The Best Shoes for Walking on Cobblestones in Europe

If you’re planning a trip to Europe, chances are that you’re also planning on doing a lot of walking around beautiful city centres.

The only problem with that is that a huge proportion of European cities are incredibly old and equipped with cobblestone streets that can wreak havoc on your feet and ankles. This makes it incredibly important to find appropriate shoes before you set out on your trip.

After testing out countless shoes and walking on even more cobblestone streets, we know a thing or two about which shoes to pack for your trip and hope that we can save you from any foot-related misery on your trip!

Shoes for Europe Comparison

What to Look For

There are a few key factors that you need to consider when selecting shoes for your Europe trip: comfort (obviously), durability and style.

The most important factor that needs to be considered is durability. If you’re going to be touring European cities on foot, it is likely that you will be walking around for ten or more kilometres each day — this can take a toll on your shoes as well as your feet!

I would also recommend finding a couple of pairs of shoes that have neutral colours (or colours that go with the majority of your clothing) and that can be either dressed up or dressed down. I am all for minimalist packing when travelling so the fewer shoes that you need to include in your luggage, the better.

Finding shoes that can easily transition from day to night is going to take a load off your shoulders (literally, if you’re backpacking!) and allow you to concentrate on actually planning your trip rather than worrying about what to wear and pack!

Obviously, finding shoes that generally have a darker colour is always a good idea, as well, so you don’t have to worry as much about trying to keep them looking clean and smart.

And, of course, finding a shoe that is comfortable and you feel comfortable in is an absolute must!

Best Women’s Shoes

Ecco Soft 7

The Ecco Soft 7 (also available on Zappos here) is my top choice and my absolute favourite pair of shoes for walking in Europe and really, anywhere else. They are a smart-looking sneaker that form to your foot, so they are super comfortable.

They are incredibly well-made and come in a range of colours, meaning that there is a style for everyone. They are also nice enough that you can even dress them up to go out to a (casual) dinner in the evening.

They are ultra-comfortable, require virtually no break-in period (I’ve had two pairs and have never had blisters from them) and are absolutely perfect for walking for hours on cobblestones without coming back with sore feet.

I absolutely love Ecco shoes and you really can’t go wrong with a pair of them!

Ecco Touch Ballerina 2.0

I’ve already made it known that I love Ecco shoes and the Ecco Touch Ballerina 2.0 flats are no exception. Equipped with a sleek and modern look and incredible comfort, these flats are perfect for looking dressy and stylish while also not putting you at risk for a broken ankle.

They come in a range of colours and are lightweight and comfortable shoes. They are constructed with high-quality leather and have a sturdy footbed that will conform to your foot, ensuring all-day comfort.

Clarks Teresa Step

While I don’t think that most high heels are a great idea for walking on cobblestones, if you love a heel and want some height, I would recommend opting for a chunky heel or a wedge. That is why I love the Clarks Teresa Step heels.

These shoes have a chunky 5cm stacked heel and a lovely ankle strap to keep them secured to your foot.

They have great cushioning under the foot and a rubber sole for grip, meaning that you’re unlikely to slip on slick cobblestones. They also come in a few different colours and have a classic style that will last for years.

Clarks Taylor Shine

Ankle boots are always easy to wear are can be perfect for a casual daytime look along with a dressier nighttime look. If you want to find the perfect pair of ankle boots, then you really can’t go wrong with the Clarks Taylor Shine.

Available in two colours (black and brown), these shoes are easy to slip on, made of high-quality leather, and have an incredibly durable and well-gripping sole, perfect for the cobblestone streets of Europe.

They are also very comfortable and can be worn for hours without hurting your feet and can easily transition from day to night.

Birkenstock Yara

Birkenstocks may be my favourite brand of shoe, ever, and you really cannot go wrong with the Birkenstock Yara if you’re on the hunt for the ideal sandal.

Strappy and stylish, the Yara is perfect for cobblestones because it isn’t a slide or flip-flop type sandal and it attaches to your ankle, giving you that extra vote of security on cobbled streets.

Birkenstocks are famous for their orthopaedic footbed, and the Yara is no different. The cork footbed will conform to your foot and offer amazing arch support to ensure that your feet stay healthy and comfortable no matter how long you’re walking around in them.

The only thing worth noting is that Birkenstocks do take a bit to break in, so if you buy these before your trip, make sure to do it at least a couple of weeks before you’re due to leave and wear them around the house and out and about to ensure that they are comfortable and your feet are blister-free when you arrive in Europe!

Merrell Sandspur Backstrap

If you’re looking for something a little bit more trendy but still just as comfortable and stylish in your sandal, then consider the Merrell Sandspur Backstrap.

Made of soft nubuck leather and coming in a range of cool, trendy colours, this trendy sandal is perfect for looking stylish and staying comfortable while exploring European cities.

Equipped with an ultra-comfortable footbed that will form to your feet, these sandals are perfect for all-day wear and can even be transitioned into night.

Best Men’s Shoes

Ecco Soft 7 Runner

A variation of the Soft 7 for women above, the Ecco Soft 7 Runner is a sleek, stylish shoe that resembles a running shoe but looks far smarter.

Available in a range of colours, this shoe is incredibly comfortable, durable and supportive and will ensure that your feet are cool and comfortable even after walking on uneven pavement all day long.

They are also so durable that you can wear them every day for years and they will barely show wear and tear.

So if you’re on the hunt for a great everyday trainer that will stay looking great for years to come and that you can easily transition from day to night, you really can’t go wrong with this shoe

Merrell Gridway

If you’re looking for something a little bit different a more modern-looking than the Ecco shoe listed above, then consider picking up a pair of Merrell Gridway shoes.

Ideal for waking on cobblestones for numerous hours, this shoe is durable and comfortable and the perfect footwear to bring on your trip to Europe.

Made from sustainable, recycled materials, these shoes are comfortable and great for the environment. They come in a range of colours and have an advanced footbed that will keep your feet healthy and happy even after hours and hours of exploring your destination.

They also come equipped with well-gripping soles that will make sure you don’t slip and slide on cobblestones and are really a great option for shoes to bring to Europe.

Redwing Iron Ranger

Redwing boots are well-known to be durable, classic, and incredibly well-made which is why they are included on this list.

The Redwing Iron Ranger (also available on Zappos here) is a classic laced ankle boot that can easily be worn casually all day long and then dressed up for an evening at a nice restaurant or at the theatre.

These boots are shockingly durable and will likely last a decade or more with proper care, but do keep in mind that they will need a break-in period, so don’t buy them right before you leave on your trip — purchase at least a few weeks in advance to make sure you get their optimal comfort.

They come in a range of colours and have a fit that accommodates almost all foot types.

Timberland Earthkeeper

Another classic boot perfect for walking all over European city centres, the Timberland Earthkeeper is an excellent, trendy and stylish boot to bring with you on your trip.

Available in a couple of different colours, these boots are unique because they cannot only easily transition from day to night but also boast being able to transition from trail to street!

So if you also want to enjoy a few hikes while in Europe but don’t want to bring a million different pairs of shoes, then these may be a great option for you.

They are made with high-quality leather and come equipped with a non-slip rubber sole and waterproof linings perfect for both slippery trails and slick cobblestone streets. They are comfortable and durable and sure to be the perfect addition to your European wardrobe.

Birkenstock Arizona

I made it known earlier how much I like Birkenstocks and the classic Birkenstock Arizonas (also available on Zappos here) is no exception.

One of the most iconic Birkenstock sandal designs, this unisex sandal comes in a range of different colour and is sure to keep your feet comfortable and cool during a European summer.

Equipped with the Birko-floor upper material and a cork-latex footbed that moulds to your feet, these sandals do require a brief break-in period to reach their full potential, but once you’re through that you won’t want to wear anything else ever again.

Merrell Ankle-Strap Sandal

If you’re looking for a classic sandal style that fully straps to your foot, then the Merrell Ankle-Strap Sandal is the shoe for you!

With straps made from high-quality leather and a sole made from non-slip rubber, these sandals are comfortable and durable and are sure to keep your feet happy even after spending numerous hours walking around whichever European destination you’re visiting.

These sandals are soft and breathable and the soles have a unique air cushion heel, meaning that they’re perfect for absorbing shocks and for walking long distances.

So long as you know what to look for, you’re sure to find the perfect shoe that will suit your own particular style while keeping you comfortable and happy in Europe!

Are you looking for shoes to take to Europe? Have any questions? Let us know in the comments!