack.

How about a pair of low top chucks? I think they look better than wearing regular running shoes with jeans. Avoid the midwest American tourist look.

As for dressier shoes, something with a crepe or vibram sole is going to be your friend. If you're backpacking, you're most likely going on the cheap, and you'll be doing a lot of walking instead of taking cabs everywhere, regardless whether you are going somewhere "nice." Comfort is key.

Originally Posted by Lowndes

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I'll be backpacking through SE Asia in August and plan to bring tennis shoes, flip flops, and boat shoes. Don't plan to go to any nice restaurants or anything like that. Might even leave the boat shoes at home as all I am brining is a carry on size backpack.

Uhm....are you sure you want to skip some of the best value-for-money dining in the world?

Dont bring nice shoes. Everything goes on sale in July in Europe. You can probably find a great deal on something youll never find locally.

Having done a trip like this... I'd suggest: one pair of thin light cheap flip-flops to wear in the showers at hostels, the beach where you might forget them, etc like havannas or whatever. remember, thin, cheap, light. one pair of versatile sneakers like lowtop converse, keds, etc. Your everyday beaters. white if you want some character, darker colors like red if you don't want them to look "dirty" maybe something like a boat shoe, summers get hot out there MAYBE one pair of dressier brown or black leather shoes, even a blutcher that can be used for anything from churches to casinos to nightclubs. (try not to get something too heavy, instead I suggest a black canvas one like below) Frankly you can get away with just a plain black shoe like these (keds chukka), which could also be one of two daily beaters. if you insist, one pair of running shoes... you'll be doing a LOT of walking and frankly my feet were broken after a few months but I suffered through with just my chucks, flip flops, and "dressier shoes".

Originally Posted by Master-Classter

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Having done a trip like this... I'd suggest:

one pair of thin light cheap flip-flops to wear in the showers at hostels, the beach where you might forget them, etc like havannas or whatever. remember, thin, cheap, light.

one pair of versatile sneakers like lowtop converse, keds, etc. Your everyday beaters.

maybe something like a boat shoe, summers get hot out there

one pair of dressier brown or black leather shoes, even a blutcher that can be used for anything from churches to casinos to nightclubs.

if you insist, one pair of running shoes... you'll be doing a LOT of walking and frankly my feet were broken after a few months but I suffered through with just my chucks, flip flops, and "dressier shoes".

yeah dude ANYTHING BUT tennis shoes unless you wanna come off like a typical american douchebag,you might as well bring a pair of oakleys and a baseball hat to match that (you will be scoffed without mercy)
i agree with the other posts,Clarks are great or fashion sneakers (the lighter the better) i love "Le Coq Sportif" if you are in france check them out (kind of a french PUMA)

Originally Posted by ninetofivereject

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yeah dude ANYTHING BUT tennis shoes unless you wanna come off like a typical american douchebag,you might as well bring a pair of oakleys and a baseball hat to match that (you will be scoffed without mercy)
i agree with the other posts,Clarks are great or fashion sneakers (the lighter the better) i love "Le Coq Sportif" if you are in france check them out (kind of a french PUMA)

oh and **** the train,rent a small car believe it or not its cheaper and you can sleep in it if you need to..
one of my fondest memories is gliding Renault Clio down the french alps after running out of diesel at the top...AT 3 IN THE MORNING!!!!...ON A FRENCH HOLIDAY!!! (no gas pumps open).just popped in neutral and turned ignition on and was still hitting speeds of 120kmh...aaah good times

Be sure to watch Hostel and Hostel II.

Originally Posted by westinghouse

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Be sure to watch Hostel and Hostel II.

how about the movie "endless summer" instead...ive been 5 times and its more like that then HOSTEL (except that one time)