The Walking Shoes That Survived Three Months of European Travel

When I left for a 93-day solo trip across Europe, I knew my shoes would either make the trip easier or make it miserable. Over the course of three months, I walked through cities, parks, train stations, airports, cobblestone streets, hiking trails, and more staircases than I care to count. Some days involved a few leisurely miles. Others stretched well beyond 20,000 steps.

Of everything I packed, the The North Face Women's VECTIV Fastpack Waterproof Hiking Shoes were the items I relied on most.

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Why I Chose These Shoes

I wasn't looking for a traditional hiking boot or travel shoe. I wanted a shoe that could handle long walking days, unpredictable weather, and a variety of terrain while still being comfortable enough for everyday travel. Because I was packing for three months and didn't want to bring multiple pairs of walking shoes, versatility mattered. The North Face Women's VECTIV Fastpack Waterproof Hiking Shoes offered the support and durability of a hiking shoe while remaining a practical travel shoe for city exploration.

Just as importantly, they were waterproof. Knowing I'd be traveling through multiple countries and seasons, I wanted a shoe that could handle rain, wet sidewalks, and damp conditions without leaving my feet soaked for the rest of the day.

The combination of comfort, support, and waterproof protection made them feel like the best fit for the trip.

How The Shoes Performed

Over the course of three months, the The North Face Women's VECTIV Fastpack Waterproof Hiking Shoes accompanied me through 15 countries, countless train stations, city streets, parks, hiking trails, and long days of exploration. Many days involved more than 20,000 steps, and spending 10 to 12 hours on my feet wasn't unusual.

What impressed me most was not just their durability—it was their comfort. I have osteoarthritis in my feet, which can make long periods of walking uncomfortable if I'm not wearing supportive footwear. Despite the amount of walking I was doing, my feet remained remarkably comfortable throughout the trip. The support and cushioning helped reduce fatigue and allowed me to keep exploring without constantly thinking about my feet.

They also handled a wide range of surfaces with ease, from cobblestone streets and uneven sidewalks to gravel paths and hiking trails. Combined with their waterproof construction, they proved to be among the most versatile and dependable items I packed.

What I Liked About The Shoes

Comfortable enough for full days of walking
Excellent support without feeling heavy
Waterproof for unpredictable weather
Grippy outsole that handled a variety of surfaces
Durable enough to survive three months of constant use

What I Didn't Love About The Shoes

No shoe is perfect. Like many hiking-focused shoes, the The North Face Women's VECTIV Fastpack Waterproof Hiking Shoes aren't the most stylish option in every situation. If you're packing primarily for fashion, these probably aren't the pair you'll wear to a nice dinner. They're also an investment compared to casual walking shoes, but after three months of daily use, I felt they earned their place in my backpack.

Would I Buy The Shoes Again?

Without hesitation. In fact, one of the first purchases I made after returning home was another pair. After wearing them almost daily for three months across 15 countries, I knew exactly how well they worked for my travel style, and I wanted a fresh pair ready for future adventures.

When people ask what travel gear made the biggest difference during my 93 days in Europe, these shoes are always near the top of the list. They provided the comfort, support, waterproof protection, and versatility I needed for long days on my feet, and they earned a permanent place on my packing list.