No one brand fits everyone. Please try them all and you'll see what I mean.
Rome is nice in June. Taste lots of gelato and let us know your favorite flavors.

I bought the Ecco Cosmo II (also on Zappos) 3 years ago when we went to Rome in July (this was on the advice from a good shoe store in our town). I was NOT disappointed. Those cobblestones can cause you to twist an ankle in no time, and these sandals were very stable and very comfortable. I have foot problems and I walked in these all day with no blisters! Since then, I have purchased 4 more pairs in different colors. They are my "go to" sandal for summer walking.

No heels! Black Joseph Seibel sandals for me. Comfy and Italian!

<why not just take ONE pair and buy the rest there?>

because then you are stuck breaking in brand new shoes on vacation. i think shopping is a great idea, but i'd still want to have at least two pair packed that i knew are extremely comfortable.

Merrill, Ecco, Clark, Rockports have all worked for me. One pair sandals, one pair slip ons.

I find that a really good soft leather shoe does not need breaking in, at least that has been my experience.

OTOH, I have worn comfortable slides in Rome which I think look good with a skirt, they pack almost flat so you can take more than one pair.

SeaUrchin, I agree, but think it's hard to know if those new shoes you buy in Rome will or will not fall into that category, in the shoe store.

That is true, better not to be stuck running in and out of stores when you really NEED shoes, instead of browsing.

Wow girls! Thanks so much for all the great responses!!! Isn't shoe shopping the best! So, I have decided to bring two pairs with me...one pair of cute/comfy flats and a pair of slip ons. I never had thought of buying them online until all of your great website suggestions! I am checking all of your suggested brands out and I'll let you know what makes the cut! Thanks!

Excuse my ignorance...what are capris??

Wise choice with the flats - I wore my tweed J. Crew pair with jeans all over Rome and was quite comfortable. I've been known, on occasion, to sacrifice comfort for style, but I think you'll be really happy and comfortable!

Carrom, capris are pants that fall anywhere from knee length to one inch above the ankle (above the knee and you have bermudas, below the ankle and you have, well, pants). Give em a try!

If you have never purchased shoes in Italy do not assume you will find any that fit you. I have always purchased Italian brand (made in Italy) shoes here in the US.

In Italy I can hardly ever find a pair of shoes that are comfortable, even the brands that I have purchased here in the US (Bruno Magli, Ferragomo etc.) don't fit me properly when I shop for shoes in Italy. An acquaintance that I know that has a Bruno Magli shoe store in Italy told me that my problem is that the last for the shoes that are sold in Italy are made a bit different than the shoes that are imported to the US. I have a very high instep. The shoes in Italy do not fit my high instep properly and they are always just a tad to wide.

So I always take a total of 3 pairs of shoes with me and than hope that I can find shoes that I can purchase in Italy to enjoy when I return home. That hardly ever happens.

So I would not assume you can find comfortable shoes for your feet in Italy unless you have been there before and know you will not have a problem. And good luck gelatogirl (I love your screen name too), Italian shoes are so beautiful, sigh.

I love my Merrels. I wore them every day and I was on my feet for hours and they never hurt me. Check them out!

Returned yesterday from Rome. I observed with incredulity what is in the shopwindows now (we stayed by the Spanish steps and daily passed all the top shops):

Rhinestone studded high-heeled cowboy boots.

Everywhere.

And women are wearing them -- with longish flouncy chiffony skirts.

Is it a Dolly Parton wannabe thing???

It was the same in Paris but not a one was dressed that way.

For daily walking go for "fashion" athetic shoes - cute styles and colors with a relatively flat bottom (unlike those used for actual sports). Skechers has some walking Mary Janes in a bunch of colors that are cute with pants or skirts. But any department store or athletic shoe store should have plenty.

Just make sure you break them in well before you go.

This is always a dilemna for me, as I don't like the look of "clunky" shoes, but am unwilling to sacrifice comfort.

I am thinking about the "stitch out" mary janes or ballet shoes from Land's End: http://tinyurl.com/eq3ru

And found some comfy sandals from Clark's that I don't hate (similar to "Carnival&quot: http://tinyurl.com/e7exy

Yay! Well, thanks to all of your great responses I have made my final selections. Drum roll please......it's Eccos from Zappos! I'm ordering the Cosmo II and the Active Maryjane. Thanks so much for all the help!

Just returned from 10 days in Rome, walking all day and night all 10 days. Before I left I ordered a pair of black Merrell zipper top shoes through Garnet Hill, they were amazing..I have never had such wonderful shoes on my feet. Absolutly amazing, my feet were never sore or tired.

Recently back from Rome too. I wore cowboy boots without the foof foof. Any way leave room in your luggage cause in addition to the overly ornate shoes showing for spring are also alot of super cute wearable ones. I bought three pair and love them all.