For years I have been wearing Rockport walking shoes for my travels, but I now cannot get a new pair in a narrow width. I'm now looking at Ecco's and possibly NewBalance, both of which have shoes that fit a long, fairly narrow foot. Has anyone had any experience with these? Would you recommend them?

I bought a pair of black suede Easy Spirit casual shoes (ESTHEME model/style). Is like walking on pillows...and if comfort wasn't enough, they dressed very well. <BR> <BR>For their closest retail store contact 1-800-284-9955.

I bought a pair of black suede Easy Spirit casual shoes (ESTHEME model/style). Is like walking on pillows...and if comfort wasn't enough, they dressed very well. <BR> <BR>For their closest retail store contact 1-800-284-9955.

Do you find that the suede/nubuck shoes were out or get a worn out appearance easily? I am hesitant to purchase this type opposed to plain leather due to this possible factor. <BR>BEV - my father had a part of Eccos that he had to have the sole replaced, I'm not sure of the full details as to why, but if I find out I will let you know. I also had a pair of Eccos(desert boot style) and wore those to death, very comfortable, but somewhat light on the insole cushiony part. I guess this gives a somewhat mixed recommendation. You might consider checking with Consumer reports. Them might having walking shoes recommendations, I've never checked-maybe I will- anyways you do need to subscribe to obtain the reports. It's fairly cheap at $24/year or $2.95/month. I have subscribe for the year and use enough to make it worthwhile. Again, if I find more info. I'll let you know.

Hi...my first trip to Europe is on April 29th but I bought shoes in advance to wear them out...errrr..in, I meant. I have leg and foot pain when I stand or walk too much but a wider foot too. Bought Dr. Martens and can't wait for 2nd, 3rd, 4th pair. Also bought Ecco Soft with T-strap in velcro. Very comfortable and will pass as dressy if I walk fast &lt;smile&gt;. I think shoes are one of the most important for those of us with any problems. Good luck, great trip!

Elizabeth----I use a coating of rain & stain repellent on all leather or suede shoes. Is amazing how much this extends the "neater" look of the shoes. The best one I found to be Cavalier brand ("Protect-All"), $3.99; very easy to find.

Bev, my husband and I got some Mephistos just before leaving for three weeks in Italy. Spent those weeks almost constantly walking on cobblestones or marble floors, and had no trouble even without a break-in time. Switched to Soft Spots one day, just to rest the Mephistos, and couldn't wait to switch back. Most money I have ever spent for shoes, but feel they were worth it. By the way, I saw some in Florence for much less than they cost in Ann Arbor MI.

Bev, just returned from London yesterday and wore Ecco's the entire time. I walked everywhere and they were extremely comfortable. A couple of years ago I went to Europe and wore Nike's and I thought they were horrible, so the Ecco's were a welcome change.

Dear Bev, I second the motion on Mephistos. For me, they are well worth the cost. They are the most comfortable and are good for a long time. I just bought a new pair of sandals for an upcoming trip. I would not leave without them! Happy travels. <BR>bushmama

Bev, <BR>I am going to Ireland in June and just purchased a pair of New Balance 961. I love them. They had to be waterproof due to the frequency of rain in Ireland. They have tennis shoe comfort with a great deal of support. I tried many different shoes(Rockports, Merrell's, Ecco's etc.). I wear a 10 and my foot is on the narrow side. I did purchase a regular width in the New Balance. Happy hunting.

Another vote for Mephistos. I found out about them on this forum, bought a pair. Yes, the price is high but they are warm and incredibly comfortable. Another great French shoe and also very comfortable and unique is Arche. They have wacky designs and colors. There are several shops in Paris; not sure about abroad. In the US I find Aerosoles are great (Arche resembles them somewhat).

Bev, This is stated from my earlier post. I spoke with my father concerning the pair of Eccos he had. He said the sole of the shoes after getting wet once or twice began to slowly disintegrate over 1.5 yrs. They became so bad that he had the sole replaced, not by Ecco who wanted to charge him $60(they would not exchange the shoes because it had been too long), but by a local shoe repair shop for $40. He vowed never to purchase another pair of Eccos. He recommended Clarks. <BR>As for consumer reports, they only had information on walk-excerciser style walking shoes. They did name New Balance and Rockport to be some of the better shoes. Hope this helps a little.

I bought a pair of Eccos when we were in Paris. My feet needed a break from my old Rockports, and they were great. But I am also sure to bring shoes with different heel heights; and try not to wear the same shoes all day. (Changing to go out for dinner at night counts as a change.) This worked very well for me last month in San Francisco -- where we walked nearly as much as in Paris!

I just bought a pair of SAS walking shoes on the advice of a friend and a shoe store where they actually wait on you, measure your feet etc!!!!! They also stocked Ecco and other brands I had heard of. Now I'm nervous that I've bought these shoes no one ever mentions!!!! Has anyone had any experience with them? Based on one day, they feel great but I'd love some first hand recommendations---0r the reverse. thanks

Maggie, I'm a nurse and SAS is a big name brand in nursng shoes. I don't have a pair, but everyone that I know that wears them swear that they are the best. I didn't know that SAS made "civilian" shoes. What do yours look like? I'm sure you will find them very comfortable. We are going to Paris in a few weeks and I plan on alternating between my Rockports and my Clarkes (My most comfortable shoe). Not going to have a good time if your feet hurt!!! Nancy

Francesca mentioned Arche shoes. I just tried some on today and they feel heavenly! The ones I tried on have about a 1-1/2 inch heel. I live in Hawaii and they run about $200 a pair. I'm wondering if I should just wait and buy them in Paris? I'd probably have a better selection. Would anyone have any idea about the prices there?

Nancy, Thanks for the words on SAS. As far as what they look like, they're not going to win any fashion prize!!! Mine are sort of a "taupe" but also came in black, brown, and a nu-buck brown as well as white. They're a tie model which I need for the support (oh God, when did I get my mother's feet???) They also had some slip on models. Anyway, they are comfortable and as long as I'm wearing long pants they'll be fine and, as you said, most important, I'll be comfortable. I'm also bringing along two pairs of Easy Spitits---one pair of black flats, new this spring with GREAT arch support and a low heel black. These are definitely for night or when I know the distance is not too great.

For those who think you need to pay big bucks for comfort, My current most comfortable pair of walking shoes is a pair of Cobbie Cuddlers I got on sale at K-mart for $9. In size 9 1/2 wide. I had foot surgery 4 1/2 months ago and I'm taking my mother to Denmark in 2 weeks. Guess what I'll be wearing on my tootsies when I go?

I walked over Austria and Germany (well, not all the time) for several weeks last summer wearing Clarks' Springers sandals (they're not fashion statements, but oh, so comfortable. On chilly rainy days I wore Borns - only one specific type which I dearly love and wear most of the time in my job as a teacher. These are the two most comfortable pairs of shoes I've ever owned, and I've had some foot problems ... <BR>

I'll add another vote for Mephisto, but not all of them are suitable for narrow feet. I love my sandals. <BR> <BR>For a closed shoe, try Munro sport. They aren't as pricey as Mephisto. I think I got mine at Nordstrom.