Another vote for Merrells. After all the hype about them on this board, I brought my first pair in Cabridge last week for £45. The are pretty stylish, very light and soooooooooooooooo comfy I can't take them off. Looked at some Memphistos in France last month, they are truly ugly!

It's extremely hard to find non-ugly comfortable shoes. I have two pairs of Eccos, and I just found out that they stopped making one of the styles I have! It was the only woman's shoe that Ecco makes available in the US that doesn't look like an old lady shoe. I also have a pair of Ecco hiking boots, but had to get the men's boots because I couldn't find women's hiking boots ANYWHERE. I love Ecco shoes, but they seem to only concentrate on their men's selection.<BR><BR>I've also tried looking in stores in Europe for a larger selection of Ecco, but haven't had any luck.

BTW, if you're thinking about spending $250 on an ugly pair of old lady shoes, why not just spend $100 on a good pair of running shoes? One's not really any uglier than the other, and running shoes are cheaper, more comfortable and better for your feet.

My question was a genuine one. I'd really like to know which brand of shoes has good quality soles, the kinds that are non-skid. Does anyone have any recommendations?

Running shoes (or sneakers) don't have the same support that a walking shoe has. At least for me they don't. As for non-skid, I would check out any of the catalogs that feature outerwear for hiking. That should get you pointed in the right direction. If Patagonia makes shoes, that would be a good place to start. Then try LL Bean perhaps.

Ellen, I'm talking about real running shoes, not the kind you buy at Sports Authority. Go to a specialty running shoe store, and they will fit the shoe to your foot type, and the activity you want to do (running, walking, etc.). It still amazes me, actually getting a sales person who knows what they're talking about when it comes to shoes.<BR><BR>Alicia--you may want to call a store that provides equipment for disabled people. They should be able to tell you what shoes have non-slip soles.

I have both Mephistos, Eccos and Tevas. I bought my Mephistos in Paris at the shop on Rue Cler near the post office. They sell them cheaper there. I like them, but I also like the Eccos and Tevas as well. One pair of Mephistos is uncomfortable. I have a high arch and they just don't fit well. Also, sierratradingpost mentioned above had a new add out with Mephistos that looked pretty good. M.

Discovering Mephistos was one of the best days of my life! I WALK, WALK, WALK, when in Europe, and had tried every kind of shoe. For me, nothing works as well. When I was in Paris in May,I bought 3 pair of Mephisto sandals for half the price in Miami, and they are not ugly at all. The walking ones that I use in Europe are definitely not glamourous, but comfort is the purpose!

That sierratradingpost link is wonderful, thank you, ajs.<BR><BR> Anybody able to compare Mephisto & Arche? Mephistos look as if they have more support, but I love Arche underfoot. I live in NY and pretty much only wear shoes with thick rubber soles. To me Arche provides foot coddling and looks at least KIND of feminine.

Merrell's are very comfortable and not so ugly...Everyone says do not wear sneakers in Europe!!!

For those found of Merrells, is it the Jungle Mocs that you like? I saw that Land's End has some shoes that look very much like Jungle Mocs. Has anyone tried the Land's End version? How do they compare?

Elizabeth,<BR><BR>Not only do they have great prices at sierratradingpost.com, they are a terrific company to do business with. I had a pair of Merrell sandals for over a year, and they broke. I sent them back, and they gave a refund inc. shipping, no questions asked, with no receipt or box. That's my kind of folks.

love hearing what everyone has to say about Mephisto's and other shoes. It really is true if your'e feet aren't happy neither are you.....

For those of us with very narrow feet, Mephistos don't work at all. Merrells don't make them narrow enough either. I finally found some Munro clogs (with a strap that can come up over the heel to give good support that were a godsend on our trip this summer. Also found a pair of Beautifeel sandals that were soooo comfortable. The best trip for my feet ever.

I am one of the people Mephistos do not fit. They hurt my feet something crazy. Same thing with Dr. Martens. I swear by SAS. SAS makes a great walking shoe, as well as great little slipons. For me, SAS are shoes to put on, walk out of the store, and walk a few miles.

Thanks for all your help and suggestions!! Just bought some Skecher running shoe clog/mule. So far so good on comfort. The real test is Europe. I will staying in the Rue Cler district so I will be checking out the Mephisto shop. Again, Thanks for your replies.....

What about those Dr. Scholl's gel inserts or arch supports? Do they work? That would be cheaper than buying a pair of expensive shoes. I have a pair of Skechers and find them very uncomfortable after walking alot as I notice there is no arch support.

skechers are they o.k. with gel inserts. Will they stay in place? The slip on style....

Hi,<BR><BR>I'm staying at the Rue Cler area in Paris and want to visit the store selling Mephisto shoes. Is this store easy to find on Rue Cler? Is it a Mephisto store or a variety shoe store selling many brands including Mephisto? Anyone know the name of the store if it is the latter or better yet, the address??<BR><BR>Thanks!!

The shoe store on rue Cler that sels Mephistos is Chaussures Magfred Jezabel at 49, rue Cler. It's small and packed with shoes - Mephisto, Clarks and more.