Shoes for travel: Scotland in June and London in July - YouLookFab Forum

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Shoes for travel: Scotland in June and London in July

Cassie

Hello from "sunny" Florida,
Our family enjoys a change of climate since it's hot here most of the time. Our vacation is the last week of June for Scotland - Edinburgh, Glencoe, Ft William, Glenfinnan Viaduct, Skye and then on to London for a week with a 5:00 am sunrise visit to Stonehenge.

Here are my questions: Should I take a waterproof hiking trainer/sneaker like Adidas Terrex Goretex or will an everyday (not waterproof) trainer/sneaker like Nike or New Balance be okay? Considering the rain we have in Florida I don't have proper raingear. I don't have proper anything. (see below)

For Edinburgh/London should I bring a light colored maybe waterproof bootie (like Blondo) with a little heel to dress up with blue or white jeans? I also plan to bring a white leather tennis shoe like Cole Haan.
I'll try to add the finds soon.

I was so pleased to find this forum because there are so many like-minded people here! Don't know how to express myself. Too many thoughts. Very disorganized. Sorry! LOL

Some background info:
Thank you all for the posts that have encouraged me to keep trying to find clothes that make me feel good about myself again!

I go out for errands or dinner in the same pair of white or blue jeans and tori burch flip flops- I'm SAHM and want to get back to work (that's for another time
Or old shorts (around the house only never never never in public) that are too old and too big because I bought the larger size so they'd hang a little lower.

We take a vacation every 2-3 years and thats when i discover i haven't gotten anything new since the last vacation. I've spent the last two months buying and returning everything. It's embarrassing.

Also, don't have the raincoat yet. My hubby likes white Helly Hansen jackets (me too since we live in Florida - i also like black, navy or grey so tough to choose) so I'm going to try to make that happen. It's nice when your husband thinks you look nice.

Finally I've found a great selection of clothes that I like (wow there is so much choice out there - it's paralyzing!) and as soon as I figure out the shoe situation I can choose what to pack!

OK here goes. It's taken me a while to get the courage to post this!
Cassie

Helly Hansen Women's Appleton Coat

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Cole Haan GrandPro Tennis Sneaker

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Marmot Women's Minimalist Jacket

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Adidas Outdoor Terrex Swift R2 GTX

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Blondo Valli Waterproof Bootie

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Women's Lightweight Primaloft Jacket

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Gap Trekkie Hike Pant

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Blondo Liam Waterproof Bootie

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General

29 replies

Latest reply was from citygirldc

Joy

Veteran

Yes, take waterproof and very comfortable shoes that can keep your feet happy on wet cobblestones and climbing stone staircases. You might check REI for a rain coat. You want something that breaths. An umbrella works well but you can buy an inexpensive one there.
As far as colors, you will see most dressed in black or other dark neutral, but that may not suit Florida as well as white would, so buy what you can also wear at home.

Elizabeth P

Veteran

OMGosh yes, waterproof hiking shoes (or hiking shoes you don't mind getting wet) and a raincoat are a must for that part of the world. Well, if you want to leave the paved surfaces that is... and I assume anyone who goes to those places does! I actually spent a week in Fort William and Skye last year, in late July. We did the Glenfinnan Viaduct as well. One hike we did in Skye was pretty much running water the whole way down the path! You don't want weather to deter you from experiencing the wonderful walks. Skye in particular can go from sun to fog to rain and back to sun in a very short time.

Please PM me if you want any suggestions as to what we did/saw.

Joy

Veteran

I just saw your bootie finds. Shoes will get wet and probably dirty in the city. Sometime one can not avoid puddles. I like thick soles that may keep my feet above the wetness. Darker shades will not show the grime as much. Maybe a grey. It can be quite chilly, even in high summer. Take some stockings or tights. A cashmere pull-over sweater or silk long underwear can pack small and be layered if you need warmth. Remember that you will be quite far north. It is a damp cold. There is a reason that the British do not offer iced drinks. Pub food like shepherds' pie, and fish and chips is good as are scones and clotted cream. You will walk off the calories.

Cassie

Thank you Joy!
Whenever I travel to cities I wish that I brought all black! But I never where black at home. I thought gray or taupe shoes would work instead of black. Even though people wear booties here I just always feel so out of place in booties. I had a pair in the 90's that i loved. They were black cowboy style and cheap but I love them I bought a pair of black suede booties a few years back and they are have a medium to tall heel and I never wear them I feel so conspicuous in them . I'm 5'8" and I don't look bad but I want to somehow look nice and be invisible at the same time.

I really think I want to wear the cute booties and I really want to have the hiking trainers for the mucking around if necessary.
Thanks again for responding!!!

Cassie

WOW!
Thank you Joy and Elizabeth P!

We went to France in early June 2011 and we were so cold! I know that I need the warmer things but it's such a fight within myself to do it!
We went to Italy in November 2015 and I bought 2 sweaters from AT. I didn't look at the labels and they were not 100% merino. It wasn't terrible but I find that I am not enjoying clothes that are made of non-natural fibers.

Thank you for helping me! My family loves getting cozy when it's wet and rainy outside. We are enjoying our gray day from Alberto.

Jane

Veteran

Dear Cassie - FWIW - southern UK fabber view, who is in love with Scotland (and it's gorgeous weather).

Should I take a waterproof hiking trainer/sneaker like Adidas Terrex Goretex Yes for the reasons below

or will an everyday (not waterproof) trainer/sneaker like Nike or New Balance be okay?

...probably not, because there will be dew and in the morning at Stone Henge and you would be very lucky to get away in Scotland without any rain

That said, there will be a few outdoorsey type shops around, so if you decide not to take waterproof trainers than you could top up

I vote walking boots with stable ankle support - I wear my all year round, in Scotland, in SE uk, in 24 Degrees celsius. I like them because of the ankle stability. I am also wary of stinging nettles and snakes. There aren't so many dangerous snakes, but there are a few non poisonous ones around. Adders etc. I have comfy socks. No one looks out of place in Scotland wearing leather walking boots, shorts and Goretex.

Considering the rain we have in Florida I don't have proper raingear. I don't have proper anything. (see below)

Northface do a fab Gortex jacket for men, lots of rain protection. DS wears mine on occasion and it goes in the wash etc. Failing that, I have a Sweaty Betty one which is shorter, fab and has a good 4 hours of rain protection.

For Edinburgh/London should I bring a light colored maybe waterproof bootie (like Blondo) with a little heel to dress up with blue or white jeans?

Sounds sensible, but Edinburgh needs comfy shoes - because of cobbles and the street called 'the long mile' (I think).

I also plan to bring a white leather tennis shoe like Cole Haan.
I'll try to add the finds soon. Very good plan.

Think about an umbrella and also mosquito stuff (the stuff in the UK is no where near as good as the US / Canadian stuff - is it Deet that is in the US stuff? it is banned here but I got some in Canada years ago and it is v good at quelling itchy bites.

If it helps, I don't feel at all ashamed by admitting I wore 40 denier tights in Scotland in August more than once.

Christina F.

Veteran

Hi! FWIW, I have these hiking boots that actually look like hi-top sneakers on. I think something like these would be great in soggy Scotland. I also have worn these around a city (Santiago, Chile), but you may want something you can dress up a bit too.

On a side note, I was also in France in the summer of 2011, and it was just awful weather. We actually only got a bit of sun once we went from Paris to the English Channel. That’s why it’s important to check the weather before you finish packing - you never know these days what weather you’ll actually get.

Merrell Women's Capra Bolt Mid Waterproof Hiking Boot

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bj1111

Veteran

i spent the coldest winter in august in leicester. triple endorse waterproof jacket and shoes. lots of layers. some of the technical gear or smart wool / patagonia undershirts may make good base layers under cotton shirts.

Cassie

Hello Jane!
i was so hoping you would respond after seeing your photos with the BR denim jacket and your holiday. I loved your photos with your mum and your outfits with scarves. Also, the way you read/watch books/movies with your son to help him study! I do that too!

And Christina F! LOL I did pack a utility style jacket and thought Id be okay I laugh every time I pull it out of the closet to walk the dog in winter in Florida! Ridiculous! We took an early morning balloon ride and we FROZE!

So I ordered the goretex shoes for my daughter and me. And a pair of waterproof booties with a little heel to dress up the jeans for dinners out. Hubby is a chef. Restaurants are IMPORTANT! But we alternate with grocery store takeout because grocery shopping in other countries is IMPORTANT!

I'll organize my thoughts and my purchases and hopefully get this figured out soon. School is out in 2 days and DD is next to organize.
Again,
I'm so grateful that y'all have taken the time to thoughtfully respond to my query!
There aren't enough exclamation points!! LOL

SarahD8

Veteran

My experience:
For a late June-early July trip to London, I took
-slip on canvas tennis shoes
-flat leather sandals (what Angie calls “Euro sandals” I think)
-peep toe clog sandals (next time, would replace with ballet flats)

For a road trip around Scotland same time of year, I took
-slip on canvas tennis shoes
-lightweight low top hiking shoes (not waterproof, but yes I would recommend that if it is an option)
-ballet flats
-waterproof Teva sandals for beach hikes (but, a fairly new, streamlined style so presentable for city wear too)

Overall this footwear worked well for both trips but we had fairly little rain and warm weather especially on the London trip.
Also we did less hiking in Scotland than it sounds like you are planning.

Here is my rain jacket:
https://www.rei.com/product/89.....oat-womens
Personally a white raincoat would make me nervous especially for hiking but that’s me!

Ankle boots would definitely not be out of place in the cities.

For Scotland, I wish I’d taken my lightweight short puffer jacket (north face thermoball). Saw lots of folks in Glasgow wearing such things and it would have been helpful.

Highly recommend taking a few linen/cotton/modal summer scarves. They can add a lot of warmth while still keeping a summery feel to your outfit.

Chris987

Veteran

I agree with the suggestions on waterproof footwear, and you absolutely MUST wear them a bit at home before your trip, to make absolutely sure they will be comfortable. Shoes can surprise you being ok for 2 hours of walking, and then turning uncomfortable and you don't want that sort of surprise on vacation! I went to Scotland 20 years ago in early June so a tad earlier than your trip will be. I brought light layers, expecting early summer weather like my own ( New England). This was in the very early days of the internet but weather and travel info was still available only in books so no ability to check at the last minute and honestly we were kind of clueless about the weather there. I also brought one midweight merino sweater, one lightweight fleece zip up top, and an ankle length rain shell that was waterproof but no warmth. Plus a rain hat. I ended up wearing ALL these items every single day and I was wishing I had another layer to add. It rained some every single day, although some of the rain was a mist that would get your clothes wet but not saturate the ground. We had a wonderful time anyway, such a gorgeous place! And as others have said, it's a damp cold.

Laura1975

Oh no Chris! That sounds uncannily like the staycations of my childhood. Scottish person here who has lived in Scotland and SE England.

You've had some excellent advice Cassie so I won't prattle on but yes, take layers and a very lightweight padded jacket would be ideal. I like the white jacket, a nice change from a sea of black and khaki. Definitely take hiking shoes.

You really need to be planning for anything from 12-24 degrees for Scotland. It might be rainy, it might not. You never know. Today we had temps of around 20 degrees which you coming from Florida might find quite chilly but us locals are all out in t-shirts and sandals

I personally wouldn't wear boots or tights in summer even to go out at night. It looks a bit seasonally confused, maybe slip ons of some sort? Of course, it's your holiday and you don't want to be cold but remember England will be warmer still.

You'll have an amazing time, enjoy!

unfrumped

Veteran

I loved having Gortex low hiking sneaker in Ireland. The key thing was I found some that were VERY comfortable - mine are by Lowa- wwas determined not to buy just anything Gortex.

I have that Marmot jacket in that or very similar color and wore it neatly every day- not just for rain, but wind protection for layering.
Also took a micro- down jacket and wore it a lot. Ditto silk and merino long underwear, thin knit gloves, warm knit cap.

Cassie

Hello everyone and Thanks Again!
bj1111 - I don't know why i resisted the waterproof shoe purchase. Im just hoping to find a pair that fits now.

sarahd8 - I think i've ticked all of your boxes. Although I am literally buying an entire new wardrobe for my whole family. We will have to be ruthless and pack very efficiently and send some of this stuff back asap.

chris987 - Isn't it funny how much more we know about a place than 20 years ago. And still we can be surprised when we get there. I hope that never goes away. Definitely taking layers and expecting to be chilly. Even hoping to be chilly-- it gets so hot at home. If you don't get cold you can't go inside and get cozy!

laura 1975 - Being from Scotland I am so happy to hear your advice. Thanks for the vote for a light colored coat. It's my first inclination after navy blue. It's funny how you want to wear a certain color depending on the place you are. That's the reason I can't decide on a color. I like white but I know black khaki and green feels right.
As far as the low cut suede bootie i was thinking a tan suede as a neutral instead of a tan sandal or espadrille. Maybe. I hadn't considered it until today after hearing about the wet damp cold. Ive seen booties with denim shorts and dresses although i would only wear them with jeans. Maybe?

unfrumped - Definitely working on the goretex hiking sneaker. I'm so hoping the one I ordered is comfortable. I have a month to walk the dog in them The Marmot jacket is gray and I'm trying out the primaloft jacket from lands end. I think the holiday is slowing the shipping process. I will look for Lowa shoes to try on too.

Suz

(website)

Veteran

Your tolerance for cool temperatures will be lower than that of someone who is used to that weather. But I would think in London you won't need booties. Closed shoes, though, I'd imagine.

I love the idea of a white or light coloured rain coat. Why not? They do clean up, after all!

It sounds like such a wonderful holiday -- I hope you have a fantastic time!

Joy

Veteran

We were is southern Ireland a couple of years ago in summer and was so glad to have a puffer jacket that could be worn under my rain jacket. I was also glad I had packed gloves and a wool scarf.and hat. I wore waterproof Le Canadienne booties everywhere and never wore ballet flats. The booties were plain and could look dressed up for most restaurants or pubs. Pubs had entertainment and a warm peat fire. Waterproof hiking sneakers will be brilliant if you have the packing room or wear them on the plane. SmartWool socks too. I layered like crazy.

Cassie

Hi Suz- just read your post and i also love the gingham blouse. its gone at loft. there is a cute one at BR and I've already purchased and returned. i don't always have a place to wear something so it kinda feels like i did. I really like your style!

Joy- I have heeded all of the advice and am anxiously awaiting delivery and packing it all up!!

Suz

(website)

Veteran

I can't wait to see your eventual travel capsule! Do show us if you can because many people enjoy the packing posts!

Sal

Veteran

I would count back with shoes and I would think maximum of four pairs of shoes - one waterproof, one dressy etc.. I walk in my Asics running shoes - but you probably could do better. I am more used to a temperate climate but I would take running shoes, one pair of covered city walking shoes/boots, one pair of walking sandals, one pair of dressy shoes. And maybe flipflops or slides.

Definitely a lightweight rain jacket - it probably will rain. I would go with what you like the best.

One long sleeve merino or cashmere and a warm scarf. On the coldest days you can wear these and the rain jacket.

I think you could be there in a heatwave too so I would pack lightly for both extremes. I was wearing shorts and summer dresses in London in June.

Welcome to the forum!!

Cassie

Suz and Sal - Yes I will start working on that travel capsule soon. Hopefully "we" here at the forum will have made better choices than mine alone and the editing can begin. Before the closet was empty and now there is toooooo much. I'll check the weather forecast.

My daughter says we need a pen pal (there's that old soul again) who can tell us what it actually feels like in Scotland and London!
Laura and Jane and I haven't figured out who else...

It is amazing to see all of the selected items grouped together in finds. You can see your own trends and redundancies. Can you believe it took 3 years for me to start trying out youlookfab for myself?

Cassie

Summer bootie idea better for Florida or california! I would not be wearing shorts but the booties would have more life after the vacation.

Cassie

Here's a photo trying on shoes. First time I've taken a photo in a mirror. Such a dinosaur.

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Laura1975

I'll be your pen pal and weather on the ground reporter! Rainy today and about 18 degrees

Can't wait to see the travel capsule take shape too. Would you wear dresses and booties? I see people do this all the time and I love the look but I always feel if it's cold enough for boots it's too cold for dresses.

Vali91

Member

His everyone. I'm a lady in my 60th year and live in Central Scotland. Today it's 23 degrees. For touring you will definitely need hiking shoes, a waterproof jacket with a hood, also waterproof trousers are a great idea... that way you can wear your normal clothing underneath and can slip off the waterproofs be dry and transformed!. A warm jumper, A dress.....we do get warm weather here!. a cardi for chilli evenings to wear over the dress, comfortable sandals.....you'll be glad to take off your hiking boots, leather tennis shoes for towny..... is towny even a word??.....walking which can be worn with jeans and dress, We can get all weather in one day so layering is perfect for our climate Colourful Tees including tank, long sleeve and short sleeve....Have a great time in our beautiful country...

Cassie

Good evening Vali and Laura,

It's 2 in the afternoon, 24 celsius and raining buckets here too!

I have the adidas hiking boots and a good waterproof jacket. No waterproof pants though.

I don't wear dresses ever unless I can wear stockings so I'll probably wear jeans and cropped pants with a sleeveless dressy top and a cardigan.
I really like the idea of the waterproof tan bootie with a little heel, but it's not practical for packing light and walking.

Maybe I'll get a mule or an espadrille for when we get back home.

Blondo Valli Waterproof Bootie

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Adidas Outdoor Terrex Swift R2 GTX

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Chinese Laundry Springfield Mule

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Caslon Sutton Slingback Sandal

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Cassie

Laura and Vali,
I'm so excited to have reporters on the ground in Scotland! We are watching every Scottish show we can find. I know it's very far north but Shetland is our favorite show. We are working on understanding the language lol.

Thanks!!!

Chris987

Veteran

ooh..I LOVE Shetland! (the TV show, never been to the islands). I don't know how many seasons of it we've gotten here in the US but I hope they make more. It's so stark and dreary and beautiful, and I could listen to anyone with a Scottish brogue even if they were just reciting a phone book.

tulle

Veteran

Oh yes, you MUST have some truly waterproof footwear! I traveled in Scotland one June, and it rained so much, I ended up buying a pair of Wellington boots to finish the trip in. And that was during a year considered unusually warm and sunny. It's a wonderful place, and the days at this time of year last forever--enjoy!

citygirldc

(website)

Veteran

This is very good advice since I'll be there end of June and the first week of July. Thanks all.