You don't need to dress up in Amsterdam. Jeans or cargo pants are fine for walking around the city.

This always sounds harsh when people post it, but it's true... no one cares what you wear
;-)

Check out these sandals: http://www.zappos.com/n/p/p/7218241/c/4072.html

I can walk four or five miles in these -- and do, on a regular basis. And they're not bad-looking, either (I don't think).

Snoop around Zappos for lots of other ideas -- Naot and other brands. The customer reviews can be very helpful.

I was going to recommend the Nordstrom Shoe Rack. Then I realized that all three pair of the shoes I plan to take on my next trip were made in France! (even though I got them at Nordies)

Black Geoxx loafers, brown nubuck No Name tennis shoes and old, old, comfy, faded red Mephisto sude sandals. Hope those will get me through 3 weeks.

what about some nice ballet pumps or pretty peeptoe flats. I imagine somewhere like steve madden would have these. you could then dress them up or down. its always good to have an alternative to trainers/sneakers.

the sales should still be on in london next week, have a look at the shoes in Popshop or Primark (v. cheap) on oxford street or Office. they have great flat shoes, cheap, stylish and will last about as long as they're in fashion.
Example- you could get a pair of cute and comfy peep-toe flats in the sales in primark for about 8 dollars.
its always nicer shopping when you actually get to your destination.

oops sorry i meant topshop

Happytoes, I am right now, this very minute, wearing the black Skechers Biker Step-ups that I bought for my trip to Paris, where we walked and walked and walked and walked over seriously rough terrain (e.g., Pere LaChaise cemetery, which you may want to visit).

No, they are not beautiful evening wear, but they made life possible and enjoyable, and you can bring something dressier for dining out if you like. I wound up buying four pairs, because I have learned that once I find something I like I must purchase as much as I will ever want right then because they will stop making them. I got mine for about $50 on sale (Macy's may have them on sale right now - go check!). The only shoes I have ever worn that never, never, never hurt my feet.

Think how sad it would be to be in pain and miserable in the most beautiful city on earth, just because you didn't want to invest in good walking shoes for a two-week trip. You really can't enjoy yourself if it hurts to walk, and so much of the charm of Paris, London, and Amsterdam is wandering around and letting the city reveal itself to you in unexpected ways! Whatever you do, be comfortable, and have a wonderful trip.

To ILovetoTravel18, go to a foot doctor who will prescribe orthotics. Some doctors think plantar fascitis can be helped by wearing Birkenstocks or something, but others don't think so, and will measure your foot for an orthotic crafted to you. You then wear those orthotics inside all your shoes, and your feet don't hurt ever again. I speak from personal experience.

(There are companies that sell these things without crafting them to your own feet -- I don't know if they work or not. I doubt if they're as good as the ones from a real MD.)

When in london, go to Primark for some really cheap flat ballet shoes or canvas shoes( i got some black ballet shoes today for £4 a pair) buy a couple of pairs, wear them to death whilst on holiday and throw them away when you get back.

Also means your footwear will be stylish,if it worries you so much, mind you i'm in my 20's, European and fashion concious (sp?) and i wear white trainers (sneakers) when on city breaks!!!

I meant you might want something a little warmer for the evenings. Jeans and cargo pants will be fine for all 3 cities unless you wanted to go to a fancy restaurant, which you don't. That's what everyone else will be wearing, don't worry. Have fun in the RLD :-)

I think your shoes sound fine, but why don't you get your husband a pair of khaki shorts or something. Some of them are quite thin and you can really find some for a reasonable price. They'd be much cooler than denim if that's the concern and look much better than basketball shorts. Just my 2 cents.

Thank you all for your suggestions! With the weather not being as hot as we originally thought my husband probably will be wearing regular long jeans instead of shorts. I will talk to him about cargo/khaki shorts though.

And I do have some skechers shoes - not the maryjane type but other ones that are quite comfortable as well as plain black flat shoes that I will also bring just in case. we are actually flying business class there (family has deals) so I will have to bring some reasonable looking shoe and a plain black flat would work well since I could wear them again (as opposed to some high heel dress shoes)

I'm just back from London and we are in our late 30's, but from San Deigo so very casual in dress. My husband brought jeans, khakis and shorts...he wished he'd had more shorts AND he wore sneakers and his ball cap!Except at night in nicer places, theatre etc. He brought 2 nice black polo shirts, black slacks and black shoes and belt. I looked the part of "European traveler", except for my husband was always standing near me and giving me away! My husband is a very successful business man and would be damned to be told what to wear..he is very nice and everyone we met was very friendly toward him. I think the clothing thing is a little exaggerated. If you smile and are polite to others, people forgive your style differences. He didn't wear basketball shorts, just khaki shorts. PS after a few days in stylish shoes I switched to my dark colored converse.Cheers

When I went to Italy last year, I worried about my clothes and shoes because I dress very casually at home. I took skirts because of the churches and I took sandals to wear with the skirts. Well, the broomsticks skirts take up way too much room in the suitcase; I'll never pack them again. And the sandals! I wore them into the cathedral and then ran back to the hotel to change into tennies and by then, I didn't care how I looked in my broomstck skirt and white tennies because I was seeing Italy!!! I don't think the way I looked detracted from my trip at all and I can assure you I looked a little funny. I didn't have anyone pointing and sneering at me. I was comfortable and I had a great time. I snicker a little when I look at full-lenght photos from our trip, but oh well.

I'm going to France next summer and will pack lots of capris because they worked the best for me.

Have fun and relax. My husband wouldn't have fun if I told him how he had to dress.

Happytoes, have a great time. As I said earlier, it won't take you long to see that many many people will be dressed in jeans, cargo pants.. and sneakers. DOn't worry, you'll be fine.
Especially since you aren't going anywhere fancy to eat.
Trust us, don't be stressing about it.

Toedtoes - and price is also relative -you get what you pay for. I'd rather 1 good quality pair of shoes that are built to last and are comfortable than 4 pairs of cheap quality shoes which in my opionion ends up being a bigger waste of money.

Bring your sneakers and your flip flops. I brought a pair of open back Naturalizers and flip flops to Europe this summer, as well as a pair of black Bebe sneakers. Flip flops are common there, and you'll want the option if it is hot, or raining, or if you want to walk around the hotel without bulky shoes.

Bring a mix of casual & "neat" clothes. Plenty of people dress VERY casually in Amsterdam, and you will stick out if you overdress there!!

Bring what you are comfortable in, and leave room to buy a few things while you're over there. The end of the season sales will be in full swing, and you can supplement your wardrobe, if necessary, while you're over there. (I did!) Have fun!

PS - the basketball shorts will be OK for Amsterdam, especially if they are long, kind of like Snoop Dog style, lol!

When you are in Paris & London, your husband can just wear them to lounge around the hotel room. So, if he wants to bring them & they only weigh a few ounces, it's alright. Cargo shorts are more in style, though. :)>-

iconshoes.com Happy Travels!

Anyway, what's this "will only wear them once" malarkey ? You'll be going on holiday again in future, I hope !