Go Back  Fodor's Travel Talk Forums > Destinations > Europe
Reload this Page >

Comfortable Shoes for Men and for Women

Search

Comfortable Shoes for Men and for Women

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Apr 16th, 2009, 07:18 PM
  #1  
Original Poster
 
Join Date: Apr 2009
Posts: 12
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
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!
USANC is offline  
Old Apr 16th, 2009, 07:20 PM
  #2  
 
Join Date: Mar 2003
Posts: 148
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
I swear by Merrill and my husband has very comfortable shoes from Ecco. Mephisto can also be good. Cute depends on the style.
axelrod6 is offline  
Old Apr 16th, 2009, 07:29 PM
  #3  
 
Join Date: Mar 2008
Posts: 10,509
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
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
Iowa_Redhead is offline  
Old Apr 16th, 2009, 07:32 PM
  #4  
 
Join Date: Aug 2007
Posts: 15,770
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
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.
danon is offline  
Old Apr 16th, 2009, 08:07 PM
  #5  
 
Join Date: Mar 2008
Posts: 1,407
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
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
lanejohann is offline  
Old Apr 16th, 2009, 10:27 PM
  #6  
 
Join Date: Nov 2006
Posts: 16
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
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
ljmartin is offline  
Old Apr 17th, 2009, 03:18 AM
  #7  
 
Join Date: Dec 2005
Posts: 10,169
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
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.
Ackislander is offline  
Old Apr 17th, 2009, 03:38 AM
  #8  
 
Join Date: Jan 2007
Posts: 1,002
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
I love my Fluchos sewn by hand:
www.fluchos.com/primver2009/eng/index.htm
Revulgo is offline  
Old Apr 17th, 2009, 05:05 AM
  #9  
 
Join Date: Nov 2007
Posts: 2,248
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
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.
swisshiker is offline  
Old Apr 17th, 2009, 05:13 AM
  #10  
 
Join Date: Jul 2006
Posts: 25,672
Received 4 Likes on 4 Posts
old ones are best
bilboburgler is offline  
Old Apr 17th, 2009, 05:18 AM
  #11  
 
Join Date: Sep 2007
Posts: 164
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
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.
bab706 is offline  
Old Apr 17th, 2009, 05:45 AM
  #12  
 
Join Date: May 2006
Posts: 3,220
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
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 is offline  
Old Apr 17th, 2009, 05:47 AM
  #13  
 
Join Date: May 2006
Posts: 3,220
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
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.
dfr4848 is offline  
Old Apr 17th, 2009, 05:54 AM
  #14  
 
Join Date: Mar 2008
Posts: 3,965
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
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
bdjtbenson is offline  
Old Apr 17th, 2009, 06:30 AM
  #15  
 
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 728
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
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.
hmmm is offline  
Old Apr 17th, 2009, 01:59 PM
  #16  
 
Join Date: May 2004
Posts: 633
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
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!
h2babe is offline  
Old Apr 17th, 2009, 02:23 PM
  #17  
 
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 10,514
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
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.)
Seamus is offline  
Old Apr 24th, 2009, 04:34 AM
  #18  
Original Poster
 
Join Date: Apr 2009
Posts: 12
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Thank you for your feedback! It is has been helpful!
USANC is offline  
Old Apr 24th, 2009, 05:16 AM
  #19  
 
Join Date: Mar 2009
Posts: 146
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
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
3sica is offline  
Old Apr 24th, 2009, 07:52 AM
  #20  
 
Join Date: Apr 2005
Posts: 2,962
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
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!
zoecat is online now  


Contact Us - Manage Preferences - Archive - Advertising - Cookie Policy - Privacy Statement - Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information -