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".