In 2026, having sturdy walking shoes is not just a suggestion for visiting the Cinque Terre—it is essentially a requirement if you plan to explore the famous coastal trails. The terrain consists of steep, uneven stone steps, narrow dirt paths, and slippery inclines that can be quite hazardous in flimsy footwear. In fact, local authorities in the Cinque Terre National Park have been known to issue fines to tourists attempting to hike the "Sentiero Azzurro" (Blue Trail) in flip-flops or high heels for safety reasons. Even if you only intend to take the train between the five villages (Riomaggiore, Manarola, Corniglia, Vernazza, and Monterosso), you will still encounter significant vertical inclines and hundreds of steps just to get from the stations to the scenic overlooks. A peer-to-peer recommendation is to wear breathable trail runners or lightweight hiking boots with good grip. This will protect your ankles and prevent fatigue as you navigate the rugged Ligurian coastline, ensuring you can focus on the stunning Mediterranean views rather than your aching feet.