SAS has plenty of narrow sizes as well as wide.

Blundstones are really awesome. Great styles for men and women. <BR>O' My Sole in So. Cal. or online @ sugarriveroutfitters.com. Check 'em out!

Can you get Josef Seibel shoes in the US stores? If so where?

The SAS are the only walking shoes and sandals that I own..They are great, the shoes are handmade and the leather is very soft.. I have tried various kind and styles , but i always go back to SAS.

Here we go with Mephisto shoes and the eternal white sneaker controversy again.

Whatever fits your feet is what you should wear and damn all the advice on fodors.

Insofar as Mephistos are concerned, I think half the attraction is letting everyone know how much you can pay for your shoes. I have Mephistos but do not think they are the living end in shoes--and they really are way too expensive. Upon reflection, I probably would not buy them again because there are more economical alternatives.

For a cheaper alternative, you might try New Balance walkers. They weigh a lot less than Mephistos and are much more practical to schlep. I may be committing board heresy but I bring cheap New Balance walkers on trips because they weigh less in the luggage. The pair of Mephistos stays at home for work.

When you buy your New Balance walkers, just remember to buy BLACK ones so the Board Fashion Police do not arrest you for being fashion incorrect.

Now I have to worry about the Board Fashion Police arresting me for not bringing my Mephistos. There is always something. . . .

Suggestion: most shoe fits can be improved with customized insoles. I sold women's shoes while at college. Many women had feet of different sizes. Some women opted for shoes that were too small. Perhaps an orthopedic shoe shop could get you the right fit. Try on shoes in the afternoon...after some walking. High top shoes may help. Talk to nurses, teachers and policemen about shoe comfort.

1Tony, I got my Josef Seibel shoes at a place called &quot;Offbroadway Shoe Warehouse&quot;....you could also buy them from the website but I think you could find them at the typical shoe warehouse places.

The &quot;best&quot; walking shoe is the one that is comfortable for YOU. I don't care if it's Nike, Addidas, Merrill, Ecco, Mephisto, Siebel, or whatever, your foot will be more comfortable in one style of one brand more than another. Is your foot narrow or wide, flat or high-arched? How do you walk? All of that matters. Decide on a style (i.e., casual shoe vs. light hiking boot vs. sports shoe) and then go to a store than sells a variety of brands. I switch off between Rockport and Ecco walking shoes; my wife wears Dansko clogs that looking incredibly uncomfortable to me, but she swears by them. It is all personal fit.

I agree with Lauren...who the heck cares what brand you wear. It's YOUR feet! And it just so happens, my pillow soft favs are my new Nike's I walk in every day in our subdivision. I LOVE those sneakers.

1tony, yes, you can get Seibels in the U.S. I actually found my most recent pair at Dillard's. I have seen them other places as well.
Good luck.

Rockports work for me.

I have Mephistos (expensive!) and I have Clarks and I have to say my Clarks are the most comfy!

Rockport Walkers are sturdy, light-weight, look good and cost about $80US.

One drawback is that it is hard to find a cobbler that case resole them when the time comes.

MM

Okay, I have read this thread, and I must say, I am becoming increasingly nervous. I live in the US and am making my first European sojourn in late May. The trip came out of nowhere due to my husband's job, hence I am not as well prepared as I should be. I am wondering if I should heed some recent advice and wait until I get to London to shop at Harrod's. Most of the brands I have seen referenced here, I have never heard of. Is it really a major fashion faux paus to wear sneakers? I assume it will be too cold and rainy to wear sandals at this point in time, correct? Sorry to be so green, but you all seem so well informed that I trust your advice, and I would like to avoid as many unnecessary missteps (no pun intended) as possible. Thanks.

During first trip to Italy, I walked around for 10 days with my white Ked sneakers. I had no idea I was committing a crime but I was comfortable. In 3 weeks, I plan to head back to Italy for 2 weeks and wear white Keds again. If you don't hear from me by the end of June, you'll know the Italian fashion police caught me.

Wore my Mootsie Tootsie's (black,of course) for a week walking the streets and roads of Amsterdam with complete joy...and they were only about $40.00. Wore them for casual and evening wear.

floridadee, where are you in FL? I can help you locating some of the brands

Hey Wren,

I live in Cenral Florida. I am about half-way between the Beaches of the West Coast, and &quot;The Mouse.&quot; I have looked in Rack-Room shoe stores, and have thus far struck out. I am coming to the conclusion that my Nike Airs may be my best bet. Above all, my greatest concern in traveling abroad is that I do NOT offend the locals. Perhaps living in the vacation capital of the world has made me a bit sensitve, but goodness knows I identify with the invasion of tourists to my home. I feel compelled to &quot;do as the Romans when in Rome&quot; so to speak. I welcome any help and advice. Thanks. BTW, I have yet to encounter a visitor from Europe who has not been incredibly charming. I do NOT want to present myself as an arrogant American to these wonderful people.

Floridadee, wear your Air nike to Europe with pride... I dont think that the Europeans will be offended and the fashion's police is going to give you a warnings for wearing Nike's...
Just enjoy yourself and make your feet happy..
Bon Voyage,
kismet

An invaluable extra for me is to carry a small roll of 'sports tape'. It is a cloth-based tape that I will cut and wrap around a toe, or cover ball of foot, after I can see where potential blisters are going to develop. After that, pure bliss and no blisters.
I've decided that other than supportive shoes, socks can also cause misery and haven't figured out the best kind. But using the sports tape judiciously seems to mitigate further problems.
I do agree that a good compromise is to have black walking shoes, even if they're Nikes or whatever. They're still comfy, supportive but don't call attention to your feet. I've worn Aerosoles and Grasshoppers in black... might stick a pair of black flats in suitcase for 'dinner'.