shoes and the ugly american . . .

[gardenmom5]

I'm going to austria for two weeks this summer.  what can I wear for good walking shoes that won't scream ugly american?   I'll be walking. a lot.  both in city and hiking mt. trails.

 

(a couple years ago, I kept noticing the asians and europeans wearing nice casual dress clothes looked over dressed at yellowstone.  plus, I kept noticing how their foot ware was very inappropriate to walk on trails.)

[4Kiddos]

How about one of the pretty Dansko shoes?

[lovinmyboys]

When we were in Europe for three months, I wore chacos every day. We walked a lot and they were comfy and held up well.

 

As a side note...I wouldn’t worry about being “American.†Maybe people can tell better than I can, but I thought there was enough diversity in what people wore/how they looked that I could never tell who was from where.

[Liz CA]

Can't go wrong with Birkenstocks. It's a home brand there. :)

[Bootsie]

In the summer, a pair of sandals with good treads will work for most situations.  Clark's has some that work well for lots of walking and are dressy enough to wear to dinner or the theater.  If you are going to do lots of rough trails you will want something sturdier.  I would check out Bass Pro, Cabelas, REI, Whole Earth Provision, or whatever similar type of store you have in your area.

[J-rap]

I like to wear classy but comfy (for walking) loafers on trips.  The kind that work without socks.  They look nice with shorts or pants or even casual skirts.  I get ones that are really more like a sneaker loafer, but they look nice, not like regular sneakers.

 

I have a pair of Ecco's similar to these...

 

(Sorry, I'm only finding them on a UK site right now, but at least you get an idea of what I mean.)

 

http://www.teamhanson.co.uk/ecco-women-black-elilly-feather-loafers-by-2ft88v9w-strongly-recommended-jp-10339.html

 

 

 

 

 

[Laura Corin]

I would go for leather walking shoes for in-town, like Eccos or similar.  Plenty of young Europeans wear trainers (sneakers) but most middle-aged people move on to slightly less overt sports shoes.

 

On the other hand, you will obviously be a tourist by your language, other clothing and body language, so I wouldn't worry too much.

Edited February 20, 2018 by Laura Corin

[FriedClams]

Your going to look American regardless of what shoes you wear, sorry. We travel a lot and it's just kind of obvious who's American (or German.... British... whatever). I'd aim for the most comfort and maybe a little "fancier" if you plan on doing any nice dining and wear them.

[bettyandbob]

I think you should wear the shoes that are most comfortable for you to walk and dress neatly. If your feet aren't comfortable your trip will be impacted. There are many brands of shoes that don't look like athletic footwear which are build for walking, but you can wear sneakers or running shoes if those support your feet best. Merrell used to make a Mary Jane style that I could walk miles in and wear with pants or casual skirts.

 

If you get new shoes. Get them at least a month before you go and make sure you are comfortable walking long distances in them.

 

When I think ugly American I think dressed sloppy, rude and loudly demanding English. No matter what you wear, people will know you are a tourist and an American.

[MotherGoose]

Just don't wear white athletic shoes,or any athletic shoes :)

[mom2scouts]

Your going to look American regardless of what shoes you wear, sorry. We travel a lot and it's just kind of obvious who's American (or German.... British... whatever). I'd aim for the most comfort and maybe a little "fancier" if you plan on doing any nice dining and wear them.

 

My son spent several months traveling in Europe and everyone he met thought he was German. He does have a German background through dh and is fluent in German, but he thought it was funny. When he told them he wasn't German, they thought  he was Canadian!

[katilac]

I'd wear the best shoes to do lots of walking in, whatever kind you are accustomed to. I mean, if people get all judgey over my shoes of all things, I'm not going to worry about that. 

[HomeAgain]

Find a comfortable pair of boots or sandals.  They don't stick out as much as trainers do. 

 

But people will know you are American regardless.  The shoes just give them a quick clue before you open your mouth. :laugh:  

[KungFuPanda]

Wear shoes you are comfortable walking in all day.  If your feet hurt you won't care what people think.  As long as you and your clothes are clean, anyone who judges you has a problem of their own that has nothing to do with your nationality.

 

[unsinkable]

I thought "the ugly American" referred to ugly behavior, not appearance or clothing. And not just individual behavior, but our foreign policies.

[gardenmom5]

How about one of the pretty Dansko shoes?

I love danskos - but I've been rolling my ankle in them.   I'll wear them still for short distances.

 

When we were in Europe for three months, I wore chacos every day. We walked a lot and they were comfy and held up well.

 

As a side note...I wouldn’t worry about being “American.†Maybe people can tell better than I can, but I thought there was enough diversity in what people wore/how they looked that I could never tell who was from where.

 

I've actually never heard of them.  I am familiar with some brands that are similar in appearance.

 

I do have a very favorite pair of abeo hiking sandals - but there is a limit to how many days in a row i can wear them before my feet protest.  (mostly the ball of my foot. - which would be fine if I wore socks . . .but they're not meant for socks.)

 

In the summer, a pair of sandals with good treads will work for most situations.  Clark's has some that work well for lots of walking and are dressy enough to wear to dinner or the theater.  If you are going to do lots of rough trails you will want something sturdier.  I would check out Bass Pro, Cabelas, REI, Whole Earth Provision, or whatever similar type of store you have in your area.

 

rei started here - I remember when it was in an old run-down uneven warehouse.   

my thought was something nice enough for town - and something sturdy enough for trails.

 

I like to wear classy but comfy (for walking) loafers on trips.  The kind that work without socks.  They look nice with shorts or pants or even casual skirts.  I get ones that are really more like a sneaker loafer, but they look nice, not like regular sneakers.

 

I have a pair of Ecco's similar to these...

 

(Sorry, I'm only finding them on a UK site right now, but at least you get an idea of what I mean.)

 

http://www.teamhanson.co.uk/ecco-women-black-elilly-feather-loafers-by-2ft88v9w-strongly-recommended-jp-10339.html

 

like the style - similar to a ballet flat.  

 

I would go for leather walking shoes for in-town, like Eccos or similar.  Plenty of young Europeans wear trainers (sneakers) but most middle-aged people move on to slightly less overt sports shoes.

 

On the other hand, you will obviously be a tourist by your language, other clothing and body language, so I wouldn't worry too much.

 

dh is fluent in german (is brushing up), and lived in austria.    I've studied german - but translators will be my friend.

 

I think you should wear the shoes that are most comfortable for you to walk and dress neatly. If your feet aren't comfortable your trip will be impacted. There are many brands of shoes that don't look like athletic footwear which are build for walking, but you can wear sneakers or running shoes if those support your feet best. Merrell used to make a Mary Jane style that I could walk miles in and wear with pants or casual skirts.

 

If you get new shoes. Get them at least a month before you go and make sure you are comfortable walking long distances in them.

 

When I think ugly American I think dressed sloppy, rude and loudly demanding English. No matter what you wear, people will know you are a tourist and an American.

 

my german prof was in germany, and  called ahead to get a room in a hostel in swizterland.   when she got there, the custom is to show your passport upon check-in.   the proprietor loudly exclaimed "you're an american!  we thought you were a german.  we'll get you a better room."

 

started to give some  understanding why switzerland was NOT on our germany printed textbook european map. . . . it was just a blank spot between liechstenstein (which was) and france. (and germany and italy)

[mommyoffive]

I thought "the ugly American" referred to ugly behavior, not appearance or clothing. And not just individual behavior, but our foreign policies.

 

I think we think way to much about this, meaning how we dress when we go there.  

Edited February 20, 2018 by mommyoffive

[stephanier.1765]

I think we think way to much about this, meaning how we dress when we go there.  

 

Agreed. Plus what is wrong with looking like a tourist? You are a tourist. I live in Florida and see tourists from all over the world, including plenty from the ol' US of A, all the time and I don't think badly about any of them unless they are acting badly. If I get the chance, I love to talk to them to see where they are from because I love to learn about different places and people.

[EmilyGF]

Can't go wrong with Birkenstocks. It's a home brand there. :)

Except that they are viewed as slippers...

 

Emily

[EmilyGF]

Wearing shorts in many places pegs you as a tourist.

 

ETA: My dad doesn't wear shorts as a rule. He just hates them. So we've been on vacation and people will start talking with him and trying to figure out when he moved to the area. Because tourists always wear shorts.

Edited February 20, 2018 by EmilyGF

[mommyoffive]

Wearing shorts in many places pegs you as a tourist.

 

ETA: My dad doesn't wear shorts as a rule. He just hates them. So we've been on vacation and people will start talking with him and trying to figure out when he moved to the area. Because tourists always wear shorts.

 

Again I didn't find this to be true in our last trip to Europe this past summer.  Dh was so thinking this before we left and wouldn't bring shorts.  But every place we went we saw locals in shorts. 

 

 

Anyway unless you are fluent in the local lang.  you are going to be seen as a tourist as soon as you start talking.  

[mommyoffive]

Agreed. Plus what is wrong with looking like a tourist? You are a tourist. I live in Florida and see tourists from all over the world, including plenty from the ol' US of A, all the time and I don't think badly about any of them unless they are acting badly. If I get the chance, I love to talk to them to see where they are from because I love to learn about different places and people.

 

This is what is important. 

[goldberry]

I was reading a thread on another board about what Americans do that bug people in other countries.  The number one item repeated over and over again... we are too loud.  Don't be so loud, repeated by many people.  I found that curious.  Personally I find many people "too loud".  I thought that was just because I'm in introvert.

 

Close second was expecting people to know English and being annoyed when they don't.

[stephanier.1765]

Just wanted to add in an example of the ugly American. I almost wish this had happened in China because he would definitely find himself in deep trouble.

 

American accused of stealing terracotta warriors thumb: http://www.foxnews.com/world/2018/02/20/china-demands-severe-punishment-for-american-who-stole-terracotta-warriors-thumb.html

[wintermom]

I was reading a thread on another board about what Americans do that bug people in other countries.  The number one item repeated over and over again... we are too loud.  Don't be so loud, repeated by many people.  I found that curious.  Personally I find many people "too loud".  I thought that was just because I'm in introvert.

 

Close second was expecting people to know English and being annoyed when they don't.

 

Yes, some Americans are very loud both as tourists and in their own home. But what I think is even more annoying is that many tourists in general forget that they are simply passing through someone's home and that normal life is still going on for us. We might be on the way to work, and be late for an appointment, so getting slowed down by a group of people oblivious to others and ignoring basic courtesy and politeness becomes tiring. 

 

I could care less what people actually wear. What real difference does that make anyway? I might admire some cool shoes or jacket, but that isn't what makes someone stand out. It's the group of people taking selfies in the middle of the road or sidewalk blocking the way.  :coolgleamA:

[AFwife Claire]

Agreed. Plus what is wrong with looking like a tourist? You are a tourist. I live in Florida and see tourists from all over the world, including plenty from the ol' US of A, all the time and I don't think badly about any of them unless they are acting badly. If I get the chance, I love to talk to them to see where they are from because I love to learn about different places and people.

Yes!  We just got back from 2 weeks in Germany.  I worried before we left about shoes, our big family (8 of our kids were with DH and me), etc.  But you know what, the German people were SO kind and friendly!  They were happy to see us (slow tourist time, lol), and to give us the "family" rate for all the tours we went on (even though they all specified in writing, "for 2 adults and up to 4 kids in the same household").  They put on special showings of informational films in museums in English, just for us!  They didn't seem to care a bit about my shoes, lol. 

 

I was worried that our big family would be met with criticism or disdain, but that was absolutely not true.  Several remarked on how well-behaved our kids were, and we got many smiles (and some people took pictures of us, lol).  Obviously we were tourists!  But it was fine, and they were happy to see how much we were enjoying being in their country and seeing their wonderful historical sites.  We had such a great trip!  

[Bluegoat]

I like my Blundstones for walking in, and they can go with pants or jeans or skirts and dresses.  And probably shorts too though I don't wear those.  The only thing is they are too warm for the hottest weather.

[Bootsie]

I was reading a thread on another board about what Americans do that bug people in other countries.  The number one item repeated over and over again... we are too loud.  Don't be so loud, repeated by many people.  I found that curious.  Personally I find many people "too loud".  I thought that was just because I'm in introvert.

 

Close second was expecting people to know English and being annoyed when they don't.

Having traveled a great deal I am noticing this more and more.  If you go into a restaurant in Europe you will likely not be able to hear the conversation of the people sitting at the next table.  But, in the US I can often hear the details of a conversation of people at a number of tables away.  DH has a decibel meter on his phone and even started comparing the noise level in US restaurants and restaurants in Europe (even in boisterous German beer gardens) and detected a huge difference.  I think some has to do with the music level in many US restaurants.  You can also notice a difference in noise level on public transportation. 

[Bootsie]

Again I didn't find this to be true in our last trip to Europe this past summer.  Dh was so thinking this before we left and wouldn't bring shorts.  But every place we went we saw locals in shorts. 

 

 

IME the range of shorts can be different.  American college students tend to wear either short shorts or Nike running shorts and a t-shirt printed with some event information.  Europeans are more likely to wear longer, hiking style shorts

[Liz CA]

Your going to look American regardless of what shoes you wear, sorry. We travel a lot and it's just kind of obvious who's American (or German.... British... whatever). I'd aim for the most comfort and maybe a little "fancier" if you plan on doing any nice dining and wear them.

 

 

Makes me wonder what I "look" like. I grew up in Northern Europe, speak 1-2 languages aside from English but have not lived there in decades. 

[SparklyUnicorn]

Your going to look American regardless of what shoes you wear, sorry. We travel a lot and it's just kind of obvious who's American (or German.... British... whatever). I'd aim for the most comfort and maybe a little "fancier" if you plan on doing any nice dining and wear them.

 

Not necessarily.  Nobody ever knows when I go to Germany (unless I start talking and no it's not because I'm loud because I'm never loud).

[MEmama]

Just don't wear white athletic shoes,or any athletic shoes :)

This always cracks me up. My Pinterest feed is full of British and European style photos at the moment and the majority of the outfits include...white sneakers. They are very in style right now, sorry to say! Lol

[SparklyUnicorn]

This always cracks me up. My Pinterest feed is full of British and European style photos at the moment and the majority of the outfits include...white sneakers. They are very in style right now, sorry to say! Lol

 

Exactly.  Sorry but some of the stuff said here...just has never been my experience at all.

 

I sometimes notice an American by their voice, but I don't think it's because they are being loud.  It's just because I actually totally understand them.  So they stand out.  LOL

[MEmama]

Not necessarily. Nobody ever knows when I go to Germany (unless I start talking and no it's not because I'm loud because I'm never loud).

Same. The people we've talked to don't know.

 

But these threads always make me wonder...how much attention are (general) you paying to the tourists in your area? Or when you visit a US or Canadian city? Do you scrutinize strangers' shoes? How would you know anything about their home country from their footwear? Is there no style diversity where you live so that sneakers must indicate one thing and sandles another? I'm honestly curious, because this topic comes up a few times every year.

 

Eta this isn't directed at you, Sparkly. I'm just hijacking your response for my own musings... ;)

Edited February 20, 2018 by MEmama

[Garga]

The volume may depend upon the culture.  When I went on a bus trip with a group of Chinese students, it was silent on that bus, like a tomb.  But when I was at a dinner with the Spanish students it was LOUD.  The Spanish student who stayed with me told me, proudly, that he can pick out Spanish people when he's traveling (and he travels a lot) because they're so loud and "full of life."  

 

Americans might be loud, but not everyone is quiet.  

[SparklyUnicorn]

Same. The people we've talked to don't know.

 

But these threads always make me wonder...how much attention are (general) you paying to the tourists in your area? Or when you visit a US or Canadian city? Do you scrutinize strangers' shoes? How would you know anything about their home country from their footwear? Is there no style diversity where you live so that sneakers must indicate one thing and sandles another? I'm honestly curious, because this topic comes up a few times every year.

 

Eta this isn't directed at you, Sparkly. I'm just hijacking your response for my own musings... ;)

 

When I'm walking I do tend to notice shoes.  It comes with being close to the ground. :laugh:

 

I will say this though.  MANY years ago when I visited Germany (I'm talking well over 20 years ago), the style differences between here and there stood out to me.  As the years have gone by the trends seem to match up more.  Hopefully I'm making sense in terms of how I'm explaining it.

 

Last time I went, I noticed a lot of people wearing fluorescent colored sneakers.  And I thought of the board because of all the comments about Europeans being more subdued in their shoe choices. 

 

Of course I'm not talking about 80 year olds.  You won't find a ton of 80 year olds wearing hot pink Nikes. 

Edited February 20, 2018 by SparklyUnicorn

[MEmama]

When I'm walking I do tend to notice shoes. It comes with being close to the ground. :laugh:

 

I will say this though. MANY years ago when I visited Germany (I'm talking well over 20 years ago), the style differences between here and there stood out to me. As the years have gone by the trends seem to match up more. Hopefully I'm making sense in terms of how I'm explaining it.

 

Last time I went, I noticed a lot of people wearing fluorescent colored sneakers. And I thought of the board because of all the comments about Europeans being more subdued in their shoe choices.

 

Of course I'm not talking about 80 year olds. You won't find a ton of 80 year olds wearing hot pink Nikes.

Yes, I remember that from travelling to Europe as a kid. But that was when it still wasn't unheard of for us to dress up to fly, too. Most of the advice seems to stem from 30+ years ago.

[SparklyUnicorn]

Yes, I remember that from travelling to Europe as a kid. But that was when it still wasn't unheard of for us to dress up to fly, too. Most of the advice seems to stem from 30+ years ago.

 

I do think my MIL was at times rankled by my fashion choices.  But she is also 30 years older than me so I don't let it get to me! 

[SKL]

Personally, I wear what is comfortable for me.  My feet are very picky and most shoes hurt. 

 

I really don't care if people guess that I'm a tourist from the USA.  I mean, I am one.  So what?

 

I've traveled in dozens of countries and really, nobody cares.  People don't hate tourists.  Most people around the world are nice, and also they have better things to worry about than what we wear when we visit.

[MotherGoose]

This always cracks me up. My Pinterest feed is full of British and European style photos at the moment and the majority of the outfits include...white sneakers. They are very in style right now, sorry to say! Lol

Interesting! I've never noticed that but maybe it's a recent trend. :) I think large white athletic shoes are tacky anyway. I was in Italy most recently and I felt way underdressed, and we were continually amazed by how fashionable the Italians were as they dashed around the metro. We were a spectacle anyway with two red haired women and a bunch of blue eyed blond kids, plus my Dh.

[SKL]

Just don't wear white athletic shoes,or any athletic shoes :)

 

This is what I generally wear when I travel.  What is the danger?  Guess I am too old to care.

 

[Lanny]

I don't think shoes make someone an "Ugly American". That is something that has to do with UGLY OBNOXIOUS  behavior and BAD attitudes and people who should not be allowed to leave the USA.

 

But yes, if my wife and I are in a mall here, we can usually spot foreigners about one block away. Either because they are talking so loud in English or they are wearing clothes that most people here would not wear to the mall.   Of those things, talking loud in English isn't good for one's safety in a country where English is not the native language.

 

When we see people who look like they haven't seen the Sun for 6 months before coming here, I assume they are from Europe. Their skin color is so White the lack of the Sun and VItamin D is obvious. 

 

Enjoy your trip! 

[MotherGoose]

This is what I generally wear when I travel. What is the danger? Guess I am too old to care.

 

There is no danger, wear what you want :). The OP asked what sort of shoes might peg her as a tourist, and in general wearing big athletic shoes with non athletic clothing is something that, in my experience, Europeans don't do. They are just more stylish, in general. But there's certainly nothing wrong with it, do what you want. No way you are going to pass for a local anyway, and who cares. Just be mindful of the local culture. And realize that it's not Burger King, you can't have it your way in Europe. Some ugly American behavior I witnessed in Italy was from an elderly couple, who had been on a cruise ship and disembarked near Rome. They came into a restaurant and just assumed that the waitress spokeEnglish. She didn't. Then they went into a description of how they wantrd their food cooked special. The waitress was bewildered, they were mad, and we translated to them (we had very very minimal Italian, but at least we tried) that you had to eat the food as pictured and described. It's not America, people. You don't even speak the language so point to what you want and eat it, with a smile. They were also very loud, and talked to us about current political issues and assumed we agreed with them. I think they also wore white tennis shoes! And clothing draped with American flags.

[SKL]

I think the loudest place I've been to was India, though Chinese markets can be pretty loud, and Latin Americans aren't super quiet mice either.  I think the US is somewhere in between.  And, certainly not all of us Americans are loud.  :P  I was chided all my life for not speaking up louder at school, work, etc.  :P

 

I hope people from other countries don't avoid bringing the clothes they are comfortable in so they don't look like tourists.  I live near some international tourist attractions, and there is a lot of global fashion diversity, as one would hopefully expect.

[wintermom]

It's not just Europe that is style-conscious. The first time I went to a small city in Quebec I was completely floored by a lady dressed up for what I thought would be a concert, but she was just washing her car. Granted, I'm from the prairies, where we don't have much clothes style, but we know how to dress for these manual labour jobs.  :lol:

[MotherGoose]

It's not just Europe that is style-conscious. The first time I went to a small city in Quebec I was completely floored by a lady dressed up for what I thought would be a concert, but she was just washing her car. Granted, I'm from the prairies, where we don't have much clothes style, but we know how to dress for these manual labour jobs. :lol:

We were entertained by the Italians walking around in sweaters, slacks, heels, coats, when we were hot wearing t shirts and shorts.

[wintermom]

 And, certainly not all of us Americans are loud. 

 

I think it's pretty standard that people born and raised in an around NYC are loud. Even when they move away, thirty years later they are still loud.  :laugh:

[MotherGoose]

I think it's pretty standard that people born and raised in an around NYC are loud. Even when they move away, thirty years later they are still loud. :laugh:

I agree. I'm from the southern US and we are pretty quiet overall, plus have voices that do not carry. There are definite exceptions, especially my MIL family. Give me a group of people in which I need to make an announcement with no PA System? Find the New Yorker and he or she can do it just fine. :)

[Bluegoat]

I do think some cultures tend to be a little more formal.  I think that is the main thing I might try and keep in mind - I wouldn't want to show up at an event or restaurant and actually feel like I was inappropriately dressed, and I think if you are in something like athletic gear you might.  And I know lots of people in my town who just wear athletic gear all the time - sports leggings and tanks, trainers, baseball hat, that sort of thing.

 

We have quite a lot of tourism here and when I was a student I worked at a hotdog stand for about four years, often in the areas where the tourists went.  Some were pretty easy to pick out from clothes or other clues, ad there were some similarities in terms of nationality.  American tourists were most distinctive for wanting to pay in American money and also wanting their change in American money.  And the ones that came off of cruise ships would have the white sneakers, but also the couples would often dress alike in matching jackets or track suits, and have wear waist pouches.  Most of the cruise ship passengers were middle aged or older though.

[wintermom]

I'm going to austria for two weeks this summer.  what can I wear for good walking shoes that won't scream ugly american?   I'll be walking. a lot.  both in city and hiking mt. trails.

 

(a couple years ago, I kept noticing the asians and europeans wearing nice casual dress clothes looked over dressed at yellowstone.  plus, I kept noticing how their foot ware was very inappropriate to walk on trails.)

 

I'd do some research into the types of trails you will likely be hiking on. Will you actually need hiking boots, or could you manage with low-cut hikers or runners?  I think you are on the right track to think about appropriateness of footwear for the activities you plan to do, over the style. For locals, they have the luxury of closets to hold all the shoes they want, but you won't. 

Edited February 21, 2018 by wintermom