LSky

There's a pair of shoes for everyone- that's why they make so many.

ahiddenbird

I also travel carry on only and I tend to think its better to bring more shoes and fewer articles of clothing. My feet feel better if I can avoid wearing the same two pairs of shoes all day everyday. They seem to benefit from variety more than any particular brand or level of support. Plus It's much easier for me to pick up extra articles of clothing I might need along the way than it is to find just the right shoes when traveling.

Last trip I took along 5 pairs. This time I think I'll only bring 4

sf7307

I always take 4 pairs - usually Born sandals, Skechers walking shoes (brand has varied over the years), Havaianas or other flip-flops I can wear to the pool or in the shower if necessary, some kind of shoe I wouldn't mind wearing to a decent restaurant, running shoes in case I have time for the fitness center. The first four take up very little room, so If wear the running shoes on the plane, I can squeeze in a 6th pair.

aliced

Agreed, easier to find clothes abroad than shoes, plus you can't beat tax-free NJ shopping !! That's why the tourists do all their shopping here! I sacrifice w/ 4 pair, but am tired of bringing 'those' special shoes for that special place. Wearing high-heels on dark Roman cobblestones was not one of my better choices.... DH has no sympathy, but if I 'have it' I want to 'bring it.' Latest model 737-800 has ridge up on the baggage compartment which prevented my extending to 21" to be a bit wider -- unfair!!

Pepper_von_snoot

I bought a nice pair of Champagne linen-denim driving shoes at JC Penney for 36$.

They are just as chic as espadrilles, but have a sturdier sole for the alleyways of Venice.

I saw some cute shorts at JC Penney, too.


Thin

Tabernash2

Are you teasing us, Thin?

Pepper_von_snoot

No, I like JC Penney for casual clothes.

They have Sephora now at JC Penney.


Thin

Tabernash2

Yes, I like what Penneys has done with their stores. They have some nice mid-priced brands, great sales, and Sephora, like you say.

Finecheapboxofwine

Wow-surprised that so many of you pack so many pair of shoes! I probably top out at three pair (one I wear and two I pack) mostly due to the room they take up and the excess weight.

Tom's shoes are flat, flat, flat and offer little foot support. I wouldn't consider packing them for a European adventure.

Thin- Are you pulling our leg about JC Penney? Tell us more about your discovery.

Tulips

On the subject of footwear in Europe;
http://www.thesartorialist.com/photo...cia-barcelona/

Wear your Keds with a pretty summer dress.

DonnaMotes

We just returned from Paris. Your best bet in Europe (especially in any major city) is to wear black. Sneakers are a "no no"....and you'll definitely look American. The shoes you show...look American to me, mainly because of the thick sole and color of the shoe. Eurupeans like to wear "slim" narrow shoes...even their sneakers/tennis shoes are thin. They like to make their feel look as small as possible. That being said, if not wearing a heel,my favorite travel shoe is made by Aquatalia. They are super comfortable, very light weight, WATERPROOF and made (very well) in Italy, although they are headquartered in NYC. Sold in Saks, Bloomies, Neimans. You can check them out on zappos.com. I do NOT like to wear flats, but when walking several miles a day, these are still slim, stylish and super comfortable.

FHurdle

Just wear blacks socks with your sandals and people will think you are European. Perhaps not Italian, but European.

el13207

Another nod for Tom's, although I have also walked miles in my Gentle Souls black ballet flats, as well as Merrell black zip ups (mesh top) which are very comfortable for me and very unobtrusive under full length pants. As for sandals, Mephisto has been a longtime favorite (the Helen style) and recently I have discovered Taos sandals which are also very comfortable. I don't usually go to Europe in the summer, so the few times I have worn sandals in cities I have experienced- and disliked!- the filthy feet syndrome mentioned earlier... None of these look "touristy" , but I do agree that absolutely no one is probably looking at your feet! (And I go by the theory that they will never see me again...)
Now if I could just get my 6'3" husband with his size 13 feet to give up his enormous white New Balance sneakers...

Pepper_von_snoot

The comment that sneakers are a no-no in Europe is ridiculous.

Plenty of people wear sneakers in Europe.
Althletic shoes are sold in all the shops.

Even huge European brands like Lacoste and Hugo Boss make sneakers.

The reason tourists don't see that many athletic shoes during their few days in Paris or Rome is because they are in city centers on weekdays. They are seeing majority of citizens in work attire.


Thin

Tulips

I'm European and I wear sneakers; all-stars, keds, Hogans. Try walking on Antwerp cobblestones in heels.

Leely2

I bought a pair of red Keds when they first came back into style a few years ago. Though I found them comfy in 8th grade, they are excruciating for me now. Wore 'em twice and then off to Goodwill. I have some yellow suede Pumas that are my go-to for weekends. They're a skateboard style, so a little more cushion in the sole and arch support. But they will be too hot for my vacation this summer. My Chucks are black and looking too ratty. Hmm.

Barbaque

Pepper-von-THIN:

You are absolutely hilarious (esp. with your "Good Gucci" reply). I can't stop laughing and want to thank you for making my day/weekend!!

Am loving all the posts and info......so thanks to all. Unfortunately old bag's legs and feet (like mine) can't handle anything too flat or too high (like platforms). I refuse Birkenstocks (not my style at all, and too flat anyway), so have been relegated to Aerosoles. Naot and all those others just don't fit right....yet too self-conscious to wear Aerosoles to Afternoon Tea at any major hotel in London.

Am continuing my search after I stop laughing. Thanks again!

Leely2

Speaking of old bags (just kidding, Mom), my mom swears by Tods and a pair of Prada Sport Mary Janes that I bought her years ago and she wears almost exclusively on trips.

Barbaque

Thanks, Leely.........will check both out!

WeisserTee

As I've said before, you can dress like a technicolor scarecrow and people will still think you're a local as long as you're walking a dog. I know from personal experience: walking early one morning down the Boulevard Raspail wearing Fresh Produce elastic waist capris and a Mount Dora t-shirt, three people still asked me for directions.

My English cocker Raisin is the ultimate European fashion accessory -- just don't tell anyone her collar is from the PetSmart in Allentown, not Cet Adorable Toutou in the 16th arrondissement.