Oh. Never mind.
E. Litella

Please click on my name and find my topic called a few very good travel things or something to that effect. I provided links to the shoes I am using on this trip that have REALLY saved the day.

Yours
MC

Here's that link - I hope it works.

http://www.fodors.com/community/euro...ntries-now.cfm

mc

Sketcher Shape-ups. Have 4 pair and never wear anything else. Great in the rain, snow, on cobblestones, forest paths and hours of walking. Never had a blister yet, even wearing them for hours the first day. I have arthritis in my big toe and these are the only comfortable shoes I have ever worn.

My doctor just advised against Sketchers--says they're not designed for foot anatomy.

Here's a different suggestion, although I'm sure it will immediately be shot down: wait and buy your shoes in Germany. There are wonderfully comfortable shoes to be had there that I've never seen in the U.S.

Here at home, I find SAS shoes to be the absolute best for walking--and the sandals are great too. Both provide excellent arch support and last and last (no pun intended).

Is your doctor specifically talking about the Skechers Shape-Ups or just the regular shoes. I find the regular shoes incredibly comfortable.

I think she meant the Shape-Ups, if they're the ones that rock.

Yes, those are the ones that rock. I understand that doctors are now saying they're not good for your back.

Finn Comfort is another great brand. Not cheap but great for walking.

I have a pair of black Sketcher Shape-ups and they have been great for the arthritis in my right knee and also for the plantar fascitis that developed in my right foot (a lovely combo, I can tell you). I've been wearing them for a while with no back pain at all. In about six months, I may buy a pair of MBTs for comparison.

The most comfortable shoes I can remember having were my old Famolares in the wave pattern. Are they still around? I used to wear them everywhere.

I have Merrells but find the slip-on pair a little too wide and the others aren't wearing as well as I'd hoped.

A European brand I really like is Think! http://www.thinkshoes.com/en#24-ladies

I have the Bee shoes - they're surprisingly comfortable and I like their granola/funky styling.

I was going to say the same as Underhill: buy some shoes in Germany! I was so shocked at the great prices of my favorite shoes there - but, of course, they are from Germany, so they would be cheaper! (And this is the down side of traveling with a small carry-on: no room for new shoes).

My fav are Mephisto due to the arch support and great cushioning to protect your foot on cobblestones.

My favorite is a clog by Finn - made in Germany but I buy them in the USA

Lots of good suggestions here and let me add one more. After trying nearly all of the brands listed above, DW settled on Wolkys which now comprise the bulk of her shoe wardrobe. She will not wear anything else when traveling and finally she is able to comfortably keep on her feet for hours at a time. She takes 2-3 pair along and switches every day saying she gets the best comfort results by not wearing the same shoes 2 days in a row.

For a trip to Switzerland, I took a pair of Clarks new "wave" sole shoes and a pair of Garmont "casual hiking" shoes (like a heavy duty walking shoe). The Clarks pair was a sort of "Mary Jane" with a wide toe box that allowed lots of wiggle room. They were comfortable and fine for walking on sidewalks or paved surfaces. I have owned lots of Clarks sandals but never found them to provide the right support for a lot of walking, but the new "wave" shoes are different. I wear them to work every day now and am on my feet most of the day. On the trip, I wore the Garmonts most of the time as they provided lots of support, especially going over uneven surface, and were very comfortable. Each of these cost right at $100.

My husband took a pair of Salomon cross training shoes and a pair of Clarks with the "wave" sole, and he loved the Clarks.

I forgot to mention that my daughter traveled all over Europe in a pair of Josef Seibel leather clogs and thought they were great.

The advice that I got about Sketcher Shape-ups from an American podiatrist and a German orthopedic Dr. was that these shoes are excellent for my feet. They are very soft, and cushiony, as opposed to the MBT, which are firmer and need time to learn how to walk in them. How can they be bad for your back? One stands straighter and has better posture when wearing them.

I found a pair of Clarks Springers at the local thrift store the other day - nice looking and nearly new - for $7. I'm hoping they'll turn out to be good for long-time comfort.

I truly hate going to shoe stores to find nice, comfortable shoes. They always feel fine for the few minutes I'm in them at the store, but it's not til a week or two later that I really find out if they're comfortable.