Support TFG by using the links in our articles to shop. We receive a small commission (at no extra cost to you) so we can continue to create helpful free content. We earn from qualifying purchases made to the featured retailers. Thank you, we appreciate your support!
This article isn’t for the average woman traveling to Italy. It’s for the die hard risk-taking fashionistas that won’t step out of their house without a pair of heels. The ones that are a slave to fashion even when shoppingfor groceries. You know who your are.For everyone else, follow this guide on the best shoes for Italy.
The rumors are true. Italian women have a talent that sets them apart from everyone else: the ability to confidently walk in heels even over cobblestones.
If you really want to blend into the crowd on those hot, Italian summer nights, youneed to master the art of walking in heels on cobblestone. While flats have a timeand place, Saturday night at the discoteca in Positano is certainly not somewhereto bust out your best ballerinas. When it comes to walking in heels in Italy, even the mayor of Romehad something to say about the matter.
If you’re up for the challenge, here is my step-by-step instruction guide tohelp you overcome what is possibly the most dangerous thingfor tourists in Italy. Try it at your own risk!
Written by: Jasmine Mah
Pre-requisites: Please note that to even attempt this feat, you must be more thanadequate at walking in heels when on home turf. If you only wear heels once aweek for a few hours, I suggest you get extremely comfortable with them beforecoming to Italy. It would be better to wear flats and not fall on your face ratherthan wear heels and have a brutta figura (making a bad impression).
Chooseone pair of shoesonly as your “going-out shoes”
Why? You willprobably have to throw them out at the end of the trip because no matterhow careful you are, the heel will inevitably get stuck between thecobblestones at some point. Go with a heel height you are mostcomfortable with and aim to bring something with a slight platform at theball of the foot as this always makes heels more bearable, increasingwear-time.
In terms of the style of the shoe, you will see Italians wear eventhe skinniest stiletto, however if it’s your first time, I suggest a stackedheel. What about wedges you ask? The fashion world is always split onwhether wedges should be allowed to sit with the in-crowd but ever sincePrincess Kate was photographed wearing the Corkswoon wedge (byStuart Weitzman), they’ve been gaining brownie points. You coulddefinitely do a wedge in my opinion.
You needimpeccablefoot-eye coordination
Cobblestones are uneven and unpredictable,therefore, you needimpeccable foot-eye coordination.Always look before you step, the worstface plants happen when someone gets too confident and forgets to lookfirst.
Make sure to glance back up as well between steps, you can’t spendthe entire night looking at the ground and risk missing the beautiful sights.
Walk lightlyand put more weight on the ball of your foot
This helps preventthe heel from getting stuck in a crack and the further humiliation of havingto pull it out with your hands after…Only transfer weight onto the heels ifyou’re on an even surface or have something to lean back on.
Grab astrutting buddy
This can beyour travel partner, girlfriend, orbetter yet, grab a cute Italian boy.In the case that you feel unsteady oralmost trip, your strutting buddy will provide support and hopefully catchyou.
Take a breakevery now and then
There’s usually no reason that youshould have to be running a marathon in heels or doing a long distancetrek.Normally you might need to walk for a few blocks but then settledown at a bar for a round of aperitivo!
Always haveblister bandagesin your purse
I discovered the best ones(Elastoplast SOS Blisterplasters) after walking the Navigli district in Milanone night with a friend who developed the absolute worst blister I’ve everseen.The pharmacist applied one of these (see photo) and it worked likea charm, we continued our night with no complaints. They are a lifesaver.
Remember, if you choose to wear heels in Italy save them for a special occasion not everyday sightseeing. Ultimately, when it comes to shoes and traveling, comfort always trumps fashion. Read this post to learn more about choosing the best shoes for travel. Happy strutting ladies! Ciao for now!
What are your best tips for walking in heels in Italy? Share your comments below!
For more tips on travel shoes, please read:
- Ten Step Packing Guide for Italy
- The Best Travel Shoes for Italy to Avoid Looking Like a Tourist
- Should I Wear Heels in Italy?
Hope you’ve liked this post on walking in heels in Italy. Please share with your friends on Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest. Thanks for reading!
Author Bio: Jasmine is a pharmacist, foodie, and fashionista from Alberta, Canada living the sweet life in Bergamo, Italy. She currently curates all things fabulous and Italian on her blog Questa Dolce Vita and enjoys drinking wine in her spare time.
