What's the best all-around shoe for city trips and light hiking?

[NoraP]

I'm trying to pack for a two-week trip that involves a city break, some light hiking, and a few nice dinners, and I'm completely stuck on footwear. I can't bring myself to check a bag, but I also don't want to be that person wearing bulky hiking boots to a restaurant. Is it possible to find one pair of shoes that can handle a bit of trail walking while still looking decent with dark jeans?

[ScarlettJ]

Yes, you can pull this off with one pair of shoes. Look for a low profile trail runner or a leather or nubuck sneaker that has a grippy sole and a sleek silhouette. Dark matte finishes hide scuffs and pair well with dark jeans. Do a proper break-in before you go and treat it with a water-repellent spray.

[StevenP]

I tried something similar. I wore mid-weight hikers with jeans for city days and short hikes. They worked on the trail but felt chunky on stairs and metro platforms. They looked okay with casual dinners if the lighting was dim, but you could tell they weren't dressy.

[Tyler_S]

Another route is a dressy sneaker with a minimal sole. I had a nubuck pair that looked fine with dark denim and felt good on light trails, but the toe wore down a bit after a week. Pack one extra insoles if you can, it helps with comfort.

[Frank28]

Drift off topic for a moment: I once spent a flight worrying about outfits and weather, only to realize the plan shifted anyway. In practice, that one adaptable pair kept pace with city days, a light trail, and a dinner, which felt oddly liberating when it worked.

[Andrew.L]

The numbers, if you care about them, come down to weight, versatility, and grip. If you pick something under 400 grams-ish, with a flexible upper and a sole that grips pavement and dry dirt, you can cover both uses. It’s a compromise, and you’ll likely notice it on longer hikes.

[JeffreyTW]

I’m not totally sold you can do this perfectly. I kept hoping, but toward day ten I felt the balance wasn’t there and it reminded me I should have brought a second lighter option for dinners.

[Mia27]

Do you actually expect real hiking, or is this mostly city strolls with a few gentle trails?