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-   -   Comfortable Shoes for Men and for Women (https://www.fodors.com/community/europe/comfortable-shoes-for-men-and-for-women-779540/)

USANC Apr 16th, 2009 07:18 PM

Comfortable Shoes for Men and for Women
 
I am looking for recommendations for comfortable (somewhat cute) shoes for a man and woman. My husband and I will be in Paris at the end of June and want to make sure we have the right shoes. Since it will be warm would you suggest I back a good walking shoe and maybe a sandal? I'm thinking Merrels and maybe Born. My husband's back will bother him if he doesn't have good shoes. I don't want him to be miserable!

axelrod6 Apr 16th, 2009 07:20 PM

I swear by Merrill and my husband has very comfortable shoes from Ecco. Mephisto can also be good. Cute depends on the style.

Iowa_Redhead Apr 16th, 2009 07:29 PM

I have Ecco's for work shoes and Merrill's for my regular/walking shoes and love both pairs.

Find something comfortable for you and don't worry about what it looks like. What kind of shoes do you wear normally if you're going to be walking a lot? Wear those. If you do buy new shoes, I would definitely suggest making sure they're broken in well before you leave.

Have fun, June is a wonderful time to visit Paris :)

danon Apr 16th, 2009 07:32 PM

Mephisto (now) has several nice models for women,probably for men too.
Very expensive, but last a long time. When I can, I buy Meph. in Paris.

lanejohann Apr 16th, 2009 08:07 PM

i have bought a pair of FLEXX
they can roll up theyre so flexible in the sole

mine are almond toe lace ups
suede and patent black leather
look great with jeans or pants
they are going tobe my city walkers
i have bought some salamanda hikers that come up to the ankle for my walking in norway - going for the rugged look there lol

ljmartin Apr 16th, 2009 10:27 PM

I wear Mephisto and Merrell both for work (standing all daY)and neither are "cute" for women. I also have both brands in sandals but for travel I like to have some foot coverage to avoid injury/filth I just purchased some Naot mary janes that feel pretty good and look a lot cuter than the other brands. I think they will be very good to walk all day in Paris. They were less expensive than the Mephisto,too

Ackislander Apr 17th, 2009 03:18 AM

My wife has Mephisto maryjanes. I think they look cute on her, but then I think everything looks cute on her. She says they are comfortable.

Revulgo Apr 17th, 2009 03:38 AM

I love my Fluchos sewn by hand:
www.fluchos.com/primver2009/eng/index.htm

swisshiker Apr 17th, 2009 05:05 AM

Hello USANC :)

When you do try on a pair of shoes, remember that you are in a store that probably has a tiled or carpeted floor.

Then remember all the places you will visit that have cobblestoned streets or alleyways.

A pair of shoes needs to have good, thick soles. Cobblestones will really do a number on your feet otherwise.
((I))

bilboburgler Apr 17th, 2009 05:13 AM

old ones are best

bab706 Apr 17th, 2009 05:18 AM

If you want to enjoy your trip, good walking shoes are a must! Just returned from 10 days in Rome - and we walked everywhere. I brought three pair of shoes, and it helped to switch back and forth. Brought Ecco's, Merrell and P. W. Minor. Ecco's and Merrell's were the most supportive. Feet really take a beating on cobblestone streets and sidewalks. My husband had a great pair of Ecco's. Whatever you do, wear the shoes before your trip to make sure you don't get blisters. And remember, even though shoes may be comfortable at home - walking through the mall is a lot different than walking in Europe.

dfr4848 Apr 17th, 2009 05:45 AM

Another vote for Ecco's. Mine have now been to Europe 3 times and Costa Rica once - very lightweight and VERY comfortable. Most styles are good enough for the office as well.

dfr4848 Apr 17th, 2009 05:47 AM

I should have added that I also have back problems. In fact, had 4 dics operated on in '07, and had no problems at all with my Ecco's in 15 days in Greece last year.

bdjtbenson Apr 17th, 2009 05:54 AM

I like my Ecco's. They are comfortable, durable, lightweight, waterproof and work for walking all day or dressing up.

You can see the exact model I wear at this visual men's packing list:

http://www.polyvore.com/mens_travel_...set?id=1440268

hmmm Apr 17th, 2009 06:30 AM

I like my Eccos lots and they're stylish enough to wear to upper tier restaurants. Good support, fit, comfort.

However, my most comfortable pair of shoes is a pair of cordovan penny loafers I purchased from Brooks Bros. many years ago. Expensive, but will last forever. I've walked 10 miles in a day around Paris and San Francisco wearing them and they're like butter.

h2babe Apr 17th, 2009 01:59 PM

I've always been happy with Merrell collection. Unfortunately, they're more casual than what I'd like, but they are very supportive and comfy. My feet don't aches after 10-14 hrs!

Seamus Apr 17th, 2009 02:23 PM

Another vote for Merrel. Their jungle moc is great for walking all over town, and the Neptune model takes a nice enough shine to wear with dressier clothes (maybe not a tux, but..) and both are easy on and off for airport security. With big, bony feet and a bad back, having the right shoes can make a big difference in how pleasant a trip can be. I bought these online at shoebuy.com for a decent price, and the size selection was good (important for us bigfooted creatures.)

USANC Apr 24th, 2009 04:34 AM

Thank you for your feedback! It is has been helpful!

3sica Apr 24th, 2009 05:16 AM

I recently bought a pair of Eccos, really comfortable and now breaking them in for my June trip!
Think they are great coz it is good for normal way and not shd be good enough for smart casual!

http://www.ecco.com/int/en/collectio...-productdetail

zoecat Apr 24th, 2009 07:52 AM

I'll just add that you should try to walk in your new shoes as much as possible prior to your trip. It's no fun trying to break in new shoes while on vacation.

Enjoy your trip!


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