Felicia

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

Surlok

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

Felicia

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

Lynn

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.

Eunice

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

JOdy

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)!

mimi taylor

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!

Shoegirl

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.

Felicia

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.

Surlok

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

Graziella

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>

Joy

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?

Jon

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

Amy

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.

Escritora

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.

Jeannette

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.

Paul

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

Nancy

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.

BTilke

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)

Christine

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!