whitestavern Posted May 22, 2017 Share Posted May 22, 2017 You all are a wealth of information when it comes to just about everything, so I'm coming here first for ideas :) We'll be traveling to Europe this summer. Hoping to not stick out too much as an American, I have purchased some cute skirts and casual dresses to wear around especially the cities we'll be in (Paris and Florence). Since I'll be walking a lot, I need the shoes to be comfortable. I will likely not wear stockings or socks, so they have to be comfortable worn with bare feet. Also, I want them to be cute, able to be dressy or casual depending on what I'm wearing. Bonus if they'll be somewhat cool! Besides hiking boots for Switzerland, these may be the only shoes I bring. I want to purchase them soon so I can break them in a bit before we go. Any ideas? TIA! 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
itsheresomewhere Posted May 22, 2017 Share Posted May 22, 2017 Check out Keens sandals. I like the rose sandals. Very comfy and I do a lot of walking. These I can wear to most places and they work will most outfits. 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
solascriptura Posted May 22, 2017 Share Posted May 22, 2017 Dressier Fit flops? 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bambam Posted May 22, 2017 Share Posted May 22, 2017 I like my Chaco sandals, but I'm not sure they would look okay with dressier outfits. They are very comfortable and supportive though. They have a variety of color options. http://www.chacos.com/US/en/z-1-classic/24105W.html?#reviews&dwvar_24105W_color=J106066&sma=sm.001jaugri1bljf4911h64rsudx2zs Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Heatherwith4 Posted May 22, 2017 Share Posted May 22, 2017 Certain styles of Keens might work. I love my Keens. I wore them all over Disney World and all over NYC. 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
madteaparty Posted May 22, 2017 Share Posted May 22, 2017 I think I have these in black ack, can't post link but cole haan maria shaparova air bacara ballet flat. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MountainViewHS Posted May 22, 2017 Share Posted May 22, 2017 Keen sandals sound like what you are looking for. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wintermom Posted May 22, 2017 Share Posted May 22, 2017 I'd make sure that the shoes or sandals had really good support as you'll be pounding the pavement. You don't want to have your feet in agony at the end of every day. It's not as hot and humid in most of Europe as it can get in the US. Also the streets are crowded and you want some kind of protection for your feet so you don't stub your toes and/or get stepped on. In other words, no flip flops or cheap shoes. I would NOT recommend sketchers. I have a pair that seem nice and bouncy and supportive, but they are actually pretty crappy for support on long walks. The balls of my feet are sore, my toes cramp up and I'm in pain trying to walk in them now, after having them for a month. 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chelli Posted May 22, 2017 Share Posted May 22, 2017 Another vote for Keens. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Miss Tick Posted May 22, 2017 Share Posted May 22, 2017 These are what I wrote on my last two trips to Europe. http://www.eddiebauer.com/product/women-39-s-eddie-bauer-stine-ballet/92006011/_/A-ebSku_0206011526005231__92006011_catalog10002_en__US_EBSite?isRedirect=true I love them and wear them often. You are right to buy now and test drive, though. Everybody is different! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wintermom Posted May 22, 2017 Share Posted May 22, 2017 You could also buy and have on hand over-the-counter insoles to slip into the shoes if you find you need extra support on your trip. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
EMS83 Posted May 22, 2017 Share Posted May 22, 2017 I love Merrells (though their sandal soles seem to vary widely), but I second the test driving and focusing on support. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Zinnia Posted May 22, 2017 Share Posted May 22, 2017 (edited) I love my jambu maryjanes Edited May 22, 2017 by Zinnia Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
J-rap Posted May 22, 2017 Share Posted May 22, 2017 I had a pair of black leather loafers by Ecco that would have been perfect for that. They were super comfortable with kind of a rubbery sole so I could walk miles in them. I never wore them with socks, and they looked good with shorts, pants, or skirts. I don't think they make that exact style anymore, but they were somewhat similar to these: https://www.shoes.com/ecco-aimee-sport-slip-on/766877/1618136?cm_mmc=googleproductads_pla_with_promotion-_-none-_-none-_-none The style I had was a tad dressier looking though, a little less clunky. But they give you an idea. These are cute too: http://www.zappos.com/p/keds-crashback-leather-black-leather/product/8547734/color/72 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
whitestavern Posted May 22, 2017 Author Share Posted May 22, 2017 Wow, so many responses. Thank you all. I'm off to check these out now :) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HS Mom in NC Posted May 22, 2017 Share Posted May 22, 2017 Vionic is a brand of cute shoes for people with foot problems and they'll work for people with normal feet. I wear them because of my plantar faciitis. They have excellent arch support and shock absorbing in the heels. https://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_ss_c_1_6?url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=vionic+shoes+for+women&sprefix=vionic%2Caps%2C202&crid=3GL4WHJJCVSEN Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wintermom Posted May 22, 2017 Share Posted May 22, 2017 (edited) Hoping to not stick out too much as an American, There was a whole thread on this a few months ago. I think you are going to "stick out" as being American the minute you open your mouth, and perhaps long before that if you don't look Italian (wearing high heels and Italian clothing) or French (high heels and French designer clothing). You'll be in tourist locations, taking photos, etc. Yes, you will look like the tourist you are. So be a tourist with comfortable shoes who doesn't have to sit in a cafe all day because her feet are killing her. :laugh: Edited May 22, 2017 by wintermom 7 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
scholastica Posted May 22, 2017 Share Posted May 22, 2017 Next you'll be asking for ideas on how to find the fountain of youth or turn lead into gold! Good luck on your shoe hunt. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Monica_in_Switzerland Posted May 22, 2017 Share Posted May 22, 2017 Another Keen fan here. I've got their sandals and MJs. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HTRMom Posted May 22, 2017 Share Posted May 22, 2017 I would NOT recommend sketchers. I have a pair that seem nice and bouncy and supportive, but they are actually pretty crappy for support on long walks. The balls of my feet are sore, my toes cramp up and I'm in pain trying to walk in them now, after having them for a month. Skechers got me through walking six miles a day in college! And I have really high arches. They're still my go-to walking shoe. I guess everyone is different. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JudoMom Posted May 22, 2017 Share Posted May 22, 2017 Keens were going to be my suggestion. They have so many styles and they're comfortable. They're pretty much the only shoe I buy now. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Shelly in IL Posted May 23, 2017 Share Posted May 23, 2017 Wolky Jewel. They're amazing. Expensive but can find on eBay cheaper Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wintermom Posted May 23, 2017 Share Posted May 23, 2017 Skechers got me through walking six miles a day in college! And I have really high arches. They're still my go-to walking shoe. I guess everyone is different. I think the quality of the soles might have changed, and there are a variety of styles. The ones I have are junk, along with so many cheap running shoes these days. They don't make shoes to last like they used to. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
aggieamy Posted May 23, 2017 Share Posted May 23, 2017 I've taken trips similar to yours about once a year for quite a few years now. I feel like I've got a good system for packing. We take three carry on suitcases for the four of us and each of has two pairs of shoes. We do a ton of walking and try to blend in. Funny story - A few years ago DH, DD, and I were walking around Paris at night and a man on a bicycle stopped DH and asked him for directions in French! I felt like we were doing a good job of blending in. I like Danskos. They are great quality and last forever. I'm taking these and these on when we leave for Scotland in the morning. The first pair is a bit dressier but can go with anything from casual slacks to nice dresses. The second pair is a bit more sporty but would still look nice with a casual skirt. My DD is taking these and these with orthopedic inserts. I recommend wearing the shoes for about a week solid to get them broken in. Keep in mind that if there's any troubles with them before you go on your trip they'll be worse there. Feet tend to swell on planes too so that could be a problem if they are too tight. Bon voyage! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
aggieamy Posted May 23, 2017 Share Posted May 23, 2017 I think the quality of the soles might have changed, and there are a variety of styles. The ones I have are junk, along with so many cheap running shoes these days. They don't make shoes to last like they used to. This is the truth! We have started buying shoes at places like the Walking Company and our local shoe store because they sell good shoes. I've also decided that we are going to pay about $120 per pair of shoes because it seems like that's what good shoes cost these days. It's a bit of sticker shock when I have to go back to school shoe shopping for DD and buy her two pairs of shoes. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Artichoke Posted May 23, 2017 Share Posted May 23, 2017 Love my Ahnus! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TechWife Posted May 23, 2017 Share Posted May 23, 2017 Skechers got me through walking six miles a day in college! And I have really high arches. They're still my go-to walking shoe. I guess everyone is different. I have several pairs of Skechers - they are my "go-to" brand. I wear them to work in the hospital and they haven't failed me yet! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted May 23, 2017 Share Posted May 23, 2017 If you have wide feet I recommend Allegras instead of Keen or Merrill. I've found them much better with the toe box shape. http://www.soleprovisions.com/Dayna_Black_Napa.html Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted May 23, 2017 Share Posted May 23, 2017 The thing I noticed with Skechers is that they are great on paved sidewalks. But on trails or rockier ground (like many parks trails have) I feel every stone. The soles are too thin for that kind of walking. Keene, Merrells, Dansko (not thick-soled clogs but sandals), and the like work great. I've given up on cheap shoes. My dh and I have $300 shoes we have worn and loved for 25 years. That turns out to be a much better deal than cheap shoes, really. And happier feet along the way. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Carol in Cal. Posted May 23, 2017 Share Posted May 23, 2017 I'd want a pair or two of Earthies flats--they are very cushy, just supportive enough, and quite durable. I'd probably get black or charcoal and red. And I'd want sandals. My faves are water shoes, and Teva's fit me best--far better than Keen's or Chacos. You really do benefit from trying these on to see which ones suit your feet. My husband loves Chacos and hates Teva's. REI is a great place to try some on, and has the best return policies that I know of. Fit Flops are also extremely comfortable, but don't have an ankle strap, so they are just a tad less secure. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Isabella Posted May 23, 2017 Share Posted May 23, 2017 (edited) I took a beige pair of 'super-sock' Skechers to Europe for 8 weeks and only one other dressy pair but I probably shouldn't have bothered with the dressy ones. I wore them probably 5 times. The beige matched everything I wore and looked good, I think. Prob helps that I was in Holland, and people there tend to wear sensible shoes...comfort over all else. Edited May 23, 2017 by Isabella Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mbelle Posted May 23, 2017 Share Posted May 23, 2017 I like Dansko. If it's summer then their sandals are great, but clogs are great too. My dansko sandals have lasted 10 years. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Miss Peregrine Posted May 23, 2017 Share Posted May 23, 2017 I don't have any but I've heard that Abeos are very comfortable. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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