This was such a fun thread to read! I just got back from Italy last week and really struggled before I left to find the right shoes. I never wear clunky, wide shoes at all, and don't normally do the amount of walking I knew we'd be doing in Italy. Every pair I showed to my husband (we went shopping together several times for us both to find shoes) he would say were too fashionable looking to be comfortable, and that I was going to regret my decision. I ended up disregarding his advice and getting a pair by a designer called Michelle K. I haven't seen this brand mentioned here, and they're not really billed as 'walking shoes' but I have to say they were amazing! I never had a bit of discomfort, and walked each day for miles. I had considered spending about $100 for shoes and must have tried on over 100 pairs, but I ended up getting these Michelle K shoes at Marshalls for $29.99! (you can find them on line from between $65-$80)
Here's a link:
http://www.shoes.com/product.asp?p=5016540%7EWomens%7CC...ENS&variant_id=67538
By the way, my husband bought Merrell's slip-on's, which he hasn't taken off since the day he got them!

I found these at the Nordstrom Half-Yearly Sale. Of course, the were NOT on sale - isn't that always the way?!? Anyway, they are soooo very comfortable.

My husband says they are totally Rome shoes. So, I think I'll have to plan a trip just so I can wear them!

ooooh, I like those Ann! And ain't that the way it goes. They lure you in with a sale and then seed the store with not on sale stuff. I love Nordstrom's shoe department though.
This is a great thread. Totally legitimizes travel shoe angst.

quote:

I found these at the Nordstrom Half-Yearly Sale. Of course, the were NOT on sale - isn't that always the way?!? Anyway, they are soooo very comfortable.

They're really cute. Would you wear them with bare feet or with socks?

I took my beloved GEOX to Vancouver, and walked my butt off, and I never had a sore foot problem in the 5 days I spent wandering around in the rain... (and then in the sun!)

I think I'd like one more great comfy pair of shoes, though...not just to BUY a pair, but to have a spare along with me. I found that walking in the rain left my precious gold GEOX rather crusty-looking, with the bits of mud and other junk that they picked up as I walked...so a second pair would have been welcome.

Maybe y'all have several pairs, but I'm the 'frugal Betty' who only has one good pair of walking shoes at a time.

Hmmmmmm, perhaps these funky ones? In red?
These?
These hot little black and red numbers?
Nope, I think I'll go for these little babies!

"If you pick 'em up, O Lord, I'll put 'em down."
~ Author Unknown, "Prayer of the Tired Walker"
Brenda

One sprained ankle, coming up!

Annie M,
I have worn them both barefoot and with those little peds. I think they are more comfortable with the peds. They show above the shoe just a tiny bit, but the peds are black like the shoe so you can't really see them.

You all got me thinking (especially after logging 11 miles in one day last week in not the most comfortable sandals). Anyway, Chris loves his Rockport walking shoes, so I decided to get these for London but now I'm wondering if I should get a pair of shoes too, in case it's cooler when we go.

quote:

I have worn them both barefoot and with those little peds. I think they are more comfortable with the peds. They show above the shoe just a tiny bit, but the peds are black like the shoe so you can't really see them.

Thanks, Ann M (my name mate ). I have a great pair of comfortable sandals for warm weather but if I'm wearing shoes, I have to wear socks or peds otherwise they completely lose their comfort factor for me. I hate that sweaty, sticky feeling of bare feet in shoes.

I like the cushioning of socks too. I buy black Thorlos to wear with my SAS Freetimes and that makes them really comfy.

I'll have to look for black peds, I've never seen them. Black would be nice to have.

Well my friggin back is out and I think it's because of the Earth shoes and the negative heel technology. I've been wearing them now for about a week straight instead of my Mephistos. I'm really freaking out because we leave next week for France and I want my back to be IN.

Ginger

Ginger,

I went to lots of trouble to find these Earth shoes in my size, as I really love how they look, and they'd go with many of my things. (They have a certain 'old Europe' feel, don'tcha think?) Once they got here and I wore them out, the straps were so tight, I never got to find out if they'd give me back probs. Now I have to see if I can return them.

quote:

I decided to get these for London but now I'm wondering if I should get a pair of shoes too, in case it's cooler when we go.

Exactly what I've been thinking about, Kim! I just got these Mephistos, but I think I'll need at least one pair of real shoes too, especially since we'll be out in the country our second week.

I just love how easy it is to share pictures of our shoe purchases!

Chris, let me know what you find

Okay - I don't normally ask fashion questions but I'm so bad, my daughter has to dress me. Anyway, is it appropriate (okay - I mean personally I don't care but I don't want to look like a total geek), anyway, to wear capris pants with socks and shoes? How about socks and sneakers?

I bought these great Geox "sneakers" in Montalcino last month (how often can I get that into a conversation) and they are somewhat sharper looking than my regular New Balance. Anyway, I would wear them with little socks or the little tennis socks; I saw women dressed that way in Italy (at least in the val d'Orcia).

So ---- you know what great fashion sense I have anyway, Kim.

M

Capri pants with socks and shoes.... I personally think that's ok only when hiking. Fashionably speaking, capris and cropped pants call for sandals, slides or even dressy shoes, but all without socks. That's just my little fashionista opinion, of course!

-Krista

Hmm...see this opens up another whole can of worms for the London trip.

Oh, Kim, I am sorry. I didn't mean to mess this up for you! Let's see. If you are definitely packing capris and don't want to wear them with comfortable walking sandals, how about a sleek slip on type of sneaker? You could wear some of those liner type socks that are very discreet, similiar to tennis socks that Marian was talking about. I think the thing to avoid is the sporty look of atheletic looking socks and sneakers.

-Krista

Ok, you are all talking about comfortable walking shoes but I need a really comfortable sandal for our upcoming trip to Disney World in July. I have been searching but can't seem to find something that will feel comfortable all day. We will be doing mega walking w/ our 2 grandsons.

I would like to find something that offers a bit more support than a flip flop type. It is going to be mega hot in FL so I don't want sneakers. Or do I?

I have been to all the local outlets here that sell every brand possible and can't seem to find anything likeable.

Any suggestions greatly appreciated.

I bought a pair of black Rockport walking sneakers for our Med cruise this past October and my feet were still killing me walking around Rome. I even broke them in b4 we left home.

Thanks a bunch!

Did you see the ones that Kim and Chris posted pictures of earlier in this thread? Both of them look cool and with alot more support than a flip flop or even a slip on.

I also like the Josef Seibel 'Adrianna' Sandal, here's a link to it from Nordstrom.

-Krista

Krista, don't sweat it but what's a 'slide'?

THe SAS Comfort Shoe store had a half dozen or more styles of ladies' sandals. Some of them looked very nice, much more styley than any of the men's shoes. (Nine tenths of the store was women's shoes.)

On the sandal side of the coin, I have had the best luck with Clark's Springers. I bought all of mine (I think I have six pair) on Ebay, but here is a little information on them:

http://www.dales-shoes.com/springers.htm

I also got a pair of Geox (they were orange, how could I resist?) and at the last minute before we left in May, I got a pair of Hush Puppies slipons from TravelSmith. They were on sale and they were purple to match my travel clothing, so it was a done deal!

http://www.travelsmith.com/ts/cookie.jsp?ContentOID=3279311

I think I wore the Hush Puppies more than anything (with Thorlo socks - I love them!).

I owned a pair of Clark's Wallabees for years and years. They were the longest-lasting shoes I've ever owned.
Comfortable? You bet!
Attractive? ummmmm, not really but I didn't care, they felt sooo good to wear that it didn't matter.

GEOX! That's my fav, as you might have noticed! How do you like them, Nancy?
Marian, you also bought a pair...are they comfy for you?

The thing I love about them is that they are so lightweight, and so blasted comfortable...amazing shoes, in my opinion!

"Walking isn't a lost art - one must, by some means, get to the garage." ~ Evan Esar
Brenda

quote:

GEOX! That's my fav, as you might have noticed! How do you like them, Nancy?

I wore my Geox several times before I left home, and they really felt good, but on our first day in Rome I got a blister on the back of my heel. I am not sure why. After that, I was afraid to wear them again on our trip. I will give them another try, though, because I do love them (did I mention that they were orange?)

Geox are great, and often very cool looking. But you pay the price for them being lightweight; the soles breathe, but the shoe does not give that much support (compared with, say, Mephisto). I do love the Geox I bought in Montalcino; just would expect tired legs if I walked more than a couple of miles.

M

quote:

Krista, don't sweat it but what's a 'slide'?

Kim

Just another name for a slip-on sandal - no back and usually open toed.

This one is cute: Cole Haan 'Air Rio' Slide

-Krista

I have kept my mouth shut on this thread, because I have both bad feet AND a very vain sense what is acceptable fashion! When in Italy in warm weather, I live in these Cole Haan sandals (I have 3 colors). IMHO, NEVER socks with capris, or with shoes with no back, even if they are not sandals (mules). Ok, that's my two cents worth. I have lots of other Nike Air Cole Haan styles that are a little dressier, but still have that "sneaker" sole for comfort. If somewhere REALLY steep, like Montipulciano, I bring a pair of metallic gold (or white, or black)
these DKNY mules (no socks!).

Palma, thanks for your input. I liked the Cole Haan slide so much I just ordered a pair! Found it on sale at Cole Haan itself for $90. Talk about impulse buying! Sure hope they're true to size!

Karen

Now I really don't get it - so what's the difference between that slide and a sandal?

See, told you I was fashion-challenged

Slides are open in the back, so you "slide" your foot in. In other words, it's really only half a shoe, the front half, in terms of the upper.

If the front of the shoe is sandal-like, then you could consider slides to be a subset of sandals. (I am not speaking from experience here, as, having no high instep to keep them on my feet, I never wear backless shoes.)

As my granddaughter would say: Capeesh?


M

Okay - so I like slides for casual walking but for long term walking I like something with a strap in back....speaking of which my sandals just arrived but I'm on hold with Chrysler in Detroit waiting to speak to someone who I hope will agree to fix my car!

You guys are the absolute best! Even know what I would like! LOL I love the Clark's and the Nordstrom's styles. Just my kind of sandal. Now I just need to find a local store that sells them. We are leaving in a week and a half for Disney!

I am going to head to our outlet stores & see what I can find. They do sell Clark's there but don't know what else.

I'll let you know what I find. Thanks again.

Karen, they are true to size and very comfortable! Enjoy!

Okay - my Rockport sandals arrived last night. I wore them a bit around the house last night and will again today b4 deciding to keep them. I love the support they give my feet; I just can't decide if I like where the straps touch them.

My most comfortable sandals are Clarks Suntrek. I looked at their website and found Suntrek II. I don't like the two-tone look that they show - mine are solid black. The straps are made of a very soft padded fabric trimmed with nubuck and fasten with velcro.
Clarks Suntrek Sandals They're not the most gorgeous things I've ever seen but in a solid black, I think they're acceptable in the "looks" department.

When I know I'm going to be walking a lot I make sure I have my SAS Freetime shoes and my Clarks Suntrek sandals. Neither of which are the most fashionable but they are unparalleled in comfort. When I travel with those two, I know I'll never have a blister or any foot soreness.

Now, I realize, that's just me and my particular feet (size 8 medium, no arch to speak of and a couple of mild hammertoes poor little tootsies ).

I have lots of other more fashionable shoes and sandals that are more appropriate for other times in my life but for the heavy-duty walking I do in Europe, nothing can beat these two for me.

Annie,

Your Clarks Suntrek sandals look very much like the Clarks Springers that I have. Mine are older, so they may have changed the name.

Our "foot problems" seem to be similar, and I too LOVE the Clarks for walking in Europe. So comfortable!

I bought most of mine on Ebay - new but deeply discounted.

quote:

Your Clarks Suntrek sandals look very much like the Clarks Springers that I have. Mine are older, so they may have changed the name.

Sure enough, I just looked at my sandals and embossed on the heel is Springers. You're correct, they look just like the Suntreks. Why do they make these silly changes? I hope nothing else about them has changed! They are comfy, aren't they?

I'm brand new to the site but this is the conversation to me! Shoes. Here's my question and my advice. Advice: treat capris like a skirt when choosing shoes. That came from a fashion site, not me, but it works. Also, try Clark Privo and Timberland for great, sleek walkers at reasonable price. Questions: I see you're choosing a lot of black. Is that good for Italy in September? Are capris okaay for in Italy in September? Boots? I am assuming it will be hot in Rome and Tuscany. Thanks, you all make me feel better about my feet.

We have decided to go with ugly,but sooo comfortable. We tried on a bunch the other day and SAS won hands down in the comfort level for both of us.I don't think there was any stamp on either.At least they were not as ugly as the new balance pair that came in second for comfort for me ,but were scary they were so ugly and looked like they were handicapped.(The knee that I crushed along with my femur some years ago while running does make me a bit handicapped in my walking ability,but I do not want to look the part).Husbunny hated the "old man" look of his shoes,but never had anything on so comfortable before in his life.

We have not bought them yet,but probably will very soon.I want to try them on with my smartwool socks and orthotic.We are going to waterproof the leather.I will be taking my beloved Berkie slipon sandals as well & I am considering a maryjane that was very comfy for my one dress and one skirt.I hate the look of Berkies as well,but have become addicted to them and won't even get out of bed in the middle of the night without slipping them on.

I love the pretty shoes,but I now leave that stuff for my daughter since I want comfort above all else now in my early 50's.I had a long run as fashion obsessed,so now I am content to be into comfort .

SAS seems like it will work for our main shoe.( I am clueless on how to add a pic but its the basic black leather one with velcro close flaps for me.) I like the slip on much better as it looks MUCH nicer,but was warned that they do not give the same support the tie ons or the ones I picked do.So back to practicality for one shoe that must do everything.

OK I have been watching this thread for awhile and let me chime in that Keen it the way to go. I spent 5 weeks in Europe last April/May and brought 3 pairs of shoes. Let me say that I have right foot issues based on some post chemo nerve damage so I am very careful about my travel shoes.
1. Land's End All Weather Winter Mocs because I was in London for 4 days in April and it most likely would rain. I wore them on the plane because they are heavy and during the 5 weeks wore them 5% of the time
http://www.landsend.com/cd/ov/prod/0,,2_17273_17277_308...117680&CM_MERCH=SRCH
2. Joseph Seibel Wendy Shoes in black because I had worn them in London in 2003 and they never gave me a problem. I wore them 10% of the time.
http://www.consumermatch.com/wpdetail/wid/906/sku/92006...-black-slip-ons.html
3. Keen Shoes - http://www.onlineshoes.com/productpage.asp?type=brand&b...all&gen=w&pcid=38022
THE WINNER. I wore these 85% of the time. I could be on my feet for 16 hours and NEVER had a problem. They have MANY styles and I know they are not the most chic, but I would HIGHLY recommend them.
Judie

Hey, Judie. Me, too. I'm working in a pair of Keen's which are comfy, too. I wear long dresses, so they work with that genre. Here's a shot, tho mine are all black.

I'm also taking Birkenstocks. I'm too old to worry about attractive! Different strokes, eh?

Karen

My newest "arche" sandals:

http://www.zappos.com/n/p/dp/8642931/c/76795.html

and my old pair:

http://www.zappos.com/n/p/dp/4257676/c/84.html

and my new beach sandals:

http://www.zappos.com/n/p/dp/12424636/c/585.html

Well, my Rockport sandals semi-failed the test yesterday. I did about 7 miles in them, left ankle, blister. . It happened early out though, and I'm thinking I had the backstrap to tight initially and that's why. My right foot feels fine and support-wise they were great, so I'm not giving up on them for our London's trip.

Becky's $2.50 flip-flops failed miserably so we may be getting her a real pair of sandals (if I can coax her into them)

Kim,
Owwwwieeeee!
...and Beckie will be wearing some "comfortable walking shoes" soon? If she is anything like my 16 year old granddaughter, they'll have to be awesomely cool or she'll prefer to walk with bloody and blistered feet.

Can you find some moleskin pads to cover your blistered ankle? I think that's a great idea to take on vacation...never thought of it before, and someone mentioned it here on the message board. Now it is on my packing list!

Hope your sore spots heal quickly!

"Any girl that's got a $500,000 table and $5 shoes, I'm in love with."
~ James Brolin
Brenda

We stopped into a drugstore and I bought those blister blockers yesterday; should be fine in a day or two and I'll get a bunch to bring with me to London.

If your daughter must wear flip flops, get a pair of Rainbows. My 19 year old just got back from a 6 week study abroad in Toulouse and that's the only pair of shoes she would take. She had to walk 1/2 hr. to class and back everyday. My 17 year old just got back from a 10 day trip to Greece and Italy, and she took Rainbows and a pair of Mephistos that were just a little dressier, but she only wore the Mephistos twice. I took Rainbows to Florence in May, and that's all I wore, too. If you're a flip flop wearer, they are great. 17 year old is on her 2nd pair, they last about a year or so with hard use, and they look good with capris, shorts and skirts.

quote:

Originally posted by Kim:
We stopped into a drugstore and I bought those blister blockers yesterday

Blister blockers? Is that molefoam, or something new, and is that actually what they're called? I always pack molefoam and bandaids, but sometimes don't get around to using them until it's too late...

They're made by Band-Aid. Here's a picture of the box: Band-Aid Blister Block

Kim,
Blister blockers...never heard of them. I better get going and take a look for them in the drugstore. Do they have a gel filling and/or an antibiotic in the material, to prevent infection?

Here's a pair of flipflops that chiaro di luna posted a few posts above, and I thought they were pretty hot...would that be a Beckie kind of thing?
Just for fun, take a look at this site!

“Is it time to go home yet?
I keep clicking these damn shoes, but nothing happens." ~ Robin Hecht
Brenda

Those are pretty cool but man that price! She trashes her shoes and her foots still growing (and they're almost as big as me now). I'd hate to spend that much on something she'll get at most two months wear out of.

The blister block says it has medicine in them to heal. I bought a version when I was in Paris that also worked really well.