are-you-for-real ?

Shelliac: <BR> <BR>I know we have variety of levels of travel experience on this board, but I'm truly incredulous by your suggestion that you'd consider schlepping a dozen pairs of shoes to Europe. I'm at bottom of a lengthy list of posters who can guarantee this is not a good idea. At MOST, you can bring 5 pairs (okay, I'll concede the 6), but honestly you'll kick yourself consuming so much luggage space with shoes. <BR> <BR>If this is truly a legitimate post then do consider this is a FIRST trip to Europe --- you're gonna want to buy & bring back stuff. And that "stuff" may include new shoes! Italy - Spain - France - you're going to the world's best shoe manufacturer locations. Why bring along a hamburg to a steak banquet?

xxq

Laughed out loud at the 28 pairs of shoes shipped and the shoe vending machines. Great way to start the day. Hilarious.

xaimi

Personally I can't see doing much walking on shoes that have not been "broken in". And like another poster said about intl restriction on planes, are they going to pay extra for extra luggage. Seems money could be better spent on sightseeing etc. Is this really a person..??

me

Hopefully your time in France will include a day or two in a little known town called Paris. It's a well kept secret that this little town is the fashion capitol of the world. Take one pair of shoes with you and visit this little town named Paris and buy yourself as many pairs of shoes as you like. I guarantee that when you get back to the US you will be the envy of everyone you meet.

Amy

Shelliac, <BR> <BR>Believe me, no one loves shoes more than I do. However, there is no way than one should need 12 -14 pairs of shoes for a four week trip to Europe. I usually take 2 pair of shoes when my husband and I travel abroad. I have on occasion taken 3 pair when I threw in a pair of rain shoes. Think comfort rather than style!! My motto is travel light and make sure all of your clothes are mix and match. Overall, I think Americans tend to be way too acquisitive and hung up on "stuff." You are taking 10 pairs of shoes for your husband!!! My husband doesn't own 10 pairs of shoes and when travelling to Europe takes 2 pair. One pair of walking shoes and one pair of running shoes. <BR> <BR>If you take all of the luggage you say you are planning to take, good luck. Schlepping all that luggage from place to place will I think prove daunting. <BR> <BR>

You need to

Shelliac, <BR> <BR>Perhaps you should be worrying more about seeing the great cultural sites of Europe rather than trying to look like Tammy Faye Baker. Anyone who plans to take this much superfluous stuff on vacation needs to stay in the States and take a car trip to our great meccas of culture, e.g. Dollywood, Branson, and Gatlinburg with a side trip to Disneyworld. <BR> <BR>You sound like the type of person that if England were to make you a princess, it would be a demotion!

john

Shelliac: <BR>Because most people ripped you on this topic, i'll try to be a little nicer. i think you'll find a pair or two of sturdy walking shoes and one versatile "going out" shoe plenty. unless you spend your day in a taxi, walking/standing is how you'll spend the day. worry about the culture and sites, not how others will look at you. <BR>

cantbelievesome

If she is for real--then some of you all are rude as hell--yes she has a problem but calling her names is non productive-If you are responding to troll bait give it up!!! Pleeease-Next mens feet stink and that is because of sweaty feet and socks --change often and use foot powder every day (in the shoes) women for the most part do not have a sweaty foot problem--I have never heard of a womans shoes smelling ( maybe running shoe possibly)and certainly not sandals.

Gigi

Shelliac, <BR>I would really like to read your trip report (that is mandatory, by the way once you have asked for advice from this board!) upon your return. I shall be very interested in your insights about footwear as well as Europe in general. <BR>Happy, safe, fun trip! <BR>Gigi

TooEmbarassed

I've lost count of the number of times I've seen 'sandals' recommended as comfortable footwear while travelling. Do you people have ANY idea what my feet look like?? Size 10.5(american) extra wide. With short fat crooked toes. The ugliest feet on the planet. Truly. Fred Flinstone feet. And I'm a 36 year old woman. I refuse to wear anything that reveals my feet to anyone except my immediate family. There is no way I could enjoy touring anywhere with my toes exposed.

mary

can someone tell me where to buy the above size in paris? i can usually only get a good fit in easy spirits. and shell?..wear a pair of lace tie shoes on the plane, pack a nice pair of black shoes and another low heel pair of comfy shoes. i had that problem of thinking everyone was looking at me also.a few months on paxil cleared that right up!!

Margarita

I live in Europe and I have witnessed what people have put into their suitcases when they come visit me. Always too much stuff. People are not prepared to lug luggage up and down stairs, or in and out of trains and busses or dragging suitcases through narrow streets. I love shoes, too, so this is a serious and time consuming dilemma. I would bring good walking lace up shoes, good sturdy walking sandals, and good walking flats or one with a little heel. You will buy many new pairs of shoes while you are on holiday. Bring a big box of bandaids before you leave home. If you bring too many pairs of shoes, you will spend too much time deciding what shoes to wear with what and shortening your sightseeing time. In the end, you will narrow it down to your most comfortable shoes. Be prepared to walk! Start practicing now. Have a good trip and have fun shoe shopping.

Leroy

top it

Barb

You need two pairs of walking shoes. Good shoes like Ecco (switch them every other day)will not smell. You also need a pair of sandals, a pair of dress up shoes and a pair of beach/shower sandals. Sandals, dress up shoes and a least one pair of the walking shoes should be black. The reason you think you need so many shoes is you are trying to match outfits. Just wear black. In Europe everyone wears black - do not even think about taking white sneakers with you - which is why you can get buy with less shoes.

mee too

too embarressed, I have too,, big feet(same size but I am short) and bunions but I find sandels that have a wide band that covers the worst part of the foot and a light nail polish on the nails, but I buy very expensive, the best I can afford, because they are so ugly they deserve the best.

Shelliac

Thank you all wonderful people who helped me with my shoe problem. I am excited 3 weeks and counting, I will land in Paris in three weeks, me, my husband and my 6 pairs of shoes! I know, it is still a lot for some of you, but it is a big improvement from 14 paris.

x

only six pairs? But you will be there 28 days; that means that you will be wearing each pair AT LEAST FOUR TIMES in that period. Won't your husband complain of the odor? Won't the hotel staff look at you and literally thumb their noses when you walk past them?

sigh

X: SHADDUP. ENOUGH ALREADY!

Judy

I was in Paris in March for one week. Took two pairs of comfy walking shoes and one pair of dressy shoes. Ended up wearing one pair of walking shoes. If you coordinate your clothing (black is good in Europe), I can't see where you would need more. Was in Egypt for 14 days a few years ago and only wore good walking shoes and dressy shoes one night. I doubt ANYONE would know or care if you wore the same shoes for a year in Europe!

Stace

This is clearly, obviously, certainly a troll, or else you have a terrible compulsion, Shelliac. 24 pairs, BAH! Foot odor, BAH! Hotel people: "uh-oh, she's wearing those same shoes again. She clearly didn't leave them to air for 2 weeks, I can smell them from here." BAH! <BR> <BR>Maybe you should mail yourself shoes at all the different hotels on your itinerary, then throw them away, buy new ones, and ship them back to yourself. <BR> <BR>For two weeks, I got along fine on 3 pairs of shoes: very sturdy black Oxford tie shoes (wear 'em on planes, trains, to reduce luggage); almost as sturdy, well-fitting low-heeled loafer/slip-ons; and spiffy black Aerosoles suitable for evening dress up or casual meandering (they don't hold up for trekking). If I'd been travelling for 2 more weeks, I might have treated myself to some sandals or canvas shoes. <BR> <BR>Your foot-odor obsession either indicates you have a medical problem with your feet (see a Doc) or a psychological problem in your head (ditto). <BR> <BR>One important word: SOCKS. You can wash 'em. <BR> <BR>As for what people think who are very busy and who there to serve you and whom you will never see again -- my goodness, woman!