Jim

Someone told me that only tourists wear white tennis shoes in Paris. What do natives wear? Is this wierd or what ? Thanks, Jim

Nissa

Europeans are much more likely to wear a black walking shoe. It is more coordinated looking with dark pants, you must admit.

Tara

I would agree that only tourists wear white tennis shoes (brand new ones!) in Paris, unless they're playing tennis.

Lori

I've seen my fair share of white tennis shoes in Paris on many trips, but they were mostly on tourists feet. Natives do wear them on occasion but not usually as often as Americans do it seems. We have relatives in France and the younger people all have them but I've never see them wear them with dark pants/slacks as I have seen tourists do. My husband's nieces wear them with jeans/shorts and the guys wear them with jeans as well, (or to play tennis). Incidentally, we just came back from 2 weeks in England and saw white sneakers on tourists and natives alike quite a few times, however the predominent color of footware still seems to remain black (that is what we always wear). Remember it rains there and white will get very dirty very fast. I doubt very much if anyone is going to look twice at you if you wear tennis shoes but you will definately look more like a tourist than a native. Sometimes you have to sacrifice fashion for comfort tho and if your feet hurt your vacation will not be fun. Personally I wear black Easy Spirit shoes (take 2 pair) and my husband also takes 2 pair of black shoes.

Sue

Dear Jim, <BR>My sister will be visiting Europe for the first time next week, this was my advice to her. I am proud to be an American, but I don't want to stick out like one, and I've found white shoes to be a big RED flag! Clarks's walking shoes for you and Easy spirit Spa shoes in black are perfect for women, and just as comfy as gym shoes...Have fun !!

hans

As I read fodors forums in the weeks leading up to our trip to Paris this past month, I noticed alot of comments about only tourists wearing tennis shoes. <BR> <BR>While I was there, I saw quite a few natives wearing tennis shoes, though most were on the student crowd and most were not white. <BR> <BR>The Parisians will spot you for the tourist you are regardless of what you wear, so wear what's comfortable and have a good time. I did. <BR> <BR>

graziella

Jim: I agree 100% with Tara, and I wish to add that the same goes for any other tennis outfit... <BR>There are a lot a very confortable shoes <BR>like Ecco, ...etc etc that can be worn instead of tennis shoes unless as Tara says you are heading for the tennis courts...