Kaat: Just make sure you do wear *comfortable" shoes. Sneakers, sandals or whatever. <BR>Enjoy Paris!

Kaat, <BR> <BR>I traveled to Paris for the first time about a month ago, and I found the comments on this board to be very helpful. Obviously opinions (and suggestions) will vary, but the factual information provided by the many helpful and experienced travelers on this site was invaluable to me. And if you do a search of this site for *Paris* you'll find a ton of great information and discussions. <BR> <BR>Have a great time!

Enough on the infernal sneakers/T-shirts/jeans/black clothes only/no backpacks/ issues!!! Wear what you like - we europeans couldn't care less -honest!

where have all the sneakers gone, <BR>long time passing, <BR>where have all the sneakers gone, <BR>long time ago

top

<BR>&gt;The worst thing about sneakers &gt;(Nike/Addidas types) is. . . <BR> <BR>Oh! You mean TRAINERS! <BR> <BR>When I go to France, I always wear steel-toed boots. They come in very handy when the French try to queue-jump in front of me! :-) <BR> <BR>Wish there was an equicalent for my car! <BR>

We were at a dinner party the other night outside Brussels. Hosts were a Belgian couple. Guests included one Italian, one Brit, two Americans, one Canadian, one French, two other Belgians. <BR>The Italian wore jeans, t-shirt and cowboy boots. The French wore jeans, sweater and sneakers. One Belgian wore jeans and sneakers and a button down oxford shirt; the other wore black pants, loafers and a golf shirt. The Canadian wore Dockers, Docksiders and a sweater. One of the Americans (me) wore dressy pants, sweater and black loafers; the other wore jeans, a rugby shirt and sneakers. The Brit wore jeans, a golf shirt and loafers. The hosts wore khaki pants, light sweaters and loafers. We were a pretty typical Brussels suburbanite multi-national group wearing what most people around here wear--and guess what? It wasn't that different from what people wore back in Washington state. So stop worrying about clothes! <BR>BTilke <BR>(FYI, for a while I worked for a large corporation outside Brussels. The only guy who dressed up every day was an Iranian with an Italian wife; my French co-workers were the most casual dressers of all--jeans, sneakers and casual shirts--sometimes t-shirts--every day of the week!)

Norman, <BR> <BR>Just spent 10 days in Paris the end of June. I wouldn't worry about your shoes for walking. I saw plenty of sneakers in Paris. Worry more in WHERE you're walking, they have no poop-a-scoop law and believe me, they should! <BR>Nobody even cares what others are doing. While on a tour bus, waiting for the light to change, we (bus load of people) noticed a gentleman(?) in a nice suit and tie peeing on a tree near the curb, facing the traffic. Do you think anyone passing looked at him? Nope. He then zipped up and went into his car that was parked in front of the tree. Wish I had my camera ready! <BR>Enjoy yourself and don't worry about how you are dressed. Don't forget, watch your step! <BR>

It's very nice of you to care whether you offend local standards, but Paris is such a big city that you'll see plenty of everything (as you do most places in Europe) so be comfortable. One tip, though -- if you're going in hot weather, sneakers can get very, very uncomfortable. You might look into some good walking sandals.

Hell yeah I'm gonna wear my nikes.<BR><BR>And eat my weaties to boot!

I'm getting ready for my 4th trip to Paris. I usualy wear jeans and sneakers because that's what I wear in the US. Every time I've been there people have stopped me thinking I was a "local" and asking for directions.<BR>Another thought - watch any recent film shot in Paris - you will see that probably 8 out 10 people on the streets are wearing jeans Ths clothing anxiety is ridiculously unfounded. Be Comfortable!

I went to London and Paris last summer and did NOT bring my beloved New Balance shoes because of several opinions I read on this forum. BIG MISTAKE!!! I went to Harrods on my second day in London and bought some new sneakers there! All you will care about when you are sightseeing and walking everywhere is comfortable feet!