Ann - <BR><BR>I read an article in Runners World that said 95% of people who run 2 or more times a week do not and will not wear Nike running shoes. Apparently, while they make a lot of quality products, running shoes are not at the top of the list. In fact, some specialty running stores don't even carry Nikes. (I've worn Brooks for years).

Shoe salespeople often don't know at all what they're talking about in my experience, especially men who sell women's shoes. Selling shoes doesn't make you any more of an expert at all than someone who wears them every day. I don't break in my shoes much, either (well, not always, sometimes I take old shoes), and have never once had a blister as I buy shoes that fit and are good leather, even though I may walk for miles a day, as you tend to do on vacation. My feet may get just kind of tired and "sore" sort of from the excessive activity and walking on pavements, etc. Last summer I took two brand new pairs of walking shoes to Europe, both had been worn one day at most, and I had no problem at all--in fact, my feet felt great because they were better than my old shoes which is why I bought them. What I really dislike is salesmen who always try to convince you to buy shoes that don't fit and are uncomfortable by telling you "they'll stretch." right. People who want to break in shoes a long time should go ahead, if that's what they like, but it is obviously not a law of nature as some people don't need to do it. I don't wear athletic shoes, either, but leather walking shoes (last good pair I got were Naturalizer Milleniums with Eurosoles).

oh I did want to comment that I don't think it's a good idea to wear nylon hose/socks extensively as they are synthetic and don't breathe (as well as just being very thin and not providing much cushion) which isn't good for your skin or expiration. I might wear something like that out at night when I'm more dressed up but would never wear that during the day for sightseeing (especially sheer nylon knee socks). Maybe that's one reason I don't have so many problems either, I don't wear stuff like that.