I find Aerosoles to be generally non-supportive. Sketchers vary - some are very supportive, some aren't. The ones I sent the link to are good.

Mephistos (aside from being Very expensive) always seem to me to be too heavy - but I've only owned one pair, and they were hot, heavy shoes. Sort of too wintery.

The good thing about Zappos is you can buy lots of pairs and just return the ones you don't like! :)

I like Shoebuy better than Zappos, but thats just a personal preference. They too have free shipping and free return. For ME, they seem to have better sizing. Zappos has a lot of euro sizing so I have not had as much luck with Zappos. You might check out BOTH.

I wore Diesels and a comfy old pair of (soccer) Adidas my last trip in Rome and was fine. I also like Dansko and Merrell, but not for all-day wear. Since then I've become a Crocs devotee; the Mary Janes and Primas are both cute and comfortable but I don't think stiff enough for cobbled streets. And no, I suppose Roman waiters wouldn't approve.

Wear what feels good to you and can handle uneven pavement. That's what's so nice about the Carribean and Hawai'i: everyone wears inexpensive, comfortable Havaianas (or knock-offs) everywhere and nobody cares!

To me the most important thing is to have 2 (or even 3) pair so you can switch back and forth (day to day or even day to evening). Even the most comfortable shoe can be a bother if you only have 1 pair for a couple weeks.

Ecco's - they are European but I know you can buy them in the US and Canada - very very good for walking and good looking. They have very good arch support and feel like slippers the first time you wear them. Good luck.

This "shoe line" has been invaluable and encourage me to at least look at some other lines I may not even known about until now. Thanks for all of the advice from personal experience. jg

I've been over to Europe twice. Once in Merrell's which were good, but not great, and secondly in a pair of Josef Seibels I got at Nordstrom, which were better. Since they're handmade, you have to try on a few pairs in the same size to find YOUR shoe.

The search for the ultimate walking shoe continues...

If you have a Nordstrom, I'd go there and ask the shoe professionals there what would work best. Personally, I love looking at Zappos, but if there's one thing on the planet I must try on before I buy, it's shoes for a European trip.

Also, always take a spare pair of shoes so even if you get some high-end shoe, you have something else to fall back on.

Cute is never more important than comfortable...as soon as you get that through your head, you're in good shape to shop for shoes, whatever the brand.

I hear Ecco's are good too.

Jules

I have recently bought two Mephistos, a cute Mary-Jane looking atletic shoe (without socks it can look rather dressy--the Allrounder--not expensive in the whole scheme of athletic shoes. Have been wearing them around the place everyday to break them in, and they really are great. They are definitely coming with me to Rome. The other pair--yes a rather expensive pair of suede boots, small wedge heel, but really sexy and extremely comfortable. As another post wrote, real leather gives and conforms to your foot instantly (my bunion!). But as the last poster suggested, the Merrils will be tucked into my suitcase as my backup shoe that I know I can always count on. Thanks, shoe girls!

Has anyone tried any of the Onesole's for summer travel? You buy the base/sole (there are several styles/heights) and then there are hundreds of snap on tops to choose from. They sure wouldn't take up any room in your luggage and you could take tops to match every outfit.
www.onesole.com

I tried the onesoles on the other day. I cannot imagine walking in them for long distances or over uneven terrain.

Which sole did you try? I thought the cork ones looked comfortable, but haven't tried them yet.

Finally got to the Walking Company yesterday-they are having their big sale (!) Got a pair of Keen's Portola's in black..other colors were cute also if you all want to check them out!