No Flip-Flops?? Really??
 

I'll be in London/Paris in May for 10 days. I've read on this board that Parisians do not wear flip flops, and one would stand out with them. Really? What if they were dressy sandals, patent leather or such, that happen to have a thong between the toe? I was just surprised to read this, and am wondering what European women wear on their feet this time of year? Thanks.

People in Paris wear flip flops when it is hot. (It may or may not be warm enough in May.) I have done several photo links proving it. And of course tourists wear flip flops even more. Do you want to look as though you work in an office in Paris when you are actually on vacation there?

I don't even want to look like I work in an office when I'm home!! Thanks for the info. People who commented on fashion threads seemed adamant against flip-flops. I was just wondering if not those, what type of spring/summer footwear (non-office) do they wear? I'm not a sneaker gal.

I love seeing women with filthy feet..so please do it

And when you step in the Parisian dog poop , you'll know it righ away!

Well I live in London and I wear flip flops in Paris and have in Italy as well. Never even thought anything of it. I never understand these clothing questions. Why would Europe require a different dress code than anywhere else. If you use common sense...

And don't forget that there are people completely against flip flops where you live already -- do you consult them before you decide what to wear?

Flip-flops aren't the same thing as thong sandals...

I'm in my 50s, and would never wear flip-flops for a long day of walking, but I have a pair of thong sandals that I've happily worn to walk a couple of miles, and are quite "presentable".

~Liz

You are free to wear whatever you want. But - flip flops don;t work really well in the rain (and it will), your feet will get really dirty walking big city pavements in them - and you definitely need a pair of comfy waterproof walking shoes at that time of year.

There may well be some days flip flops wil work (although I have seen too many peope trip on uneven pavement or esclators and stub a toe at least) - but therre will be some days they will not work - so you must have another choice.

(I work near grand central staion and still remember seeing a family of tourists - in early June, in a torrential rainstorm - come out of the station. They were wearing tee shirts, cut off jeans and flip flops - plus large black plastic garbage bags as covering - and their legs were splotched with mud spots almost up to the knee. I guess they came from someplace without rain or chilly weather in the summer.)

I have never flip-flopped on this issue. Who cares what others wear.

Personally I wear my wing tips to take a shower, makes as much sense. And I too live in NYC and flip-flops to me say I know very little about city life for many of the reasons stated above including being trampled upon in the subway.

So...can anyone share examples of the type of shoe that IS acceptable in a city with cobblestones, poop, and uneven pavement? Sneakers aren't an option, and I would like something that looks attractive with skirts, capris, or jeans. Flip-flops or not, most spring/summer shoes have open toes, or are strappy, so I don't get how one's feet would avoid getting dirty, muddy, or splashed, regardless of what you're wearing. And sorry to anyone who feels annoyed with the question - I thought that was the point of the boards!

So, to sum up:

Your feet will be filthy.
Your feet will get wet.
When wet and dirty, your flip flops will "flip" it all up on to your legs/clothes.
Your toes will get stepped on.
The pavement/cobblestone is uneven many places, and your likelihood of tripping is higher in a pair of flip flops.

I am not a flip flop hater, but I find them sort of useless for trekking around Paris. Get a pair of closed toe sandals.

If you feel you must wear a sandal of some kind, it might be better to choose one that has an ankle strap to keep the sandal securely in place on your foot over uneven surfaces.

If you are traveling in May, I doubt it is really flip flop weather in any case. Pack them but be sure to bring other types of shoes. Paris can be chilly and rainy at any time of year.

Flip flops are for wearing in the shower or around the swimming pool or in the changing rooms at the gym.
Get some Keens if you want to be comfortable

I agree that May may not be flip flop weather, but heartily disagree with the naysayers. Some people like flipflops, some don't. Some people find them uncomfortable, some don't.

Personally, I live in London and I'm happy to wear flip flops from May-September when it's dry, including wearing them at work, on long commutes and tramping round my grubby city. I don't get dirty feet.

Why are sneakers not an option? I just returned from Paris yesterday and the old fashioned basic keds sneakers in many colors were on display in the shop windows for spring. This is the style that I saw on a lot of Parisians in the Metro.

http://www.amazon.com/Keds-Womens-Ch.../dp/B0015RBC4A

If this is what's for sale in the stylish shops windows I think you can wear them without expecting people to point and laugh.

c1thom - I am not annoyed, I just truly dont understand. What do you wear at home? You can wear that here as well. Think about what you would wear in NYC, and if its appropriate there it would be appropriate here.

I have worn flip flops for the last 3 years almost every weekend in London (plus for a week in teh Dordogne, a week in Paris, 3 weeks in Italy) and I have not tripped or been stepped on, nor have I kicked mud all up my legs hahaha. You guys make it sound hilarious.

Yes, you have to be aware of where you are walking, but its not nearly as bad as everyone is saying! If you wear them at home and you are aware of the pavement etc you will be fine.

Just be sure they provide enough support for walking all day.

My feet don't get dirty in flip flips in Paris during the summer, and nobody steps on me either. Some of you people have no luck at all.

I think jamikins people ask about footwear because American sidewalks are very even and walking on them in the cities is a lot easier, any shoe will do for the pavement in NYC. I know that I wear different shoes when I travel than I do at home because I want not only to be fashionable but above all I want to be able to negotiate the slippery, hilly, cobblestones safely for hours on end comfortably.

I wore "ballet flats" during my week in Paris last summer. I also took a pair of Pumas, that don't really look like traditional sneakers. It wouldn't have been warm enough that week (and I know Paris can be quite hot- but it wasn't when we were there) to wear strappy sandals or flip flops, and I don't pack anything I might not be able to wear.

The bottom line is you should wear what makes you comfortable.

c1thom: The problem with questions like this is that the answers reflect the answers personal options and bug-bears more than anything else. You've heard from a Parisian, kerouac, that people do wear flip-flops in Paris - anything past that is personal preference.

Myself I've never understood the idea that people need special shoes and clothes for Europe. I don't like walking much in flip-flops, I don't think they are very comfortable, but lots of people do - I assume from the question that you are in the pro-flip flop camp and yours is the only opinion that matters. I assume you have towns or cities where you live? I'd wear whatever shoes you usually do for a day walking around. Same with outfit matching, what do you usually wear with skirts etc.?

P.S. Contrary to a lot of guide books and forum posts 'sneakers' are allowed in Paris too.

The problem I see with flip-flops is they have no support for your foot. You will be walking a lot more and longer than you're probably used to, on rough, uneven surfaces. You need something with support. For warm weather walking sandals; I agree with ellenem, get a sandal with a strap around the back of the foot to keep it on. Then a closed shoe, also with support, for cooler, rainy weather.

Teva has some nice looking sandals. Keen makes young-looking closed toe shoes. Look at www.zappos.com or www.nordstrom.com for ideas. You can search for walking sandals or walking shoes.

Do churches and/or museums frown upon flip flops? I know shorts and sleeveless shirts can be an issue.

Celticharper - I'm with you. I wear flip flops and other sandals all summer in PA, everywhere I go. However, I'm not on my feet all day walking around a city and standing in lines on concrete. I'm concerned about my back holding up, my foot comfort, and, sad to admit, being slightly fashionable. So, no, my shoes that I wear at home wouldn't really work out while traveling. I've been to Paris many times, but I always go in November, when I can wear my cool boots! I was just trying to pick peoples' brains! Also, thanks for the tip on the Ked's. They look cuter than my gym sneakers. I guess I could throw a gel cushion in them, as they don't look to offer much support.

You have given me a great idea - seeing its so hot in Paris in August I am going to slide a pair of flip-flops into my case!

The most important thing is to wear something that is comfortable to wear for walking all day, over uneven pavement/cobblestones, likely in crowds, with changing weather. For most people, flip flops don't fit that requirement. Also, thong sandals are not necessarily flip flops. When you ask about flip flops most people tend to think of thin foam sandals.

Don't worry about standing out in Paris, wear whatever the heck you want. It's much more important to be comfortable than to try to match what the locals may or may not be wearing.

If you're looking for something comfortable to wear that matches many things, I've seen quite a few cute shoes by Merrell or Privo that would look fine with skirts or capris but would also likely be much better for your feet than sandals. Mary janes or ballet flats can be cute and comfy in many situations. There are also sneakers that don't look like typical bright white cross trainers and are great with jeans.

Whatever kind of shoes you want to wear on vacation, put them on and walk a few miles and go up and down a bunch of stairs. How do your feet feel? Make your decision based on how your feet feel and not how you think a bunch of people who couldn't care less about what a tourist is wearing will think. No matter how you dress you will still be known as a tourist, and that's not a bad thing. It's hard to appreciate a city when your feet are killing you. :)


I don't think people are annoyed by your question btw. It's simply the myth that travelers shouldn't wear flip flops or sneakers in Europe because the locals don't get's old. They DO wear sneakers and flip flops in Europe, and even if they didn't, so what? :)

"I'd wear whatever shoes you usually do for a day walking around." - the problem is that many people in the U.S. just don't spend their days walking around! Where I live the only walking most people do is maybe a half hour specifically to get some exercise, often on a treadmill at the gym. The rest of the time they drive. Until you've actually spent a day walking around a city sightseeing you don't realize how much difference good footwear makes!

After I fell and broke my wrist in Switzerland (in a town, not on a mountain!) I listened to my chiropractor and I take over-the-ankle hiking boots for support, but if you're younger that's probably overkill.

One other thing regarding the 'uneven side walks'. As someone who's visited London, Paris and a number of US cities ( inc. NYC, Boston and Chicago) as a tourist I can't say I've noticed much of a difference in overall pavement evenness. Certainly not enough to impact my footwear choices.

<<Also, thanks for the tip on the Ked's. They look cuter than my gym sneakers. I guess I could throw a gel cushion in them, as they don't look to offer much support.>>

And your flip-flops DO?

Actually - yes. They aren't the foam shower flip-flops that you'd wear on the beach. They are Dr. Scholl's with an amazing amount of arch and heel support.

Nothing wrong with flip-flops if you are comfortable in them. But if you want something a bit more "presentable" but still comfortable have a look at the new designs from Teva. I have just bought a pair of these http://tinyurl.com/ybclu2x. They are light - so great for packing, and incredibly comfortable.
Teva also have a fine range of flip flops and thongs.
Roll on summer :)

I have worn my Dansko sandals all over, including Paris, London, Venice, etc. These aren't clogs, they are a version of a "strappy sandal" but the sole is deep enough to get your foot up off the pavement (and most of the dirt). They are very comfortable and supportive for walking miles, and stable enough for the cobblestones.

http://www.rei.com/product/694636

They are out of stock at REI but most places like Zappo's and Nordstrom have them.

Mephisto also makes some nice dressy (not clunky) sandals that are good for walking.

If you like flip-flops, wear flip-flops. Most of the concerns here are vastly overrated. I know people that basically hike in flip-flops, yet some people want to make it seem as if walking around Paris is like the Bataan Death March.

I can't decide if these questions stem from insecurity (being so concerned with what others think) or arrogance (thinking that others think about what you wear at all).

hetismij - thanks for the link. Didn't realize Teva made such cute shoes! Thanks, too, to travelgourmet for the musings - such great input on the subject!

@travelgourmet, I think these questions stem from a fear of silently screaming "TOURIST" at all times. My number one packing concern is to be comfortable w/o bringing any extra stuff, and my number two is to not stick out like a sore thumb.

c1thom - I thought the flip flop thing was generational - i.e. my 20 year old daughter wore 2 (sturdy) pair for 3 1/2 weeks in France, Italy, London. Other than being denied entry to a club for wearing flipflops, she was fine. So really, you do need to try walking in them all day long to see if you are the kind of person who it would not bother. I've been picky about my shoes for a LONG time and also couldn't wear the cute Keds shoe shown by a poster above. So for me, I go with Ecco or Mephisto brand walking sandals - strap on the heel type, sturdy - and they have been fine for cobblestones, grassy paths, rain, shine and I can wear them with pants & skirts. But you should check the weather temps to see if it really will be sandal weather.

I agree that the Teva shoes are cute - thanks hetismij!

When walking a lot, at home or on vacation, I want more support than my thong sandels provide, and also more toe protection (I have gotten my toes stepped on, and it hurts).

I've had several pairs of Privo shoes, by Clark's. The model most like what I last purchased is called "Kulin." I wear them with everything, except usually not with a skirt. They'll probably have more summerish colors of that model in the next month or so. They're lightweight, cool, but offer sole support that I find useful on cobblestones.

For our last trip, in the fall, I got the Born Adele, which were more fall-like in color, and a little less sporty than the Privo, but still light and cool enough for the warm weather we experienced. I thought these looked good enough for pants and skirts, and provided plenty of sole support.

I am not a fan of flip flops, just my own personal preference. Along the lines of what enzian and hetismij posted, I took these sandals to Paris last summer and they worked great for me.

http://www.teva.com/ProductDetails.a...+Cork+2+Rialto

I ended up wearing them every day (long story...I fell down some stairs and these were the only ones I could get on so easily every day). I did not feel out of place, but a couple times my feet were chilly.

Another shoe that I have taken a few times to Paris is the Naot Ashley. I really like that sandal and it is just as comfy as the Teva's. These have a few sparkley things attached, so it dresses them up a bit.

Love the Naot Ashleys! Thanks, mms.

When I was there in early September, it was "anything goes", so you won't really be out of place with whatever you wear, keeping in mind you'll be in an urban environment with lots of people, sometimes densely packed together (like on the Metro or on a bus). Meaning, the possibility is greater that someone might inadvertently trod on your foot.

I personally take a pair of sandals that can double at the beach and with a dress to go to a restaurant, so long as it's comfortable. I also take a pair of closed walking shoes (like Lands End mocs)for rain or cool weather -- they come in suede and look nice with either jeans or trousers. I had both and both came in handy.