It's very unusual for Parisian women to wear flip-flops, and one of the easiest ways to recognize American women in Paris is to look for flip-flops. On the rare occasions when a Parisian actually wears this type of shoe (on extremely hot days, for example, a few Parisians might resort to them), they will be much fancier than the kind favored by American women. In warm weather Parisian women may well choose to wear open shoe styles, but they will avoid flip-flops.

Nevertheless, you can wear what you want in Paris. People won't look at you askance for wearing flip-flops, but they'll know you're not Parisian, and they'll assume that you're probably American. (Granted, Americans usually give themselves away in many other ways as well, so this may not come as news to them.) There's nothing wrong with being recognized as a tourist, anyway, and it's almost impossible to avoid.

It depends on your definition of flip-flop. If you are thinking of plastic/rubber thingies you wear to the beach or the shower, then just wear them to the beach or shower in Europe.

I have worn Birkenstocks at home and all over Europe for decades, weather permitting. I wear them with socks -- nobody wants to see my toes! Birkenstocks have a half inch of cork built in and are the most comfortable things I have ever put on my feet. Note that they are about half the American price in Germany where they are made.

Anthony, Europeans everywhere have been wearing flip flops regularly in the summer for at least the last 5 years. Yes, they are often vacationers, because as I wrote earlier, flip flops are generally not a work shoe.

Kerouac -- you should repost your link to those photos from outside your window to show the OP and others what is actually worn by those who live there. It will certainly be an eye opener to some!

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.>>

they may not be any more uneven but if you're anything like me, you'll be looking around trying to see what's around you and not looking where you are going, which I how I came to fall flat on my face on our 1st day in Rome. and DD got terrible blisters wearing flip-flops when we went to Tivoli on a day trip on our last visit.

I bought some very substantial though smart walking shoes whilst we were in Rome, better than anything I'd seen in the UK, which leads me to believe that they give a high priority to utility as well as form. will wearing them at home mark me out as a tourist?

c1thom--The Naot's are incredibly comfy! I bought my first pair the day before we left for Paris. My mom had recently bought a pair and insisted I get some. OMG, they were like heaven! Mom and I both wore them all over Paris, and even with mine being brand new I didn't have any problems. I now have them in several colors.

If a person tends to trip and stumble when the ground is uneven, perhaps it isn't the shoe that's a problem....maybe a walking stick or cane is needed to stay upright?

I personally don't wear flip flops for long treks as they tire my feet out and don't offer good support but if you want to wear them, why not? People in Paris or anywhere, where just about anything. It's not biggie.

meant to say wear just about anything

//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.//

SurferGirl - what sandals do you recommend? I have a hard time finding some that are really comfortable and still look nice for restaurant dinners.

Well no -

There are all sorts of summer walking shoes - not regular shoes but walking shoes - that are not open-toed.

I often wert Skechers Mary Janes - whch come in a bunch of colors and are super comfy and resonably cute - plus one pair of dress shows for going out to dinner (usually either flat or wedeges so they are stable on uneven pavements). If you prefer there are a ton of all sorts of flats with comfy botomw in a host of colors or just closed walking shoes in a bunch of styles and colors.

@ kfoster -- what's good for me may be horrible for you. I just checked the sandals I wore on my last trip, and needless to say, there's absolutely no brand name. I like them in particular because they have velcro straps (so after a lot of walking and my feet inflate I can give them a little room); they have some height -- a couple of inches, but include a little height -- platformish -- at the ball of the foot as well so I'm not walking on my toes all day; and finally, it has arch support, since I have a high arch.

It takes a lot of trial and error to find something cute and practical that you won't be cursing at the end of a 5 mile trek! It doesn't have to be expensive, so long as it's black -- and I like them because I can even wear socks under them with jeans -- I also saw that look worn by students around the faculte.

I only wish I had been on a bigger budget this time round, because I got absolutely lost in Galleries Lafayette's shoe department (now located on the lower floor) and saw some shoes (and sandals) so perfect . . . .

At home and to the office, like NYtraveler's suggestion, Mary Jane's are my trademark, since they are great running up and down escalators and hoping on and off the Metro or Underground without the heel getting caught.

I googled, and they look something like these, not exactly, but close:

http://www.footsmart.com/ProductZoom...me=71320_BLACK

Let's get back to the original OP.
I wouldn't wear them but they are wearing them in Paris in the summer months, Why not?. We do here in any warm weather,
Cambridge/Boston

Thanks, surfergirl. I know shoes are different for everyone but I am always looking for suggestions. <g>

With regard to the original question, I think people should wear what they want but I personally feel more comfortable when I feel I am dressed appropriately. I would not feel that way in flip-flops, but then I wouldn't wear them here either.

We call them 'thongs' in Australia! They are almost part of our national costume!
However I will be leaving mine at home when I go to paris in June.

Another query in the "can I wear white sneakers? / coke with dinner? / can I drink the water ? / will I look like a tourist ? / where's the goddam ice ? / Waddya mean you don't take dollars ? / The French are always rude to me / why can't I rent a Hummer in Corsica and leave it in Greenland without having to pay a huge drop off free ?/ Do I tip ? / Where is the bridge from Paris to Newfoundland ?" genre.

Sorry !

I wear flip flops from around mid April to November. I've worn them throughout Europe, although I wouldn't wear them for an official function or important meeting.

I also wore them whilst driving the 66 and PCH without problem. I was even married in flop flops in Las Vegas.

So don't worry - you can wear flip flops in Paris. Basic versions are sold in every supermarket - more expensive versiopns are sold in shoe / fashion shops.

Peter

I have worn this type of sandal in Vienna, Hong Kong, the Swiss Alps villages, Lugano, Shanghai...etc.

Mine are 'Fit Flops' with a thicker sole and great support. The ones I currently take away are black with sequins - but subtle.

No one has stepped on my toes, I have not been covered in mud or dirt - and if there is a summer shower they are dry in a few minutes.

I can wear them for 12+ hours in absolute comfort.
I walk from my home into the city here - about 5kms - and then home again - and walk around all day - no problems at all.

BUT - this is my personal opinion and I always wear really smart casual clothes - not hiking gear in cities - but usually a dress or cut offs - just go with what you find comfortable and what makes you feel good.

Those colored sneakers look great - but they also look very flat and lacking support.


Have fun!

Depends on where your going also. I'm not a big lover of flip flops anywhere except the beach, sorry trying to dress them up just makes them look like flip flops with beads on them.
I would skip them if you plan on going to a restaurant. Outdoor cafe's cool.

Anyone can where anything they want, but just be aware that flipflops are dangerous for general walking, damaging to the structure and muscles of your feet and ankles, and no matter how many beads and trinkets you hang from them, they still look cheap, crummy, dirty, and trailer-trash central. Not to mention how unattractive many people's feet (most notably heels) are, especially when they gain a layer of street grime.

My first thoughts when I see someone, other than on a beach or in the fitness center showers, wearing flipflops is "Walmart, tatooed, welfare" and "there's another poor soul (or sole) who has given up on life." Of course, many people who wear flipflops don't fit this description, but it is what pops up first.

Most sandals generally have enough straps here and there to ameliorate many of these issues.

From CBS:
Summer is primetime for "flip-flops" (no, not the ones made by politicians!), but they can actually pose safety and health risks.

Dr. Mallika Marshall says they don't come without a possible price to the well-being of your feet.

The growing use of the thin-soled, rubber slippers increases chances of serious foot problems, from damage from dropped objects and stubbed toes, to ankle and insole woes caused by their lack of support.

According to Marshall:
Preliminary research from Auburn University shows that the thin soles and the need to grasp the shoes onto our feet force us to walk differently, and could cause problems with legs, knees, hips and backs.

The lack of support offered by flip-flops can cause problems with arches and heels. Their lack of protection means toes can be badly injured if someone steps on them, or drops something on your foot.

And now, some doctors are warning of a new danger - skin cancer, as the sun is suddenly hits an area that's usually well-covered.

Falling Objects
When you wear flip-flops, your toes and feet are exposed, making them susceptible to falling objects or people stepping on your toes. Doctors are seeing more nail injuries and broken or bruised toes, which wouldn't happen if you covered the front of your feet.

Thin Soles
Flip-flops don't offer much in the way of support: no arch support, no heel cushioning, and no shock absorption. That can cause foot pain, tendonitis, and even sprained ankles if you trip.

Thong Effect
The Auburn study indicates that the thongs in the middle mean you have to grip the shoe to keep it on. The thong can actually rub against the skin and causes ulcerations and sores. Also, when you have a toe thong, you tend to grip the shoe with your toes to try and keep it on. That alters your gait and puts strain on muscles you don't normally use when you walk in regular shoes.

Also, a recent study found that men and women who wear flip-flops actually strike the ground with less force than when they wear sneakers, again altering the way you walk and causing you to take shorter steps, which may account for why people who wear them for extended periods experience lower leg pain and have more heel problems, such as heel spurs (little bony growths on the heel) and plantar strain (inflammation of the sheet of tissue covering the bottoms of the feet).

Skin Cancer
Your foot skin is exposed to the sun with flip-flops and people often forget to put sunscreen on their feet. Skin cancer on the feet can be really, dangerous because the spots are easier to miss, especially if they're between the toes.

People More Prone To Problems
Anyone with existing foot injuries shouldn't wear flip-flops. People with diabetes, who are at higher risk of infection and toe injury, shouldn't wear them. And anyone who's significantly overweight needs more support in their shoes, because they tend to put more stress on their feet, ankles and lower back.

Decreasing the Dangers
Use sun block and check your feet for any suspicious moles. Don't walk long distances in your flip-flops - they're really made for walking along the beach or by the pool or if you get into a public shower, not for long strolls.

Frankly, I think that solving obesity should have a higher priority than solving flip-flops if people want to look presentable and avoid health problems.

And when did high heels become good for the feet? But they are commonly worn all day...

Wow - so many responses! Didn't realize the post would strike such a nerve with people - or elicit such judgmental statements!

luv_travel_Aus: thanks. I was just looking at the sequined fit-flops and wondering how comfortable they were. Might buy them whether or not they go to Paris with me!

<<There are also sneakers that don't look like typical bright white cross trainers and are great with jeans.>>

In October I saw a woman in Paris wearing dark jeans, a jacket and scarf and bright turquoise patent leather sneakers. Shelooked great!

Personally, I prefer closed shoes when I'm a tourist because of safety and support. I've worn shoes similar to the Teva Westwater and the Merrill Siren Marianne (earlier models of these). They were both stylish and comfortable. And, after walking on some really slick cobblestones in Uruguay recently, I was especially glad for the foot support they offered. Check these shoes out at zapppos.com.

"My first thoughts when I see someone, other than on a beach or in the fitness center showers, wearing flipflops is "Walmart, tatooed, welfare" and "there's another poor soul (or sole) who has given up on life."

What a stupid way of thinking.

No one cares what kind of shoes or sandals you wear in Paris, seriously (except perhaps for posters on this forum -lol!).

I do think May might be a bit early weather-size for sandals. And for me personally, I walk WAY too much in Paris, flip flops would not be sturdy enough for me to hike around on pavement for 8-10 hours every day. They are fine to have along to slip on if it's warm, or you're just going a short ways, or whatever.

Okay, here they are. Warning! You may see some flip-flops.

http://tinyurl.com/d36vxo

http://tinyurl.com/mfbycy

All photos taken out of my apartment window, where tourists fear to tread.

Wow Paul - I guess you have strong opinions about this ;)

I spent a few weeks in June 2006 trekking around Europe - including Paris. Having done tons of research, I brought along three pair of expensive yet comfortable shoes. Though all of my footwear proved adequate, by the time we arrived in Rome, the final city on our tour, I pulled out my trusty Old Navy brown flip flops which proved, by far, to be the most comfortable daytime cobblestone walking shoes - for me.

I just have to say I've never been inside a Walmart, but I work on a college campus, and I'd be very surprised if the young women I see walking around in flip-flops are on welfare.

Do you think I will be comfortable walking around in these?

http://www.teva.com/ProductDetails.a...ra+Thong+Wedge

I am 5 feet tall and I do not want to wear flats! I need a little height. These are the only shoes I could find that look somewhat hip and young. However, I want to be comfortable after hours of walking.

JillDavis, comfort is a completely personal thing, what's most comfortable for one person is awful for another. You might just want to order them and see how they feel.

Personally, I would NOT be comfortable in those for even an hour. Get something comfortable and don't worry about what is 'hip and young'. If you like them, get them and wear around the house for a little while. I don't know what teva's return policy is but as long as the shoes are kept clean and neat you should be able to return them if they're not comfy.

Suppossedly, Teva is a walking shoe made for some distance. I was wondering if anyone had any experience with these shoes??? It has a little bit of a wedge.

at 6 months pregnant we walked ALL over Paris, even in the catacombs and I wore a open toe, wedge leather shoe from BORN. They were comforable, stylish and didn't feel a like a tourist.

JillDavis,

I have two pairs of Teva sandals, both flat. One pair (not stylish) are the most comfortable shoes I've ever owned. The others are comfortable but don't come close to the more clunky pair.

So I would recommend that you just go to a store and try them on, or order from Zappo's or someplace where you can return them.

Finding comfortable shoes for walking miles is my hardest choice when packing. When I was there in June a couple of years ago, I wore Ecco mary janes.

I think having a back strap is essential for me on long walks. Otherwise I can walk right out of the shoe.

Don't be overly concerned about stylishness v. comfort. If your feet hurt, nothing will be good. Most people who will see you will be other tourists.

I took a pair of these Naot Paris sandals to Italy http://www.zappos.com/naot-footwear-...madras-leather and they were fabulous - really comfortable for walking around all day and looked great with capris as well as skirts. They came in several different colors - mine were black.

The uneven pavement issue is not so much a problem in Paris as it is in Italy - the cobblestone streets are a real toe-stubber in flip flops.

c1thom: If you really want to wear flip flops try:

Rocket Dog "sinker" flip flops. I don't normally wear them but bought these in November for our trip to Hawaii and they were SO comfortable, even walking across the lava fields near the beaches on the big island. Don't know if I'd wear them in Europe because of all the walking.but you can look at them on www.rocketdog.com

JillDavis: just bought the Tevas you linked! Love them, and they seem comfortable enough for me to wear around Paris, and after all of this discussion, seems I'll fit right in with them.

kerouac: you are correct - I NOOOOO longer have concerns about what I'll be wearing. HA! Thanks for the pics.

Sue878: thanks for the link! The flip-flops are so cute, and I love some of their tees!

Wear what you want to. I was in London and Paris last year in April. The weather got hot, and the locals flooded every park wearing shorts, sandals and flip flops and were soaking up the sun.

My main concern about Europe is that I only want to take two pairs of shoes max. Pack one pair and wear one. The more "double duty" the shoes can do, the better. I don't wear sneakers with skirts here, and I'm not gonna' do it when I travel either!

I love the cool Mary Jane look of Privo and Sesto Meucci (I own the Bahia). I find the Keens a little too "knobby".