Technical hiking boots are not essential for every main sightseeing route, but stable walking shoes with good grip are strongly preferable. Many popular days include stone paths, steps, long standing periods and wet surfaces. Choose footwear you have already worn, then match the support and waterproofing to your route, forecast and personal balance needs.
Main routes still demand reliable footwear
Scenic buses, cableways and elevators can reduce some climbing, but they do not remove all walking. Viewpoint routes and valley paths still include uneven surfaces, steps and transitions between transport.
A supportive walking shoe is usually more useful than a heavy unfamiliar boot for a standard sightseeing itinerary. Longer hiking routes may justify stronger ankle support.
Fit matters more than the label
Break shoes in before travel and use socks that manage moisture. If rain is likely, prioritise grip and drying comfort rather than assuming any shoe is fully waterproof.
Travellers with balance, knee or foot concerns should plan shorter walking blocks and discuss the exact route rather than treating footwear as the only solution.
Before you rely on this answer
- Wet stone, moss and painted surfaces can be slippery.
- Footwear does not replace route-specific mobility planning.