I want to be comfortable, but I also want to look great on my upcoming trip to Rome over Easter. I am not the sneakers-type person, except for workout. Do any of you travel pros wear Merrills? They look a bit industrial, but they feel wonderful. Any brand names or suggestions appreciated. Thanks!

I bought a pair of Merrell's to take to Paris - the Primo Breeze slip-on in Black. They feel wonderful and look great with the clothes I'm taking. Not too clunky but comfortable. I also have a pair of Donald Pliner Ardith mules in black for night. You can get both on the web. I'm not a sneakers person either so I know where you are coming from.

Get some while you are there! It's Italy! The shoes are the best! Oh, but get some with hard soles. Walking on cobblestone and bricks streets in soft soles is a killer!

I will be in Rome over Easter and will be wearing my Merrills too! I hope to find a fun pair of sandals while I am there.

Eccos, Eccos, Eccos....the only comfortable shoes to buy...I have two pair of the same style that I'm taking to Rome over Easter...marroon and black...

I bought a wonderful pair of Propet Town Walkers from Zappos.com for a trip to England. They're very stylish looking leather, boot style shoes with great arch support. Very comfortable. I love them.

Until I read these threads on Fodor's I had no idea what a shoe novice I was. How do you all find these shoes? It is great, my mind has been expanded. Thanks for opening up a whole new world of shoes.

My Mephistos saved my life (or at least, my trip) in Rome last fall. <BR>But buy the shoes that fit you best.

My navy blue Tods loafers go anywhere. They are comfortable and can be dressed up or down. I like comfort but will not wear granny orthopedic type shoes, I think that mephistos,birkenstocks, etc fall into this catagory.

Another vote for Tod's loafers. Cost a little fortune, but will remain perfect for years. Go with almost everything and do look classy.

Why do people think shoes that look like your-grandmother-headed-out-to-the garden are any more acceptable on the street in Europe than Nike's? <BR><BR>That said, does anyone have experience with Cole Haan's line of Nike-bottomed street shoes for serious sightseeing?

Actually since I have lived in Germany, I have bought 6 pairs of Tods, and have never spent more than 200.00 for a pair. Since the euro is here, I am guessing that they are no longer the big bargain that they once were. I can't find Joan&Davids or Cole Haans here in Germany but I keep looking....

Nike bought out Cole Haan years ago, that is when the quality went down from hand stitched, excellent quality, to the sweatshop, we pay Micheal Jordon to much money to be able to make a quality shoe...yet we still feel the need to charge over 100.00 a pair!!!!

I love that there are Nike soles now in Cole Hahn shoes but do we have to see that bubble? That's the only reason I won't buy them. I'm checking into Tod's.... Thanks!

Although I love my different pairs of Tod's, I am thinking about about buying a pair of Hogan's. About the same pricewise as Tod's. I'd say around USD 200.- unless you find the model and the size you need on sale.

Another vote for tod's! The black loafer style can be worn with slacks or skirts and the thick rubber sole provides comfort on any walking surface. Well worth the additonal cost and they last forever,

Buying Mephistos in a Rome shoe store saved my trip. I had Eccos with me but they were too wide (my feet are narrow) and caused very uncomfortable chafing. They are half the price in Europe as you'd find them in the US

Thanks to all. I got the Merrills (Primo breeze shoe style, not the mule, they were out) in black. Wow are they comfy! I also will bring the Donald Pliner shoe-boot for a more upscale night look. Thanks for all of the feedback, ladies. Walk on!

Amy you will be back before I leave on my trip in May. Please let me know how the Primo Breeze held up. I've got mine on now but I haven't walked all day in them yet.

If it is warm enough in May, I plan on wearing skirts and capri pants alot. Are there any comfortable sandals anyone can recommend?