The Best Shoes for London Winter or Summer

When planning a trip to the British capital, it can be easy to get caught up in ironing out all of the details of your London itinerary and you can forget about thinking about what to pack. But if you’re at the phase where you think you may need to update your wardrobe and are specifically wondering about which shoes to take to London, you’ve come to the right place.

London is obviously a fashion-forward city, however, you don’t simply want to go for aesthetics when you’re trying to find shoes to wear in London. Because you’re likely going to be walking quite a bit across this large city, you want to look fab while still being comfortable – and also not stick out like a sore thumb!

As a former resident of this beautiful and historic city, I am well aware of what kind of shoes will work and be a good fit for both men and women!

Shoes For London Comparison

What Kind of Shoes to Bring to London?

Obviously, you’re going to want to consider what season you’re visiting in and the typical weather in London during that time.

For instance, if you’re heading to the British capital in January, you’re not really going to be wanting to bring sandals. In that case, outside of the summer, you’re likely going to want to find some waterproof boots for London to bring along with a warm coat suitable for the British capital.

Conversely, if you’re visiting in the summer months, you may want to consider bringing some sandals. It doesn’t usually get too hot in London, but the city does experience the occasional heatwave and you shouldn’t expect it to be super cool in July and August. Thus, sandals can be incredibly welcome.

You are also going to want to find well-made shoes that are comfortable to walk long distances. You don’t want to buy poor shoes that cause your feet to ache after only walking a few hundred metres. You are going to want a shoe that can withstand all of your London sightseeing and not cause sore, aching feet in the process!

Best Women’s Shoes

Ecco Shape – Best Boots

If you’re looking for some chic, comfortable and stylish boots for London winter (or any cooler season) then the Ecco Shape (also available from Zappos here or direct from Ecco here) ankle boots are a great option.

I personally own these boots and can attest that they are very comfortable, well made and I can walk all over the place in them without my feet getting sore.

These boots have a small heel that can add a touch of formality to the look and they also come in a range of colours. They have a zip closure which makes them incredibly easy to slide on and off whenever you need to.

These boots also have a good grip on their rubber sole, meaning that it’s not easy to slip if you’re walking on wet, rainy streets as is somewhat common in London.

Clarks Derbys – Best Stylish Shoes

If you’re looking for a great shoe that can be dressed up or dressed down, the Clarks Derbys are a top choice. These classic brogues are very stylish and can go with just about anything, from jeans to a nice skirt or dress.

They are also incredibly well-made, durable and very comfortable. In fact, these are shoes that I also own and absolutely love! They also come in a range of colours, from black to brown to shiny patent leather. They have a beautiful detailing that makes them look both classy and feminine.

They also have a great sole and are suitable for both London winters and London summer (and autumn and spring!).

They’re comfortable enough to wear for hours each day, though they may need a short break-in period, so be sure to wear them around at home before heading off on your trip to ensure you are blister-free come your London adventure!

Ecco Soft 7 – Best Casual Shoes

If you’re looking for great, comfortable, casual sneakers to wear while in London, then you cannot go wrong with the Ecco Soft 7 (also available from Zappos here or direct from Ecco here).

These sneakers are incredibly comfortable and the two pairs I’ve owned have come with me all over the world and have held up incredibly well – from the streets of London to the lanes of places like Sheki, Azerbaijan. In fact, these are some of my favourite travel shoes for any destination!

They come in an entire range of colours to suit any kind of personal style and look great with just about any casual outfit. They are sturdy and well-made to stand up to an entire day traipsing all over the sites and streets of London.

Birkenstock Yara – Best Sandals

Finally, if you’re looking for some cute and ultra-comfortable sandals for your London trip, then the Birkenstock Yara sandals are an excellent option.

Birkenstocks, in general, are a wonderful pair of sandals to bring with you on any summer trip as their ergonomic footbed moulds to your foot and are supremely comfortable. They offer a ton of arch support and will ensure that your feet aren’t sore even after spending the entire day on them.

These sandals are particularly great for London as they have an ankle strap, making sure they are secure to your foot. This is another shoe that does require a bit of a break-in period, so be sure to keep that in mind before your trip.

Best Men’s Shoes

Timberland Earthkeeper – Best Boots

If you’re on the hunt for the best men’s boots fo London, then you can’t go wrong with the Timberland Earthkeeper (also available from Zappos here).

These boots are perfect for a London winter, autumn or early spring and are sure to look cool while also being very functional.

They come in a range of colours to suit all kinds of styles and tastes and have a classic look that can easily transition from day to night and can be dressed up to a more smart-casual style, if you’d like.

The fibres in the boots are also made with 50% recycled plastic bottles and the body of the boots are made from a premium full-grain leather.

Ecco Turn – Best Stylish Shoes

If you’re looking for some great shoes that can easily be dressed up or dressed down no matter the occasion, then make sure to check out the Ecco Turn (also available from Zappos here or direct from Ecco here).

These classic-style oxfords have an updated modern look and are the perfect shoes for winter or any other season.

Lined with wool, they can keep your feet incredibly warm in the winter and Michael can attest (he owns a pair of these, himself) that they are incredibly comfortable to walk in for an entire day.

These shoes are also water-resistant, which is something that is really an advantage in rainy London. All in all, these are some of the best men’s shoes to take on your trip.

Ecco Exostride – Best Casual Shoes

These shoes have all of the support and comfort known to the Ecco brand and are also stylish and have a classic look that can last for years.

They are well-made and come in a range of colours, so you are sure to find an option that suits your personal style.

If you’re visiting London outside of the cold winter months and are looking for a great pair of sneakers that you can wear and walk around in for hours. then you can not go wrong with the Ecco Exostride.

Birkenstock Arizona – Best Sandals

Finally, if you need some sandals for your London trip, then you cannot go wrong with the classic Birkenstock Arizona (also available from Zappos here).

As one of the brand’s most iconic walking sandals, these are some of the most comfortable shoes you will ever wear and you’re feet are sure to thank you if you choose these sandals.

These sandals come in various colours and materials that suit any style. The Birko-floor footbed also moulds to the wearer’s foot, mimicking the feeling of walking on sand. This means that these sandals are going to be incredibly comfortable and supportive even if you’re walking all over the city each day.

Finding the best shoes for London can seem a bit daunting, especially considering you want something durable, comfortable and still stylish. However, these options are sure to be great for your trip to the Big Smoke.

Are you looking for the best shoes to wear for your trip to London? Have any questions? Let us know in the comments!