I just decided... I'm wearing running shoes to Italy
#1
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I just decided... I'm wearing running shoes to Italy
... and I decided I don't care if I look like a dorky American!<BR><BR>(Somehow this decision has caused me more angst than all of my itinerary planning put together)
#2
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With all the discussions about this kind of thing here, I was thinking today that it would be great if there was an area in a park in a European city, say London, where people could do nothing but debate whether one should or should not wear tennis or athletic-type shoes.<BR><BR>It would be called, of course...
#4
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Running shoes will be fine for Italy. I wore running shoes (silver & black Nike) while I was in Rome and all the Italian teenagers I met thought they were cool. I think white Keds would be VERY uncool, however. Style counts, sweetie darling. <BR>
#7
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Great decision!! Clothes & shoes never worried me throughout my travels until I decided to stay in Paris for a month and started reading this board - no athletic shoes and wear dark clothes. Well, I did buy good walking shoes (black) because I really needed them and I wear a lot of black because it's easy so that wasn't a big deal. However, I saw every kind of shoe imaginable (my sister came for a week and wore Nikes and nobody looked at her feet!) and it was true that most people seemed to wear dark clothes and all looked drab! It was a delight to see red. I now realize it absolutely makes no difference except to not offend a particular culture. Conservative is probably better mainly because of churches and restaurants.
#8
and the myth of black only for women..An American dreamed that one up. It's true for late dinner at a posh spot but other than that they wear lots of color. For travellers, black is simple tp pack and coodinate but for the cote d'ázur and deep Provence, you do not see black unless you are an old widow.
#10
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Capo, shall we call it Dork Park?<BR><BR>It is your vacation, the Fashion Police have been disbanded, wear what you want. It is a big continent. You probably will not run into anyone who shouts "There goes a dork." And, if you do, just run right by the dork making that remark. <BR><BR>I am going to Michigan's Upper Peninsula this year. I suppose I can wear white sneakers there if I am so inclined. <BR><BR>Be certain to post your "Dorky Trip to Italy" trip report. Perhaps you can include photos of feet--LOL.
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Sneakers are a good choice. Except Keds, they don't have much arch support. But you'll be on your feet all day, and after eating all that tiramisu (really cheap and tasty at gelaterias) you may want to even take a quick run around the hotel in the morning.
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Well, if, as you say, you don't care, why fret?<BR><BR>For sure, when you're a tourist at the "touristy" places, your attire truly does not matter. You'll see anything and everything on everyone else.<BR><BR>It's only when visiting the "nicer" places - restaurants, shops, neighborhoods, that one may wish to present themselves "nicer". And, many don't care about that either - you can tell by the shape they're in.