uktravelover

Most of your European counterparts will be wearing jeans and sneakers. If you are lucky and we get some warmer weather, there will be people wearing shorts, but usually tailored ones. You will see some people wearing flip flops, but they are not walking any distance. Try some Mephisto sandals if you can get them at a good price.

happytoes

The weather doesn't look quite warm for shorts all the time.
I did try Mephisto sandals but my feet are too wide for them. Plus the lowest cost model is $125.

Guenmai

Yeah, Mephistos are great. I have some pairs of them. They're worth the money. Happy Travels!

suze

One week before a trip is not the time to be out buying new shoes! Find 2-3 pair from your own closet and go with those.

CodyC

our 24 year old daughter wore flip flops in london and said her feet got filthy. After 1 day she opted for her new balance slip on sneakers. comfy on the cobblestone and clean.

nicegirl512

You'll be spending thousands of dollars on your vacation...don't skimp a hundred bucks on footwear and therefore lose out on hundreds of dollars of enjoyment when all you can think about is how much your feet hurt and when is the next time you can sit down.

I bought my very first pair of Danskos before I went to Italy. At over $100, they were the most expensive shoes I had ever bought...by $75!!!! I thought I was crazy and could not believe I was spending so much on shoes. They were worth every single penny (and I have walked hundreds and hundreds of miles in them since I've gotten home).

When I went to Scandinavia I bought some "fashion" sneakers that were so cute. By the third day I was literally limping around the cities. I bought a pair of Swedish sneakers for way too much but it was too late. My feet were already ruined for that trip. It *seriously* impeded my ability to do everything I wanted and to fully enjoy my trip. I can't believe what an idiot I was. I'm still mad at myself about this!

Greece is going to be all Dansko, all the time.

Some Dankso sandals are reasonably cute. They're not sophisticated or sexy, no question, but they are acceptable. I just make the rest of my outfit super cute to make up for the shoes. You can get them at zappos or onlineshoes.com. There is also danskooutlet.com for 30% off "seconds" (I've never been able to find the flaw in the shoes I bought from there), but the shipping is slower and they don't allow returns. With zappos it's free shipping both directions.

My only warning is that good, comfortable, supportive shoes are addictive. I now own six pairs of $100 Danskos. All of them worth are twice the price, in my opinion.

nicegirl512

Oops, danskooutlet.com does allow returns, it just requires pre-authorization and must be within 30 days.

blader

I do a huge amount of walking when I travel as its my favourite way of getting around a city. So my shoes have to be comfortable and able to cushion my feet from both concrete and cobblestones. I can't afford to be crippled by blisters or aching feet as that can ruin a trip as nicegirl512 points out. So I spend a bit more to get sturdy sandals or shoes, make sure they are comfortable, carry bandaids or moleskin all the time and usually bring at least 2 pair so I can switch from day to day. I did get some Rockport flipflop style, leather sandals but these do have arch support and cushioning and are quite comfortable. And were on sale.

My main point though is that I would rather spend a bit more on shoes to ensure my favourite travel mode was in comfort and style if possible. I have some ballet style leather shoes but the soles are too thin for a lot of walking - they are for the evening and kicking back.

BTW it is freezing and wet in the UK right now so I'm into leather walking shoes (ECCO also on sale) and socks, sweaters, jackets, pants and layers. And I'm heading to Rome in 10 days to thaw out.