When traveling to Italy in 2026, your sandal choice should prioritize arch support and traction to handle the thousands of years of uneven cobblestones. While Italians are famous for their stylish leather sandals, a thin, flat "flip-flop" is a recipe for foot pain and potential injury on the steep streets of Rome or the Amalfi Coast. The "gold standard" for 2026 travelers remains the Birkenstock Arizona or a similar contoured-footbed sandal that offers a "lip" to protect your toes from stubbing. For a more "glam" but functional look, brands like Naot or Vionic offer leather sandals with hidden orthotic support that won't look out of place at a nice dinner. It is a peer-to-peer "pro-tip" to avoid light-colored suede, as Italian streets can be dusty and it’s hard to keep them clean. Also, remember that if you plan to visit major cathedrals like St. Peter’s Basilica, your sandals should be part of a "modest" outfit (shoulders and knees covered), though the sandals themselves are perfectly acceptable in religious sites as long as they aren't "beach-style" plastic thongs.