I'm backpacking in the UK in winter and Europe for the rest of the year and can only take one pair of shoes (I've got sandals already). And I want them to be BLACK. Any recommendations?
I've been looking for a black trail/hiking shoe (most don't come in black. Grrr) which I can wear during anything from walking the streets of Rome to hiking the trails in the highlands of Scotland in winter. I've found a couple of pairs which are acceptable (one has Gore-Tex lining and Vibram soles and just looks like a normal black sneaker) but they're around 2lb 4oz for the pair. Do you think this is too heavy? I'm finding it very hard to get the hiking shoe features with a more everyday look. (I only wear black bottoms so my shoes HAVE to be black if they're going to go with any of my clothes.)
At the end of the day do I even need the waterproof shoe and the well gripped sole? That's what I've been looking for but wonder if I'll really need it. I'm not going to be doing long day hikes. Just trail walks probably.
I've spent so many hours looking for shoes (and the only one's I've found I'll have to have shipped here from the US without even trying them on.) I'm
really over it.
I want a versatile, supportive, lightweight, waterproof, BLACK shoe! Please help. :D
What do you think of
this one? Reply to this Hey Stacey, I'm guessing there aren't many responses only because the criteria are pretty exacting. But I'd like to offer my two cents to your last points nonetheless 😉
I would say, without a doubt, you will need your shoes to be waterproofed with a well gripped sole. Whether or not you even leave the city streets this will be necessary if you plan on traveling during the winter and/or rainy season.
I would also offer up the thought that you might consider other shoes which meet this criteria but are the typical two tones. Say black and charcoal, with most of it black. It would still go, though maybe not as well as you like, and remember that being out in the world away from a lot of the comforts we get accustomed to, giving up a slight point on fashion will make up tenfold when you're busting your hump around the world carrying all your worldly possessions on your back. Your feet will thank you.
Good luck.
Oh, and
Sierra Trading Post is a great site, their prices are generally better than
Zappos, though for doing the searches, I prefer to find it on
Zappos, then buy it from
Sierra Trading Post.
Reply to this Thanks Dudes! I would consider charcoal and black but haven't been able to find any in Melbourne with the waterproofing. And for me buying shoes that look more like sneakers than shoes is a big concession. I've never been any good as dressing casual. :D What do you think of the ones I've put in my link? They're the only website I've found that sells them.
Do you think they're too heavy or they're not too bad considering they finally meet all of my other criteria?
Reply to this I personally don't think the weight would be a reason for me not get them if all the other criteria were required. But this is a fairly personal choice. My wife is extremely foot sensitive. I can't stress how sensitive. So for her, that might be an absolute deal breaker for a shoe. For me, so long as the shoe doesn't hurt my foot when I walk in it all day, I don't really mind a little heft and I definitely am not what you would call a fashionista 😉
And although I said the weight isn't an issue, I would consider carefully the weight thing. What I mean is I try and be extremely frugal in packing because, remember, you're going to be carrying all your worldly possessions with you for twelve months,
on your own. Unless you are independently wealthy (it doesn't sound like it!) and have hired a team of sherpas to haul your gear RTW with you, it is a huge consideration. But I would accept a little extra weight for a really good, waterproof, (nice looking), comfortable shoe. Without a doubt.
Reply to this Thanks Chris. I'd come to that conclusion about the weight too. (It doesn't bother me on the foot. I was more worried about in my pack.) I'm going to buy them. :D (And it's nice to finally see a WOMEN'S shoe in an 11!)
Reply to this Oh. Of course that would be an 11 US wouldn't it? Which is probably too small for me. *sigh* I'd better go and get my feet measured.
Reply to this Okay so I've just ordered them. Looks like the sizing should be okay. I can't wait to try them on! *will take 2 weeks*. I've never bought something you WEAR online before so lets hope it's all good. And I got the last pair. :D (Maybe they were just waiting for me.)
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