I swear by my Josef Seibel shoes! http://www.josef-seibel.com/

I bought them in 2002 for a long weekend in NY, then 2 weeks later took them on a long weekend in Paris. Both trips, these were the only shoes I brought and it was like walking on a cloud. Not one pain in my feet and all we did on both trips was walk, walk, walk. I'm wearing them right now!

I also recommend Danskos. They are awesome, and even their clogs are comfortable for walking all day. They are heavy and very stiff and don't seem like they would be comfortable, but they are. I believe that chefs and doctors and nurses, people who are on their feet alot, wear them.

I bought Propet walking sandals from Zappos and wore them for 20 days in a row of nonstop walking around the Mediterranean. They were great. Actually, I wore them constantly for the following three years as well. They are really focused on the serious walker, but they are less pricey than, say, Eccos. Everybody has different feet, but these are worth a try.
http://www.propetusa.com/

Just thought I'd mention after reading this thread I went searching to have a look at the Geox shoes and found a website

walkingonacloud.com

It's a Canadian co., has many of the brands mentioned here, also has free UPS shippping and no tax. Seems to have a large selection and different widths in some styles.

I too bought a pair of Santana boots several winters ago not realizing how good they were. Amazingly waterproof for leather. At the rate things are going here, I need another pair :(

Ah, the endless search for "magic" shoes - I am very familiar with it.

It seems that for every trip I am in search of a better pair - have tried SAS and Rockport, but they didn't work for me. I've currently got Merrells, Eccos and 3 pairs of Mephistos. I like the Mephistos the best so far - but I've been eyeing the Danskos for a while.

I think I've resigned myself to the fact that after walking for an entire day, my feet will hurt no matter what shoes I buy. It's how my feet feel the next morning - still sore or pain free and ready to go that makes the difference in shoes for me.

I didn't care for Taryn Rose shoes either.

Merrells cripple my poor husband.

Nike bought Cole Haan a couple years ago and now Cole Haan makes very stylish shoes with a Nike Air bottom.

http://www.colehaan.com/colehaan/cat...egoryId=300239

http://www.colehaan.com/colehaan/cat...egoryId=300266

It's the best of both worlds.

This #*^%&$@*&% thread has gotten me "occupied" all day. Anyone tried Paul Greens? Some awfully good looking ones on Zappos.

http://www.zappos.com/n/p/dp/2503495/c/19005.html

another vote for josef seibel "the european comfort shoe." i just bought my second pair of the "tia." i have high arches as well and these feel great - inside, as well as the adjustable strap over the top. they do sandals which obviously would look better with skirts, etc.

i also love my santana boots. they're waterproof!

OK here's the deal:

I used to find the Aerosoles shoes the answer to my prayers, but now the soles seem much too thin (I can feel every brick and cobblestone) and the toe boxes are too tapered. Get along well with Clark's and Ecco's sandals, but seem to be right in between sizes for their oxfords -- if heel stays on, toe is too tight/tapered; if toe is right, heels fall off.

Used to get along just fine in slip-ons and loafers, now my feet and legs get tired too soon unless the shoe grips across the long arch.

I have high long (instep) arches, narrow heels, and apparently the ball of my foot has spread so I need a wide, UNtapered toe box; and cushioned but solid soles. So far, the only shoes I can count on are cross-trainers and serious walking shoes.

Is it hopeless to find a less athletic-looking shoe to walk a mile from hotel to dinner in Italy in May?

I love my Eccos too but look forward to checking out some of the links posted.

Cassandra, have you tried Easy Spirits? I find them to have more narrow heels than some of the imported brands.

I loved reading all the suggestions and recommendations. I bought several pairs of Arches boots at Nordstroms several years ago but they no longer carry them. I found them very comfortable and always take them traveling because they are stylish and waterproof as well as comfortable. Anyone know where I can find them here in Calif?

Chepar--My black croco leather Finn Comforts came with removable insoles. At the end of the day you take out the walking insole and replace it with a reflexology insole that massages your feet for about 20 minutes. Dansko is great for standing all day with good arch support. I do not prefer them for walking though. I also like my mephisto's for walking.

Thanks for even more suggestions!!

I went over to nordstroms yesterday so I could see alot fo the brands you all suggested up close.

Tried on a pair of nice looking sandals from Clarke; very comfortable.

In all of your opinions what I am after is a nice sandal or closed shoe to go with pants that are semi dressy, heel needs to be on the low side but need a heel. Then I need a pair of sandals or closed shoe for shorts and capris for the long walking around during the day wear and then I am thinking a closed loafer, ballet or moccasin type for jeans, for casual events but has some walking involved.

Out of what you all prescribed here, which brands would be the best bet for my needs.

Thanks a mil.....

Until just recently Geox were considered in Europe to be the "nerd" shoe, sort of like the Rockport walkers are in US. But now they are hot hot hot. Are they any good? I have no idea. I will just happily continue to wear the best shoe bar none, Josef Seibel.

I'm looking for the exact same thing, tripgirl.

Right now, I'm thinking of Puma Contres for the casual shoes... they have a tennis shoe bottom, have a ballet shoe look, and are fashionable.

I'm still hunting for a shoe to go with dress pants and skirts that has a heel. Let me know if you see something. A couple of the Clarks on zappos.com looked ok, but I don't know. Ididn't see any Geox with heels on the zappos website. I don't know if you can find them other places.

One more thing, tripgirl. At this point, I'm also considering getting a shoe in whatever style I want and then putting in quality insoles. You might want to think about that too.

ewt,

yes and you do the same if you find anything. I buy shoes in person at a store rather than online, but I'll give anything a try.

Anyone else out there who has the best lead on the brands mentioned that would fit the loafer/ballet shoe look? I really like the look of a tailored loafer for one of my needs.

I think the sandals, for the next of my needs, might be easier. The Josef Seibel's while they look incredibly comfortable, the ones I saw looked chunky and clunky; could I be wrong and there are other styles I am not aware of? Like I mentioned I did try on a pair of the Clarkes that was a very nice sandal I believe I could go out to dinner with. It had a wide black strap across the arch, open back and nice detail. It has a low heel and I could see walking short distances to dinner with, but not sure about all day.

I want to stay away from the clunky, chunky ( and too informal ) look. Prefer higher fashion with lots of comfort.

Anyone want to share the types of shoes they have and what they use them for?

Thanks a mil....

Interesting thread as I need some spring/summer shoes too that will be good for a lot of walking.

I have Clarkes thongs that are fantastic. But of course one cannot use them for every type of clothes and occassions.

I would like to find some ballet type that are also good for a lot of walking.

I have a high arch, seem to need a good arch support in my shoes. And a bit of padding in the shoe. But want attractive of course.

I am afraid to order online as I always need to try on shoes before I know whether they will fit or not.

Oh the joys of shoes (which I love!)

It seems that the more comfortable a shoe is, the uglier it is! I plan on going to DSW this weekend and hopefully I can find some good walking shoes for myself that don't look hideous. I bought some born mary janes which are very comfy, but at 50, I decided that they'd look kind of silly on me and I've never worn them.

A subject close to my heart.

Spent waaaay too much time yesterday reading this post and looking at on-line shoe store sites. But the manic focus was in place - bought a great pair of shoes last night while my youngest was at soccer practice: Ecco "Globetrotter", #15153, black (of course). Slim-looking but very comfy, padded sole, the double stitching and zipper give it great style. I am a happy woman. My bank account is not: CAD $159.95 plus tax (which for you Americans equals about $1.95, right?).

So, I went to try on shoes today! I wonder if the shoe market has been busier since this thread started, lol. The store I went to didn't have the color I wanted in stock, but I'm eyeing the Naot Sonia (black) for my Italy trip. I wonder, though, if I need a more rugged, grippy sole for the vertical streets of Positano? I was also looking for something suitable for hiking yet lightweight, and the salesperson directed me to the Chaco line and their "performance sandals." Pretty cool--they're fabric strappy sandals with a hiker sole. I'm not sure it's what I want, but it might be good for someone out there to know.

Happy shopping, everyone!

At our Ladies Who Lunch day today we got on the subject of comfortable shoes and the ladies voted hands down for the
brand Soft Walks from Nordstom and Zappos. I had never heard of them but four women agreed on them so what are the odds? These are women who are on the go at their jobs from morning to night, A types, so they should know.

hmmm, there are some cute styles:

http://store.nordstrom.com/category/...origin=leftnav

(They said they don't need breaking in, you put them on in the store and keep on walking)

Very cute shoes, SeaUrchin! Thanks for the heads up.

Yes, Sea Urchin, they do look good. I have had shoes on my mind this week (first February in ages we stayed home!) so I looked around for shoes (sandals more or less) for our trip to Portugal in July. I'll have to check on the ones you mentioned. Next will be some new clothes!

So which pair did you buy for Italy?

Hi, I liked the boot Oxnard and the Laguna slipon, but I would like to go over to Nordstroms and try them on. I really really don't need any more shoes though (I keep telling myself that!)

>I am afraid to order online as I always need to try on shoes before I know whether they will fit or not.<

LoveItaly-

If you haven't already, check out Zappos.com.

I also was very hesitant to buy shoes online, but the very generous return policy of Zappos convinced me to try them. I believe you have close to a year to return (unused, of course) and all return shipping is FREE! Yup, the free return shipping was the clincher for me.

Many of their shoes come with free shipping to you - I bought a pair of Eccos and Mephistos from Zappos - both with free shipping.

Zappos also has a 110% price guarantee - I found the Mephistos cheaper at onlineshoes.com - and Zappos refunded me the difference plus 10%.

If the shoes you're interested in have free shipping to you - and as I mentioned, all the return shipping is free - it's pretty low risk if the shoes don't fit right.

LoveItaly -
I second chepar. Try ordering a pair online- it's wonderful! I mentioned shoebuy and they have the same qualifications - free shipping and free returns. Between zappos, shoebuy and onlineshoes, I'm hooked! :)

Seriously, the most inconvenient part is shipping the shoes back and even that has gotten easier with the increasedaccessability of UPS and FedEx. For me and my fat feet, it's so much nicer than going into a store and finding nothing that fits!

I have to print out this thread and go shopping. My husband will wonder why I need more shoes! :O

Will it be too cool in early April in Sorrento, Florence and Venice to wear sandels or slides? What are women wearing for day and going out at night in these areas?

Thank you! I am convinced. Tomorrow I will check out these websites.

I don't have access to great shoes in my town, so shoe buying always seems to be when I am out of town (usually on a trip) and near a Nordstrom store.

Again, thank you all. Oh my, this could be dangerous ::)

ok, so got back from the club...brain is so pounding...make the music stop. but them geox did me right.

Tried to go to Nordstroms site now, but it is closed down for repair,,,,,horrorsLOL.

Zappos.com is a great site. I had to return a pair and they sent me a shipping label to send them back free. I also like that you can see various angles of the shoe. I wear size 11 and it's hard to find shoes at the stores. I shop online all the time. I'm hooked on Mephistos Hana and Merrill Primo Breeze. I can walk for hours on those shoes.

I agree with Sharon and parisnow - Finns are great.

Sierratradingpost.com sells Geox and others at very reduced prices. They are an outlet, so merchandise goes fast.

Thank you wliwl! I just found some nice looking Geox sandals I've ordered. Very inexpensive (compared to Nordstroms).

Another vote for Danskos! True, the clogs aren't best for multi-mile walking (at least for me), although I loooove the sport clogs for kicking around town or standing all day. But their Golden Gate line (more cushiony, less stiff, seems to have more of the "rocking" motion) is excellent for all-day, multi-mile walking and standing. Love them for city walking.

grasshopper:
Glad I could help! When I was looking through it I saw Eccos on there too and some other well-known brands. I buy from them all the time - usually for my son, because they have a lot of tall man stuff. They always have good prices, but you have to check them often because they always have new merchandise in stock and then they sell out fast. By the way, they are an old company and way pre-date the internet.

I wear only ADIO Kenny Anderson Pro's
skater shoes but there like tennis or running shoes and my feet never hurt or get blisters.