Best Shoes to Wear in Paris in March
 

Hello all! Trying to decide on what kind of shoes to bring with me on my trip to Paris in mid-March.
Last summer, I wore some hiking/sandal type-shoes that had a cord to pull on and tighten them in the middle (very unique) that I bought from an outdoors-type of store, and they were perfectly recommended for walking tons. However, this March it will likely be cold, and possibly wet-yet, I still would like something somewhat stylish to wear, that are comfortable for lots of walking.

Anyone have a recommendation on women's footwear?
Thanks : )

We're going next week and we were there one other time in the end of Feb. Waterproof yet breathable is what I recommend.

I have some ankle high boots from Stonefly that are Gore-tex that I will be taking. They don't look like hiking boots but rather just a plain leather boot. This brand is fabulous for lots of walking because they have some kind of liquid in the sole. I also have a pair of their microfiber flats that I will be taking in case I want to get more dressed up and the forecast isn't for rain. This is a rather pricy brand, but I have had good luck finding them on the Sierratradingpost.com website. The issue, of course, is whether or not they will fit you properly and be comfortable for your foot.

Our last winter trip the day I was most cold and miserable was the day I wore my regular shoes, and they got soaked in the rain. They were good walking shioes and I'd worn them on lots of other trips, but with a whole day of rain they were not a good choice.

We were in Paris last year in March, it was mostly very cold and one day had snow flurries. I wore boots, short flat ones during the day and higher heeled ones at night. They were comfortable and easy to walk in.
Paul Green makes the flat ones.

Hello all. smilinsnoboarder, can I piggyback? I live in L.A. I hardly ever wear closed toe shoes! I'm going to Paris in March, and have my heart set on a pair of attractive, but waterproof, half boots. I can't find them ANYWHERE. I've searched zappos, and the malls, extensively. Any suggestions?

At all times of year, closed shoes designed for extensive walking or hiking are best (and shoes designed for either of these activities are usually closed, anyway). Gore-Tex lining is handy to keep feet dry. And be sure to wear sturdy socks with the shoes to keep your feet from sliding around; if they move around too much in the shoe blisters may result.

Good shoes are imperative when visiting Paris. I've had visitors who have lost days of sightseeing due to blisters on their feet.

Iregeo, look for Santana boots /shoes from Canada. Stylish, soft and waterproof leather.

I have a pair of Stuart Weitzman's Stomp shoe that I think is perfect for walking in cold/wet weather; I bought them for a winter trip to Paris. They probably are not waterproof to the extent that you could wade through ponds in them (and who is going to do that?), but I sprayed them, and they have served me very well during this winter (including rain and some snow) here in Pgh.
I bought them locally, but they are available on www.zappo.com
One reviewer on that site wrote of how she wore them for 5 weeks in Paris and loved them.

Thanks, ladies. I'll check them out.

I spent a week in Italy and wore Merrells Jungle Moc the whole time. I was on my feet 6-8 hours a day and never had a problem. I love these shoes. Enjoy!

I just bought a pair of good walking shoes for my April trip to Paris from a store in NYC but they have a website.
www.harrys-shoes.com

hope you find something

Last week I bought Munro "Breeze." I think I'll spray them with waterproofing stuff and give them a try.

smilinsnoboarder, I hope you're getting some help here, too!

I hope we may be of help. Mrs. Charles was struck by plantar fasciitis in the weeks preceding our January Paris visit. We could not imagine a trip to Paris without miles of walking. Using the advice of a friend, she bought a type of arch support called "Powerstep" and then tried the arch supports with various shoes in the shoe store. The one the supports worked the best with was a Naturalizer shoe called "Realtime." She thought it looked fine with a tweedy skirt and dark stockings. Our daughter disagreed. They agreed the shoes looked very stylish with slacks.

Mrs. Charles has found a url with a picture:

http://www.famousfootwear.com/produc...tnerId=FRG_NAT

Did the shoes work or not?

Thank you, Anthony. I did not indicate their effectiveness.

The shoes seemed to have worked well on the trip. Before we left, she had to use an awkward night brace on the worst foot--a very uncomfortable arrangement not only for her but also for me--and then had to tape the bottom of both feet during the day. By our second or third day there, she felt neither was necessary. She has continued wearing those shoes since our return, especially since her friends have complimented her on them.

I might add, since she's out of the room now, she has heeded the opinion of our daughter and has not worn them with a skirt or dress. Since I intend to be married for a few more decades, I have no opinion on this matter.

With my full regards,
Charles

I like the Naturalizer shoes for style, however they don't really appear to have the greatest support for a lot of walking.

I had the Keen Newport sandal last summer, while traveling throughout Europe. They had great support and were super comfortable. If only, there was a shoe like this for winter weather!

I also just purchased a pair of Chaco boots/shoes, and they seem very comfy but I don't think I am going to take them to Paris since they do tend to look mnore like a hiking boot. I think they are similar to Keen shoes as far as comfort.

cut and paste from earlier post...

I love my Aquatalia boots from Nordstrom ($119 on sale from $230)-- red, completley water-proof suede with a 2 1/4 inch black rubber heel and decent tread with cushioned insole. They don't look like walking shoes at all --style name, Julie.

I walked all over London, Paris, Milan, and Florence this winter in these great boots without a single hitch, whether on cobblestone or brick-paved roads, even icy pavement in Milan. (I took 3 cabs total so you can trust that I was walking a lot...) Worked great with both jeans and black dress pants. Aquatalia run true to size, for Santana Canada boots (incredibly warm and waterproof, many boots with 2 1/2 inch heels) go up one full size. I really like these 2 brands (I live in Chicago) because they offer several styles of very comfortable waterproof leather boots that look like regular boots, not orthopedic shoes or hiking boots. I've had better luck with aquatalia than santana -- santana offer too much insulation/lining for warmth for most climates.

I HAVE HAPPY FEET!!! All morning, I've been walking around the house "test driving" my new Munro's. Paris, here I come!

I bought those exact shoes at Harry's shoes a few weeks ago. When I tried them on, I said to the clerk "I feel like I am walking on a cloud" I haven't done much breaking in but plan to soon. So glad you are happy with them.