Best travel shoes???
 

For comfort when you're traveling, what do you consider to be the best shoes? (for females) <BR>Felicia

I have a pair of shoes that I bought in Venice a year ago. They look "mocassins" but they feel like sneakers, with "flexa" rubber soles. They are so light and comfortable to wear... Unfortunately, I wore them so much that the brand faded, so it turned to be difficult to find exactly the same shoes, or brand. I tried to find them in Rome a month ago, and didn't succeed. <BR> <BR>Surlok

I was sorta thinking more on the lines of good travel shoes to buy here. I'm trying to get a comparison between Naturalizer and Ecco, as far as comfort for walking around a lot. Any preferences? <BR>Felicia

Love my Mephisto shoes! Will be purchasing several pairs in November when in France - at half the USA price. I've worn them on all my trips to Europe and just can't wear anything else.

Merrell Jungle Mocs are really comfortable, and they don't look half bad.

I have been on the perfect shoe hunt for the last month, for what I've spent I could fly to Europe another time ! Rocports killed me after a 1/2 hour, Bjorndal looked great but if I live another 20 years I may get them broken in, found apair of clark moccasins that are really good but a little more casual than I usually dress in cities. So far my best find has been Naturalizer , Euro Sole, kind of a t-strap nubuck, in addition to the insoles being padded they are padded all over, seems the tops of my toes usually start to hurt first and these seem to have solved the problem, even lok good enough to wear at night when you are more dressed. I am out of the jeans travel stage and dress as I would at home, I feel more comfortable in wool slacks and sweaters. Sandals are super for summer travel and I have some great ones that I wear here in spring and summer, but we travel in fall and winter and sandals look sappy them. <BR>Yu have to find the pair that's right for you, it used to be I could wear loafers and walk miles, and mid heels in evening and still walk more miles but my feet are growing older than the rest of my body, and faster too! <BR> <BR>If you get 25 responses you are going to get 25 different brands to choose from. so take your feet to the mall, and shop, shop. shop!! <BR> <BR>HAving said all this . I am hitting the Arche shop in paris in about 10 weeks( WOOOOOO HOOOOOOO)!

NO ONE can tell you what is best for you except your feet. The last post is a perfect example. She and my best friend swear buy Arche, but I can't wear them. I have very bad feet so My major expense is usually shoes. I wiil pay anything to make them feel good. They are too big, wide and overall If I were to run into a genie and granted one wish, it would be for new feet!

I have to second the vote for the Merrills. They are the most comfortable shoes I've ever worn. They are simply awesome. You will not be disappointed, I promise.

I've never heard of Merrills. Do they have a website address? I have a pair of Naturalizers (Milleniums) and they are very comfortable, but I have heard a lot about Ecco and thought I'd see if anyone else mentioned them. I'll probably check out Merrills, tho. Thanks all.

I have a pair of Ecco boots. I just wear them in winter. They are very comfortable, but a little heavy. I don't know, though, if boots could be lighter than that. Also, they last forever ( or nearly). I have them for four years already, and they still in good shape. <BR> <BR>Surlok

HI FELICIA, for me Ecco, shoes and sandals are great. I buy them in a place call Bataglia here in South Florida because the sell them for aprox. $59 instead of over $100. <BR>This Bataglia store is in an Outlet mall. Good luck. <BR> <BR>

I have heard a lot about mephisto but at $260 pair--you can buy other shoes several times over. I tried them on---and I didn't see a major difference. Anyone heard of or worn Joseph Siedel's. They seem really comfortable. I wanted something that did not look like a tennis shoe. Cost was $100. Any feedback?

I'm not a girl...big surprise...but I have to ditto Merrell Jungle Mocs. Awesome for walking and great for long flights (cuz it allows your feet to expand comfortably). <BR>Hope you are lucky enough to find a pair. <BR>Go to Hush Puppies outlet stores...they own Merrell (or vice versa?)! <BR> <BR>-J

I don't believe I've ever posted on a "shoe thread" before, but I just have to confess this once: <BR>After years of trying everything and anything in "travel shoes", I found my ideal pair for $9.99 at (blush) Payless (their own, called Soft Spots, I think). They are black leather flats with a bit of a wedge heel, rounded/pointed toe and a low enough cut that my high instep isn't a problem. I've walked for days in these things, plus I've worn them daily while teaching, which is, at least for me, a 6-hours-on-the-feet job. While it's true they don't last very long, I've killed much more expensive shoes just as quickly.

Mephistos, for me (and more to the point for my high arches) are worth the money. But then I've spent full price on only one pair, and those are serious rough-terrain shoes with steel reinforced soles. The trick is to watch for sales (I've gotten 2 pair for around $100 each) or buy in other countries where you have an exchange advantage (Montreal could have ruined me). <BR> <BR>Eccos are very comfortable and less expensive, but lately they've been turning ugly design into an art form all its own. Joseph Siebel (not Siedel) is another good brand, yes. It all depends on what fits your foot's arch, width, etc.

I vote for Easy Spirit. Their knock-offs of the Mephisto shoes/sandals are more comfortable and more padded than the Mephistos. I wear their sandals and loafers and they are as comfortable as tennis shoes -- even on rocky terrain.

Well here is another vote for Merrell's. Bought a pair of Baja Ventilator's and I am impressed with them.

The best shoes are the ones you find when shopping for the ones that are just perfect for you. If you're going to spend the time and money on a trip to Europe, you may as well expend a bit of time and effort in acquiring the perfect footwear. Recommendations of others as to brands to explore are nice. But, you MUST find whatever works best for you and your feet. Shoes should feel like a dream instantly when you try them on. It is typically necessary to sacrifice a bit of style for comfort. But, what's excellent for walking all over all day long is easily replaced by more stylish shoes for evening. Buy those after you've been out and about all day shopping for your walking shoes, after your feet have taken a considerable beating and are a bit swollen from your efforts.

Hi Felicia, <BR>I bought three pair of Eccos on a visit to the states last month (Nordstrom's annual sale)and they are very comfortable, are holding up very well, and give as much support as many other clunkier, less stylish shoes. I walk about 4 to 5 miles a day and have been wearing my Ecco sandals or loafers for the walks on cobblestone streets, city sidewalks and gravel footpaths with no after-effects, no shin splints, no sore feet, etc. I think they're better than Naturalizers, although I haven't owned a pair of those for some time and they could have changed. <BR>FWIW, I am not a fan of Mephisto. There's a store near here and I could get them at a good price, but I don't find them all that comfortable--too stiff and light on padding. <BR>But you won't know if Eccos are right for you until you try them on (in the afternoon or evening and make sure you fit your larger foot). Eccos are only available in Euro sizes. My sandals were a size 38, the loafers a size 39, so don't assume that the size for one style will be the correct size for another style. <BR>BTilke (Brussels)

I vote for SAS shoes (San Antonio Shoes) - both their walking shoes and sandals are the best! And trust me - I have the worst feet ever! I bought a pair of their sandals in NYC a few years ago and walked 30 blocks with them right out of the store - and my feet felt great! I bought 3 more pairs. <BR>They go for about $70 - $100 but if you are in Texas - they have several great outlet stores in and around San Antonio....which BTW is a wonderful city to visit AND pick up some shoes!

Are Ecco shoes available in Paris? If so, where? Thanks

Hi <BR>After recently investing, for the first time, in a pair of "walking shoes" <BR>I strongly urge anyone considering this often-expensive purchase to try on many styles of many brands until you find the ones that are right for you. <BR>When I was in Atlanta recently I went to a mall store, called "Walkers Edge" or something with the word "walk" in it (sorry I can't be specific, but it did seem to be a chain.) <BR>The point is, I tried on Eccos, Mephistos, and a couple of other brands, and within each brand I tried several different styles. Within each brand, there were some that I couldn't even get on my foot, some that were downright uncomfortable, some that were so-so, yet all were the same size. For me, I found one pair of Eccos and one pair of Mephistos, slightly different styles, <BR>that were heavenly, and for a combination of reasons (the particular style, as well as comfort)I chose a pair of Mephistos. <BR>Each of has feet with particular <BR>idiosyncracies, and I urge anyone to try on many kinds. Also from past experience, never take on a trip a new pair of shoes that you haven't worn for a while at home, not even sneakers, not even a brand that is "always" comfortable for you. On a trip where you only have a couple pairs of shoes with you, you don't want to discover while you're away that the new pair gives you a blister because they're not broken in. <BR>

If you have a Walking Company store in the malls in your area, they will have Merrells. (Sorry, I misspelled it in my other post.) Nordstrom also sells them. I also just did a quick check on the Internet and there are many sites. They aren't hard to find. At least try them on if you get a chance. They are amazing.

Such a variety of responses, and exactly what I was hoping to get. Of course I will get what my feet prefer. I got a few responses saying to go w/ what I feel is the best, but I did want to get some other ideas, which I did. <BR>Amy: Who says you have to invest $300 for good shoes? I will go to my Payless shoe store & try on the Soft Spots. I probably have walked by them a hundred times & never paid attn. Thanks for the heads up on them. <BR>Christine: I had no idea what SAS stood for! I own a pair of them, but I think they are dog-ugly, at least the ones I have! I'm sure there are varieties of them. By the way, if you're from San Antonio, you are one lucky chick. What a greattttt city!!! One of my faves. <BR>Elaine: I was just in the walking store you mentioned in Atlanta about 3 months ago. Went to ATL on a mini-vacation. Used to live there but don't remember that store when I lived there. I bought a Healthy Back Bag while there but didn't pay attn to the shoes. Please, save your $$$ and don't buy the healthy back bag. It's way too cumbersome, you lose everything that goes in it and it refuses to stay on the shoulder! <BR>

Response: Hi <BR>I am a male but I agree with Christine's selection of walking shoes. SAS (San Antonio Shoes) are the best. They need no breaking in and are comfortable when you first put them on. I was introduced to them by my step sister who also swears by them. On trips that is all I take besides a good pair of sneakers.

I like SAS shoes too. I have never needed to break them in, they are comfortable from the word go, who cares, if they are 'dog-ugly'? if they feel good?

I took a pair of Ecco boots and a pair of Easy Spirit suede like lace up boots to Scotland. My Ecco's are very sturdy and do well in the rain, but I can walk for days in my Easy Spirits. Having said that though, I once bought a pair of the Easy Spririt tennis shoes and hated them. So it all boils down to the style and your feet. <BR> <BR>Nordtrom's also carries the Munro brand which I find to be quite comfortable. <BR>Good luck on your search for the perfect travel shoe!

Vote for Merrell !!! Found them at the Walking Store here in St. Louis. Jungle Equinox Leather Black #60412 $72.00. Wonderful comfortable shoes. Bought my over shoulder bag at AAA travel store. Less then the Walking company and a much bigger version. Black mesh $39 member price. Wonderful pouch in front for my camcorder. I can get to it easily and it is secure when not in use. and where it is makes carring lightweight. Love it.

I've had a pair of SAS for years and they are O.K. for a few hours but there's not much padding in the soles. Got Clark sandals last year and they are pretty comfortable but only in my old, black Reebocks [with peds or knee highs] can I walk for miles w/o thinking of my feet!

Of course what works for one, may not for another. <BR>But, I have wide "bad" feet, and use orthotics. <BR>I wore a pair of Naot sandals,( style Kayla) for 20 days straight in Italy and my feet were only occasionally uncomfortable. <BR>These are great sandals (at least for me!)

I have an "average" foot - 7 1/2B and own two pairs of Ecco (tie) shoes. I wore one pair for 8 days in London last year and my feet were never tired or uncomfortable. This encouraged me to purchase the 2nd pair for another trip -4 days of of non-stop walking in Nevade - and was not disappointed. I think they are well worth the money! (They also seem to hold up better to other shoes I have purchased.)

Mephisto-expensive! But worth it.

Each summer I set out on a mission for comforable shoes. I have bought them all: Mephisto, Naot, Eccos, Clarke. This year is was slip on Eccos for a trip to Scotland and Ireland. They were the best and worth the money. They were even roomy enough to hold orthotics I need while recovering from a sprained ankle. The ankle never bothered me and I wore them for 2 weeks with no problem.

I hate to even admit it but I just bought ANOTHER pair of shoes, I'm beginning to feel like the 14 pair lady!, The Naturalizer eurosoles are great but I wanted a second pair to travelwith so bought ECCO SOFTS , a nubuck tie shoe, they are great. wore them this morning instead of my Reeboks for my 4 mile walk and they were super even with no breaking in, actually more comfortable and not nearly as heavy. <BR>Only problem with them they are not sized like american shoes, widths are not available. Tey do have a narrow heel and wide toe box which is great but I wear a 4A shoe and I do have to wear heavy socks with them, which is no great obstacle as the socks just add extra padding forwalking. I tried on 3 or 4 pairs and they were all differnt sizes, the size you need will depend on the shoe itself. <BR> <BR>Now .. the hunt for a comfortable dressy shoe starts!!

Another vote for Ecco! THey have alot of support and have some pretty fashionable styles for the fall. Thumbs way down on Hush Puppies - wore them on one vacation and ended up calling them the "torure chambers" and tossing them...

Topping a shoe thread as there is shoe interest lately. But this isn't the one I was looking for.

Merrells! They are the best!

Well, I am really happy with Wolky's. They are the best. I bought a pair and wore them the first day in Paris and wore them every day for two weeks. They fit like a dream, and my shoes hurt even in tennis shoes.

ttt

In planning for a 1 month trip to Europe I tried on a pair of Mephisto ankle boots. Due to a previous ankle injury, I wanted some ankle support. The regular price was $280. I was lucky enough to find the exact pair at Nordstroms outlet store for $53 (in Dallas). I wore them every day and they served me very well. I saw the same boot in Munich for about 1/2 the regular price.