Calling Europeans...Help us Americans shoo the "white" shoes!

I just know this is a joke! That is a "typical American shoe"??? Please! I would not be caught in a pair of those shoes outside the gym and I live in the US!! Buy a pair of Mephistos or Ecco or one of the other dozens of brands of shoes that have been discussed here ad infinitum. Or wear black sneakers!

Too much blue in that example - don't go foo-foo on us!

In February, as I waited for my plane from Boston to Paris, I watched a large school group of European teens lining up for their flight home with lots of Reeboks bags. They were all wearing shiny new white sneakers.

I only wear those at the gym!!

Yesterday, while in Manhattan, I witnessed a group of tourists decked out in yellow sweatsuits! It made me chuckle out loud. I have no idea where these people were from, but I'd rather wear white tennis shoes any day of the week than matching yellow outfits. I have no idea what they were wearing on their feet, lol.

It was obvious to me that they didn't ask the all important "What do I wear in NYC?" question on Fodors

Okay, poor example...loose the color.. but you Americans know what I mean.

I was in Marseilles in February. Many people were wearing white tennis shoes, sneakers, trainer, gym shoes, whatever you want to call them. It made me curious so I started looking at shoe stores. At least 25% of the athletic wear on sale was white: white with a Nike swoosh, white with an Adidas logo, etc.

Now this is Marseilles. Not exactly a tourist Mecca. Most tourists just use Marseilles to springboard into Provence. So who is buying/wearing these white sneakers? Must be the locals. (I know I don't go to Europe to buy tennis shoes.)

When I would get close to people on the street wearing white sneakers, they invariably had incredible French accents. If you're sitting on a park bench looking at white tennis shoes and smugly saying "tourist" to yourself you're very easily wrong. Lots of French wear them. Some of the French wear blue jeans, have fanny packs, etc. too.

Including the family of four I sat next to on the TGV from Lyon to CDG. The man and woman in their late 30's had on sparkling white New Balance gym shoes, blue jeans and t-shirts with logos. Their two kids (one was overweight) had on similar attire. Were they taking the train to CDG? No they got off at Disneyland Paris.

Am I sure they weren't Americans? If they were they had the best French accents to go with their French fluency I've ever heard. Maybe they were from the French speaking part of Switzerland.

Bottom line. Respect nice restaurants and churches. Wear what you want.

I have never worn one of those "typical" shoes before! Now if I were an athlete, I might, perhaps, probably not...but why wear something like that on a trip? Unless you are running marathons in Europe?
I just got a pair of Geox pull on shoes that feel like bedroom slippers and a pair of Ecco "sneakers"...both in black LOL.

I will wear shoes almost exactly like that on my trip next week, and I always do. They are just grey instead of blue. I wear them because my feet hurt in other shoes after about 3 hours, even if I buy good quality "walking shoes" and put my custom orthotics in.

I really don't care what anyone there thinks about my shoe choice, and I have never been pickpocketed or mistreated on any trip while wearing those shoes.

I do switch to black walking shoes in the evening for a few hours.

I'm with Nikki on this one. I not only saw many European kids wearing white sneakers but old farts my age wearing 'em too. They're comfortable and I like being comfortable on vacation. This obsession with trying to look like a local gets tiring on this website. Do you guys don Lederhosen when you vacation in Munich?

No matter where you travel, the natives know you are seeing the sights and want comfort but when you dine...that's a different story.

I walked all over couble stone roads in Europe last summer in Danskos. I'll repeat it this summer.

Anyone who doesn't believe Europeans, specifically the French wear Nike type shoes for casual wear should just go to the huge flea marked at Clignancourt. There are row after row of booths selling those shoes by the thousands. Look around. Those aren't American tourists buying them.

Or for that matter look around anywhere you go that locals are dressed casually. Of course I'm not talking suit wearing businessmen on the Metro, but people strolling the parks or out in casual places on off work days.

Well Zeus, it wasn't lederhosen, but I did buy a dirndl in Vienna in 1972. It's probably still in my closet. Wouldn't do it today. Do they still wear them there?

Oh Nikki! You think I provide the visuals. Gonna wear that dirndl to the next Boston GTG?

If you do I'll try to dig up some lederhosen.

Hello, my name is P_M and I am a recovering white shoe addict.

No kidding, before joining this board it never occurred to me that anyone noticed my white shoes. But after a few years as a Fodorite, I have such a "white shoe" complex I don't dare wear them in Europe. Although I do still wear them here, I don't do it nearly as much as I used to.

To other white shoe addicts of America: Having worn white shoes is nothing to be ashamed of. It's an illness, but there is hope. The hardest part is admitting you have a white shoe problem and asking for help. I know what you're thinking--you've got it under control and you can throw out the white shoes any time you want. The problem is that you don't want to throw them out. It's a vicious cycle, but help is available. Just stick around this board long enough and pretty soon you won't even be tempted anymore. The sight of a white shoe will repluse you and evoke bad memories of the silly-looking tourist you once were. Trust me, it works!!

We'll discuss the fanny pack addiciton at our next meeting. (Yes, I know the British posters always get a good laugh whenever the word "fanny" comes up.)

Okay, so these are the shoes that I am taking for all my day walking in Italy. Any comments???

I am also taking a pair of leather clogs and black heels (for evening).
http://www.naturalizer.com/shop_online/item_detl.asp?CID=casual&PID=dyan&variant_id=173A35&Size=%25%25%25%2D%25

LittleBella, not speaking for everyone but my post was pure sarcasm. If you like those shoes and they are comfy, then that's all that matters. Go for it!!

My name is Hester and I am a white shoe addict. In fact now as I type I am wearing the dreaded white running shoes as I just got back from a 3 mile run. If any of you are in Ireland in July you just might see me I will be the one (GASP)in the white Nike,Puma,Addidas ??? (I haven't bought them yet). I confess I have humulated myself in France, Italy, Great Britain, Spain and most of the states in the United States in the dreaded white (usually with some color)running shoes. But one thing I can say is my Dogs (feet) never BARK!
But even I would never ever stoop as low as a fanny pack. Oh please!

I say wear what makes you comfortable...why force yourself to dress to other's standards?

Sure, you might look like a tourist wearing bright white tennis shoes in different areas. But I think that the camera and northface coat and fold out map are more giveaways of being a tourist.

Where what makes you comfortable....not just what is en vogue to other people.

In Paris, many people were wearing tennis shoes...lots more than I had been told. But they were just usually darker colored and not the usually Nike or Reebok you see in the states.

I don't go anywhere without my low-rise boots from Timberland. They zip-up , rather than lace, so they are VERY easy to get on and off. They have a thick sole, which helps protect against the occasional un-avoidable puddle.

In regular shoes - even sneakers - my feet get tired and sore after a few hours. With these, I can go all day.

I also have a pair of walking boots from LL Bean that I use at times.

Cute Little Bella! Mine are like that but black..very comfy.

I will probably wear the dreaded white shoes myself this summer, and strangely enough, I won't be ashamed of it one bit.

I have a pair of Eccos. (I know I'll probably get bumped from this thread because I've mentioned the brand by name.) They are frequently mentioned as a stylish, comfortable alternative to the dreaded white sport shoe. The really are quite good-looking. However, I can't wear them if I have to walk more than a block because they hurt my feet. They are stiff and inflexible.

Instead, I have really ugly walking shoes that call forth ridicule from my less sartorially-challenged relations. I have pairs in three different colors, and I can go for miles without my feet hurting.

Best thing you can put on your feet is Birkenstocks. But buy them when you get to Germany at 50% of the US price.

I have never worn white tennis shoes of any description in the USA and would never wear them on vacation to any country on earth..there are so many attractive alternatives for walking shoes, and why would I want to look like I was heading for the gym, anyway?

But really, wear what you want...it's true that Europeans can look at your feet and tell where you come from, but do you care about that? If you do, don't wear the white sneakers. If you don't, wear them.

It's definitely a generation thing in Europe (Western Europe at least).
You won't see many older people wearing white trainers (unless they are being worn for sporting purposes), though they are very popular among younger generations.

I have some foot problems, bunions and plantar fasciitis in the same foot, and bursitis in that hip - here is what I got for our upcoming trip: http://www.zappos.com/n/p/product_id/7212206.html, in the white with orange. Those are white, but, look at these: http://www.zappos.com/n/p/product_id/7178264.html. I got those in the purple! I will be in Europe in 12 days in my purple Earth shoes! and I can't wait! So, you know what? Wear what makes you happy, as long as it's not offensive. Even at a restaurant. I wouldn't do it, but, your feet are under the table. If it troubles folks so much, I don't think the shoes are the problem.

Some day people will stop obsessing about footwear and just wear whatever they find most comfortable. How many trips have been ruined because people want to wear "nice" shoes in a "nice" city like Paris and do irreparable damage to their feet on the first day of walking?

Threads such as this one make me think that we inhabit multiple, mutually-exclusive realities.

And Indytravel, the reality in which I would wear a dirndl ended long before the age of personal computing.

As a european(belgian) for serious hiking I use Mephistos.In nice weather I also prefer Teva sandals.I've been hoking in the mountains with them and they make your feet strong but you should run them in beforehand. For leasure walking and visiting towns I use Sebago boat shoes.I have also wore Timberlands.So Americans you have the good stuff in your own country.Paul

When I was in Italy last summer, the Italian men were wearing pink shirts, white linin pants and white shoes. But I agree, avoid white shoes--especially during the daytime.

If you where sandals with socks, they will think you are German.

The real problem with trainers (as we call them) isn't what they look like. Or that they say you're a tourist.

It's that outside gyms, grown-up Europeans wear them only if either:

- they're complete losers. Practically every adult outside British and Irish dole offices, for example, wears them. They are required wearing on every no-hope Liverpool or Dublin public housing estate.

- they're a certain sort of highly athletic person clearly on the way to, or coming back from, serious (or at any rate posy) exercise.

So if you've passed the age of reason, you're not both doing a 15 mile jog and look as if you do so every day, AND you're wearing these shoes, most people would assume (were they to give the matter a second thought, which they won't) you're either American or the sort of European who'd be living in a trailer park if you were American.

You do, however, have every right to wear these things. And wrapped up as we are in greater things to worry about, none of us will give a flying Nike swoosh (than which nothing is more worthless) whether you're wearing trainers, Eccos or recycled bits of tyre.

what about these? in black, of course.

http://www.zcoil.com/freedom.cfm

Sorry, cherylforeurope, my "typical American shoe" looks nothing like yours. I do not even own a pair of sneakers and haven't for at least the past 10 years. Mephisto, Ecco or for a less expensive alternative Naturalizers (which can be found in the typical American shopping mall").

Bottom line. You are a tourist. There is no use trying NOT to look like one. Who cares? You'll have a much better time if you're not fretting about your shoes, and enjoying the sights. Even if you were in head to toe Gucci, I think the cat would be out of the bag once you start photographing sculptures and buildings. Be comfy and come home with great pictures instead of blistered toes.

I'm with CotswoldScouser on this, at least as regards the UK. The new leader of the Conservative Party signalled a change in style and tone by having himself photographed in Converse trainers, but the general feeling among those who even noticed was that this just trying too hard. As for me, I don't actually find trainers particularly comfortable to wear for great lengths of time: I wear Clark's because they have a good range of broad fittings, in black or mid-brown to suit what else I'm wearing, and I don't care if that says (or murmurs apologetically) "geography teacher" to the casual onlooker. They're my feet, after all.

Odd, the men in my UK suburban neighborhood wear trainers all over the place. And in Germany (particularly Franconia), there were lots of men, both young and old wearing trainers once they changed out of business clothes.

They seemed nice enough (and the ones I know personally are reasonably to quite prosperous), I had no idea these men were ALL such losers!

All this proves that there are people with no sense of style in every country! At least wear black leather ones if you have to sport this type of shoe with street wear!

cheryl, i would wear exactly the shoes you posted if they work for you. all of Europe doesn't really care. believe me.

As someone who doesn't polish my shoes half as often as I should, I don't think (I hope and pray) people just don't look at other people's shoes that often..

wally..."If you where sandals with socks, they will think you are German."
Or they will think you are from Portland Oregon LOL

I have to make sure I've got this straight. CotswoldScouser says I'm a complete loser. I need to wake my daughter up, someone to agree with her! She will be doublely happy as it seems I'm past the age of reason also! As to American trailer trash, I am sure my neighbors will take offense at that as they pay their huge mortgages all because I chose to wear running shoes when I (the loser) travel. I write all this with tongue in cheek, I am a tourist, I want to be comfortable. If you judge me by one glance at my shoes, so be it. I am, who I am and I am a HAPPY TRAVELER, running shoes and all!

Scarlett, are you sure about that? Many of the sandal wearing people I saw in Portland at first appeared to be wearing dark socks, but then I just realized they had very dirty feet that hadn't been washed since they left the Haight-Ashbury District in the 60's!

LOL.

Saw many Europeans wearing sneaker type shoes in Italy, including white. The beautiful young Italian woman sitting across from me on the train to Venice wore jeans and gasp -- white Nike's. The other two Italian women in the compartment both wore sneaker type shoes, one pair was red.

I took a photo of a shoe shop window that displayed only sneaker/athletic stye shoes in a variety of colors and brands, including Converse All Stars and Merrill. Saw several Italian shopkeepers in jeans and white shoes.

Cheryl

I think you are worrying too much about what to wear in Italy, I for one dont see one single thing wrong with wearing Trainers if you are walking about all day, and need to have comfortable footwear. Dont take offense when i say this " but American people stress far too much worrying about what to wear coming to Europe"...Just wear what YOU find comfortable, and dont fret about what the Italians/French etc think about it. You are going to Italy to see the country and come back with happy memories, so why should you walk around in shoes that are uncomfortable just to please someone else!. Life is too short girl, put on your trainers and have a good time, and anyone doesnt like it, then its their problem!

Lucie

I just bought a white, silver and orange pair of Ecco shoes in the US, made in Thailand and for a trip to Switzerland, Italy and England.

I figure I got all the bases covered except for Australia and Africa

cotswoldscouser, what does "posy" mean?
Thanks!
A curious Yank...

It's not so much the gym shoes (trainers) but the fact that they are worn with socks when wearing shorts!! Many have said in this thread that they don't care what they look like but believe me, the locals are wetting themselves.

The locals where? In Paris, you can walk down the street stark naked and Parisians will pretend they didn't even notice. So footwear will not make anyone wet themselves, especially after seeing the Poles, Czechs, Germans and Austrians with their socks and sandals every day from May to November.

Ah, Fodors! The travel forum where you can get answers to really important questions like shoe color and ice in your drinks. Start the morning with Fodors and it puts me in a good mood for the rest of the day. Keep those questions coming.

oooooohhhhh I hadn't noticed this thread before and to Cherylforeurope I say a whopping big THANKYOU I will be printing this out - in triplicate to take with me on my next girls weekend to NYC in September.
As an Aussie, my fashion sense at times is dismal, however after living in Europe , the States and now the UK for the past eight years I had hoped I'd picked up a clue. Not according to my friends in the States. Apparently I have no shoe sense. Imelda Marcos I am not, however I did think my shoes were ok. On my last visit, they literally made me throw all but one pair of my shoes out and go on a shopping spree. According to them ... my shoes were ugly. According to me they were comfortable and Italian. I am now the butt of all shoe jokes which is wearing a little thin.
So to all of you who care what others think of your shoes, give them the two fingered Aussie salute (it translates surprisingly well). Wear what you want, feel comfortable, the moment you open your mouth people know you are a tourist
I have seen some incredibly badly dressed Brits, Germans, French, Swiss, Americans, Aussies, the list is endless (and yes I am included in that list). The only reason for being a tourist is to have fun, enjoy yourself and see the sights, if you are walking around with 10 blisters on your feet because you want to look fabulous, good luck with that. Unfortunately that means you will be in pain and have a face on you that looks like you've been sucking on a lemon all day and no one likes those photos now do they ????

scouser, you say:

<<<<<
The real problem with trainers....
>>>>>

it is highly unlikely that an american tourist would be mistaken for an unemployed briton. so what exactly is the "problem".

i don't even own white trainers so i hardly care.

...and if anyone came here calling unemployed Britons or people from liverpool housing estates "losers" i'm sure they would get an earful from you when you are in your usual Guardian mode. nice way to talk about the underclass.

in most parts of the western world, the poorly fitted, unpressed, unclean suit covered in dandruff or the suit with clark-type shoes (both of which are de rigeur in britain) is the uniform of the homeless. so what? there is no problem if a brit were to wear this to france, italy or the US. would he be paranoid about the social class this would suggest?

I have been watching these thread..waiting...wondering. Please tell me which of all the recommended shoes is best for beating hard pavement all day long? Zappos, Eccos, mephistos...can they survive a hot summer day in Florence?
Last year I gave up on my sneakers and bought Columbia sports sandals in a sports store in Arezzo and was happy-but they look really like..sport sandals!

Okay, we can all say that shoes don't matter, but apparently they DO! There are so far 53 responses to this question!! (So, of course, I feel the need to chime in.)

"The real problem with white shoes is"---My real problem with white shoes are: My feet don't look good in them. I am on vacation, and I don't want to keep noticing how bad my feet look. I don't wear much white, so I don't have anything to go with them, and I am not buying a whole new wardrobe to go with white shoes. I would never wear anything white on vacation, because I try to pack light, and I would be too afraid to permanantly stain something and not be able to wear it again.

Okay--now I will actually give my answer to the question you actually asked!!! I also use zappos for shoe purchases quite a bit. I have found that Sketchers, and aerosoles work very well for me. Sketchers makes a low black sneaker that attaches with criss-cross velcro, and is cute and comfortable. The aerosles slip on sandal, I have worn for miles and miles in many "walking cities" I just got a pair of Onex doreens from Zappos, that feel like pillows on my feet, they have a small heel, but I will use them for walking to dinner at night, not so much for walking around during the day. My main priority in vacation shoe selection, is to bring a few pairs and keep switching, and to really break them in before the trip.

I know most people say to pack only a couple pairs, but depending on how long I am gone, and the different types of activities, I usually try to pack less clothes, and more shoes. I usually stick to a color theme, (dark), because I am a slob, and spill things on myself! I have had friends who have had good luck with Birkenstocks, but that violates my good looking feet rule!

There is certainly something to be said for doing your own thing and not caring what people think. For me, vacation is my little fantasy time of the year, and I want to look good--for ME! I spend enough time the rest of the year, working really hard, in not-so-great-looking clothes, so I like to give that up when I am away!

Whatever shoes you decide on, enjoy your time away, and once you get there, forget about your shoes, and look around and not down!! (I will try to take my own advice.)

Bon Voyage!

This has to be one of the BEST troll posts ever put up here..."Cherylforeurope" is to be congratulated. of course, you'll never here from it again.

Kerouac - Granted that Paris is like that, but the Parisians are on a different planet anyway. Hell, even the French have a dislike for the Parisians!

What really would be minging is not just socks but WHITE socks at that.

Scouser is quite right about the UK and the chav underclass. It's only Vicky Pollards that would dress like that with their scraped back hair and large loop ear-rings. There was one in the paper this week throwing eggs at journalists as she got a drink drive ban - her second driving offence, and she's 14! The numpties at the DoH just keep on dolling out the freebies as they live with their 14 kids at our expence - and all wearing trainers.

Excuse me...am not a troll and certianly not an "it". I asked that question because of the other thread. My shoes are not all white...I was simply looking for supportive shoes that didn't look like "white tennis shoes". Have never taken white shoes to Europe but was considering it because we're going in the summer. What I can't believe is the number of people who wear black shoes in the summer...I guess I'm over the hill...I wouldn't wear black sneakers/shoes with pastel colors...to me they seem very out of place.(dress strappy shoes being an exception) At least to me white goes with everything.
Interestingly enough I just asked a co-worker who was in London recently if she wore her sneakers...sure enough she did...and said she saw lots of people wearing them.

And I'm going to add...I am not wealthy and do not own shoes to go with every outfit. I'm also a woman who isn't "into" shoes the way some woman are...very difficult for me to find shoes which are comfortable...shoe shopping is something I do not look forward to doing!!

I have SUCH a hard time with shoes as a summer tourist. Winter is easy...I have a couple of pairs of very comfortable low rise black boots that I wear with my collection of black slacks.

Summer is so much harder. At home (in hot Dallas) I wear strappy sandal heels to work, and I have a collection of $3 Old Navy flip flops that I wear when not at work. I do not wear tennis shoes/trainers in the summer in Dallas...too hot. So I'm in a constant shoe quandry on summer vacations. I had an ancient pair of Easy Spirit kind of dressy sandals that died during a downpour on vacation last year. I just placed a huge order at zappos...I'm hoping that of all of the ones I ordered, a pair or two will fit.

I don't think there is any way to not have "shoe envy" when you are a tourist in a large city. I mean, if anyone was being a tourist in downtown Dallas in the summer, they would see me in my attractive sandal heels...yes, that is what the "natives" wear in Dallas in the summer...but we aren't walking miles a day in them either.

CherylforEurope, Ignore the troll comment! I think Intrepid1 must be a man who doesn't understand the importance of shoes!! Tee Hee Hee! I bet his wife buys his! Sorry intrepid, couldn't resist! Happy travels to all!

OK - just going to the very top of this thread .... what on EARTH is a 'fanny pack'???

To us brits, that's just plain rude . . . )

I believe you call it a "bum bag"; it is a small pack that some people wear around the waist.

In England, your white shoes will give out a definite signal and so will your baseball hat
see
http://www.chavscum.co.uk/howto.php

I certainly didn't mean to start this kind of discussion, however on this I will have to comment. If you came to this area in the summer wearing black shoes with shorts you would get noticed. Definitely comes down to where you live.

Some yrs back, my husband and I were walking up the steeply cobbled road to the chateau in Baynac. It was a hard climb and the cobblestones and heat made it difficult. I was wearing my new balance running shoes (proabably white and blue) and was slipping a bit. Nearby, I noticed a French woman in mid-heeled sandles stopping every few feet to adjust her bandages or her feet or apply new ones. I wonder who had the better fashion sense that day!

All the tourists in Italy last year who were under the age of 40 (and i am not) were wearing flip flops. Obviously they know something I don't.

To Wear white tennis or not, this is the Eternal question asked so many times before and frankly is getting to be quite BORING..
Wear what you like , be happy , just remember the only people that you must Impress is yourself...

I ONLY wear white shoes while lounging on the beach in my tight little Speedo ... one must look European at all costs right?

I don't think it is the color white that is the problem, it is the size, Europeans on the whole do not wear big bulky athletic shoes. They wear the sleeker trimmed kind, Nike has some cute ones, I bought some at Nordstrom because I dont' like big clunkers either.

My name is surfmom and I am a white shoe addict...

Seriously, if the only faux pas I commit is wearing white shoes, than I am ahead of the game! (I rarely speak English when in France, (unless to other Americans, that is) - I'm pretty fluent for an American.)

Yep, I do it... when I lived in France as a student and didn't do it, guess what... everyone knew I was American anyway. There is more than just white shoes that give it away. (mannerisms, lack of native-French speaking, etc.)

I have problems with my feet. At home, I wear sneakers (East coaster, am I) much of the time. It makes my life happier and thus, I am significantly less cranky. I just spent a week in Paris/Cote d'Azur and had nary a problem with my feet. And we walked *miles* every day (including about 7 hours on one day of walking, taking photographs. I rarely stopped). I will gladly have happy feet.

Would one of the many other brands listed work for me? Possibly. But I have a perfectly good, comfortable pair of sneakers that work. Why spend the money if I don't have to? I would rather save it and spend it on fun things in Paris...

Anyway, don't get stressed about it and do something you'll regret. Comfort (within reason) is very important!

Unless you are a bride, a golfer, a nurse, or Colonel Saunders, you should never, ever wear white shoes. There are men of certain age, educated at Groton or Choate, who can get away with white bucks with a seersucker suit. But unless your last name is Peabody, you probably could not get away with it.

Cough up the dough for a pair of Jimmy Choo wedgies, sweetie.

Slimane Slag.

I can't believe no one has commented on what could be worse. I'm embarassed to admit that my father still wears white shoes with black socks. I back-up the comfort, but not black socks.

I think there is a legitimate question here, namely what shoes can CherylforEurope wear in the summer in Italy that are comfortable, supportive walking shoes but not white tennies/trainers? I'm a great believer in sandals by Mephisto and Dansko (Dansko Bay Bridge sandals, not the clogs). I have bad feet too, but can walk for miles and miles in either of these brands, and they come in light colors for summer---bone, beige, cognac, whatever. They are incredibly supportive and comfortable, and many stiles can be dressy enough to go with a dress---not like athletic sandals. The features I have found most important are a nubuck or suede sockliner, so your foot doesn't slide around on uneven ground and get blisters, and comfortable straps, including a backstrap, again so your foot doesn't slide around, particularly when it gets (gasp!) sweaty. Make sure the straps, whatever style you choose, are comfortable and don't have buckles that irritate your feet. Good examples would be the Dansko "Evita" and "Eloise" (a thong sandal with a backstrap). You can find both at www.sierratradingpost.com

Here are the Nikes I bought, they are the most comfortable shoes of the type that I have ever worn. They are not bulky they are sleek and the resident snobbish fashionista in my office loves them too, in case that is of any consequence.

http://tinyurl.com/m2don

Polly Magoo, I am not a bride nor a golfer, nurse or any relation to Colonel Sanders but I asure you I will be wearing my running shoes in Ireland this summer as I did in France, Spain, United Kingdom and Italy in years past. You will also know me not only by my forbidden shoes but I will be the one bounding up the stairs, running across the fields, and dancing because my feet don't hurt. I'll be passing right on by those stylish fashionista's in their Jimmy Choo's who are hobbling along with aching, swollen, blistered feet all in the name of fashion because I, Hester am a shoe fashion MISFIT and my feet are Damn proud of it.

If you want a comfortable sneaker-type shoe that isn't white, try these dark Aerosoles
http://www.zappos.com/n/p/dp/10402647/c/72.html

I don't wear white shoes because my mom taught me not to and her mom taught her. Nowhere, anywhere, dress nor casual. However, I don't think much about it when I see people wearing them as I assume that is what's comfortable for them. Navy is a good flexible color in lieu of white as far as casual wear goes IMO.

To those of you who understood what I was looking for...thank you. That was all I was looking for...suggestions. At my age I need all the help I can get being on my feet all day! On second thought about the troll comment...maybe Intrepid has seen me without makeup, first thing in the morning!

I just bought my Italy walking shoes and they are comfy, cool and cute! My feet would get WAY TOO HOT wearing tennis shoes and socks in the middle of summer in Italy. YUCK!

I purchased Cole Haan's AIR CYM SANDAL
that is a metallic leather sandal with NIKE AIR Technology. Perfed sock lining. Lightweight rubber nub sole. It's like a tennis shoe sole with a cute sandal top (keeps feet cool).
http://www.colehaan.com/colehaan/catalog/product.jsp?productId=102711&categoryId=303864&productGroup=102713

I also bought a "Sofft" shoe:
http://www.zappos.com/n/p/dp/10526227/c/385.html
Again very cool and more comfy than restrictive tennis shoes.

Good luck finding the right shoe!

I purchased a pair of very sleek looking leather slip on trainer type shoes from Nordstroms. They are black with white stiching. They are very good looking when wearing pants and I can walk "forever" in them. They are lightweight and not in the least bit bulky looking. But of course each person has different luck with different shoes.

Amanda_Chicago---good call on the Cole Hahn/Nike sandals---I have a pair of their winter shoes with that combination; I'll have to check out the sandals.

cherylforeurope---good luck in your quest. Just be sure whatever you choose is well broken in---including up and down steps and hills---before you go.

I have a pair of Dexters which I keep for vacations only, they are SO comfortable! Unfortunately, discontinued, the closest I was able to find on the internet are these:

http://www.dextershoe.com/item.asp?ItemID=T8405-5

Amanda, sometimes those thin straps can really dig into your skin after a long day's walking, be careful.

Oh this thread is too funny. Between the snobbish posts from people who don't think anyone anywhere over the age of 18 should wear tennis shoes (except to the gym, of course) and those swearing that the only people in the UK who wear them are on the public dole, I am beside myself with laughter.

Bottom line - you ARE and American tourist. Wear comfy shoes and don't worry about it, whatever those comfy shoes may be.

Such an amusing thread, but it does raise some good issues- comfort vs fashion being a biggie. As an Aussie, I am so envious of the shoe options you have in the States. I am trying to pack light for our upcoming 5 week trip to Britain and Europe and if there's one thing guaranteed to both take up space and weigh heavy, it is shoes. I need footwear to manage: 3 days (not concurrent) of possibly soggy underfoot rural mountain walks in Britain, 2 days in snow in Switzerland and hours of pounding the pavements & cobbled streets of Rome etc in mid-late July. And of course we will go out to dinner occasionally. Throw in something to wear in hostel showers- (I didn't enjoy my last bout of tinea), and my backpack is full of shoes. The only shoes I own that are really comfortable for prolonged walking are my trainers (light mesh ++ so not suited to snow or bog). Theoretically I have walking boots- very bulky, very heavy and not really very comfortable. Having foot problems (I wear orthotics)certainly makes the issue more complex but I envy my husband who has 1 pair of light hiking boots that will fill all requirements- except the shower of course. Thank you cherylforeurope for raising this ground level issue- I'm going to look into Australian availability of some of the options you were offerred.

Echo shoes are the most comfortable and do the best. They have a built in gel insert and the bottoms are made especially for walking.

Sea Urchin,

I like the look of that shoe; it has style and looks comfortable too.

<<Please tell me which of all the recommended shoes is best for beating hard pavement all day long? Zappos, Eccos, mephistos...can they survive a hot summer day in Florence?>>

It depends on your feet. What works great for person does not for another. I have some Mephisto sandals, wide straps, not skimpy, that are very comfortable, but have not found a comfortable shoe in Ecco, which many people recommend. You need to try the shoes on. Zappos is an online store that does offer free returns so that might work for you if you can't find a shop to see and try on the shoe that interests you. That Nike that Sea Urchin bought looks good.

Also be aware that what feels comfortable in the shoestore may not hold up to a lot of walking. I have found Eccos to be too soft and not nearly supportive enough. My current favorites are my Mephisto "Zyrilla" sandals, a cross-strap toe-ring sandal with a very supportive footbed 1 1/2" deep. I walked miles and miles in the heat (In France) in mine last summer. Sierra Trading Post has a few left at a bargain price ($49) if you wear a small size (5 or 6).

For American women, to avoid the white shoe dilemma--let's face it, gleaming, hulking white trainers are ugly, try Eccos purchased outside the USA (for the US, many of their shoes are cheaper quality, made in South America and not as comfortable as those available in Europe), Mephistos, or if you can find them, the New Zealand brand Kumfs. Kumfs makes sandals that accommodate orthotics and although they are not especially chic, they will support your feet and are much nicer than 'fat, butch, prison guard' models foisted on orthotics customers.

Oh, my ..and I make my friend in edinburgh to buy me my ecco's and bring them when she comes to Spain
Top top quality for bad feet like mine.
Anyway, I don't use white shoes..never, I don't want people thinking I'm a filthy person who wears filthy shoes
But I do wear sneakers..and most people I know does when you have to walk a lot..that's not an american question..is just about being confortable

THE best shoes I have ever worn walking all over Europe were a pair of nubuck Fisherman's sandals made by Teva. I still have them but I really don't think they will withstand the amount of walking and hiking anticipated on our upcoming trip to Paris & Provence.
I have searched high and low in local stores and for countless hours on the web to replace them but needing a Size 8 Wide, I have had no luck finding something -reasonably- priced.
Out of desperation I did order a pair of Birkenstock Merced (see http://catalog.birkenstockcentral.com/vc3bc/partnumber/^40931$/template-b// ) and will see if they are worthy the outrageous price I had to pay for them.
But I agree with someone else on this thread; wearing whatever is the most comfortable shoe, that will give the proper support is so very important.
My Fisherman style sandals may be the homeliest things on my feet but they keep me going. If I catch someone looking at them with desdain, I will simply remind myself that I thankfully will never see that person again.
Michèle

This thread has been a great laugh.

I'm 40 and stick to my flip-flops and Cole Haans. Body Glove has the most amazing flip flops ever - they have to be the most comfortable walking shoes I've ever owned. And they take up almost no space.

I have a second pair of "dressy" flip flops - 2 inch heal and a thicker strap that are also amazingly comfortable. Don't discount sandels as many of the new styles are really comfortable.

My Cole Haans are an all around favorite because the go with almost any style on long pants.

Have a great trip and screw the style police

The satirical news shows over here in the UK are having great fun with advice given by your Government about how Americans should dress whilst in Europe. Is this true?

I actually read most of these posts - I can't believe it. I normally disregard all shoe posts! But I'm currently spending a lot of time working in Montreal and planning to walk more than usual (so that I'm not sitting in a hotel room every night) and I will be spending a week in Paris in late September. I decided to buy a good pair of shoes - I got a pair of Mephistos - Gabriella is the model - and they look quite nice, and they feel great. I wasn't thrilled with the price - they are definitely the most expensive shoes I've ever bought - but I think they'll be worth it. I will be able to wear with skirts (which I usually wear) or pants. Now I just have to figure out what I'll take for my second pair of shoes ....

I am thinking of getting these in black:

http://store.nordstrom.com/product/product.asp?styleid=2836827&category=2376778~2372808~2380504~2380545&PrevStyleID=2814721&NextStyleID=2842902

I usually end up with a pair of Diesals......

Two years ago I went to Paris and Rome in August for a two week holiday. Knowing that I was going to spend most of my days walking or standing in queues I went to my favourite sports shoe store and asked their advice. I wanted a shoe that was cool so my feet didn't get too hot, light so my feet and legs didn't get too tired, and comfortable with lots of "spring". I ended up with a pair of triathletes shoes, and yes, mostly white in colour. They were the best thing I've ever bought. Even after getting a blister on my little toe I could still walk for miles in these shoes. And they were marvellous in the very hot days in Rome. As an added bonus they also dried quickly after being caught out in a severe rainstorm so that I was comfortable again in a very short time (I also wore hi-tech sports socks). I've since worn these shoes to China, Hong Kong, a couple of holidays around Australia (where I live), and am getting ready to pack them for an upcoming trip to Japan.

Remember the locals aren't going to be doing the amount of walking a tourist is - they live in the place and can see the sights in small doses anytime! We have to pack it all in to a very short time.

Your feet are your best friend on these sorts of trips and it pays to look after them - unless you want to waste your time and money sitting in a hotel with sore feet.

I also took a pair of (non-white) casual shoes for evenings where I just wanted to be casual, and a pair of black heels.

My summer travel wardrobe is mostly beige/khaki so the white shoes don't look too bad, and I carry one black outfit for dressy occasions. If I'm travelling to a cold climate location I wear mostly black and navy and wear black trainers.

Personally my comfort is more important than my looks when I've invested a serious amount of money and time in an overseas holiday. In fact I've just bought an extra pair of shoes for the Japan trip - with a zip instead of laces to make them easier to take off and on. They are a silvery-white - sort of 60's sci-fi movie look - I love them!

how about Silver or gold running shoes?? that seemed to be the style in Florence!

Lucie,
I agree with you. Who in the world should cares what shoes someone has on. How petty.

all this concern about "not fitting the fashion bill in Europe" is such a waste of energy.

The standard Victorian nanny's answer used to be "Don't worry about it, dear, no-one's going to be looking at you anyway".

Or alternatively, just tell yourself no-one's going to remember who you are once you're home again. I promise you, no-one has a Department of Footwear Style Security with vast databases on people with undesirable taste. And the kind of person who would sneer at you for your footwear is going to sneer at anybody for anything, whatever you do.

This whole "white" shoe phobia really is ridiculous. We just returned from 2 weeks in Italy...(Venice, Rome, Amalfi) and you will see every kind of shoe worn. Wear what is most comfortable. You will be walking miles and miles everyday. If you do not your most comfortable shoes you will have a miserable time. If someone looks down on you for wearing your comfortable white sneakers then that is THEIR problem.

My advice to the OP who was whining for some "European" to help her (while away the lonely hours at either the office or behind the Swiffer):

Honey, if you want a "European" to help you get dressed and your OWN act together, get off your a** and hire one!

Well, I personally would prefer a white shoe to those nasty-looking black sneakers. When men with hairy legs wear those with those little no-socks that you can't see, well . . . to me that is the footwear equivalent of a "wifebeater." Disgusting!

After all the threads about shoes and how to 'fit in' with the locals, I thought I’d check it out while in Paris last week: most Parisians seem to wear pretty little sandals in the summer so if you want to blend in choose them. There were also many types of sneakers, some white, but usually other colors and not as clunky. I saw bright yellow sneakers on a man who was otherwise dressed in dark colors. Personally I would have preferred the white on him! I checked out the women’s sandals when seated on the metro and let me tell you that these women’s feet looked like they had been in a battle. Red, swollen, squeezed in. I’ve decided that I do NOT want my feet to be attired like those of the Parisians – I prefer comfort. As it started raining more and more, I did notice more and more white sneakers – mine included. Comfort and dryness!

The only aweful dress code clash from Americans I remember when I was young was those hideous Hawaian shortsleeved shirts some wore.Greetings from Belgian.Paul

My mother is in a nursing home in Paris and I just bought her a replacement of her favorite shoes: white Reeboks. In fact, they are the only pair of shoes that she owns.

White tennis shoes are for excercising in...not for day wear!

The most distinctively American footwear I see in Paris is flip-flops. Women wearing those are almost invariably American. Sneakers and tennis shoes are much more ubiquitous (even when they are white), and one can't necessarily conclude that the wearers are American.

hipvirgochick - walking an hour daily is one of the best exercises I know, and my doctor agrees. I wear my white Nikes.

When on vacation, I'm on my feet 10 hours a day, walking untold miles. If that ain't exercising, I don't know what it is. Give me my Nikes anyday!

"White tennis shoes are for excercising in...not for day wear!"

Oh, Mom, please....get with it.

There are some fashionable cute sleek white Nikes out there now, white shoes don't have to be big clod-hoppers.

Everyone is entitled to their own opinion!
I just think with so many options out there, why opt for the glare of white shoes when you can choose a color to show off your personality or compliment your wardrobe? There are many brands that carry great walking shoes in a variety of styles and colors.
First and foremost though, is obviously comfort if you're on your feet all day.

>>"why opt for the glare of white shoes when you can choose a color to show off your personality or compliment your wardrobe?"

Because white shoes show off my personality and compliment my wardrobe?

It may be strictly "mental", but white or light-colored shoes seem cooler on my feet, especially after worn for a while and no longer out-of-the-box new.

MvK

I've read "most" of the comments and I am so happy to see sense back in this forum....who cares what you wear...just be comfortable...geesh. So glad to read the majority here believe that.
A few years ago on this forum there were nothing but "white shoe phobics".
I think those wearing tiny high heeled shoes look riduculous....ouch!!

Okay, I'm from Hawaii and have pretty flowers painted on my toes...can I not wear sandals in the churches and museums?

Do the Europeans wear NuBalance? Just curious!

I think they need a webcam site in all the big cities in the world that would show people's feet . Then we would not have this problem.

I was once mistaken for an English girl while wearing: those trendy slim white shoes, sort of like Tretorns, if anyone remembers those; a long lavender tweed coat, jeans and a vuitton bag. I say, don't worry about the white shoe thing. Pay attention to the bag you carry. No fanny packs!

Author: hellokittie
Date: 09/13/2006, 07:43 am
Do the Europeans wear NuBalance? Just curious!

Hi Hellokittie

I run everyday, and I always wear NewBalance, they are the best running/walking shoe you can get. The people at the running club i'm a member of actually get up early the first day of the New Year Sales to purchase their stock of NewBalance for the coming year!

I just returned from Paris yesterday - my 1st trip. I read this thread before I left and planned accordingly ~ packed my white Nike's with the black toe and heel, adorned with fuchia 4 tier "shox".

I WORE on the plane, and kept on my feet upon my arrival, black suede Merrill's w/sherling lining.

I began inspecting everyone's shoes as soon as I got off the plane, realizing of course that those in the airport would be tourists.

When I arrived at my hotel, which was in the heart of the city - InterContinental right next to the Opera House, I again watched the shoes of all the passers-by.

I, in my black Merrill's, began roaming the streets of Paris, noticing everyone's shoes - no black, plain shoes - lots of boots of course, but I felt so dowdy in my plain black shoes.

My feet were adorned with my American Nike's my next trip out of the hotel. And I loved it! I had several people comment on my shoes - I don't care if they didn't like them, I felt much smarter in them than my plain-jane shoes!

I must say, I have never seen so many White, converse, low-tops since Junior High ~ in Paris!

So, as long as your not wearing the white New Balances that SCREAM - "hello, I bought these shoes just to take on my European vacation", I think you can wear whatever you want.

It's funny to me to think that so many people flatter themseleves into thinking that the French would care less about what shoes they are wearing.

All I know is that some of the Parisian women look straight down at other women's shoes, not just mine. My friend and I both noticed it and commented to each other. Maybe that is the way they size a person up? Maybe unconsiously but they do it.

I think they do too. You don't notice it walking on the crowded sreets but in Restaurants. I see even the men looking at the quality of your shoes and handbags. IMHO. I see it here too.

Why are Americans so concerned about white tennis shoes, whether or not they can wear jeans, what European styles are hot where they are going, etc.

Whatever we wear, we are obviously tourists. Nothing wrong with that. Just dress comfortably and according to your own style, is my advice.
Enough with the angst over looking "American". Do tourists from other countries agonize over what to wear in the USA? Or are Americans especially insecure and self-conscious? Just wondering.

SeaUrchin and Mimi, I have often noticed the same thing in Italy. In fact I have found myself checking out everyones shoes when I am in Italy LOL. But in my case it is just because I love beautiful Italian shoes be they women or mens shoes.

Good point, maybe they just appreciate good quality worksmanship in leather!

Yes, I have noticed the men checking out women's shoes too, in Italy.

I was having lunch with two Italian men and just happened to be wearing semi beat up shoes that day and they both modestly averted their eyes from my dusty shoes so as not to hurt my feelings, I guess. After that incident I took more care with my footwear, lol. BTW, it was a dusty day but their shoes were spotless, how do they do it?!

They POLISH them!!!

Constantly? they keep bottles of polish in their pockets? hmmm and I thought they were just glad to see me....

I actually don't see that many people wearing white shoes here in Ireland (except certain people who also wear tracksuits and gold jewellery), and I didn't when I lived in Spain or France either. That's not to say nobody wore them, of course people did, and locals, but the vast majority of people I saw in white sneakers who didn't appear to be heading to the gym WERE American tourists. Here we tend to wear comfortable tennis or sports shoes too, just not white ones. Converse are very popular, and Vans. A lot of Irish girls my age seem to wear 'proper' shoes - Mary Janes or boots but plenty of people wear sports shoes in blue, black, red etc. I personally do not like the look of white sneakers with jeans or anything but gym clothes.

Of course it doesn't really matter, you should wear what you want, but if you don't want to stick out as a tourist and still want to be comfortable, why not wear sneakers that just aren't white?

Can I nominate this thread for the "Most Annoying of 2006"? You have to wonder whether some of these kooks have ever been to Europe. White sneakers, trainers, Nikes, Adidas, whatever are just as prevalent in Rome, Athens, Munich, London or Paris as they are here. You want to blend in with the Europeans? Go buy a Dirndl or Lederhosen. Silly Americans.

Personally I think we should just count our blessings that we have shoes and can afford the trip to Europe. Who cares what kind of shoes you have on, except you and as long as they are comfortable so you can enjoy your trip. So many more important things going on in the world . Halfpint.

<<<<>>>>>>Why are Americans so concerned about white tennis shoes, whether or not they can wear jeans, what European styles are hot where they are going, etc.<<<<<>>>

This is one of the threads that pops up from time to time.

I asked a female freind from the French speaking side of Switzerland this tired old questions if Europeans wore white sneakers. Her reply was she recently bought a pair of white shiny Nike sneakers with that swoosh on the side.

Then she asked if these people were serious?? I said; I did not think so, but maybe some of them honestly belived all of those horsehooyey. LOL

I just got back from Paris last week. I hadn't been there for four years and during that four years had read all the "what to wear" threads, and the "shoe" threads, so I made a point of looking at people, the shoes, what there were wearing. All these threads a just a bunch of garbage. There were people dressed in about every way imagineable. Teenager with mother shopping in Mono Prix. Mom wearing jeans, ordinary flat lace up shoes of somekind, a parka over a turtle neck. Daughter, jeans with the long frayed cuffs dragging on the ground, dirty white tennis shoes, trainers, what ever you want to call them. Looked just like the "mall rats" over here. If I were to believe all the posts, mom should have been in Dior with three inch spike heels. The Parisians are people, living in a city, going about their daily lives like people in other cities. This idea that they all dress like they just stepped off the runway is just simply not true. I even saw fat ones. Oh mon dieu!!!!!!! I saw lots of Americans at the Louvre, Notre Dame etc. and no one made me ashamed. I was dressed up a bit more perhaps, but I'm old and come from the day where you were a suite, heels, and gloves when you went into San Francisco to shop, so in some cases I still have a problem with "dressing down". You need to be comfortable. We walked until I swear, my legs were just bloody stumps!!!! My shoes were great and I never got a rub or blister but by the end of the day, they ached. You MUST have good comfortable shoes. I also had boots that were very comfortable (Clarks) but they were heavier than the shoes. Luckily we had great weather, so I didn't wear the boots very much. I also saw jeans everywhere and on everyone except ladies of a "certain age" and most of them looked pretty frumpy actually so I guess their 30 year old Chanel suits have finally worn out.

Well said, Halfpint. Yours is a sentiment we all need to remember, especially during the Thanksgiving season.
Happy holidays, everyone!

I think the problem is more than just the "white shoe" or tennis shoe issue. It's the whole look. When you see an adult on the street dressed in a sweat suit/warm up suit and tennis shoes, you can assume that person is an American. Young people (say under 25-30) can wear anything and, this is new, even shorts! If you're wearing tennis shoes, wear them with jeans, a nice shirt/blouse, blazer, etc. and women with the appropriate costume jewelry, and you're perfectly dressed for any daytime activity. You are not dressed for a dinner at a nice restaurant. Then wear your black tennis shoes or mephistos or whatever with non-jeans and the rest of the ensemble. People over age 50 or so, unless you have a great youthful body, should probably never wear jeans, etc. Or at least the Europeans don't. Accessorizing is key for women to look correctly dressed. Obviously, who really cares? But you will find a difference in the way you are treated by waiters, hotel staff, etc. And as others have said, you don't want to call attention to yourself in pickpocket land.

One of the best thing about living in the US is that people can dress comfortably anyway they want without receiving disapproving look from the fashion's Police.

Years ago people were slaves to what the fashion world dictate,but now is refreshing to see that a person can wear comfortable clothings without worrying about what other people think..Unless of course a person has very low self esteem then what to wear to please other people become his obsession.

IMO, in terms of fashionability, there's a huge difference between this kind of white shoe:

http://www.zappos.com/n/p/dp/29399785/c/30046.html

and this kind of white shoe:
http://www.nike.com/index.jhtml#l=nikestore,grid,_pdp,cid-1/gid-124555/pid-136136,_grid,f-10002+12001+26005&re=US&co=US&la=EN

At first I thought you were advocating we wear cleats Liam. (The link is broken--I just watched a football training session)

Those are my Nikes...but mine aren't white, but a color called midnight fog or something like that. I use them for the gym but wouldn't wear them in Paris. I would in small towns though...they are really comfy.

And no jeans after 50?? Gads. Ooo la...re-read that thought when you are 50 kathinmadrid!! There's no reason NOT to have a good body at any age. If I wear a size 8 still, then is it OK to wear jeans or do I have to trade them in for elastic waisted polyesters that come in SM MED LG and X-LG?

My girlfriend living in Europe wears white sneakers on the weekends to do errands. Actually she admired the Nike Airs I was wearing that same day.

The current fad among the French is canvas Converse hi-tops or low-rise. Various colors, including white.

OO: "At first I thought you were advocating we wear cleats Liam. (The link is broken--I just watched a football training session)"

Sorry, the link must be broken. The only time I would advocate cleats in Europe is if you're playing in the World Cup.

And, OO, if you are a size 8, you can wear anything!

Liam & OO, here is the link in a workable form: http://tinyurl.com/36uflr.

This thread began four years ago. Why add to it instead of starting a new one if you're suggesting recent styles?

Looks like your typical Chinese replica spam.

I won't buy anything made in China. I recently found out Longchamp of Paris have their bags made in china. These workers there are paid very low wages and the designer brand reaps in profits. Best to wait and buy something you can affors made in USA, Italy or France.

Have you noticed a lot of threads from 2006 or so being mysteriously resurrected lately? And I don't know who is doing it or really how. Luisah is the first commentator from 2010 on this thread, but note that she's not commenting but questioning the sudden thread appearance, too. Cyberpixies in action????

ZZZZZZZZZZZZ,

This subject is sooooo overplayed. Look at what the Europeans are wearing when they travel - white sneakers.

What's with this overweening desire to be a secret agent and sneak up on the locals? They're not gonna figure out you're from out of town the second you open your mouth or gawk at the town fountain?

You ARE a freakin' tourist. Live with it.

Why buy something 5 times that is made in China. I absolutely agree, unless I have to, I buy nothing from China. And I check the quality of anything I buy. That's why I don't buy much on line. I'd rather look at it.

This thread was resurrected, I'm pretty sure so vivianliu could slip in some free advertising. Guess it backfired on her and gave cigalechanta and I an opportunity to do some anti-advertising

In Italy you will never have a problem if you wear Superga tennis shoes. They are instantly recognized by all Italians.