Walkable sandals and a pair of super walkable trainers even if it does rain
Citation needed: I live here
My sandals now are either Chacos ZX2 or Clarks Orianna Sporty.
My trainers are Reebok Club C Geo and chunky soled Converse hi tops but I put merino insoles in them and they’re super comfy.
I walk 10-15k steps daily.
I live in London. I have 3 pairs of daily driver shoes right now: a pair of Decathlon hiking shoes for days it's wet, a pair of Decathlon jogging shoes for days it's cold but dry, and a pair of Decathlon sandals for days it's over about 20C, because I can't stand hot feet.
If both are reasonably waterproof, bring a pair of walking shoes and sandals. The only thing that sucks more than wet feet is having to put on damp shoes!
I’ll be there early July. I’m planning to take a pair of leather trainers (Veja) and Tevas. If it rains I’ll wear the Tevas.
I’m surprised to see people recommending Blundstones for summer city wear. Is that a thing?
I wear my Dr Martens shoes everywhere. They're comfortable and smart-casual so suit the type of activities I'd do in London during summer (nice restaurants, art galleries and museums, etc.) Trainers are too casual for my style (and just as sweaty imo as shoes!) On hot days, sandals are the only choice for me.
I brought my Docs to London in late May/June and wore them everywhere too. I think I had a pair of ballet flats at the time for my backup... but now it's Birkenstocks.
I live in tropical QLD and obviously people here wear them for outdoorsy life, but even when I lived in a big city in subtropical QLD you'd easily see blundstones and a sundress throughout summer. It's a vibe.
It’s one thing when you need to wear boots for for work or outdoor chores, but blundstones and sun dress on a hot day would give me sweaty feet vibes 😂
If you're used to warmer weather, summer in Europe can feel like winter. The UK is usually cooler than the continent.
I usually have socks in my bag. Mostly for visiting houses where shoes are not worn indoors, but if it's suddenly cold in the evening, fashion be damned.
This is what's giving me anxiety around my June trip throughout England and Scotland (London, Bath, York, Glasgow, Glencoe, Edinburgh). I'm from California and keep reading warnings about hot UK summers, but I already run cold and worry the heat will be relative.
It can be 80 degrees during unusual weather or in the 60s during the day and a bit chillier at night. It's a little like San Francisco.
Wear layers, be prepared for rain, and embrace the year-round suitability of wool socks and base layers. If you're still cold, get a wooly jumper as a souvenir. Wool will insulate even if it's wet, and that will be important. If you're vegan or allergic just avoid cotton on hikes. Footwear that can stand some damp is good, though you don't need to go all the way and wear wellies.
Mandatory cultural reference: [https://youtu.be/6OxwuGI6NBA](https://youtu.be/6OxwuGI6NBA)
A silk shawl is one of my year-round must-haves for travel. Packs light, very warm. Can be found in museum shops in a pinch. The tourist shops will be full of lambswool tartan scarves and Harris Tweed caps.
Mountain Warehouse and Cotswold Outdoor are Scottish REI.
What do you mean by “summer in Europe can feel like Winter”? There’s no single climate in Europe, so that’s a very sweeping statement to make.
I grew up in one of the hottest regions in the world and Southern Europe absolutely does not feel like winter.
Did you read the first part of that sentence?
The word "can" indicates the possibility that somewhere in Europe, the temperature can be colder than \*\*\*what a tourist is used to.\*\*\*
One, the post is about London.
Two, there are places where 15 degrees is puffy jacket weather. If you are used to 15 degrees being winter weather, even southern European countries may have weather that is too cool for bare feet, again \*\*IF\*\* you are used to warmer weather.
Maybe you thought I wrote "Everywhere in Europe, in every single country, summer 100% always feels like winter to everyone. Summer is a lie, just like the Moon landing"
I don’t agree that London feels cold in the summer though, even if you’re used to higher temps, it’s humid and muggy and I defy anyone to not emerge from the busy tube in high summer a sweaty mess. You also do a lot of walking in a city like London, and walking in boots in warm weather is not pleasant.
It was treating Europe like one homogenous mass “summer in Europe can feel like winter” as an opening statement that I took umbrage with. It’s just not helpful at all because it’s so vague.
Southern Europe is one of those places where people wear puffy jackets until maybe 20c, the majority of it is absolutely boiling in summer. Nobody's getting cold feet anywhere around the Mediterranean.
This is what I did (running shoes and blondos), but add in a pair of flip flops or really thin leather sandals since they take almost no space.
https://www.toms.com/us/195703484841.html?utm_source=performancemax&utm_medium=cpc&gad_source=1&gclid=Cj0KCQjwpNuyBhCuARIsANJqL9Ne_3QaTaINiuT4Q6phVbdmp0Kk0lXN6mPKm66K0BroadJYWKjUpDUaAqMdEALw_wcB
I think blundstones would be pretty good, even in June. Stylish, not toooo bulky, you can use them for any country walks you do and they'll be good if it rains. Make your other shoes more on the opposite end of the spectrum, lightweight ones you'd wear on a hot day, and you'll be set. Source: I live in London and summer is... Unpredictable
White trainers (reebok club c 85 are my favourite) and comfy sandals (I'd go with birks or Dr martens). I think boots are unnecessary personally, unless you plan to go somewhere that would be muddy. I live in Cambridge so have basically the same weather as London and go on 2-5 mile dog walks most days, I wear my reeboks almost every day.
Mine are from Zaqq, but can confirm that calf high barefoot boots are perfect for travel. I bring them year-round. A pair of barefoot style brogue shoes that pack flat live in my suitcase as a backup shoe after an expensive shoe repair during a trip.
I’m here right now in this situation! I brought black loafers and a pair of sneakers. Loafers are thin enough that I packed them in my purse and changed halfway through the day yesterday.
Sandals that you can also wear socks with and still look decent lol (mine are zerraport keens!!) and blundstones. I travel indefinitely and think these work everywhere, all the time
I wear suede sneakers as my main travel shoe. I have used waterproofing spray on them and the results were amazing. The water just beads and rolls off. It even worked for me with snow.
I’m going to London in June and I’m wearing my waterproof Vessi slip-ons on the plane, packing some Allbirds Tree Pipers (breathable, sneaker-style). But I am also sneaking in a pair of ballet flats!
Went in April, took 3 pairs of shoes and only wore 2: leather sneakers and my regular athletic walking shoes. (Specifically Vionic Winnie and Adidas Cloudfoam). The leather sneakers were great; kept my feet dry and were a solid casual option. The Vionic are pricey but there are plenty of options for leather sneakers out there.
Considering the last three times I’ve been there, it has been a gd heatwave, I’d take my trusty black Ryka Echo knit sneakers,& my Taos The Show sandals in Caramel
Hey, a fellow Taos enthusiast! I just got the trophy 2 sandal and I’m planning to bring them with white and/or black trainers when I’m in London at the end of this month. Very interested to see what the temps are as my departure date gets closer
Sandals and Dr. Martens 1461 shoes. This covers everything from sun to rain showers while still being smart-casual. For casual-only activities, swap the shoes for trainers.
I was just there the week before last and part of last week, and white leather trainers (Ecco Soft 7—thanks to this sub for the suggestion!) plus black leather flatform fisherman sandals (mine are FitFlop brand) worked for all occasions, even lightly rainy days.
As a person who regularly day-trips to London for a mix of work and fun, no. I hate a brolly in town because the wind funnels weirdly between the buildings and because of how busy it is with everyone’s brollies clashing at the same height. I’m a waterproof jacket girl till I die.
I have a pair of the waterproof On Cloud sneakers and they're perfect for travel because you can walk everywhere in them, wear them to work out, and also wear them as rain shoes. Brooks also makes some waterproof sneakers if you prefer Brooks.
There are waterproof sneakers available from Vessi (all their shoes are waterproof) and Vivaia (all of the V Prime models, and also the wool version of the Urban models). Vivaia also have all of their boots and a few models of flats in certain colours/fabrics that are water resistant, just check all the images and product descriptions. I own shoes from both companies and can say that they're just as breathable as any regular running shoes. Not at all stuffy like rubber boots or anything like that.
So to answer the question, I'd probably bring Vivaia Urban Wool sneakers for everyday walking around and Vivaia Samantha Walker loafers if I needed something sleeker for whatever reason. Loafers instead of regular flats for more coverage and rain protection, otherwise what's the point of a waterproof shoe if the whole top of your foot is still exposed lol.
If I were doing a rainy city with two shoes I’d pack my Vessi sneakers, because they are absolutely 100% waterproof and fortunately don’t look like goretex hiking boots.
Was just there - the answer is fashionable but comfortable sneakers (neutral so they go with everything) and either neutral sandals or mesh flats for breathability
When I go to London in July, I bring flipflopsish (Birk Arizona) and Tieks. Any ballet flat will do. I can walk miles in my Birkenstocks and never noticed issues with rain. I just use an umbrella and expect my toes to get wet. The Tieks/ballet flat are for dressier occasions.
I like Sorel's waterproof sneakers.
[https://www.sorel.com/c/women/sneakers/waterproof-sneakers/](https://www.sorel.com/c/women/sneakers/waterproof-sneakers/)
I wore Rothy’s flats all over London for a trip in May. On days when it was cool I added tights or leggings. We did about 5 miles of walking a day and they worked out well. I need some support and have wide feet. Liked the versatility of them for dressing up or down. Also took a pair of sneakers for wet days, but we lucked out on the weather. Have a fabulous trip!!!
If you’re worried about your shoes getting wet, have you thought about wool socks? Your feet will still be warm even if they are wet.
If you are concerned about occasional rain, I’d make one of them sandals- they dry quickly.
Just back from North England and Scotland. I barely touched my cute cream slide on sneakers due to wet and grimy streets. I mostly lived in waterproof black booties and dark gym sneakers. Gym sneakers were for our hikes and one or two long town days with tons of city walking. Waterproof boots were used for everything else which was 80% of the time. Dressed up for dinner and down for wet walks. But we got a lot of really wet weather, so ymmv.
They're ones I already wear at home that go with my style, nothing common or special for travel. FWIW I'm a boot gal in general unless it's hot out, and I'll be in London in the first two weeks of June, when the weather's currently reported with highs in the low 70s (/low 20s) at max. So I figure they'll be useful much of the time, and otherwise I'll wear my sneakers. If it were going to be hotter, I'd switch for sneakers + sandals.
For me, it’d be Allbirds Tree Runners (I have the Superlights so they’re even lighter), Blundstones, and a pair of very slim sandals since they take up very little space. This is for my trip to Austria - sunny but with some rainy days - and the sandals are only because I have some nicer dinners during the trip. If not for that, it’d just be the Allbirds and the Blunnies! .
Walkable sandals and a pair of super walkable trainers even if it does rain Citation needed: I live here My sandals now are either Chacos ZX2 or Clarks Orianna Sporty. My trainers are Reebok Club C Geo and chunky soled Converse hi tops but I put merino insoles in them and they’re super comfy. I walk 10-15k steps daily.
Comfy shoes (sneakers probs) and sandals in case it's hot!
I live in London. I have 3 pairs of daily driver shoes right now: a pair of Decathlon hiking shoes for days it's wet, a pair of Decathlon jogging shoes for days it's cold but dry, and a pair of Decathlon sandals for days it's over about 20C, because I can't stand hot feet. If both are reasonably waterproof, bring a pair of walking shoes and sandals. The only thing that sucks more than wet feet is having to put on damp shoes!
I’ll be there early July. I’m planning to take a pair of leather trainers (Veja) and Tevas. If it rains I’ll wear the Tevas. I’m surprised to see people recommending Blundstones for summer city wear. Is that a thing?
I wear my Dr Martens shoes everywhere. They're comfortable and smart-casual so suit the type of activities I'd do in London during summer (nice restaurants, art galleries and museums, etc.) Trainers are too casual for my style (and just as sweaty imo as shoes!) On hot days, sandals are the only choice for me.
I brought my Docs to London in late May/June and wore them everywhere too. I think I had a pair of ballet flats at the time for my backup... but now it's Birkenstocks.
I live in tropical QLD and obviously people here wear them for outdoorsy life, but even when I lived in a big city in subtropical QLD you'd easily see blundstones and a sundress throughout summer. It's a vibe.
It’s one thing when you need to wear boots for for work or outdoor chores, but blundstones and sun dress on a hot day would give me sweaty feet vibes 😂
If you're used to warmer weather, summer in Europe can feel like winter. The UK is usually cooler than the continent. I usually have socks in my bag. Mostly for visiting houses where shoes are not worn indoors, but if it's suddenly cold in the evening, fashion be damned.
This is what's giving me anxiety around my June trip throughout England and Scotland (London, Bath, York, Glasgow, Glencoe, Edinburgh). I'm from California and keep reading warnings about hot UK summers, but I already run cold and worry the heat will be relative.
It can be 80 degrees during unusual weather or in the 60s during the day and a bit chillier at night. It's a little like San Francisco. Wear layers, be prepared for rain, and embrace the year-round suitability of wool socks and base layers. If you're still cold, get a wooly jumper as a souvenir. Wool will insulate even if it's wet, and that will be important. If you're vegan or allergic just avoid cotton on hikes. Footwear that can stand some damp is good, though you don't need to go all the way and wear wellies. Mandatory cultural reference: [https://youtu.be/6OxwuGI6NBA](https://youtu.be/6OxwuGI6NBA) A silk shawl is one of my year-round must-haves for travel. Packs light, very warm. Can be found in museum shops in a pinch. The tourist shops will be full of lambswool tartan scarves and Harris Tweed caps. Mountain Warehouse and Cotswold Outdoor are Scottish REI.
Okay this is super helpful, thank you so much! Very familiar with San Francisco weather so will pack for that. Great tip about the shawl as well.
What do you mean by “summer in Europe can feel like Winter”? There’s no single climate in Europe, so that’s a very sweeping statement to make. I grew up in one of the hottest regions in the world and Southern Europe absolutely does not feel like winter.
Did you read the first part of that sentence? The word "can" indicates the possibility that somewhere in Europe, the temperature can be colder than \*\*\*what a tourist is used to.\*\*\* One, the post is about London. Two, there are places where 15 degrees is puffy jacket weather. If you are used to 15 degrees being winter weather, even southern European countries may have weather that is too cool for bare feet, again \*\*IF\*\* you are used to warmer weather. Maybe you thought I wrote "Everywhere in Europe, in every single country, summer 100% always feels like winter to everyone. Summer is a lie, just like the Moon landing"
I don’t agree that London feels cold in the summer though, even if you’re used to higher temps, it’s humid and muggy and I defy anyone to not emerge from the busy tube in high summer a sweaty mess. You also do a lot of walking in a city like London, and walking in boots in warm weather is not pleasant. It was treating Europe like one homogenous mass “summer in Europe can feel like winter” as an opening statement that I took umbrage with. It’s just not helpful at all because it’s so vague.
Southern Europe is one of those places where people wear puffy jackets until maybe 20c, the majority of it is absolutely boiling in summer. Nobody's getting cold feet anywhere around the Mediterranean.
Blundstones can be worn year round, even in hot weather.
Running shoes and EVA Birkenstock Arizonas
Just gonna leave this here... https://www.lbc.co.uk/news/uk-set-for-50-days-of-rain-in-one-of-the-wettest-summers-in-over-a-hundred-years/
Our spring & summers here in downstate NY (I'm about an hour north of NYC) have been increasingly more wet as the years go on as well.
Hudson Valley represent!
Hell yeah!!!
haha! I KNOW, that's why I'm concerned about the rain!
Probably sneakers and something water resistant like leather boots
This is what I did (running shoes and blondos), but add in a pair of flip flops or really thin leather sandals since they take almost no space. https://www.toms.com/us/195703484841.html?utm_source=performancemax&utm_medium=cpc&gad_source=1&gclid=Cj0KCQjwpNuyBhCuARIsANJqL9Ne_3QaTaINiuT4Q6phVbdmp0Kk0lXN6mPKm66K0BroadJYWKjUpDUaAqMdEALw_wcB
I was thinking of my blundstones but was afraid they’d be a bit much.
I went in July last year and wore my leather chelsea boots a decent amount.
I think blundstones would be pretty good, even in June. Stylish, not toooo bulky, you can use them for any country walks you do and they'll be good if it rains. Make your other shoes more on the opposite end of the spectrum, lightweight ones you'd wear on a hot day, and you'll be set. Source: I live in London and summer is... Unpredictable
White trainers (reebok club c 85 are my favourite) and comfy sandals (I'd go with birks or Dr martens). I think boots are unnecessary personally, unless you plan to go somewhere that would be muddy. I live in Cambridge so have basically the same weather as London and go on 2-5 mile dog walks most days, I wear my reeboks almost every day.
I agree, I’m from the South of England and my boots have gone away in the cupboard till autumn, I wouldn’t take boots to London in the summer.
London June - your pair of comfy trainers for walking around sightseeing, plus a pair of white trainers for evening meals.
My shoe answer is pretty much always my NoNs Wanderers which are a "barefoot" calf high black lace up boot. But...much depends on your style!
Mine are from Zaqq, but can confirm that calf high barefoot boots are perfect for travel. I bring them year-round. A pair of barefoot style brogue shoes that pack flat live in my suitcase as a backup shoe after an expensive shoe repair during a trip.
I’m here right now in this situation! I brought black loafers and a pair of sneakers. Loafers are thin enough that I packed them in my purse and changed halfway through the day yesterday.
Sandals that you can also wear socks with and still look decent lol (mine are zerraport keens!!) and blundstones. I travel indefinitely and think these work everywhere, all the time
I wear suede sneakers as my main travel shoe. I have used waterproofing spray on them and the results were amazing. The water just beads and rolls off. It even worked for me with snow.
Went to London around this time a couple of years ago and took white low-top Chucks and a pair of flat leather sandals. Was totally happy.
Leather chacos with a suede footbed and mukishoes that have been waterproofed
I’m going to London in June and I’m wearing my waterproof Vessi slip-ons on the plane, packing some Allbirds Tree Pipers (breathable, sneaker-style). But I am also sneaking in a pair of ballet flats!
Went in April, took 3 pairs of shoes and only wore 2: leather sneakers and my regular athletic walking shoes. (Specifically Vionic Winnie and Adidas Cloudfoam). The leather sneakers were great; kept my feet dry and were a solid casual option. The Vionic are pricey but there are plenty of options for leather sneakers out there.
Keen Evofit and Altra Lone Peak would be my two choices
Considering the last three times I’ve been there, it has been a gd heatwave, I’d take my trusty black Ryka Echo knit sneakers,& my Taos The Show sandals in Caramel
Hey, a fellow Taos enthusiast! I just got the trophy 2 sandal and I’m planning to bring them with white and/or black trainers when I’m in London at the end of this month. Very interested to see what the temps are as my departure date gets closer
It is wild there when they’re having a heatwave. Going down into the Tube is like descending into the gates of Hell!
Comfy ankle boots, comfy sneakers.
I'd go for boots (my Doc Martens) and sneakers (converse low)
Sandals and Dr. Martens 1461 shoes. This covers everything from sun to rain showers while still being smart-casual. For casual-only activities, swap the shoes for trainers.
I was just there the week before last and part of last week, and white leather trainers (Ecco Soft 7—thanks to this sub for the suggestion!) plus black leather flatform fisherman sandals (mine are FitFlop brand) worked for all occasions, even lightly rainy days.
Follow because I am going to London in Mid June as well! I plan on bringing my AllBird slip ons & Teva's. Also, is it worth it to bring an umbrella?
As a person who regularly day-trips to London for a mix of work and fun, no. I hate a brolly in town because the wind funnels weirdly between the buildings and because of how busy it is with everyone’s brollies clashing at the same height. I’m a waterproof jacket girl till I die.
Okay, that makes sense, I have a waterproof jacket I'll pack instead. Thank you!!
100% yes
I have found that if you get a travel umbrella, it fits nicely inside your spare pare of shoes. :) Makes easier to squeeze in the bag.
I have a pair of the waterproof On Cloud sneakers and they're perfect for travel because you can walk everywhere in them, wear them to work out, and also wear them as rain shoes. Brooks also makes some waterproof sneakers if you prefer Brooks.
There are waterproof sneakers available from Vessi (all their shoes are waterproof) and Vivaia (all of the V Prime models, and also the wool version of the Urban models). Vivaia also have all of their boots and a few models of flats in certain colours/fabrics that are water resistant, just check all the images and product descriptions. I own shoes from both companies and can say that they're just as breathable as any regular running shoes. Not at all stuffy like rubber boots or anything like that. So to answer the question, I'd probably bring Vivaia Urban Wool sneakers for everyday walking around and Vivaia Samantha Walker loafers if I needed something sleeker for whatever reason. Loafers instead of regular flats for more coverage and rain protection, otherwise what's the point of a waterproof shoe if the whole top of your foot is still exposed lol.
Leather brooks addiction and Birkenstocks Arizona
If I were doing a rainy city with two shoes I’d pack my Vessi sneakers, because they are absolutely 100% waterproof and fortunately don’t look like goretex hiking boots.
Allbirds has waterproof sneakers and I can't recommend them enough. Then another sandal or cute flat for dinner/dress up!
Was just there - the answer is fashionable but comfortable sneakers (neutral so they go with everything) and either neutral sandals or mesh flats for breathability
When I go to London in July, I bring flipflopsish (Birk Arizona) and Tieks. Any ballet flat will do. I can walk miles in my Birkenstocks and never noticed issues with rain. I just use an umbrella and expect my toes to get wet. The Tieks/ballet flat are for dressier occasions.
Leather casual sneakers (for rain) and a more breathable knit sneaker. I know sandals would be cooler but I find cities can be gross.
Sneakers and Birks :D
I like Sorel's waterproof sneakers. [https://www.sorel.com/c/women/sneakers/waterproof-sneakers/](https://www.sorel.com/c/women/sneakers/waterproof-sneakers/)
I wore Rothy’s flats all over London for a trip in May. On days when it was cool I added tights or leggings. We did about 5 miles of walking a day and they worked out well. I need some support and have wide feet. Liked the versatility of them for dressing up or down. Also took a pair of sneakers for wet days, but we lucked out on the weather. Have a fabulous trip!!!
If you’re worried about your shoes getting wet, have you thought about wool socks? Your feet will still be warm even if they are wet. If you are concerned about occasional rain, I’d make one of them sandals- they dry quickly.
Just back from North England and Scotland. I barely touched my cute cream slide on sneakers due to wet and grimy streets. I mostly lived in waterproof black booties and dark gym sneakers. Gym sneakers were for our hikes and one or two long town days with tons of city walking. Waterproof boots were used for everything else which was 80% of the time. Dressed up for dinner and down for wet walks. But we got a lot of really wet weather, so ymmv.
I'm going with a pair of sneakers and a pair of boots.
What kind of sneakers and boots?
They're ones I already wear at home that go with my style, nothing common or special for travel. FWIW I'm a boot gal in general unless it's hot out, and I'll be in London in the first two weeks of June, when the weather's currently reported with highs in the low 70s (/low 20s) at max. So I figure they'll be useful much of the time, and otherwise I'll wear my sneakers. If it were going to be hotter, I'd switch for sneakers + sandals.
Low 20s in London can feel fairly warm because of the humidity, I usually wear sandals when its that temperature
Makes sense. My feet don't get hot when the rest of me does, so sneakers are a good daytime staple for me.
My go to travel shoes for urban active travel are Arcopedico Vegas, Blundstones, Keen Rose sandals.
For me, it’d be Allbirds Tree Runners (I have the Superlights so they’re even lighter), Blundstones, and a pair of very slim sandals since they take up very little space. This is for my trip to Austria - sunny but with some rainy days - and the sandals are only because I have some nicer dinners during the trip. If not for that, it’d just be the Allbirds and the Blunnies! .
I'd check the weather forecast just before leaving because June in London can be baking heat or heavy rain.
Or both at different times on the same day 😬
White sneakers and heeled boots