best walking shoes?
 

so what are the best walking shoes? i too am from hawaii, whats the best looking, comfortable,and practical shoes that will go well with all kinds of dress? including dresses! the burkenstoks ive seen are horrible. whasssup?

For more comfortable shoes that provide reasonable support, try the G series from Cole Haan. They look like sport shoes, but have a Nike technology (cushiony) footbed. The ballet-flat or supportive sandal styles are probably better for a lot of walking on hot days than their thong styles.

If I want to look a little more polished (e.g. expect to to cocktails or tea in a nicer place later in the afternoon without stopping at the hotel,) I wear ballet flats with some kind of support liner.

Some can deal with Birkenstocks, Clarks, etc., but they're just not me. If you're willing to splurge, Taryn Rose (a professional orthopedist) has a line of shoes that are really comfy and can be stylish, but many of the styles still look a little orthopedic (e.g. high vamp -- WHY in anotherwise cute shoe?) But at about $400 a pair, they are a splurge.

This is really subjective. For example the "G Series" described above were very uncomfortable on my foot. I cannot imagine wearing them to Europe. (I could not imagine wearing them out of the store LOL!)

I like Ecco best, but that may not work for you. The best thing is to get to a store and start trying them on....

There is no "best". Everyone's feet are different. One person's heavenly Cole Hahn's are another's painful torture.

Ecco fit some people - for other's the Ecco's last just doesn't fit the arch or foot pad.

Same w/ Rockport, or any shoe. You simply have to try on, and try on, and try on until you find the ones that work for you.

I like Merrells. I too found the Nike Air Cole Haan very uncomfortable. I generally love Cole Haan for here at home, but there is no way I could walk miles in anything they make. Very nice looking shoes, but just not that comfortable on MY feet. I love my Merrell Barrado and Merrell Palmetto shoes. I never knew there were shoes out there that would not hurt my feet. I am trying some Naot's right now wearing them around the house to see what I think. I too am looking for something that look cute with skirts. My daughter got some cute Sketcher Luxe mary jane type shoes that look really cute with skirts or capris, etc. She says they are really comfortable.

You just have to try on lots of shoes to find the right ones for you.

I find Tod's and GEOX both comfortable and stylish, but there is a slight compromise of comfort for style.

If you want REAL comfort, try MBT's (Masai Barefoot Technology). I have two pair (trainers and sandals) and have been wearing them for almost a year. Definately would look odd with a skirt, but they are OK under trousers. They are pure heaven for the feet, but GAWD, they are the ugliest shoes on the planet :)

http://www.swissmasai.co.uk/Default.aspx?lang=en-GB

BTW, they will also help you lose weight, improve your posture and even cure your cellulite!

I have two pair of MBTs, the Sport and a slightly-less-Frankenstein-looking Lifestyle model. The (very skinny) person that presented them to me said she can tell they really work her legs. After a year's wearing I'll say I like that they make me feel taller (the two-inch platform soles help) but I'd NEVER think to include them on a trip--they are enormous shoes, clumsy at best on cobbles and weigh about three pounds all by themselves, plus the only cushioning is on the back bottom of the sole where the heel strikes the ground. (Folks with heel pain say this is a plus.)

But anyone can accomplish weight and cellulite loss simply by increasing their activity level--$300 seriously ugly shoes aren't required. I've worn them for ten hours straight and never felt any difference other than painful feet from lack of cushioning, though some friends say they think it makes their legs or buttocks work harder. Maybe mine were already too muscular to notice.

I do like the comfort/looks combination of Privo, Cole Haan Nike Air, and Crocs ballet slippers with casual skirts when travelling, but the simple fact is, shoes that are comfortable and practical for walking rarely work well with skirts, let alone dresses.

This just goes to show everybody's taste and feet are different--you need to try on and try on and try on, and then once home wear them around for a few hours before taking your choices out of the house to pound on the streets for several hours. What YOUR feet like, others won't.

Shoes are the one area where I tend to overpack, but I have "bad" feet that tend to blister ( even with the best fitting shoes). So, I do best rotating my shoes. I usually bring my New Balance t-shoes; some Birkenstock sandals; Wolky sandals and Romus sandals. I also love my Merrills. You can find walking sandals that will go with all kinds of dress, including dresses. My black Romus sandals look good with a black dress or capris. You really just have to go try on tons of shoes and see what works for you. :)

Well, I beg to differ cupid :)

I have brought MBTs on several trips and found them incredibly comfortable over cobbles, climbing up-hill and in rough terrain. I am also very muscled, as I do a lot of weight training, and have found wearing the MBTs has allowed me to ditch my lower body weight training. I can feel the how they work the muscles.

Even better, it has definitely given me relief from a lower-back ache that is exacerbated by my very frequent flying.

For me, they are certainly worth their baggage weight, although I would never wear them with a skirt, which is why I bring my very pretty Tod’s with me.

To each his/her own, as they say, and to each foot, a perfect shoe.

Regards … Ger

I'm glad MBTs work for you, Ger. Wish I got the same bang for the buck. So envious! I never notice any sensations no matter how hard or far I push, and I don't do anything more than yardwork or kettlebell (neither when the wrists flare up).

Saw a mention on another post some months back that someone (you?) liked these for travel shoes and it spurred me to ask others who have them if they'd do that, too, and everyone said no, too large, heavy, ugly. I really am thrilled they work so well for you, but they aren't going to be most people's idea of a "best" travel walking shoe for looks, packability, or comfort.

But hey, Bondie, order a pair, wear 'em around the house awhile and even if they don't suit you they'll make Birkenstocks look downright sleek! ;-)

Hand on heart Cupid, MBTs are definitely the UGLIEST shoe EVER - we are in violent agreement on that point :)

I am certain most people would recoil in horror at the sight of these behemoths – I certainly did. I have always been a “delicate and expensive court-shoe” person, and still am.

Which is why I also pack my Tod's, GEOX, Chanel ballet slippers and pumps for appropriate occasions .. OK, I admit to being a shoe witch!

I don't want to appear a zealot, and MBTs may not work for everyone, and YES they are as UGLY as sin and make Birkenstocks look sexy, but …. They worked for ME!

Regards .. Ger

Josef Siebel hands down -- you must try on several styles to find the one that's right for your foot. I love them - and they look good too! Here's their website, however, I would not order on-line - you do need to try them on......
http://josef-seibel.com/

Now I see there's a zillion styles on the site. I have had great luck with the following Josef Seibel styles: "Electra", "Tedra" and "Tia". All are extremely good walking shoes, have required NO breaking in period and have worn quite well - my 4 yr old Tias look brand new and will be taking a 3rd or 4th trip to Europe in a few weeks - along with my new Electra sandals.

On another similar thread, I got steered to try Naot's. I bought a pair ($115 which is a gasp for me) and have been wearing them for the past 2 weeks and really like them. I'm on my feet a lot of the day (teacher) and they have already molded to my foot (removable/replaceable cork foot bed) and I sometimes forget they are even on.

I've done a lot of searching for good walking shoes. I have size 12 feet (yup, for a woman!) and I've had lots of foot problems in the past, so I need comfort.

Last year, I settled on a pair of Softwalk mary janes (http://ec1.images-amazon.com/images/...YL._AA280_.jpg) that are quite comfortable and go well with jeans, capris, dress pants and skirts.

Like the others said, you have to try several before finding the right ones for your feet.

I have high arches and a wide foot and have difficulty finding shoes that fit. I have fallen in love with two of the online shoe "stores" ( am I allowed to mention by name?) that offer free return shipping and ample time to try a shoe in your home before you must return them.

I will probably order some of the recommendations from this thread to see what works for me! Thanks Bondie for starting this!

Wrenwood

Everyone's different. You need to figure out for your own feet!

I hate: Joseph Siebel, Mephisto, Munro.

I like: Naot sandals, some Rockports, most Clarkes, Geox.

Mixed results with: Ecco, Arche.

Wrenwood, yes you can mention other websites here. I'm sure one you mean is www.zappos.com with free shipping both directions.

What's the 2nd one?

Also shoebuy.com and shoes.com

I like Zappos for the reviews.

And, Zappos lets you pick UPS or USPS return label.

Yes, Shoebuy and Zappos are my favorites. Also do a search at Coupon Mountain or Coupon Cabin, they often have special codes for 10-20% off at times.

Zappos does do great reviews, Shoebuy seems to have more "makes and models"

W

Suze, Suze "hate" my ever so lovable Josef Seibels?? I know - everyone is different. I have luck with some Clarks as well.

The Clark's store in Ala Moana sells pretty Privo sandals and shoes that are very comfortable. I like the slip-on sandal Premio in nubuck. The dual color makes them match a lot of clothes. Takes up very little space and weigh much less than your average shoe or sandal.

I have also worn Fly Flot sandals from Robins Ala Moana all over Europe. Have walked for miles over cobblestones, up and down steps and have found them to be extremely comfortable.

For dusty or dry areas when you want to keep your feet clean or for hiking in Switzerland, I like Ecco shoes. These you can find at Macy's or The Walking Company. Sometimes they can be found at Nordstrom.

Comfortable shoes and sandals can also be found at Uyeda Shoe Store in the University area, but I've found the best selection to be at Clark's and The Walking Company.

I agree that this is totally subjective but my new favorites are Naots (Matai). I got them at Zappos and they were heaven from the moment I put them on!

I so want to wear pretty shoes but I also know that we'll be walking for hours almost every day on our June trip. The trouble you really don't know what shoe will be comfortable for hours until you walk in them for hours.

I was thinking of something with a cork sole and a little wedge( for some reason a little wedge is more comfortable for my flat feet than flats. Anyone have a pair of these? They're on my maybe list. Would love some feedback.

http://www.zappos.com/images/732/732...9-437259-d.jpg

The Kenneth Cole Reaction line looks like they have several super comfy and cute shoes.

I swear by Mephistos. I just bought another pair ($180)because my old and reliable pair is starting to look worn and beat. I found out that if you send shoes back to Mephisto they will refurbish them for about $75. I wish I had known that before I bought them today, but I need them for a trip I'm going on this week.
The style I got was Feigin - it's a slip-on in black or camel nubuck. It can pass for casual or you can dress it up - I wouldn't go anywhere without them!!!!!!!!!

There is no "best", because everyone's foot is different. So you have to try them.

For summer, I love my Dansko "Lolita" sandals, back by popular demand:

http://www.rei.com/product/694636

A Nordstrom shoe salesman told me this is one of their all-time best sellers. My old ones have been to Europe 4 times; I just bought new ones in brown with my REI member's discount (20% off during the anniversary sale).

If you like the expensive brands such as Taryn Rose and Mephisto, look for closeouts at www.sierratradingpost.com

queener~~ it's something about the sizing (of Joseph Siebels). i think i have Italian, not German feet -lol! One size of Siebel's is too small and the next too big for me. i keep trying them on because they come so well recommended, even bought a couple pair (that i returned to Nordstrom).

Suze - you are definitely right about the Josef Seibel sizing! I saw a really cute pair - tried them on in my "normal" Josef size and they were too small - tried the next size up and they were way too big. It IS quite odd. My sister had the same problem, but like me, was able to find a pair (actually just like one of my pairs) that she loves. I told her she really didn't need to "break them in" before our upcoming trip, but she loves them so much I don't think she's taken them off since she bought them :)

I wish I had a dollar for every hour that I have spent looking for comfortable shoes . I got lucky, though. Wearing Naot Ashley is like walking on air (I have narrow feet, too)and they don't look "old".
http://www.zappos.com/n/p/dp/14926945/c/21549.html

My foot doctor insists that I wear Brook Addiction and they've made a tremendous difference for me. They're a bit rugged for skirts but in plain black they look fine with pants or at least blend in. http://www.zappos.com/n/p/dp/1917023/c/3.html
In summer with skirts I wear black leather Mephistos. The ones I love are no longer made so I was pleased to read that Mehistos will refurbish them. Thanks, Lolo!

For dressy occasions I splurged on Taryn rose pumps with subtle embossed roses, very lovely.

Thanks everyone for all the suggestions for stylish comfortable shoes. I'll check them out.

If you over-pronate (heel strike on outside and then roll in, pushing off the big toe), I strongly recommend checking out 3/4 length inserts for your less supportive dress shoes. Not the Dr. Scholl's flexible kind, but something actually harder with a good arch support.

Check out Superfeet---they're expensive at $30 a pop but they last several pairs of shoes and you can change them in and out of several shoes. They even have a model for heels.
http://www.superfeet.com/

I used to work at a running shoe store so I've seen all sorts of feet issues. Comfortable shoes are a definite must for me. Sometimes softer shoes are actually the problem so just keep that in mind when you're picking out shoes. "Cushy" might not be best depending on your foot and the way you walk.

For my wide feet with previously broken ankles and tib/fib, I love Birkenstock or Dansko. I can't wear the Dankso non-professional soles, though. They don't offer enough support. The Birkenstock sandals are cute for summer, but I still need to find a dressy pump style.

Earth shoes! I own two pairs of the Solar style, which is a mary jane. I recently wore them--and only them--on a 10-day Rome trip and was entirely comfortable. You can dress them up or down, wear them with or without socks, and get them in a few different colors. I very highly recommend Earth Solars, but if they're not your cup of tea, there are many other Earth shoes styles. They're available at Zappos, so if they don't work out you can send them back at no cost. Another plus--you can get non-leather (but the greatest array is in leather).

Am really surprised no one mentioned Teva sandals. I have extrememly senitive feet that get blisters in a second from all of the shoes/scandals mentioned. Since discovering TEVA I do not have any problems, one style that really works for me has just one velco strap across the toe area and adjustable ankle and heels straps. Everytime I see them I buy a pair...They go all over the world with me since they can get wet..

It's true that finding comfortable shoes is a personal matter - depends on the shape and quirks of your foot.
I couldn't tolerate Earth shoes at all, even though I thought the idea was good.

Best travel shoes for me: Mephisto All-Rounders, Arcopedico, Beautifeel, Josef Seibel (available at Zappos) and Tatami. Naot is Ok, but a bit bulky for packing.

Just spent 7 days in London and Paris with my Dansko closed back clogs.

Haven't seen Arcopedico brand mentioned. I LOVE these shoes. I have the maryjanes and they are the only shoes I wear on trips anymore. Look great with skirts and pants. Nice lines, not bulky looking. Light weight but incredible support.
BTW, I hated my Eccos and Noats. Didn't work for my feet. Agree with posters who say you need to try on whatever styles you consider as everyone's feet are different. Zapppos, even tho mail order, is great as they have free returns.

I've got a pair of Born mary janes that were great for a recent trip to Europe. I have them in black. The style is called Jamba. They are SO comfortable. We were on our feet all day for 10 days, and they were great. Very cushiony footbed. I had hurt my ankle right before the trip, and it didn't bother me in the Borns. I tried wearing a different pair of shoes one day, and my ankle ached all day. Very versatile style too, good with anything from jeans to skirts.

Glad to see I'm not the only one with foot issues. I spent hours looking for walking shoes to wear on a trip to Spain in March. Bought a pair of Eccos that look like bowling shoes because they were the only ones I could even think of walking in for hours. They were ok, but not great. I also bought a pair of off white Sketchers (ballet shoe style) that have rubbery bottoms and looked ok with a skirt or capris, but never wore them because it was too cold for a skirt or capris that week. Hope to wear them at home this summer. I am a little embarrassed to admit that I ended up wearing my regular old sneakers several days for touring because they were the only things that didn't hurt. I had packed them as a last resort and was glad I had them. Lots of people, not only tourists, were wearing sneakers so I didn't feel weird in them at all. Good luck.
Nancy