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.