Whether you’re visiting London for the first time or you’re a seasoned traveler, choosing the right shoes can make all the difference in your trip. London is a vibrant city with a mix of historic charm and modern hustle, but it also comes with its own set of practical considerations when it comes to footwear.

What Shoes to Wear in London: The Ultimate Guide

From rainy days to cobblestone streets, knowing what shoes to wear in London will ensure you’re comfortable, stylish, and ready to explore this incredible city.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through the best shoes for every type of traveler—whether you’re sightseeing, hopping between meetings, or simply enjoying the city’s parks and pubs.

Why Choosing the Right Shoes is Important in London

Before we dive into the best options, it’s worth mentioning why choosing the right shoes is crucial in London. The city’s weather can be unpredictable, with rain often making an appearance even in the middle of summer. Combine that with its cobbled streets, busy public transport, and the need for long walks and you’ll quickly see why comfort is key.

Additionally, Londoners love style, and you’ll notice that their footwear choices often reflect a mix of practicality and fashion-forward thinking.

So, while comfort is essential, you don’t want to sacrifice your personal style either.

1. Comfortable Sneakers for Exploring London

London is a city built for walking, so a good pair of sneakers is essential for those planning to see the sights on foot. Whether you’re strolling through Hyde Park, walking along the Thames, or popping into the many museums, you’ll need shoes that can handle the miles.

Best Sneakers for London:

• I bought the Converse All Stars in black after seeing so many London girls style them in so many cool ways. They are perfect for wear for me in London in Fall & Winter because the canvas dries out quickly. I love that you can now also customize the colors on each pair you get when shopping on Converse.com.
• These Common Projects sneakers always come with me and are often what I choose to wear on a long flight to London. I love these sneakers and have worn them an almost embarrassing amount of times since getting them in 2018. I now bring them on pretty much every trip since they are so versatile. I wear them with dresses, with shorts, with jeans – you name it. I wore my first pair so much over three years that I have since bought another pair. 
• Veja sneakers are a European brand you’ll see all over London. Veja Esplar sneakers are a more affordable alternative to my Common Projects. They’re not as buttery soft as my Common Projects by any stretch but you can wear them in (be sure to do so!) and get them feeling good in no time. They are a great shoe for travel as they can go with jeans and/or skirts and dresses. 
• Adidas Sambas are a cool, on-trend sporty sneaker to consider right now, too.

Pro Tip: Make sure your sneakers are broken in before your trip to avoid blisters, especially if you’re planning to walk a lot!

2. Waterproof Boots for London’s Rainy Days

London’s weather can be unpredictable, and rain is a frequent visitor throughout the year. A good pair of waterproof boots is a must to keep your feet dry and comfortable during drizzly days. Whether you’re walking through the streets of Covent Garden or taking a tour of the Tower of London, you’ll want to be prepared for sudden showers.

Before you go, if you plan to bring any suede shoes, be sure to use Scotchguard or a spray like this at home to further protect the fabric to account for the inevitable rain in London.

Best Boots for London:

• Water resistant suede? Yes please! You can consider these Freda Salvador boots that are so lightweight making them perfect for travel and oh so practical. Super comfy, too. I wear my true size. The perfect shoes for Fall and Winter trips to London.
• These Inez booties are so comfortable and I love the perfect neutral color of them. With Scotchguard they’ve held up well when rained on! Use code MEGHAN15SPRING25 for 15% off your first purchase.

Pro Tip: Opt for boots with arch support to help with all the walking, especially if you’re hitting major tourist spots like Buckingham Palace or taking a walking tour of any sorts.

3. Stylish Flats for a Night Out in London

Londoners take their nightlife seriously, and whether you’re heading to a chic restaurant, a trendy bar, or the theater, you’ll want a pair of stylish flats that won’t make your feet ache after a long evening.

Flats are perfect for balancing style and comfort while still looking polished.

Best Stylish Flats for London:

• The Sarah Flint Natalie Flat is a go-to shoe for me for its feminine silhouette and comfortable design.
• My Chanel Ballet Flats always come with me. Vestiaire Collective has a lot of Chanel Ballet Flats if you want to shop. at a pre-loved price point. Also I can recommend the more affordable pair by Margaux that are timeless. 
• Consider loafers for Fall and Winter trips. A comfy, buttery leather loafer never goes out of style. I love this affordable pair by Sam Edelman. I also have the investment pair by Gucci.

Pro Tip: If you’re planning on walking a lot before your night out, bring a change of shoes, as London’s cobblestone streets can be tough on the feet in delicate flats.

4. Chic Heels for Special Occasions

For those special occasions in London, whether it’s a theater performance in the West End or a formal dinner, you’ll want a pair of heels that can carry you through the evening without sacrificing comfort.

Best Heels for London:

• One of the most comfortable pairs of heels I own = the Sarah Flint Perfect Pump. Expertly crafted with comfort in mind, the soles feel like little clouds which makes scooting around town easy, breezy in these. I also love that they come in three heel heights and multiple colors.
• My Chanel slingback block heels are my most comfortable and easy to walk in for miles and miles so they are always in my suitcase.
• These booties were the best pair of shoes I bought in 2017 and remain a favorite many years later and I love them for trips because I can go for miles and miles without any issues. I love styling them with both jeans or with dresses. They come in other colors as well. They are great for day or night.

5. Supportive Walking Sandals for Summer in London

If you’re visiting London during the warmer months, breathable sandals are a great choice for exploring the city. However, you’ll want to avoid flimsy flip-flops—go for something that provides support and can handle the cobblestones.

Best Sandals for Summer in London:

• The Hermes Oran sandal are my personal go-tos because they are the most effortless summer sandal to wear with everything. A more affordable lookalike can be found here.
• These sandals are so, so comfortable. I love how elegant they are and already want a second color. Perfect for day or night time making them the perfect versatile sandal to pack with you to London.
• The YSL Tribute Sandals are sleek and timeless in style. They are not my most comfortable but they are good for shorter outings. Per recommendations, I sized up half a size to a 37.5 in these.

Choosing the right shoes for your trip to London can make all the difference in your experience. From comfortable sneakers for sightseeing to waterproof boots for rainy days and stylish flats for nights out, there’s a perfect pair of shoes for every activity in London.

Remember to consider the weather, your plans, and your comfort when choosing your footwear and you’ll be more prepared to see the city with style and ease.

As you break in any new shoes, you may want to consider stocking up on these Blister BandAids. They are life savers in case you run into any blisters.

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