AnthonyGA

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.

spaarne

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.

kerouac

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.

Surfergirl

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!

annhig

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?

Fodorite018

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.

lgnutah

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?

corli33

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.

corli33

meant to say wear just about anything

kfoster2047

//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.

nytraveler

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.

Surfergirl

@ 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.

Surfergirl

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

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

cigalechanta

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

kfoster2047

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.

Magsbags

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.

mpprh

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

love_travel_Aus

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!

eliza61

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.

Paul1950

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.