flip- flops ?
Imagine the dirt you get on your feet or stepping in dog's poop ( not unusual in Paris).
Even sandals may not be the best choice for long walks .
Geox has some nice, reasonable priced, shoes.

Dog poop is not really so prevalent these days in Paris, Parisians have gotten much better about those sorts of things-and obviously, if there is an atelier devoted to NOTHING but custom-made flip-flops at 250 Euro a pair, SOMEBODY must be buying them in Paris! (smile)

Btw, I've never gotten dirt on my feet by walking around with my cushy, comfy flip-flops, but I have definitely tried to wear a sandle with a strap across the back of my ankle and gotten blisters-no thanks.

There must be someone buying something expensive and impractical all over the world!

Uh, how do you figure flip-flops are impractical? Go into any department store or women's clothing store right now, and also in Europe-and you will see flip-flops for sale-everywhere-so someone must be buying them, and since you see them in every single fashion magazine, they can't be considered really any more impractical than any other footwear-but they are unisex-because in Europe both men and women wear flip-flops equally, just like they do here.

I have completely worn out two pairs of Aerosole well-padded flip flops. I try to wear other shoes in the summer when I travel (and at home), and always go back to them. My feet are never, never tired when I wear them. They have a good sole with traction and a little leather flower on the thong between the toes. Last year I found replacements in TJMaxx and on Ebay. They look good with skirts which is what I always wear in summer, anyway.I hate clunky looking shoes with skirts, even if they are sandals, and I hate anything on the back of my foot. If you are used to them, wear them!

sorry dog poop isnt any more a problem in Paris than in US cities. they even have those sucker trucks to clean it away.

2 pairs of sandals (need something to swap out) did me fine in France last year and always work fine in italy. Of course it helps if you are in a well worn pair - I wear sandals to work all summer long so my calluses are usually in good shape by the time we start to travel. If you like flip flops, go with it. Lord knows I wore the cheapest sort as my only summer shoes for years as a kid. But they or any really thin sandal may not be the healthiest thing for you on Euro cobblestones. One of the better built shoes (Mephisto, Ecco etc, I started with Clarks 30 yrs ago) will carry you as many miles a day as you want to go.

Here's the problem on this and other threads about flip-flops-people seem to think that the only flip-flips are the cheap, flimsy, dime-store -type-which tells me they haven't been keeping up with the fashion magazines in any way-flip-flops are a staple for spring-summer all over the world-no question, and my 1 inch cushy flip flops (dressy) have taken me throughout Italian cobblestone streets, London streets, and into elegant venues in Vienna (State Opera House, and Musikverein) with nary a second glance.

I don't really like open shoes when I am traveling, last Paris trip tho a w pair of almost flat slingbacks for evening or brief strolls. I find sport shoes just don't give support for all day long, so I buy good walking shoes. I was in NYC and saw the ballet slippers are everywhere, but they have no support at all & I think you'd be tired after an hour. I bought a little pair in quilted pewter, very versatile, ok fo rdinner, but not really for a long stroll after. This year, I bought a pair of Trotters, black leather slip on low heel, cushioning and support. More than I usually spend, very smart looking. I always feel frumpy when I travel because I have my mini world around my neck in a document case, and my shoulder bag has what I will need for the day, and I dress neatly but for comfort. These were good for pants and skirts, and actually lifted my spirits and made me feel more smartly dressed.