Grcxx3

I don't go anywhere without my low-rise boots from Timberland. They zip-up , rather than lace, so they are VERY easy to get on and off. They have a thick sole, which helps protect against the occasional un-avoidable puddle.

In regular shoes - even sneakers - my feet get tired and sore after a few hours. With these, I can go all day.

I also have a pair of walking boots from LL Bean that I use at times.

Scarlett

Cute Little Bella! Mine are like that but black..very comfy.

rick_c

I will probably wear the dreaded white shoes myself this summer, and strangely enough, I won't be ashamed of it one bit.

Pegontheroad

I have a pair of Eccos. (I know I'll probably get bumped from this thread because I've mentioned the brand by name.) They are frequently mentioned as a stylish, comfortable alternative to the dreaded white sport shoe. The really are quite good-looking. However, I can't wear them if I have to walk more than a block because they hurt my feet. They are stiff and inflexible.

Instead, I have really ugly walking shoes that call forth ridicule from my less sartorially-challenged relations. I have pairs in three different colors, and I can go for miles without my feet hurting.

hopscotch

Best thing you can put on your feet is Birkenstocks. But buy them when you get to Germany at 50% of the US price.

StCirq

I have never worn white tennis shoes of any description in the USA and would never wear them on vacation to any country on earth..there are so many attractive alternatives for walking shoes, and why would I want to look like I was heading for the gym, anyway?

But really, wear what you want...it's true that Europeans can look at your feet and tell where you come from, but do you care about that? If you do, don't wear the white sneakers. If you don't, wear them.

hanl

It's definitely a generation thing in Europe (Western Europe at least).
You won't see many older people wearing white trainers (unless they are being worn for sporting purposes), though they are very popular among younger generations.

Momliz

I have some foot problems, bunions and plantar fasciitis in the same foot, and bursitis in that hip - here is what I got for our upcoming trip: http://www.zappos.com/n/p/product_id/7212206.html, in the white with orange. Those are white, but, look at these: http://www.zappos.com/n/p/product_id/7178264.html. I got those in the purple! I will be in Europe in 12 days in my purple Earth shoes! and I can't wait! So, you know what? Wear what makes you happy, as long as it's not offensive. Even at a restaurant. I wouldn't do it, but, your feet are under the table. If it troubles folks so much, I don't think the shoes are the problem.

kerouac

Some day people will stop obsessing about footwear and just wear whatever they find most comfortable. How many trips have been ruined because people want to wear "nice" shoes in a "nice" city like Paris and do irreparable damage to their feet on the first day of walking?

Nikki

Threads such as this one make me think that we inhabit multiple, mutually-exclusive realities.

And Indytravel, the reality in which I would wear a dirndl ended long before the age of personal computing.

tovarich

As a european(belgian) for serious hiking I use Mephistos.In nice weather I also prefer Teva sandals.I've been hoking in the mountains with them and they make your feet strong but you should run them in beforehand. For leasure walking and visiting towns I use Sebago boat shoes.I have also wore Timberlands.So Americans you have the good stuff in your own country.Paul

wally34949

When I was in Italy last summer, the Italian men were wearing pink shirts, white linin pants and white shoes. But I agree, avoid white shoes--especially during the daytime.

If you where sandals with socks, they will think you are German.

CotswoldScouser

The real problem with trainers (as we call them) isn't what they look like. Or that they say you're a tourist.

It's that outside gyms, grown-up Europeans wear them only if either:

- they're complete losers. Practically every adult outside British and Irish dole offices, for example, wears them. They are required wearing on every no-hope Liverpool or Dublin public housing estate.

- they're a certain sort of highly athletic person clearly on the way to, or coming back from, serious (or at any rate posy) exercise.

So if you've passed the age of reason, you're not both doing a 15 mile jog and look as if you do so every day, AND you're wearing these shoes, most people would assume (were they to give the matter a second thought, which they won't) you're either American or the sort of European who'd be living in a trailer park if you were American.

You do, however, have every right to wear these things. And wrapped up as we are in greater things to worry about, none of us will give a flying Nike swoosh (than which nothing is more worthless) whether you're wearing trainers, Eccos or recycled bits of tyre.

P_Texas

what about these? in black, of course.

http://www.zcoil.com/freedom.cfm

Margaretlb

Sorry, cherylforeurope, my "typical American shoe" looks nothing like yours. I do not even own a pair of sneakers and haven't for at least the past 10 years. Mephisto, Ecco or for a less expensive alternative Naturalizers (which can be found in the typical American shopping mall&quot.

runlong

Bottom line. You are a tourist. There is no use trying NOT to look like one. Who cares? You'll have a much better time if you're not fretting about your shoes, and enjoying the sights. Even if you were in head to toe Gucci, I think the cat would be out of the bag once you start photographing sculptures and buildings. Be comfy and come home with great pictures instead of blistered toes.

PatrickLondon

I'm with CotswoldScouser on this, at least as regards the UK. The new leader of the Conservative Party signalled a change in style and tone by having himself photographed in Converse trainers, but the general feeling among those who even noticed was that this just trying too hard. As for me, I don't actually find trainers particularly comfortable to wear for great lengths of time: I wear Clark's because they have a good range of broad fittings, in black or mid-brown to suit what else I'm wearing, and I don't care if that says (or murmurs apologetically) "geography teacher" to the casual onlooker. They're my feet, after all.

BTilke

Odd, the men in my UK suburban neighborhood wear trainers all over the place. And in Germany (particularly Franconia), there were lots of men, both young and old wearing trainers once they changed out of business clothes.

They seemed nice enough (and the ones I know personally are reasonably to quite prosperous), I had no idea these men were ALL such losers!

ekscrunchy

All this proves that there are people with no sense of style in every country! At least wear black leather ones if you have to sport this type of shoe with street wear!

suze

cheryl, i would wear exactly the shoes you posted if they work for you. all of Europe doesn't really care. believe me.