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!

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.