Yes I'd like to know also.<BR>I've tried many pair and have never found a comfortable pair.<BR>By the way, I used Zappos.com and it took almost 4 months for them to send in my credit of $250.00 .

If you like to look elegant even with comfortable shoes, than as you arrive in italy go to a good shoes shop and byuy yourself a nice pair of Valleverde or Melluso shoes. They are comfortable (but not for hikes" Just for walking around a city) but very nice.<BR><BR>http://www.valleverde.it/<BR>http://www.melluso.it/

I've also had problems with zappo's and won't be using them again.<BR><BR>I'm looking forward to trying Valleverde and Melluso (in Bologna next month, so will run right out and try some). What's the price point for these brands (couldn't get the web sites to work particularly well)? European shoes are generally expensive, but better to be prepared...

They are not cheap. Women models should be around 75-100 euro, maybe a little more. Obviously man models are more costly. The are usually bought by older people with walking problems but who still want to look good or by workers who have to walk for the whole day but still have to look fine (managers, manager assistants etc.). Also check for Geox shoes and for Flexa shoes by Fratelli Rossetti. They are more sportswear-like, bust still elegant and comfortable. Geox cost a bit less than the previous two brands (50-80 euro), while Flexa are in the same cathegory of price, maybe slightly more (85-120 euro).

I dont think anyone has recommended Josef Seibel yet. I have tried rockport, clarks, aerosoles and merrell and found the josef seibel to be the best. I wore the "caryn" pair for 3 weeks in italy and they were great!<BR><BR>http://josef-seibel.com<BR>

Just got back from a month of walking all over Italy (everything is "about 100 meters" away, even though it is really about 3 miles!). I wore Ryka sandals everywhere. I love them. They are comfortable, with massage bumps on the inside sole, and look cute. I got tons of compliments on them. I had one pair of black, and one of red. Red is very popular in Italy, it turns out. They are good with shorts and pants, as well as skirts for evening. I just can't bring myself to wear something that doesn't look good, even for comfort! So these did the trick!

Since you already have 2 closets, I don't know I can suggest any brands you haven't tried!! My two tips are take 2-3 pair of shoes/sandals to trade off AND make sure they are all nicely broken-in but not worn-down before the trip. Also the right socks (just a few good pair) can help.<BR>

Whatever you purchase wear them well before you leave.They will strecth to accompandate your many miles of wonderful touring.

Oops-------I just looked at the shoes I was talking about, and they are Rieker (not Ryka). I am really flat-footed, with very narrow feet, so these worked for me. I agree that you just have to try out lots of different kinds. I bought some Mephistos, and they didn't work at all for me. And, yes, I agree that you should wear them for a few weeks before you go! It's amazing how important something as mundane as shoes becomes when you are walking as much as you will be. I took a pair of "dressier" shoes for evening, and never ended up wearing them, since we were always walking a good distance to the restaurants!

Merrells rule.

To the top, again...

Cheryl, I'm older than you are, and had also never had a good pair of walking shoes, after trying many, many.Then, I discovered Mephistos! They are expensive, but worth it - they don't even need breaking in. If you happen to go to France, you can get them for alot less, but at least get a pair first for walking in Italy!

Cheryl,<BR><BR>I am with Sue!!! After years of trying everything, Mephisto are definitely the best. Totally worh the money.<BR><BR>Robbi

I love my Fratelli-Rosseti with Flexa soles. I managed to buy another pair last time I was in Italy, since the one I had was really worn out. I wore them while traveling and home. They are the most elegant/comfortable walking shoes. They are expensive, however.

Surlok:<BR><BR>next time you are in Italy, manage to spend one day in Milano and go to the Fratelli Rossetti outlet in Parabiago (Via Cant&ugrave; 24). You can either rent a car or reach Parabiago by train and take a taxi to the outlet or even walk there.

Cheryl-<BR>I've tried most of the brands mentioned, and my vote is definitely for the seibels. I have walked for hours on cobblestones, etc. and they always do the trick. Somewhat pricey, but I occasionally find them on sale.<BR>Jane

are the Pliner shoes you're talking about the "Addi?"

Tara, I bought the Donald Pliner Ardith, which is the Addi without a back, and wore them all over Paris and London. Felt fabulous! Of course those were my night shoes. During the day I wore Merrells and still use them for my walking shoes at home. Both shoes did not need any breakin time at all. The Addis did get messed up from walking in the rain alot but I hope to bring them back to life.