Can it be done? Is it cheaper than Nordstrom's here in the US?

According to folks on the AOL boards who visit Paris often, best prices are the Norm Thompson catalog (there's website).

Pardon my ignorance, but what is/are/were/could be a Mephistos?? <BR>

Are Mephistos really worth the money? <BR>Also, what is the website address for Norm Thompson?

Bob: pricey walking shooes. Don't know if they're worth it...can't afford to find out!

Bob: pricey walking shooes ---$200+. Don't know if they're worth it...can't afford to find out!

Just went to Nordstroms over the weekend and couldn't believe the $250 price tag for such unattractive shoes. I'd buy them if I ever thought I wear them after my ten day trip to Europe. How much cheaper are they through the Norm Thomspon catalog? Any other reasonably attractive and priced options than Aerosoles? <BR>

You might try Munro American, which Nordstrom also has. I don't know what other styles they have, but the low-heeled brown laceup style I got last fall is FABULOUSLY comfortable, waterproof, and cost about $140. I'm planning to look for more styles from this manufacturer!

I've worn Aerosoles and Easy Spirit, and had great luck with both. Recent posters have talked about Rockports, which I'm going to buy as soon as I can find a store.... <BR>Query: has anyone worn Mephistos? If you have, how often? Are they worth buying if you travel 4 weeks a year and would have no other need for them? How long do they last? Did you find other shoes comfortable, but Mephistos are 10x better? We need testimonials here!

Ann asked about low priced alternatives other than Aerosoles. I took Aerosoles and Easy Spirits on one European trip, and I have found that Rockports are FAR superior to either. There are at least two other discussions on this forum in the recent past about this shoe issue. In one of them, someone said that Rockports have a sole that is too thin for comfortably walking in Europe, but I think it must depend on what style you buy. Mine have quite a thick rubber sole and are extremely comfortable. Make sure you pick a style with a thick rubber sole and a lot of support. My Rockports are the only shoes I take to Europe now, and I find that they go anywhere as long as you buy one of the more attractive styles in black. I just bought a new pair and paid about $50 on sale.

Those who wear them swear by them. <BR>If you can get to Spain, buy them there. Much cheaper. So are Ferragamos.

<BR>Ann, yes, Mephistos are ugly-ass shoes for alot of money. (I actually said that to the Nordstrom's salesperson, when I considered buying a pair). As for using the Norm Thompson catalog, they may be slightly cheaper, but not significantly so (I'm on their mailing list). <BR>One other brand of good walking shoes that may not have been mentioned is "Ecco" - in Texas, they can be found in the Dilliard's Dept. store. <BR>I find the most critical elements in selecting footwear is as follows: <BR> - sufficient room in the 'toe box' <BR> - thickness & durability of sole <BR> - support <BR> - flexibility or "breathability" of materials (these days I'm big on nubuck) <BR>If your shoes meet all the above criteria, then they should be a good walking shoe. I've purchased 2 pairs of Donald J. Pliner shoes for my trip to Europe next week. They are a 'fashion' brand & not characterized as "walking shoes", BUT they do fulfill the comfort requirements. <BR> <BR>

I bought a pair of Mephistos for our recent trip to Paris and London. I also had a pair of Eccos but I ended up wearing the Mephistos the whole time. My feet have a tendency to ache but when I wear the Mephistos my feet feel great at the end of a long day of walking. I wore them for 11 days straight and I was always ready to go out again at night for some more adventures. If you never have any problems with your feet then maybe you don't need to spend the extra money for them. For me, after spending $5000 or more for a vacation the cost of the shoes was a small price to pay to keep my feet happy and walking to midnight. The shoes are great.

Thank you all for responding to this simple question. The answers are as personal as "what's your favorite underwear?" <BR> <BR>As for the Rockport and Ecco shoes: I've tried them both and found that they give my feet lots of pain after a while. Could be my feet though, as I have what has been called 'plantar faceitas' (I know, I butchered the spelling), a condition where the tendon in my foot is stretched to the limit and is the source of my discomfort. The Mephistos feel good in the store, and I don't care (much) about the looks and at this point, I'm willing to spend the extra $$ if they feel good. <BR> <BR>Jeff

O.K., here's my opinion... <BR> <BR>Just for the record, I own 5 pairs of Mephisto shoes. Yes, some are ugly, but I own 3 pair that are very attractive. I have one pair of Mephisto, gor-tex boots that are the latest style. <BR> <BR>My favorite, are a pair of slip-on, black suede walking shoes. The best shoes I ever owned. One pair I own is very big and clunky. In fact, they are men's (size 8) and the bottoms have alot of grip, that's why I bought them. <BR> <BR>I swear by these shoes. Some of the tennis shoes they make are very ugly but (my husband who just bought a pair) says they feel like "a favorite pair of tennis shoes you've been breaking in for 10 years." <BR> <BR>As far as price, we buy discount. We haven't paid over $75 for any of our shoes and we own 9 pair between the two of us. The cheapest we've paid is $20. <BR> <BR>As far as Paris, we just got back yesterday, and yes, they are cheaper there. However, only about 25% less. So, depending on where you shop, that may, or may not, be less than you can do here or in a catalog. <BR> <BR>We highly recommend them!

Jeff, <BR> One more thought -- be sure and break in any shoes thoroughly before you go on your trip.

I just bought 3 pair of Mephisto's in Munich. I paid between 129 and 139 DM for each and got a VAT refund, so the 3 pair came to about $200 total. I got Travelsmith's latest catalog and they had the 2 of the pairs for $190 each!! So I think I did quite well. I stand at my job all day and so far they have been comfortable. I bought the shoes at what appeared to be a shoe discounter or clearance store. It was called Seibel Shoes and was located one block off of the Viktualienmarkt in Munich at Reichenbachstrasse 8.

Contrary to Maggie's comment, such is the wonder of Mephistos that they do not need to be broken in--at least my husband's didn't. Bought 'em in Beaune, popped 'em on, and wore them happily for a week. They cost about half what Norm Thompson is asking, and as Maggie points out, scrimping on shoes is a false economy. <BR>Spouse now wears his Mephistoes rather than sneakers when he goes for his nightly constitional--now that's comfort. <BR>(I only have a pair of sandals--they're what I wear when I'll be standing all day cooking.)

What I want to know is if you can buy Mephistos in Milano. I will be there next week and would love to pick up a pair. They don't sell them in Sydney. If anyone knows the address of a place that sells them in Milano, it would be most appreciated. <BR>

The shoes are great. Talk to a professional sales person about them to get the entire story of how they are built and the guarantee. I have two pair and wear them here and in Europe. You can find them on sale and in discount shops. Don't know about Milan.