As the founder of En Route to Rêverie, I help travelers plan highly personalized trips to France and England every single week — and one of the most common packing questions I receive is this: What shoes should I pack for Europe?

The truth is, the best shoes for Europe can absolutely make or break your trip. European cities like Paris, London, Rome and Madrid are incredibly walkable. You’ll encounter cobblestone streets, uneven sidewalks, metro stairs and long museum days — often all in one afternoon.

Choosing comfortable, versatile and seasonally appropriate shoes is one of the most important parts of your Europe packing list. In this updated 2026 guide, I’m sharing the exact types of shoes I pack for Europe — based on decades of travel, hundreds of thousands of steps logged overseas and years of helping clients prepare for their own trips.

What Shoes to Pack for Europe (2026 Guide for Paris, London & Beyond)

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.

Don’t miss my other Seasonal Packing Lists. 

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. 

When choosing ballet flats for Europe travel, avoid paper-thin soles. Look for cushioned insoles, supportive arches and durable construction. Cobblestones can be unforgiving, so structure matters more than you think.

I love ballet flats and own several pair from Chanel that are my go-tos but for more affordable options I’d recommend include these, these or these.

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

For a dressier style, consider this pair. 

Another pair of flats I love to wear in Paris are the Sarah Flint Natalie flat. I have them in three colors! The cushioned insole / extra padded footbed and expanded toe-box make them particularly comfortable to walk a lot in.

Woven Flats

For summer trips to Europe, you may also consider a woven flat. 

Wearing this style above.

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.

This boot I often pack for Paris and London in particular in the Fall and Winter. They are so comfortable and held up with 20K+ steps a day. 

Seen in leather above.

These and these are also great that I own and have logged a lot of steps in Europe in both pair.

Dress 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. 

Also available in a lower heel if that’s more to your liking.

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.

Sleek White Sneakers

Can you wear sneakers in Europe? The answer is absolutely yes — but choose wisely. Opt for minimalist, fashion-forward sneakers rather than gym trainers. In cities like Paris and London, sleek leather sneakers are common and stylish, whereas bulky athletic shoes tend to stand out.

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 comfortable white sneaker 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!

Casual Sneakers Popular in Europe

Veja

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.

Those styles I love best are linked in the shoppable widget below.

Converse

Europeans love their Converse sneakers. It is one of the most spotted shoes throughout Paris and London 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.

Adidas

For a sportier vibe, pack a pair of Adidas Sambas or Adidas Gazelle or Adidas Speziale. I love that they now come in so many colors.

Onitsuka Tiger Mexico 66 Sneakers

I also love my Tiger sneakers and find them so comfortable for logging a lot of miles. 

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. 

I love my classic pair by Gucci (seen above) and from time to time I will bring the Gucci mule version (below) on trips to Europe.

I love the look of loafers like these or these as well.

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 Manolo Blahnik which I find incredibly walkable (shockingly).

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 Europe, 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 like the looks of include this pair and this pair.

Ankle Wrap Sandals

But for when I’m visiting hilltop villages across Europe, I always bring a sandal with a supportive ankle wrap. This pair are my most worn summer sandal, ever. So comfortable and yet supportive with no-slipping issues.

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. I’ve owned them for years and years and can’t recommend them enough.

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.

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

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!

Or shop at a brand that offers weatherproof styles like La Canadienne. 

. . .

Best Shoes for Europe by Season

Spring in Europe

Light layers, unpredictable rain and lots of walking.
Best options:

• Sleek white sneakers
• Loafers
• Ballet flats
• Waterproof ankle boots

Summer in Europe

Hot days, long evenings and lots of outdoor dining.
Best options:

• Comfortable flat sandals
• Espadrilles
• Breathable sneakers
• Block heels for evenings

Fall in Europe

Cobblestones, rain and polished layers.
Best options:

• Ankle boots
• Loafers
• Mules
• Knee high boots

Winter in Europe

Cold, wet and occasionally icy conditions.
Best options:

• Waterproof boots
• Rubber-soled flat boots
• Over-the-knee boots for warmth
• Stylish sneakers with thicker socks

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.

And be sure to pack some of these Blister BandAids. They are life savers in case you run into any blisters while on your trip.

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 and don’t miss my guide on What Socks to Wear with What Shoes. 

Frequently Asked Questions About Shoes for Europe

How many pairs of shoes should I pack for Europe?

I typically pack 3–4 pairs:

• One primary walking shoe
• One dressier evening option
• One weather-appropriate backup
• Optional seasonal sandal or boot

Can you wear athletic shoes in Europe?

Yes, but sleek styles are preferred as mentioned. Avoid bulky running shoes unless your itinerary is highly casual.

Are heels practical in Europe?

Stilettos are rarely practical due to cobblestones – I wear them but sparingly. Instead opt for block heels, wedges and stacked heels that are much more manageable as heels to wear in Europe.

Should I bring waterproof shoes?

Yes. Rain is common year-round in cities like London and Paris, so at least one water-resistant pair is essential.

. . .

Do you have any favorite travel shoes? I’d love to hear about them in the Comments! 

I definitely hope you’ll find this guide helpful as you pack comfortable walking shoes for Europe for your next trip.

Planning a trip to Paris, London or elsewhere in Europe? When you book with En Route to Rêverie, we don’t just design your itinerary — we help you feel prepared down to the details, including what to pack and what shoes will work best for your specific destination and season. Request to work with our atelier and receive fully customized recommendations tailored to your travel style.

Shoes to Pack for Europe

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