What Shoes to Pack for Europe - wit & whimsy (2024)

As the founder ofEn Route to Rêverie, I love helping people plan aspects of their trips to Europe. Including often fielding questions about what to pack! It is also why I create so many seasonal Packing Lists for popular destinations overseas. But the number one thing I get asked about when it comes to what to pack? Shoes!

Considering what shoes you’ll bring along on your trip to Europe is an essential part of your planning and prep. European cities are very walkable and often best enjoyed on foot so having comfortable, appropriate and seasonal footwear with you that will ensure you can log a lot of steps from day to evening is essential.

What ShoesTo Pack ForEurope

With the right shoes packed for a trip to Europe, you’ll have a more enjoyable trip as you won’t be bothered by blisters or back issues.

For me, whenever I pack for my regular trips to Paris and London in particular, I prioritize both comfort and style – especially when it comes to packing shoes to wear in Paris. Paris, like so many cities in Europe, is an old city so a lot of the streets are composed of cobblestones and uneven surfaces that you’ll be walking on. And if you plan to take the Metro while in major European cities, there will also be plenty of stairs that you’ll be going up and down!

How I Choose Shoes for Europe

I want my shoes to work hard for me so I never have to worry about slowing down or needing to take a break because my shoes are bothering me. The shoes for Europe I’m sharing below have been tried and tested by me and are recommendations based on my experience, my personal style and lots of walking.

Of course, keep in mind every person’s feet and health conditions are different. We all have different needs and priorities and of course, different personal styles. So what’s comfortable to be me may not be comfortable to you.

But the following list – as well as the tips at the bottom of this post on how to best care for and prep your shoes – should be a good starting point for you as you begin your packing and consider what shoes to pack for Europe.

At the bottom of this post you’ll also find shoppable widgets with other styles at various price points for you to shop.

Ballet Flats

I have never gone to Europe and not packed a pair of ballet flats. I wear them with dresses, skirts, jeans and black pants.

Look for comfortable yet timeless flats. I love ballet flats and own several pair from Chanel that are my go-tos but for more affordable options I’d recommend includethese, theseor these.

Or consider more of an on-trend Mary Jane style.

For a dressier style, consider this pair. Use code SARAHFLINT-MEGHAN for 15% off your first Sarah Flint purchase.

Ankle Boots

Ankle boots with a low or stacked heel are ideal for walking in Europe in Fall and Winter as you head out for evenings on the town. Just make sure it’s a well made shoe and that you can log a lot of miles in the pairs of boots you choose to bring.

I own and love this style and this style. I also like these and these as timeless styles.

This is another boot I often pack for Paris in particular in the Fall. They are so comfortable and held up with 20K+ steps a day. Use code WITWHIMSY15 for 15% off.

Dressy Boot

For dressier trips to Europe in the Fall and Winter I am always bringing my Sarah Flint Dress Boots. They are so comfortable, beautifully made and good for loads of steps if you can believe it.

Use code SARAHFLINT-MEGHAN for 15% off your first Sarah Flint purchase.

Midi Boots

For a good walkable heel and a boot that can pair well with dresses and skirts for fun European evenings in the Fall and Winter, I like a low heeled boots like the INEZ Mila boot.

You can use code WHIMSY15 for 15% off your purchase of Inez shoes.

Sleek White Sneakers

I always bring a pair of sleek white sneakers that can be worn with dresses or jeans or shorts for the days where I’ll be really logging a lot of steps. The ultimate, reliable comfort shoe in my opinion.

My favorite pair of white sneakers has logged hundreds of thousands of steps in Europe over the years! In that post you’ll also find affordable lookalikes to my favorite pair. As you pack, I highly recommend you determine what outfits to wear sneakers with for daytime looks.

I personally avoid athletic shoes when I go to Europe. They are too bulky for me and read too “for the gym” for my personal style and I prefer a sleek white sneaker that I can pair with a lot of different outfits. Of course it is a matter of personal preference but I also don’t think athletic shoes are appropriate for many dining settings in Europe either – especially in the evening.

I also think it is a good idea to pack a few shoe wipes in your bag to touch up and clean your sneakers on your trip so they are kept looking like new!

Veja Sneakers

Veja is a French brand so it’s no wonder it is incredibly popular with Europeans. You’ll see a variety of Veja styles on men and women across Paris and I think they make several styles that are great to wear if you’re visiting Europe.

Loafers

Loafers are a personal favorite shoe of mine for exploring Europe in the Fall. They always elevate any outfit and can go with little black pants or jeans. You’ll notice a lot of Parisians and Londoners in particular wear loafers day to day.

A favorite pair of mine are these by Sam Edelman and I also own a classic pair by Gucci (seen above) and from time to time I will bring the Gucci mule version (below) on trips to Europe.

Mules

Perfect for day or evening, a sleek mule is a great shoe option for shoes for Europe in Fall. I love pairing my slip on mules with high waisted jeans and blazers while I am in Paris in particular.

Above I am wearing this pair by Gucci and this pair by Manolo Blahnik.

Mules will never be my first choice of practical shoe to wear around Europe, but they are good for trips where you may be doing less walking and more driving.

Flat Sandals

For summer trips to Paris, you’ll want a comfortable sandal in a neutral that can go with most of your clothes that you packed. A pair that works during the day but that can also translate to evening time for dinner and drinks is ideal.

The style I am wearing above are the YSL Tribute Sandals and other styles I love include this pair, this pair and this pair.

Espadrilles

For summertime looks, a wedge espadrille can be perfect for evenings exploring Europe destinations. My favorite brand is Castaner whose espadrilles are so comfortable. Opt for a lower heel to make walking on cobblestones easier. I am wearing this pair above.

Block Heeled Sandals

Another summer dressier style alternative to a wedge espadrille, is a block heeled sandal.

Consider these by Margaux or these by Sarah Flint that I have and love.

Use code SARAHFLINT-MEGHAN for 15% off your first Sarah Flint purchase.

Stacked Heels

For nights out in Europe, I typically bring a comfortable stacked heel slingback. They’re able to be easily dressed up or dressed down and go with everything I’d typically pack for dressier evenings spent out in European cities.

I always have my Chanel slingbacks with me. Comfortable to walk loads in and also great with jeans, skirts and dresses. Similar style for less here and here.

Related:What to Wear with Chanel Slingbacks

Converse

Europeans love their Converse sneakers. It is one of the most spotted shoes throughout Paris in particular. I like them for trips when I know to expect rain as the Canvas dries out rather easily and in black they don’t show dirty rain stains.

I like that on Converse’s website you can customize your own pair for your next trip to Europe!

Knee High Boots

For visiting Europe in Winter, I always recommend a flat boot with a rubber sole or a low, walkable heel boot.

I personally like to wear an over the knee boot to get a bit of added warmth and to ensure I have a boot that can be worn both with skinny jeans and with dresses or jumpsuits for evenings.

My go to pair is by Stuart Weitzman. A more affordable (and waterproof!) option is here. If you bring suede boots, just be sure to protect them with a spray like this before you go!

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More Tips on What Shoes to Pack for Europe

Shoes to avoid? Flip flops. There’s not enough support and unless you’re at a beach, you won’t see Europeans wearing flip flops. I’d also recommend avoiding high heel stilettos as a lot of European streets are cobblestones. So, unless you plan to only take cars in your high heels, it’s worth skipping the stilettos. And of course, don’t pack any shoes you haven’t yet worn in! Blisters are never fun to endure when you’re traveling and can really affect your day if you’re battling them.

Something else important to note is that often with trips to Europe – it’s a matter of when it will rain, not if it will rain. So be sure that at least one of the pairs of shoes that you put in your luggage is a pair you feel comfortable enough to walk in the rain in and don’t mind if they get a little wet. I also recommend you spray your shoes with Scotchguard before going in case you get stuck in any unexpected weather.

If you experience any sort of back pain or arthritis or knee issues, you may also consider getting a podiatrist to recommend some inserts or orthotics you could place into your shoes to make them more comfortable and give you a bit more longevity day to day while in Paris.

Lastly, I always have protective soles put on my shoes before trips to ensure that not only do I not ruin the soles of the shoe itself (beyond repair) but also because I find adding a protective sole also can add an extra layer of comfort. This small step that any cobbler can help you with goes a long way in letting me walk and walk and walk in European cities. Read more about How I Take Care of My Shoes.