Photo: Pikolinos
When it comes to choosing the best walking shoes for your travels, there are a few things to consider. First and foremost, comfort should be your top priority. You’ll be on your feet a lot, so you want to make sure your shoes can handle the distance.
But not all walking shoes are created equal, especially when it comes to different regions of the world. Let’s take a look at what you should consider when choosing the best walking shoes for Europe versus North America.
Table of Contents
Walking Shoes for Europe
When it comes to walking shoes for Europe, you want something that’s both stylish and functional. Europeans are known for their fashion sense, so you don’t want to stick out like a sore thumb with clunky sneakers.
Instead, opt for a sleek and versatile pair of shoes that can handle cobblestone streets, hills, and all-day walking. Think leather loafers, ankle boots, or even a chic pair of sneakers that won’t look out of place in a trendy cafe.
In Spain, cities like Valencia and Alicante have a more laid-back vibe, so you can get away with something more casual. But if you’re exploring small villages in the countryside, you’ll want something more sturdy and durable, like hiking boots or trail shoes.
Walking Shoes for North America
In North America, the focus is more on comfort and practicality. The cities tend to be more spread out, with lots of walking and public transportation involved.
For cities like Vancouver and Seattle, where it rains frequently, you’ll want something waterproof and slip-resistant. Look for shoes with a good grip on the sole, like hiking boots or trail runners.
In San Francisco, the hills can be a real challenge, so you’ll want something with good arch support and cushioning. Sneakers with a thick sole or even a pair of comfortable flats should do the trick.
When it comes to choosing the right sole for your walking shoes, it’s important to consider the terrain you’ll be walking on. Different surfaces require different types of soles for optimal traction and support.
Cobblestone Streets
If you’re walking on cobblestone streets in any town in Europe, you’ll want a sole that can handle the uneven surface. Look for shoes with a rubber or crepe sole, which can provide better grip and cushioning. Avoid smooth soles, as they can be slippery on the uneven or wet surfaces.
City Sidewalks
For city sidewalks in places like Vancouver or Seattle, a sole with good shock absorption is key. Look for shoes with a thicker, more cushioned sole to help absorb the impact of walking on hard surfaces. Sneakers or running shoes are a good option for city sidewalks, as they often have a flexible sole that can move with your foot.
Marble Type Stone Sidewalks
In Spain and Portugal, some sidewalks are made of a slick, marble-like stone that can be challenging to walk on, especially when wet. For these surfaces, look for shoes with a rubber sole that has good traction. Shoes with a patterned sole can also help provide better grip on slippery surfaces.
Break in your shoes or sneakers
Breaking in your shoes or sneakers before a trip is an essential step in ensuring your feet stay comfortable during long days of walking. Here are some tips for breaking in your shoes before your trip:
Start Early: Give yourself plenty of time to break in your shoes before your trip. Ideally, you should start wearing them at least a few weeks before you leave.
Wear Them Around the House: Start by wearing your shoes or sneakers around the house for short periods of time. This will help your feet get used to the fit and help the shoes mold to the shape of your feet.
Take Short Walks: After a few days of wearing your shoes around the house, start taking short walks in them. Gradually increase the length of your walks as your feet become more accustomed to the shoes.
Experiment with Socks: Try different types of socks with your shoes to see what feels most comfortable. Some people prefer thin socks for walking, while others prefer thicker, cushioned socks.
Check for Hot Spots: As you break in your shoes, be sure to check for any areas where the shoes may be rubbing or causing discomfort. Address any hot spots early on by adjusting the lacing or adding moleskin or blister pads to prevent blisters.
Test Them on Different Surfaces: Take your shoes for a test walk on different surfaces to make sure they’re suitable for the terrain you’ll be walking on during your trip. This will also help you identify any issues with the shoes, such as lack of grip on slick surfaces.
By following these tips and breaking in your shoes before your trip, you’ll be able to enjoy your travels without having to worry about uncomfortable or painful feet.
Walking on Clouds: Our Favorite Shoe Brands
Pikolinos: Pikolinos was founded in 1984 in Spain and has since become known for its high-quality leather shoes with a comfortable fit. The company places a strong emphasis on sustainability, using environmentally-friendly materials in its manufacturing process and supporting local communities. Pikolinos also partners with organizations that work to protect the environment, such as the World Wildlife Fund.
In terms of comfort, Pikolinos uses a combination of traditional crafting techniques and modern technology to create shoes that are both stylish and comfortable. They prioritize a perfect fit and use materials such as leather and cork to mold to your foot over time, creating a customized fit.
Clarks: Clarks was founded in 1825 in England and has since become a global brand known for its comfortable and stylish shoes. The company is committed to sustainability and has implemented measures such as using recycled materials in its products, reducing waste, and promoting ethical practices throughout its supply chain.
Clarks shoes are known for their comfort thanks to their innovative design and use of high-quality materials such as leather, suede, and rubber. The company has also introduced new technologies in recent years, such as its OrthoLite footbeds, which provide cushioning and support for all-day comfort.
Merrell: Merrell was founded in 1981 in the United States and specializes in outdoor footwear, particularly for hiking and trail walking. The company has a strong commitment to sustainability and has implemented measures such as using recycled materials in its shoes and reducing waste in its manufacturing process.
Merrell shoes are designed with outdoor enthusiasts in mind and are known for their durability, support, and comfort. The company uses high-quality materials such as leather and Gore-Tex, as well as its proprietary M Select technology, which provides extra cushioning and support for long hikes and walks.
Pikolino’s, Clarks, and Merrell are all companies that prioritize sustainability and use high-quality materials to create comfortable and stylish shoes. Whether you’re walking on cobblestones or city sidewalks, these brands are a great choice for your next travel adventure.
Comfort and Sustainability
There are several shoe brands made in Spain that prioritize sustainability and comfort. Here are a few examples:
Pikolinos: As mentioned earlier, Pikolinos is a Spanish shoe brand that places a strong emphasis on sustainability and uses environmentally-friendly materials in its manufacturing process. Pikolinos shoes are known for their comfortable fit and use materials such as leather and cork to mold to your foot over time.
El Naturalista: El Naturalista is a Spanish shoe brand that has been around since 2001 and is committed to sustainability and fair trade practices. The company uses natural materials such as cork and recycled rubber in its shoes and works with local communities to promote sustainable development.
Camper: Camper is a Spanish shoe brand that has been around since 1975 and is known for its comfortable and stylish shoes. The company is committed to sustainability and has implemented measures such as using recycled materials and reducing waste in its manufacturing process.
Magnanni: Magnanni is a Spanish shoe brand that has been around since 1954 and specializes in high-quality leather shoes for men. The company uses sustainable materials and traditional craftsmanship techniques to create shoes that are both stylish and comfortable.
These Spanish shoe brands prioritize sustainability and use high-quality materials to create comfortable and stylish shoes. When shopping for shoes made in Spain, look for brands that use eco-friendly materials, promote fair trade practices, and prioritize comfort in their designs.
And don’t forget to pack some blister plasters and a spare pair of shoes, just in case. Happy travels!
