About those Nikes in Paris...
 

Here is my delemma, just had some foot problems and looks like if I want to walk the city, which I do, I am afraid to go without my authorized Nikes or New Balance shoes. OK, they aren't stark white, but they give my heel the support I need so I won't be in pain. Am I going to be labeled a "bad dressing American tourist" if I wear these the majority of the time while walking the city? Are there alternatives? Maybe buy a pair of black Nikes? I did get a pair of brown Pumas, which I love, but they just don't give my heel the support I need and by the end of the day, I can feel the pain...

Wear your Nikes or New Balance, be comfortable and have a great time.

Wear what makes you comfortable. You'll be walking a lot. I've had foot problems for many years and I don't want to worry about it when I am on vacation.

Also, I'm sure people have better things to do in Paris than look at your shoes and make judgements about American tourists.

Wear whatever makes you comfortable !!
Everybody does in Paris and everywhere when we are not working and don't need a "business look" :)
And you have to walk a lot ...so just don't think about that, wear your Nike.

Wear what makes you comfortable.

I'll tell you a story: Several years ago, after a long afternoon of walking in the Bois du Boulogne in our Nikes, my husband and I impulsively went to the Musee d'Orsay in the evening with the intention of eating in whatever cheap place was open nearby after. We stayed longer than we expected, got outside and found everything was closed, and after 45 minutes walking in the ever-increasing rain without luck, we hopped in a cab for La Mediterranee because I knew they would still serve us as late. We walked in wearing plastic windbreakers and filthy Nikes. We were greeted like long lost relatives, whisked through the elegant restaurant to a table next to Tina Brown and Bernardo Bertolucci.

I've never worried what people in Paris thought of my Nikes ever since.

Wear them, they will good great if they are sleek. I love my new Nikes - they are white with a silver swoosh, sleek and slim. If I were going to Paris I would take them and hop along les avenues.

New Balance makes a comfy black pair excellent for walking and less attention-getting.

Sounds like they are a must. Black will blend better.

If your pant ends at the top of the heel, as it should, no one will notice the shoe as much.

Do you want attention? People admiring your Nikes?

There are black and darker colored Nikes.

There is no question that wearing what is best for your feet pounding the pavements for hours on end is your best bet. (You can always tuck a pair of dressier black flats, low-heeled pumps, in your tote bag, should you decide to wander into a nicer restaurant, etc.).

HOWEVER, I have learned, over many years and many trips, that shoes that "seem" fabulous for an hour or two at home (or even all day, what with the little walking we do at home) just do not do the job after three, four, or more hours of walking all about. The problem with Nikes and New Balance, for one thing, is that they are HEAVY! Another is that your feet will swell (and stay that way) rendering it impossible to slip on a pair of nice pumps or strappy sandals to go with an outfit for a "nicer" restaurant...

I've learned that Mephistos (for example) which feel like a dream in the store and for an hour or two of walking all about, are positively dreadful thereafter...

These days, I test out shoes on weekend trips.

I'm not sure what you mean by "heel support", but I've found that the thicker soles the better - more comfortable for the long haul than any sort of "support". (It's the pounding, not the lack of support, that creates the pain... If the weather is pleasant, my favorites are clogs, slides, and sandals are the absolute best - all of which typically little or no "support".

For me, anyway, it's the thickest of bottoms and most comfortable of footbeds (genuine sueded being the absolute best) that provide the best endurance.

For years and years, I relied on Reebok "walkers" (in beige and also black). I never realized just how heavy they were or how much my feet swelled (and swelled), until I discovered other options.

Now, if the weather is nice enough, I rely on thickly soled (with sueded footbed) slides and sandals.

AND, it's prudent to conserve your energy. In Paris, you will do more walking all over than you can possibly imagine. So as not to have less and less energy, one day after another, learn to use the buses, and take the occasional taxi.

If you're afraid of being mistaken for a young Parisian, you'd be wise not to wear them. They are extremely popular contrary to what a lot of people say.

I was in Paris last summer, it was hot and I wore my white Nike's all day each day.(dress sandals when needed) My feet did not hurt at all. Don't let others on this board tell you that people in Paris don't wear Nike's or tennis shoes, running shoes or what ever you want to call them, they are all over. I saw old, young, teenagers in them. But for me as I have stated on this board before is to be comfortable. If I am judged by one glance of my shoes so be it. Paris is such a wonderful city you want to be able to enjoy it and not to have to think about your feet hurting . I have been to Paris three times and they still let me into France, maybe just maybe they like my Nike's!

<b>Please</b>post atrip report telling us that you wore your Nikes &quot;authorized&quot; ot otherwise and that you were amazed to see all those other people wearing every conceivable type of tennis shoe, trainer, athletic shoe, &quot;almost bowling shoe(s)&quot; etc., while you were in Europe.

And that your feet didn't hurt, as expected.

People here are still arguing about whether or not it is &quot;too early to wear capris in Italy&quot; on a thread in which someone said that &quot;Italian women don't wear them.&quot;

Figure it out...and have a great trip.

Just got back from Paris. Everyone wore designer sneakers. Saw alot of Puma. Saw all colors, red seemed popular with men. Of course, black was predominant, but honestly, noone really seemed to care. I have to admit that I wore black shoes; rockport and ecco. But they are well worn and very comfortable. My husband had on white/gray saucony's and was comfortable and didn't get a second glance.

Who is going to label you a &quot;bad dressing American tourist&quot; and why would they pick you out of the masses who are wearing athletic-style shoes of every conceivable color?

Wear the most comfortable shoes you have and don't waste time and energy trying to figure out what people are thinking about your shoes.

I also think spring/summer is late for black athletic shoes unless you're going to be wearing black pants. Paris is going to be swarming with tourists in all kinds of outfits, including white shoes. Just go and have a good time and take care of your feet.

Relax about this trip and have a good time.

&quot;almost bowling shoe(s)&quot;

Oh, Intrepid, I've been there. If one more person here asks me if I'm on my way to the bowling alley when I wear my super comfortable Swedish Born's, I think I'll deck 'em.

You have MY permission to wear whatever you want.
Problem solved!

It is a good idea to test your shoes out under strenuous conditions, as djkbooks suggested. Next weekend, or when it's convenient, try a couple of walks of 5-10 miles each, which involve lots of sidewalks and stairs. I find my feet swell a bit on the plane as well. So it's nice to have a pair of walking sandals along also. Otherwise, use whatever works for your comfort.

Your foot comfort comes first. I have a foot problem and wear custom made orthodics in my shoes - the only shoes they comfortably fit are &quot;athletic shoes&quot;. I wear them, either black or white depending upon the season. I can walk miles and miles, but if I did not wear them I'd go about one block and be in pain. No one, in Paris or anyplace else, has ever treated me any differently because I am wearing then. We have relatives in Paris and they all wear Nike's, etc.

The shoes that work for me (and everyone is different) are Propet's. They are fairly lightweight and will accommodate my custom made insert.