Shoes for Europe in Winter - YouLookFab Forum

I'm going to be in Rome and London for almost 2 weeks in December this year with my mom. I'm trying to start thinking of what I'm going to pack, mostly shoes and outerwear as I'm going to be packing light in case I need to help my mom with her bag. I would like to limit myself to 2 pairs of shoes / boots. I'm thinking for clothing I will be packing mostly navy, charcoal and burgundy. We will mostly be sightseeing but might go to the theatre and a concert or two. The shoes below are the ones I own that I'm considering. I'm also still looking for a pair of low ankle boots to replace an old pair so that might be another option. These are my choices:

Frye lug sole wingtips: very comfortable but heavy. I actually own 2 pairs - black and chocolate brown.

Frye Melissa oxfords in bordeaux. Comfortable, but I would probably want to add a rubber sole to these if I packed them.

Stuart Weitzman Loafers in burgundy - comfortable but I'm not sure if they would be good if it's rainy.

Cole Haan Black riding boots - comfortable but I'm not sure about packing tall boots?

Via Spiga brown riding boots - about the same comfort level as the Cole Haan pair.

Most of my other boots are winter boots geared for snow like Sorels or other insulated boots that I'm thinking are going to be too hot?

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by Kathleen

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Frye Women's Melissa-SMVLE Oxford

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Stuart Weitzman Women's Manila Slip-On Loafer

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7 years ago

bridgie

Veteran

O.K. here is what I think I would do: shop for the low ankle boot. Wear whichever is most comfortable, the new low ankle boot or one of the three pairs of shoes and pack the other. If you do go to theatre and/or concerts, shop for a new pair wherever you are at that time. Enjoy the trip. I know your mother will. We seniors love traveling with our adult children.

Elle

What an exciting trip. You seem on the right track. I would choose the most comfortable non-slip, water resistent shoes or boots. You will be doing a lot of walking on uneven pavement/cobblestones that may be slippery. Tall boots are fashionable. Are yours comfortable enough to wear on the plane (since otherwise they will take up a lot of suitcase space)?

The Frye Melissas with a rubber sole seem like a good choice for one of your shoes since they are lighter in weight. I would pick a boot for your other choice.

Sal

I think two pairs will be sufficient in winter.

I think the Frye Melissa's sound a good choice and maybe a low ankle boot for the other. London can be cold and the evenings will be dark - unlikely to be very snowy though.

The Fryes with dark pants should be dressy enough for shows in my opinion.

I hope you have a fun trip!

Astrid

I wouldn't take tall boots, because I would hate to wear them on a flight and they might end up being too warm. London can be quite cold, but I guess you're also going to be inside a lot. I would look for ankle boots and then pack the two pairs that are the most comfortable. And pack warm socks, just in case.

rachylou

I second warm socks. That's key.

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

I have no problem with the tall boots IF they are comfy. Why not wear them on the flight? I would, and fly to Europe every few months. I'm going to do that in Winter this year.

You'll probably see lots of people in London wear tall boots. Definitely cold enough.

Booties are a good second option, and get great socks.

Jane

I'd think tall boots for London, and then loafers may be because you can slip them on / off easily. Otherwise you will be doing laces etc or pulling on boots for short periods (may be breakfasts in a hotel say)

Christina F.

I recommend these ankle boots if you go that route. I wore them in Amsterdam in February. They are waterproof and have great support.

Teva Women's W Delavina Ankle Boot

Suz

If the tall boots are extremely comfy then you might wear on plane. Only thing is, you might want to take them off on the flight and would need to ensure they fit under your seat if you choose to do that.

If it were me, I would probably bring two ankle boots or one tall boot/ one ankle boot, plus one more shoe or bootie.

In fact, I'd actually bring more than that! I carry a lot of shoes when I travel so that I can change a lot. I tend to walk great distances and for me, a change is as good as a rest. Yes, it makes my luggage heavier but it also makes my feet happier. For two weeks, including some dressier events (theatre, concerts) I would probably bring 4 pairs. For a week long trip to London a year ago I took 5 pair of shoes (but weather was transitional and we were doing a number of different types of activities!).

Kathleen

Active Member

I'm drawn to booties like these but I keep trying to picture them with the slim wool pants I'm likely to pack and I'm not sure that they would work? I could always wear the wool pants with the oxfords I guess.

PIKOLINOS Pikolinos Womens Santander W4J-8781

I also liked the Teva's Christina posted in grey.

The boots might be a bit rugged for wearing with the slim pant, but then again, maybe not.

Depending on your tolerance for heel height, etc. you might try something similar to one below. I own the Taylors (from last year) and wore them literally to the ground (need to reheel them this year). They were fabulous. I'm thinking for urban wear, something a bit more refined is do-able vs. something more chunky. But of course that depends some on your personal style!

Nordstrom

La Canadienne Sicilia Waterproof Boot

Geox 'Ashlenn' Amphibiox Waterproof Chelsea Boot (Women)

$259.95 $181.90

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Aquatalia 'Taylor' Weatherproof Bootie (Women) (Nordstrom Exclusive)

$475.00 $299.25

JAileen

Are you concerned about your feet getting wet? Have you looked at waterproof shoes/boots such as Aquatalia and Blondo?

I had looked at both Blondo and Aquatalia during NAS but didn't find a style that was exactly what I was looking for. I don't think I could do a heel of more than an 1" or so with as much walking as I'm going to be doing. I have a fairly high instep. My left foot in particular is somewhat finicky as it was fractured twice and then I then developed stress fractures as a result of running after that in that foot.

ClaraT

I think I'm the only one who packs tall boots. On a plane, they feel a bit restrictive when on and take up too much floor space when off. I pack them, and I use the 'empty' space in the boot to pack underwear, socks, and other small items. I'm my down sweater *and* my raincoat fit into one boot. So, just a different perspective on those

(Agree with the comfortable/waterproof comments from others, btw!)

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