Chapter 1 of 7
Rhodes Old Town: choose grip and cushioning
The streets in Rhodes Old Town are a mix of beautiful but tricky surfaces: uneven flagstones and polished, slippery-when-wet cobblestones. If your shoes have thin or worn-out soles, you're going to feel every single stone and risk a slip.
My strong recommendation is to stick with comfortable trainers, lightweight walking shoes, or genuinely supportive walking sandals. Pick a pair you've already broken in and know you can walk in for hours, not a pair that just feels okay around the house.
- Your soles must have decent tread, not a smooth, worn-down surface.
- You need enough cushioning to absorb the impact of uneven stones.
- Your foot should feel secure inside the shoe, without your heel lifting or sliding.
- Please, leave the stiletto heels and flimsy flip-flops at the hotel. They are not made for these streets.
Chapter 2 of 7
Lindos: wear shoes that stay secure on steps
In Lindos, the challenge is all about steep streets and countless steps. The path up to the Acropolis is rocky, uneven, and polished smooth by centuries of visitors. Coming down can be even harder on your feet and knees, so you need shoes that feel totally secure.
Trainers are the easiest and best choice here. A sturdy walking sandal can work, but only if it grips well and straps your foot in tight. I would absolutely avoid loose slides or any sandal you have to clench your toes to keep on.
Trust me, I’ve seen too many visitors limping in pain around Lindos after choosing flimsy beach shoes for the climb. Don’t make that mistake; prioritise comfort from the start.
- To explore the village, wear the same comfortable walking shoes or supportive sandals you'd use for the Old Town.
- For the Acropolis climb itself, I'd pick your most secure and grippiest pair.
- If you're doing a village-and-beach day, wear your proper shoes for the walk and just carry your beach footwear.
Chapter 3 of 7
Beaches: distinguish sand, pebbles and rocky water
So, do you actually need water shoes? My answer is: it really depends on the specific beach you're visiting and what the entry into the sea is like. You certainly don't need them for every single beach day.
Sand: sandals are usually enough
On a sandy beach with a gentle sandy slope into the water, your regular sandals or flip-flops are all you need to get to your sunbed. You'll want something for the hot sand, but there's no reason to pack special water shoes just for this.
Pebbles: water shoes can make entry more comfortable
This is where water shoes prove their worth. Many of our best beaches are pebbly, and walking on those stones into the water can be quite painful for some people. If you plan on visiting pebble beaches, I think a pair of water shoes is a great investment for your comfort.
Choose a pair that fits securely. Loose flip-flops are fine on the shore but aren't a good substitute for proper water shoes when you're walking into the sea.
Rocky entrances: footwear is only part of the decision
Water shoes can protect your feet from sharp rocks, but they aren't a suit of armour. They won't stop you from slipping on a wet, algae-covered surface. My advice is to always look where you're putting your feet and choose an easier spot to get in if it looks treacherous.
Don't let your shoes give you a false sense of security. Also, be aware that rocky areas require more than just the right shoes; check our guide to wildlife precautions for rocky sea entries.
Chapter 4 of 7
Long walks and rough paths: when to upgrade
Let me be very clear about this: you do not need to pack heavy hiking boots just to walk around Rhodes Old Town or Lindos. For almost all sightseeing, your comfortable trainers or lightweight walking shoes are perfectly fine.
Where you might want something more rugged is for countryside trails or exploring archaeological sites with rough, uneven paths. In those cases, I'd favour closed-toe shoes with solid grip to protect your feet better than open sandals.
But if serious hiking is the main reason for your trip, then you need to pack for your specific route. Don't just assume your everyday trainers can handle a challenging mountain trail. Lightweight hiking shoes might be the right call for your plans.
Chapter 5 of 7
Sandals, trainers or dress shoes for evenings?
Packing a supportive sandal that works for both daytime walks and casual evenings is a great way to save space. For me, the deciding factor isn't how smart a shoe looks, but whether it can handle the walk to the restaurant and back without causing pain.
If you're not a sandal person, a clean pair of comfortable trainers or other flat shoes with good grip works well. Just remember to check if a specific high-end bar or restaurant has a dress code.
When planning your outfits, which you can read more about in my guide on what to wear in Rhodes for sightseeing and evenings, always match your shoes to the street surface, not just your clothes.
Chapter 6 of 7
Test your main pair before you travel
If I can give you one golden rule, it's this: never, ever bring a brand-new pair of shoes to Rhodes and expect to walk all day in them. You must test your main walking shoes at home on a proper walk, ideally with some slopes or stairs.
Wear the socks you plan to bring. Make sure nothing rubs, your heel doesn't slip, and your toes don't slide forward when you walk downhill. A back-strap on a sandal is useless if it doesn't fit properly.
Breathability is also a big plus in our warm climate. I also suggest keeping your walking shoes and your swimming shoes separate. There's nothing worse than having to put on damp trainers for a town visit.
And speaking of water, being prepared is key. Rocky sea entries are where you might find sea urchins, which is another reason water shoes feature in our guide to dangerous animals in Rhodes.
Chapter 7 of 7
Your final footwear checklist
So, for a typical trip that mixes sightseeing with beach time, my final checklist is simple. Start with your essential walking shoes and a pair of sandals, and only pack a third pair if it serves a specific purpose, like hiking. For everything else you need to bring, take a look at my complete Rhodes packing checklist.
If you have any other questions about your trip, you'll probably find the answer in my full list of Rhodes practical travel questions.
- Visiting the Old Town or Lindos? Your number one priority is a comfortable, grippy walking shoe.
- Sticking to the beach and short walks? Add a pair of sandals that stay on your feet.
- Heading to pebbly or rocky beaches? I'd strongly consider packing water shoes.
- Planning a proper hike? You need to bring shoes specifically suited to the trail.
- Final check before you zip your bag: Are they comfortable? Is the tread good? Have you tested them?
Frequently asked questions
Can running trainers work for sightseeing?
Absolutely. As long as your running trainers are comfortable for long walks and still have good grip, they're an excellent choice. You don't need to buy special 'travel' shoes.
Can I use water shoes as my only walking shoes?
I would strongly advise against it. Water shoes are designed for getting in and out of the sea, not for walking for hours on hard cobblestones. They lack the cushioning and support, and your feet will be aching. Bring a proper walking pair.
Which shoes should I wear when travelling with hand luggage only?
Here's the classic traveller's trick: wear your bulkiest shoes—your trainers or walking shoes—on the plane. Pack your sandals, as they take up much less space. I'd only pack water shoes if you know you'll be on pebbly beaches that make them necessary.