Tabernash2

I couldn't care less about looking like a tourist, since it's unavoidable. I also couldn't care less about trying to keep up with fashion. When I am walking all day, I need a shoe with a good arch support, which I can add if needed. I like closed-toes so my feet don't get filthy. I also don't wear shoes with dividers between the toes.

Last Fall, I walked all over Portugal in a pair like these
by NorthFace:
http://www.zappos.com/the-north-face...fcTest=fcl%3A0

They also have nice-looking skimmers:
http://www.zappos.com/the-north-face...fcTest=fcl%3A0

This year, I am trying these:
http://www.zappos.com/clarks-haley-l...fcTest=fcl%3A0

I like these, too, but don't own:
http://www.sperrytopsider.com/store/...ultOption=true
(Yikes, that's some URL!)

For fun, I bought these, which are very soft leather and extremely comfy:
http://www.sperrytopsider.com/store/...ultOption=true


Sorry to offend your sense of style, Thin.

Tabernash2

Oops, these colors:
http://www.sperrytopsider.com/store/...ultOption=true

Tabernash2

Hmmm, sorry, don't know why I can't copy the correct color, which is aqua/lime green/ white leather

simpsonc510

The Clarks and North Face (closed toe) shoes look really cute. BUT, I need a lot of cushioning under the balls of my feet, besides being cushioned on the heels. I live in FIT FLOPS at home, and I know they are sold in Europe, so wondering if I should pack a pair or two. Since they are sold there (they are a British product) I would hope to see people wearing them! I will also have some cute green Birkenstock sandals (with ankle strap).

My toes are not pretty, and there is nothing I can do about that. I would love to cover my toes in the Clarks or North Face, but I have to have the cushioning as the first consideration!!!

Tabernash2

It's hard to find shoes you can walk in all day long. I had a problem in Lisbon, on the very slippery granite cobblestones, and fell down twice. Very embarassing, especially for DH, since I let loose with some F-words in public. Yikes.

Tabernash2

These are my go-to shoes here at home:
http://www.zappos.com/birkenstock-gr...fcTest=fcl%3A0

Birks keep my plantar fasciitis at bay.

cigalechanta

I have big feet and couldn't find my size in Paris.

cigalechanta

I favor the popular Bensimon shoes and they are machine washable. I went to the main shop in Paris, not one pair in my size. In the states I find them at Madewell, the Tannery and on line with no problem. The first pair I bought was in Provence and have over half a dozen.

suze

I don't like the preppy colors as "Tabernash2" shows above, but I have been eyeing the Sperry Topsiders boat-shoe style for awhile now. I'm going to try them, but in one of the more toned down color ways.

amer_can

Suze..top siders are great. If you feel you need more support then a Dr. Scholl's will do the trick. I wore mine on every tour we took off a cruise,(cobbles, hills, rocks,sand, and pavement) and never suffered a twinge of pain. I wear them all the time as casual shoes at home and I am not young by any stretch!!! I'm almost beyond old!! Anyhow, top siders can fill the bill for neat, casual, colorful, and comfortable foot gear. Walking in them , for me, has been just fine. You can get many different looks and the sparkly ones are fun. There are also a couple for sole thicknesses available..Whatever you might want.

suze

Thanks for the input! I have been thinking for awhile now (since they became popular again a few years back) that they'd be great for travel. Closed toe, a bit of cushion, not terrible to look at. I'm seeing them on all different ages of women (even the 20-somethings here in Seattle).

amer_can

It's also handy to have them in case you run into a yacht on which you must move about!!! Stop thinking and "just do it"!!

Tabernash2

Thanks, "suze". Always tactful.

suze

What? What now??

You are offended that I called lime green shoes "preppy"? Fer goodness sakes.

Pepper_von_snoot

Some of those shoes are a nightmare.

Who wants to go around looking like some sad Christian doing a pilgrimage?

My Gucci, I can see some troglodyte at Fatima wearing those horrid shoes with a hair
shirt.

Danger is a part of life.

If you have ever read Virginia Woolf you know that it is dangerous to live one day. Anything can happen.

I would wear killer shoes and stare danger in the face.

Thin

suze

I don't care about the danger Thin, I care about the pain!

Leely2

Those red North Face shoes look like Toms ripoffs. Just buy a pair of red Toms. At least some kid gets a pair of shoes out of the deal.

My problem with shoes in Italy is seasonal. If it's hot and I'm doing a lot of walking, my feet swell (not a pleasant visual, I know, and I'm sorry).

I don't usually travel in the summer because I wilt in hot weather, but this summer I'm going to Poland and the Czech Republic. The shoe thing may be a problem.

Tabernash2

I've never heard of Tom's. What is that? It gives some of its proceeds to kids in need? That sounds great.

Thin, I hear ya, but I do not aspire to the heights of Prada and Gucci. Not on my own feet, anyway.

Comfort is the name of my game.

suze

For every pair of Tom's shoes you buy, they give a pair of shoes to a person in need.

www.toms.com

aliced

New Balance just came out with a very comfy pair of ballets that can do the 'evening' thing to dinner etc. Reversible insoles. I have pairs of everything mentioned above. For some reason, my DKNY cork soled black flip flops I can walk miles in because they have a good arch and do not 'flip flop' off. I always pack at least 5 prs footwear so volume/weight is an issue in my carryon (yes carryon for 2-3 wks). It's all about lightweight clothing that can be rolled tiny. No thanks to Birkenstocks, Rockports are looking pretty good these days and have partnered w/ Adidas for comfort.