ssloantwo

I am too lucky for words! I surfed ebay looking for a comfie pair of shoes to wear when traveling and fell into a nearly new pair of Born's. They are black Mary Janes with an elastic band and they are heaven! The best part......they only cost me about $20 with S&H. Love em!
Suz

chepar

Although I tend to favor Mephistos (I have 5 pair) not all of them are equally great on my feet. I tend to use one specific pair over the rest - thank goodness I can get them resoled/refurbished when they get too worn.

I've also tried Eccos, Privos, Merrells and Rockport with less success.

The problem is that it costs so darn much to figure out which shoe is "the best". By the time I figure out whether the shoe really works for me, I've been walking in them for a while (breaking them in) and you can't return or exchange them.

Only 1 real winner so far and a lot of not quite right shoes in my closet.

likeswords

Skechers Biker Step-Ups (Google them and you'll find them on sale, I'm sure). Walked all over Paris, including up and down Montmartre daily for 3 weeks, and they never let me down. I got them because I just can't quite bear the plug-uglies that I had explored in my search for comfort, and to my suprise they are without doubt the most comfortable shoes I've ever had. I suggest purchasing them from somewhere like Zappo's that will let you return them for free if you don't like them.

yorkshire

I'll second some of the brands mentioned here (Clarks, Dansko) and add a new one (Keen--my new fave!). I've even had luck with Easy Spirit.
I saw a mention of Wolky sandals above. Has anyone had success with their shoes? I just ordered my first pair.

elnap29

Hey, Pcooper!
Hoo-ray for Arcopedicos! You are the first person I've encountered who has ever heard of them! I think they are fabulous, comfortable, easy to pack and provide perfect all-day support.
Each time I wear them I get many compliments.

hopscotch

I guess that your "burkenstok" is Birkenstock. When you get to Germany go into a Birkenstock store. Big selection and half the USA price.

roadlesstraveled

I love to walk long distances when I travel and have tried many of the shoes mentioned including Eccos, Clarks, Joseph Siebels. Because I cannot bring myself to wear ugly shoes, I have found Naturalizer shoes to be the most comfortable and good looking.

caroltis

Just returned from a month in Provence and Tuscany. I wore Dansko maryjane type shoe called "Courtney" in black leather. I put a lot of miles on those shoes climbing up perched villages and hilltowns and never once did I rub a blister and my feet were never the parts of my body that hurt from all the walking. They give a great support as well as cushion. I wore them with and without socks depending on the weather. They are light on your feet...I don't have a single negative to say about these guys...highly recommend.

nanabee

whatever shoes you choose, make sure you "wear them in" before you go. New shoes that end up causing blisters, etc are a real "pain."
I always wear sandles.

ValCanada

I had the same question a while ago. The best advice I received was the suggestion to have a cheeky pair of dress sandals in your tote or large purse, ones that aren't heavy and don't take up too much room. I plan to walk walk walk in my Mephisto sandals (even with sundresses and skirts) but I'll have the option to switch if and when the circumstances changes.

scatcat

The most comfotable shoes that I've ever worn and walked 8-10 miles a day in were black Reeboks. They were so disgustingly ugly that I finally quit wearing them, but my sister still wears hers and never a blister or tired feet. Maybe I should just shut my eyes and wear them.