I'm leaving for Paris tomorrow night {can't wait}. I purchased a nice pair of "Mephisto" loafers for some serious walking. Can I expect all day comfort? <BR>I'm also bringing along a pair of well fitting sneakers, just in case.

It's my personal belief that any shoe can be the "most comfortable" and provide "all day comfort" - if it works for you and your feet don't hurt then they are "the best". For some it can be Mephisto, for others a $20 pair of no name shoes from Payless .. but if they work, that's what counts. I've tried all kinds and found the most comfortable I've ever had on my feet were $49 Propet "Walkers" - they are sheer heaven - I've walked miles and miles in them and had no problem. I Wish I could say the same for some of the super expensive ones I tried I know own several pair of the Propet shoes that I use for serious walking and sightseeing.

I can't spell tonight .. I mean I now own several pair ....

You never know how a pair of shoes until you walk your feet to a pulp, which we did in Europe. (I think part of the problem is you're out all day, so don't get a chance to air out your socks.) I took a pair of comfy Mephisto walkers and Eccos that I wear a lot at home. I ended up with blisters, and in my Ecco hiking boots. Take band-aids just in case, and carry them in your backpack, so you don't have to wait all day to apply them, is all I can say.

Slightly off topic but. Anyone,besides me, know this site?<BR><BR>http://www.sierratradingpost.com

Bought a pair of Mephisto sandals at a high price.... can't wear them. Just not comfortable no matter how I tried to break them in. So I agree with above poster, it depends on how the shoe fits. I've had better luck with New Balance and Easy Spirit.

Yes, agree with the fact it depends on how your feet react with the shoes. I saw Mephistos and they look too flat for me to walk comfortably. Seems as though the ones I saw did not have the support I need. And they are not cheap nor are they attractive.

Spouse wear Mephistos and Eccos for walking ---he swears by the Mephistos when he is in Europe --esp on cobblestone===<BR><BR>You could have bought them cheaper in Paris though-they are MADE in FRANCE--]<BR>He bought a pair in Monte Carlo last year ON SALE...1/2 of US price.

Mephistos don't work for my feet -- I guess it's a blessing in disguise since they are so expensive. I have recently discovered Merrell's and don't want to wear anything else at this point. I'm surprised no one else has mentioned them in this string. They are the best!! (Husband agrees, by the way.)

NAOT (Israeli) shoes are very comfortable, but harder to find in the shops.

Mephistos are my comfort shoe dream come true, but Mike, I really wish you had been wearing yours before your trip.<BR>I don't think it's good advice to start wearing any new shoes, for the very first time when you are about to walk your feet off.<BR>Good luck though

I wore a pair of Mephisto sandals for 2 wks, morning 'til nite, last summer in Italy, no problem. Few wks. ago wore my Naturalizers (which I had been wearing here at home since Feb. with no problems) for 6 days in Paris and got blisters; had to buy "band aids", alcohol, etc. As everyone is saying, it is so variable and specific to each one's foot what "works".

Four of us recently returned from a 2-week trip to Europe. They all wore Merrells and I wore Eccos. We had very happy feet during the entire trip. The only time we had problems was when we decided to switch over to our Rockports one day. By the end of the day, they were wishing they had worn their Merrells and I sure did miss my Eccos.

Unfortunately, my most comfy shoe is a grey and purple New Balance sneaker and I don't want to wear sneakers in Paris when I go in October. I walk 4 to 6 miles every day, but I can't do it in other than my sneakers. I'm considering finding some kind of black lace-up which would give me the same support. Does anyone know of a lace-up that won't look "mannish" with slacks?

Just want to put in my two cents and suggest Dexter's. Inexpensive and, believe it or not, actually made in the US. Don't know what they make for men but I wore their "Walking Moc" (kind of a chunky Mary Jane) every day, all day, on my recent trip to France. Sturdy enough for cobblestones and country roads; fashionable enough to dress up in Paris. Didn't take my other shoes out of the suitcase.

My favorite walking shoe is the leather model of Teva. Never a blister or sore feet. I tried Clark's and didn't find them the best for me.

Teva it is; call for catalog. <BR>My first pair were so comfy, I was sure that I should sleep with them on. They make mostly sandals (I have 5 pair), however, there are other types available.

Merrell's rule.

<BR>Paul: re: http://www.sierratradingpost.com <BR><BR>I used to get their catalog and I know people who have ordered from them. They are a reputable firm, and I believe they also have a couple stores.

I bought a pair of SAS walking shoes for my trip to Europe last year, and they are great, very comfortable. My feet were still happy after spending all day walking, even on the cobblestones.