I definately agree with the poster who suggested purchasing Mephistos while you're in France--they're about 25% cheaper & better selection. I've found that the best shoes for long walking are Doc Martins--they do make some styles that aren't like combat boots. I've had mine for 5 years & wear them all the time--as good as new with a polish. They do require a break-in period though & generally need socks, but you'll never need to buy another pair of shoes again.

3M: Mooseskin Minnetonka Moccasins.

Mike!<BR>If you are asking now if your new shoes will be comfortable on the trip you are starting tonight, you should have been thinking about more than brand names. (I believe you are asking about new shoes because you are asking US about all day comfort--you don't seem to know yet!) <BR><BR>An important aspect of the 'right' shoe for you is having enough time to try it out, wear it around for hours at a time, and make sure that it is comfortable all day long. Good thing you are taking the sneakers!

The first pair of Tevas I ever wore I bought mainly for the flight, thinking the adjustable straps would be good. Didn't even have them on before I left. Not only were they great for the flight, but I wore them every day of my trip. So comfortable and lots of stability on cobblestones, impervious to rain. Not pretty, but comfortable. I have since tried other models, but they have added some rubber pads at heels, etc., which make them less comfortable. The old Terradactyls are the best.<BR><BR>Capo, 3Ms are my shoe of choice at home in winter.

This is probably too late for Mike, as I suppose he has already left. But Yes,<BR>Mephistos are the greatest. I tried so many different walking shoes before I discovered them - and for me they are the best by far. The regular walking shoes are not glamorous, but who cares??<BR>I had the shoes before my trip to Paris, but while there found a Mephisto store on the rue Batignolles (near Rome metro stop). Bought 2 pair of sandals which look fine, and one third off U.S. price.<BR>Not a great area in Paris, but worth the trip to find shoes.

For anyone else headed to Paris, looking to purchase Mephistos and staying in the 7th, there's a Mephisto store near Bon Marche on the Rue des Saint Peres #78 next to the wine bar Au Sauvignon. I bought two pairs there, a brown suede driving shoe, kind of Tod's look-alike (actually fashionable) and burgundy loafers (a Tod's wannabe too) , both models which I can't find in the US, Paid a lot less (still 137 euros though), plus we both spent enough to qualify for the detaxe.

Where does one call for the Teva catalogue, or is there a web site? Thanks. Liz

The Teva website is www.tevasandals.com<BR>LLBean also sells them (as well as many regular shoe stores). They don't seem to sell the terradactyls any more, but the hurricane (found it at LLBean) seems to be the most like it.

Athletic sneakers are the only shoes my feet can tolerate for the long walks I take when in Europe. Other types of shoes (and I have tried several) eventually give me blisters, swelling, and much pain.<BR><BR>The sneakers I like are only sold in the color white, which looks terrible with my other travel clothes. To fix this problem, I dyed a pair black, and now use the black pair for all my Europe trips. This lets me have comfort without completely sacrificing style.<BR><BR><BR><BR><BR><BR><BR>

Speaking of Tevas, I like the Teva Quest for a moderate hiking shoe. Merrels are nice but a little too stiff for me. The Quest has just enough bend.

Anybody else like Clarks? They're a little cheaper than some of the brands mentioned here, and I've had pretty good luck with them.

I have a pr. I love for tromping here at home; have never tried them in Europe, which seems to be a true test of a shoe!

I like the Ecco Mobile' which I have in black. I can wear them all day. I also like Teva sandals. The Mephistos work well, but start to hurt half way through the way. <BR><BR>As far as Sierra Trading Post is concerned I've ordered and bought dozens of things from them. They are very reputable. I like the travel clothes they carry like the Ex Officio. M.

My choice for comfort are Clarks. They are made in England and offer a variety of styles. If you are from the u.s., they may not be as readily available as in Canada. My other choice is Ecco's. Men are lucky, they don't need the variety that women do. Happy travels with your Mephistos...never tried them but see them on lots of people.

Jeanne, try the Ecco Mobile- it's a black lace-up styled like an athletic shoe. I had the same problem and compromised with these.

I have heard of all the above types of shoes and agree that certain ones work for certain people. I researched this last year and bought a pair of Dansko shoes. They were the only shoes I wore for 3 weeks last year in Italy and this year in France. I got them in California at a Walking Store. I never had a blister, ache, etc: I am also a nurse and wear them every day to work, along with many of my coworkers. One Dr just replaced his after 10 years. These are great shoes from Denmark.

I did a TON of walking in England and the MOST comfortable shoes I brought were Naturalizers called "United" with a Eurosole. Another Naturalizer shoe called "Electric" has this same sole. Check them out! Very, very, very, very comfortable! (My sneakers were not this comfortable)!!!

I bought SAS walking shoes before our trip to London. They are "butt=ugly" but sooooo comfortable!

Merrells rule.

SAS FreeTime in taupe. No question about it.