I asked this question on a different thread but so as not to be a hijacker on Sue's thread...!
I am trying to figure out what shoes to buy for the two week italy trip. I'm going to take my tennies for hiking in CT but for the rest of the time I need a comfortable shoe that also looks good enough for restaurants, any ideas...I'm not much of a shopper or I might know the answer to this, Thanks, Kay

Of course you know this, but different shoes for different feet.

This thread has 136 such ideas (question asked in Feb 05, most recent reply just a couple of weeks ago:

http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...p;tid=34572878

Good luck figuring it out!

A nice sandal serves me well when I travel. Not a flat type sandal with tiny straps, but a sturdy ECCO sandal that has velcro straps and has good arch support for my type foot. Sometimes I wear socks with them and at night I let my cute little toes show. Also have Clark sandals that are velcro strapped and are very soft on the underfoot for good padded comfort. Mine are in black and they look nice in the evening w/o socks.

I wouldn't hike the CT in tennies. The trails are steep in places and rocky. A good, sturdy walking shoe would be much better.

here I thought my question was a new one, nothing new under the sun... thanks for the responses...I'll take a look at the ECCOs, Kay

There are lots of threads on this forum about comfortable walking shoes. Put "walking shoes" into the search box and you should get a lot of opinions. You probably won't get a consensus answer!

Walking Cradles. They are very comfortable and padded inside. Last year I brought a pair that had adjustable straps. I didn't wear any of my other shoes. We walked 7-8 hours every day with no problems at all. They are hard to find (Zappos) but amazing.

There is no single answer. But I suggest you simply must go shopping (I don't care for it either, but this is important ~haha). And buy new shoes enough ahead of time of your trip that you can wear them around and make sure they're OK. I'm a big fan of Geox (also available at zappos.com) but have also had luck with Ecco, Merrell, Easy Spirit. For me the popular brands Munro and Mephisto don't work at all.

You mentioned Walking Cradles,is this a brand name or an insole you put in a shoe.Thanks
Audrey

Hiking the CT in tennies was fine for us. We even saw Italian women doing it in high heels which I would never do.

I just got Teva city sandals model and Mephistos. Comfy already and will be well broken in by Sept.

Buon viaggio!

Walking cradle is a brand.

One thing I learned from trial and error in Italy and France was to bring a shoe with one flat sole on it. Heels get caught in the cobblestones. Kay, seeing that you live in Indy, you can check out DSW shoe warehouse--they have more shoes there than you can shake a stick at. I buy most of mine there and they've all been to Europe and back with me!

Kay,
Good walking shoes for roaming the towns, dinner, etc are flat comfortable enclosed leather shoes that are well broken in...a neutral color that goes with everything works best.

Josef Sieble

I had the same question last November when I wentto Italy. I have two great recommendations: (1) Munro shoes (they have some stylish options and can be purchased from a variety of stores, including Nordstrom) - pricey, but worth EVERY penny. (2) Liz Claiborne Flex shoes (I got mine from DSW Shoe Wearhouse) - I got the ones with the open heals, and they are great. Black patent and they look great with all outfits (and super comfy).

Repeating myself, not all good shoes are good for everyone. I adore Liz Flex, can't stand Munro or Joseph Seibel.

OK Suze, if I must go shopping I will!
Mermaid, DSW is the only place I ever shop for shoes. One stop shopping is the ticket...
Olsenamo, I'll check out the Liz Flex shoes My most comfy pair of dress shoes is Liz C
Thanks everyone! Now if you could only go shopping for me!!!

Hijacking is fine kemarshall, I love the clothes and shoe threads and packing. If only the grail search for clothing and accessories was given its proper respect!!
I have to second the geox and then also the g series cole haan they are very comfy w/ nike bottoms and more stylish tops. Last night my hairdresser almost fainted taht I was thinking of some tennies at all but we plan on LOTS of walking,stair climbing and then the CT.

Thanks Sue! How many days now???
13 and a half for me! This time in two weeks I'll be in Boston waiting for the overnight flight to Milan and hoping I can get some sleep!

kemarshall: we must be getting to Milan about the same time. We leave the 3rd and will be there until the morning of the 6th, when we connect to our Goahead Vacations "Walking Through Tuscany" group.

Can't wait!

I am taking my Timberland hiking books, and my MBT's for switching off. I also am taking my black Dansko Mary Jane's.

Comfortable shoes are more important than anything - especially in Italy!