Shoes for travel - are shoemakers daft?
Apr 11th, 2005, 05:58 PM
#41
Join Date: Jul 2004
Posts: 797
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
These are my favorite walking shoes (mocs actually). Served me well for miles of walking in Italy and England. They are Teva Oraibis
http://www.zappos.com/n/p/p/116855.html
http://www.zappos.com/n/p/p/116855.html
Apr 11th, 2005, 07:09 PM
#42
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 34,862
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I find thongs often can be uncomfortable, also. I have one pair with a softer fabric thing between the toe that are pretty good, but I still wouldn't wear them for walking very far.
I understand why shoe manufacturers put labels in the heel--they want you to see their brand name all the time, I imagine. It's for brand reinforcement.
I understand why shoe manufacturers put labels in the heel--they want you to see their brand name all the time, I imagine. It's for brand reinforcement.
Apr 12th, 2005, 05:13 AM
#45
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 940
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
SeaUrchin,
Thanks! I did find some socks on footsmart.com that I'll probably order. I already ordered some that I hope are seamless from www.figleaves.com, but I can always use more seamless socks
Sandy
Thanks! I did find some socks on footsmart.com that I'll probably order. I already ordered some that I hope are seamless from www.figleaves.com, but I can always use more seamless socks
Sandy
Apr 13th, 2005, 06:16 AM
#46
Join Date: Mar 2005
Posts: 82
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Okay, so what do you gals think of this pair of Keens Newport H2's? See http://www.zappos.com/n/p/dp/3750285/c/15838.html. I tried them on yesterday and they are heavenly! Plenty of support for a sandal, very comfortable for walking on all those cobblestone streets & looks rugged enough to take hiking. Only question is, do you think they're too rugged for urban sightseeing? I have to admit they're not the most attractive, but like Birks IMO, they're so ugly they're almost hip. I'd wear them with shorts & capris and maybe an above-knee skirt tho I think they'd be dowdy for skirts below the knee. But boy are they comfortable!
May 6th, 2005, 08:25 PM
#47
Join Date: Aug 2003
Posts: 423
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I'm a fan of closed-toe shoes when traveling all day. Otherwise, my feet start to feel quite grubby by mid-afternoon.
To try for a sportier look: the "G" series from Cole Haan -- sprty Cole Haan styling with Nike cushioning technology.
I'm also a fan or ballet-style flats. They look retro-dressy. Some from Aerosoles have extra cushioning, as do some other manufacturers. Some of the higher-end ballet flats can be used with a padded insole.
I have to admit that I am part of that camp that just can't do Teva's and Birkenstocks. I never feel attractive in them under any circumstance.
To try for a sportier look: the "G" series from Cole Haan -- sprty Cole Haan styling with Nike cushioning technology.
I'm also a fan or ballet-style flats. They look retro-dressy. Some from Aerosoles have extra cushioning, as do some other manufacturers. Some of the higher-end ballet flats can be used with a padded insole.
I have to admit that I am part of that camp that just can't do Teva's and Birkenstocks. I never feel attractive in them under any circumstance.
May 6th, 2005, 10:19 PM
#48
Join Date: Feb 2003
Posts: 259
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Have to put my two cents in on this topic. My husband said he's never seen anyone have so much trouble with their feet. I usually travel with more shoes than anything.
Last trip to Europe I bought a pair of black oxford SAS shoes. I walked 3 weeks without a blister. I'm hooked. I just came back from 3 of the 4 places you're visiting. Bought a pair of SAS slipons. I wore light wool socks from REI with the oxfords. They have a ton of different styles, and a lighter cotton with the slipons. First time I was able to get away with only 2 pairs of shoes and my feet felt great.
Don't know about Vienna, but the other places are not easy walking. I saw many gals wearing these pointy, pointy heels. Don't know how they didn't break an ankle walking on coblestones.
In July you probably would want sandals. I wore black Rockford with the three adjustable straps in China. They are ugly, but when it's warm and your feet swell, you can adjust them.
A great trip can be ruined by blister. I know, I've been there too.
Last trip to Europe I bought a pair of black oxford SAS shoes. I walked 3 weeks without a blister. I'm hooked. I just came back from 3 of the 4 places you're visiting. Bought a pair of SAS slipons. I wore light wool socks from REI with the oxfords. They have a ton of different styles, and a lighter cotton with the slipons. First time I was able to get away with only 2 pairs of shoes and my feet felt great.
Don't know about Vienna, but the other places are not easy walking. I saw many gals wearing these pointy, pointy heels. Don't know how they didn't break an ankle walking on coblestones.
In July you probably would want sandals. I wore black Rockford with the three adjustable straps in China. They are ugly, but when it's warm and your feet swell, you can adjust them.
A great trip can be ruined by blister. I know, I've been there too.
May 7th, 2005, 05:41 AM
#49
Join Date: May 2005
Posts: 3
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Traveladventurer, I think your Keens are way cool. They will be just fine for uban sightseeing. My husband is addicted to Keens. He has 2 pairs & is trying to buy a 3rd. He has Bronx (looks like a sneaker) & Providence (looks like a clog).
I would have bought a pair for myself but I haven't been able to find a pair in my size.
When I'm travelling through Europe, I do a lot of walking. Last year, I wore New Balance 806 Trail running shoes for 2 days in Rome - big mistake! I got blisters. I switched over to Nike Santiami sandals & they were heaven! I wore the Nike sandals & Birkenstock sandals for the duration of my trip.
I did bring a pair of "dress" sandals for evenings out but I didn't wear them.
I would have bought a pair for myself but I haven't been able to find a pair in my size.
When I'm travelling through Europe, I do a lot of walking. Last year, I wore New Balance 806 Trail running shoes for 2 days in Rome - big mistake! I got blisters. I switched over to Nike Santiami sandals & they were heaven! I wore the Nike sandals & Birkenstock sandals for the duration of my trip.
I did bring a pair of "dress" sandals for evenings out but I didn't wear them.
May 7th, 2005, 05:54 AM
#50
Join Date: Aug 2004
Posts: 9,232
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
roxy: Buy a pair on zappos.com. Free shipping AND free return shipping and no sales tax! My husband is wearing Keens to Europe in June. He loves them. We just want to be comfortable (although he will bring good shoes too for dinner etc.)
Aug 10th, 2005, 08:18 AM
#51
Join Date: Jul 2004
Posts: 1,602
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I have literally just last night found the ideal walking shoe for me-a cross between an athletic shoe and a regular shoe, but oh so comfortable! I swear I've not had such pillow-like comfort on my feet in years! They are Ryka athletic shoes, but are styled like Mary Janes-so cute! I could walk from Rome to Florence in these, I know. Here's a view of them if you'd like to see-of course, I have the stylish black ones, with a bit of blue in the design:
www.ryka.com/crosstraining_versamary.asp
If you are someone who has problem feet (high arches-blister easily) but don't like the athletic shoe look, nor flats- these might be an option for you.
www.ryka.com/crosstraining_versamary.asp
If you are someone who has problem feet (high arches-blister easily) but don't like the athletic shoe look, nor flats- these might be an option for you.
Aug 10th, 2005, 09:39 AM
#52
Join Date: May 2005
Posts: 134
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I have figured out that there is no one shoe or sandal that will work for everybody. Brands that other people rave about have driven me crazy. So, you have to keep on shopping around till you find the right one for you.
For my trip to London and Edinburgh, I shopped in every shoe store I saw for months and bought some which did not survive the test runs. In the end, I found a pair of Clarks sandals while visiting my brother, and they worked wonderfully for me. My feet might have been tired from lots of walking, but they didn't hurt because of my sandals. I also took a pair of Dansko (Molly style) which has a little heel on it, which I wore for evenings. It's always good to have something different to switch over and give your feet a change.
But, my daughter took a pair of Clarks last year and threw them away in Dublin. It was a different style, of course, but they didn't work for her at all.
I'm actually going to put my sandals away just for long trips, since I have so many reject pairs in my closet that I can wear here at home!
For my trip to London and Edinburgh, I shopped in every shoe store I saw for months and bought some which did not survive the test runs. In the end, I found a pair of Clarks sandals while visiting my brother, and they worked wonderfully for me. My feet might have been tired from lots of walking, but they didn't hurt because of my sandals. I also took a pair of Dansko (Molly style) which has a little heel on it, which I wore for evenings. It's always good to have something different to switch over and give your feet a change.
But, my daughter took a pair of Clarks last year and threw them away in Dublin. It was a different style, of course, but they didn't work for her at all.
I'm actually going to put my sandals away just for long trips, since I have so many reject pairs in my closet that I can wear here at home!
Aug 10th, 2005, 10:06 AM
#53
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 8,637
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Maureen, you're right about no one shoe or style fitting all, but I'm always looking for suggestions to try, since most of my experiments have been failures. I've not heard of Spygirl's Rykas before, may investigate.
Aug 10th, 2005, 02:50 PM
#54
Join Date: Jul 2004
Posts: 1,602
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
One more thing about these Rykas, Elaine-they are ever so much lighter than the athletic shoe Rykas-(I have both-and picked up the other to compare) their weight is comparable to a light pair of sandals-another plus from the travel/packing standpoint.
Aug 10th, 2005, 04:41 PM
#56
Join Date: Feb 2004
Posts: 10,334
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Thanks for the tip, Spygirl!! I had some leather w/rubber soled Mary Janes made by a Kenneth Cole brand called Unlisted, and they were great!! I walked miles and miles and miles in them last March in France. They went equally well w/pants or skirts. However, they would have looked funny w/capris or shorts in summer. Your Rykas look like they would be great and I will be on the lookout for them.
