What's so interesting about this conundrum is that not only the same brands aren't the best for all of us, but that our feet change and what worked for us once may not now or in the future. I had a pair of Mephisto sandals I wore all over Italy in 1998 and after I got new leather uppers put on them (sent them back to Mephisto), they've never been as comfortable. Since I developed plantar fachistis (spelling?) last summer, the Dansko's are the most comfortable for me (flat shoes are a killer) but who knows for how long? I've also had Eccos and Cole Haan that were comfortable for a time but then not. It's enough to make you want to pull your hair out.

Another I like is Born.

Another vote for SAS shoes. They're comfortable right away and available in many sizes. I've given up style for comfort. Although with a little polish, they look pretty good.

FYI, shoebuy was having a 20% off sale on sandals. I am always looking for the most comfy and good looking(seems an oxymoron). I have very tender feet and blister easily esp on vacation even if I have worn the shoes all the time beforehand...must be plane ride!

I bought a pair of Geox last year for a trip to France and wore them everyday. They are probably the most comfortable shoes I've owned. They were black with both suede and smooth leather. I picked them up at Nordstrom. I found them in France too. They make them for children as well.

I love my munros! Some good and comfortable boots are made by our old friend Carlos Santana, I think I got them at Nordstrom. I used to like Cole Haan but something has happened to them lately and they hurt after a while, so I have wasted some money on these new styles.

Oh yes, I just bought some Puma shoes and they are great, they have support but are really light. They look like trim sports shoes so not really for dressy occasions.

Now I'm going to add shoebuy.com to my Favorites. Shoe shopping tips -- what a great thread.
((c))

tripgirl,
bought a pair of geox and they are way comfy. when clubbing i wear them until the wee hours of the morning. no problem. as a guy with high arches, i say they are really good. they have breathable soles, so your feet don't get hot. gonna buy me some more when in italy this year.

but as for sneakers, your missing out. try some puma, ascics, diesel, or new balance. they all make comfy shoes that are not sneakers at all. they just happen to be made my them. look awesome and feel good.

try nordstroms for a great selection of all kinds of shoes. great return policy...no lenght of time or questions asked.

SeaUrchin, I got my Santanas at Nordstroms too..those were the best winter boots I ever had!

I know that whatever shoe you wear and no matter how comfortable it is, after days of sightseeing, your feet will hurt..bring plenty of moleskins and pads and soft thingees for your toes and feet.

I love my Geox shoes. Have done some heavy duty hiking and no blisters. I've had some horrendous blisters in the past (10 to 14 mile hikes). Bought them at Nordy's on sale. Best purchase I've ever made.

I love my Merrills and can't find anything else to fit my narrow feet. (I wear socks with them) I would love to wear Eccos, etc. but I go to the Walking Store or elsewhere and they tell me they don't carry narrow widths.

If someone can help me to find some I would love it. Usually I wear my black New Balance sneakers as thank goodness, they do come in narrow widths.

loisco-
I have the opposite problem - I have wide feet. That's why I order online- the selection is much larger. Like I said before, I shop almost exclusively at shoebuy.com, pretty much because of the free returns. I think I've returned more shoes than I've kept! :)

Check out Zappos and shoebuy- I think you can search by narrow widths so you don't fall in love with a show that's the wrong size.

Nobody knows about Taryn Rose? She is an orthopedic/stylish designer. Has stores in NYC and Beverly Hills, etc., but also sells at Norstrom's. Warning: they are very expensive. They also last forever, and feel great from the moment they go on your feet, and are stylish. I have reduced my shoe wardrobe to less pairs, and wear mostly hers.

Taryn Rose is sold in most department stores now but the shoes are still about $400-600 ..
Actually, I tried some boots before we moved to Fl (in NYC) and they were not comfortable! I was shocked, I expected them to conform to my foot and be Fabulous :)
They are a real 'splurge' shoe .

I have lived in Dansko's for about five years now. Beware they have an excellent arch support but they are mostly made for long days on your feet. They are not made for lots of walking. Found that out the hard way when I took two broken in pairs to Paris with me. I like my stonefly from Italy and I love my Finn Comfort and Think from Germany for walking shoes.

We have two shops that carry a few models of Taryn Rose but for a larger selection: http://www.zappos.com/n/es/d/722091247.html

Alot are under $300.
Did you Taryn Rose fans see her on Oprah last year?

Thank you one and all!

Wow, now at least I have a good list.

I'll start in person at Nordstroms and then I will go from there.

hugs and kisses

thanks a mil....

Tripgirl, if you do not have a Nordstroms in your area they have lowered their shipping to $5 on standard shipping for the majority of all orders. Re: shoes, my feet have been happiest traveling around in Eccos, Joseph Seibels and Timberland :-)

i had a pair of Mephistos that i was happy and then on one trip they suddenly gave me blisters on the heel
i recently bought a pair of Merrells (Merrills?) that so comfy.
i will need a more lightweight pair of shoes for this summer, but i generally don't like sandals so i'll be searching again for a warm-weather walking shoe