I really wanted to buy a pair of Ecco sandals here in the States for my up-coming trip, but I just cannot bring myself to spend $110.00 on sandals...so, shouldn't they be availble for sale in Amsterdam or even Paris for less than we pay here? Same thing with the Born sandals, shouldn't they cost a lot less over there, since they are much closer to areas where the shoes are made? If anyone knows, would you share this info? Thanks

In Copenhagen, they seem to cost as much as they do in the U.S. (or more). Unless, of curse, you can find your size and style on the sale racks they put out in front of the stores. Those are usually pretty inexpensive.

I can buy Dutch hothouse tomatoes at times for 99 c a pound in the U.S. but they would cost much more always in Holland.

Ditto flowers from Holland

i wouldn't assume they would be cheaper especially since there is probably a VAT tax of 20% of so included in the price.

plus since the Dutch wear wooden shoes sandals are not a big thing.

Often items are cheaper in the US because there are so many more people here to buy them--a much more competitive market. Also a poor exchange rate will influence your savings.

Eccos are avaiable in Holland. I can't say how they compare pricewise with the US though. They are available in good shoe shops, their own chain of shops, and in a more limited range at the discount shoe shop chain Scapino.

But if the sticker price in Europe converts to something close to the dollar price at home, consider the sales tax: 5% may be added to the American price but you could get a 10-15% refund of the VAT. The $120 approx boots I bought in Copenhagen yielded a $15 refund but at home my final cost for $120 boots is $127. Don't bother with this analysis if you live in a no-sales-tax state or would not get the VAT refund.

I agree with the prior replies that Ecco or Born shoes would not be any less expensive in Europe. In fact, Born is a U.S. company and most shoes are actually made in Asia.

They won't be cheaper. Plus if you mean to wear them on your trip, it's better to have a pair you've worn for awhile, NOT brand-new pair.

Thanks for the info and youall are right about new shoes - again, manyu thanks for the replies and insight
Leslie

Arche shoes are about the same price in Paris as they are in NY...and that was before the exchange rate has worsened.

Also, re: VAT refund, I think you have to spend a basic amount (€150??) in any one store to apply for the refund. At least that's how I recall it.

The only thing i've ever found in Holland cheaper than the U.S. was beer in supermarkets and cannabis from coffeeshops, the later hard for me to quantify however as i never buy any here!

Leslie, While we're on the subject... I have found I do not like my Ecco sandals very much and they were expensive like you said. They are comfortable enough *on* the foot, but really don't have good support or enough padding imo. I find if I am walking in them all day on cement, like when I am traveling, my knees really start to hurt. Something about them is just not right.

I have two pair of Naot sandals that I absolutely love.

thanks, suze, that's what I was afraid of, exactly, didn't really want to spend that much and then not be pleased like over the moon about them, so thanks so much
Leslie

There is a pretty good selection of Naot sandals for around $50 or less at www.sierratradingpost.com

Not sure where the OP lives, but there are Ecco Outlets in Pigeon Forge, TN and Orlando, FL. Not cheap, but better then retail. They might ship (Well I know they ship, I had them ship shoes for me, what I don't know is if they take phone orders, but you might try)

The outlet prices were lower then what I saw in Paris a few years ago.

thanks for all the great info - as a matter of fact, I live in the Central Florida area - I will check out that outlet, thanks again
Leslie

Filenes Basements often have them at a heavy discount.

There are women's Ecco sandals on www.zappos.com for $90 including shipping.

Oops. Should have typed $99.

Leslie,
The Ecco outlet is at the Premium Outlets near Disney, I don't know if they are at any of the other outlets.