Walking shoes
 

I am trying to search the boards for suggestions for comfortable shoes that look better than Adidas that I wear all the time. But not having much luck.

DH and I are going to Italy in April. Not sure what we will need, but don't think rain will be too much of a problem.

Help! Mens and womens. And I do mean comfortable!

You'll find tons of different recommendations of brands and types (a search should turn up several threads). Everyone has a different answer. I'd go to an outdoors store (like REI, if you have one) or a department store with a wide range of brands, and try on different ones to see what fits your feet. I have Keens and really like them. Others recommend Clarks, Merrells, Cole Haan...

Take yourself to a shoe store with knowledgeable staff and start trying on the shoes they bring out for you. Feet are so different that what works for me probably wouldn't be the very best choice for you. Brands that offer comfort and at least a bit of style include Ecco, Naot, Merrell, Clarks, Mephisto, to name a few. There's no substitute for trying them on, though.

Moderately thick thick soles, flexibility, cushioning, and a secure hold on the foot are features you'll probably want for covering many miles on marble museum floors, cobblestones and uneven ground.

On the Nike website you can design your own shoes with your pick of colors, etc. I like Nikes as they are not so big and clumpy but still offer great support.

Wear the sneakers during the day, sight seeing and change to nicer ones for dinner. There are some nice sleek styles.

Hi mcheryl, if you have a Nordstrom in your area you should check out their shoes as they usually have quite a large collection of all kinds of shoes. Their sale people, at least in my experiences, are usually very knowledgeable and helpful.

SAS. Not very attractive, but com-for-ta-ble! I've worn them all over Europe, and I enjoy walking, so they've gotten a workout.

Another vote for both Ecco and Clark's - can't go wrong with either one and plenty of styles to choose from!

I am a Merrells fan forever now. We went to Paris during the transit strike and walked the entire trip. We usually started around 9am and finished up at 9-10pm everynight.

My feet held up beautifully thanks to the Merrells. Daughter had Clarks and she had to change out from time-to-time.

Check out Ecco. I have the velcro strapped sandal style in black and brown (actually I had beige suede dyed brown when they became too stained) and if you wear them with same colored stockings you can get away with them as "dressier" shoes. This helps if you don't want to go back to your hotel and change shoes.

I also tried on Mephistos but they're so much more expensive and I didn't find them any more comfortable.

I have a pair of Merrells mocs and a pair of Clarks sandals that are super comfortable and well-made. I've worn them both for about two years now, though I think I may need to replace the sandals next year.

Lee Ann

I'm on my third pair of Merrell's Jungle Mocs. I find these type of walking shoes hold up better than running shoes like Adidas. I'm a woman, and my feet are rather wide, but the M width works fine for me in this case. There are also similar shoes for men. I think they look better in person than in the photograph:
http://www.shoebuy.com/merrell-jungle-moc/7020/104747

Love Ecco and Clarks but my very favourite are New Balance. Mine have taken an absolute beating - have superb arch support for more serious walking.

Oh, the Jungle Mocs are wonderful. I love mine too.

We just got back from a week of walking in Jordan - cobblestones and uneven ground, hiking over mountains, regular sidewalks, etc. I was astounded at how much better my feet did in Merrells than with sneakers, and they're better-looking too.

I used to take two pairs of Clarks that I would alternate while traveling, but found the soles to be a little too thin to handle cobble stones and other rough surfaces. I now travel with a single pair of New Balance waterproof leather shoes. They held up well in a trip to Germany last fall, including the gravel sidewalks at Dachau. As a bonus, my luggage is so much lighter now. (And yes, I do air them out at night.) Since I have extra wide feet, I can't wear Eccos, Mephistos or most other popular brands because they seem to come only in a medium width.

Almost all the brands listed here are available at Zappos.com. I ordered half a dozen pairs of shoes to try in the comfort of my home with a variety of socks, etc. The shipping is free as is the pickup if you don't like the shoes. I kept one pair. The service is fantastic, you'll get the shoes within a day or two.
I love that they keep sending me updates on what's new in the elusive shoe that I finally found the fit perfectly.
I've had surgery on both feet, one twice, and have wide feet. I'm tough to fit and being able to try these in my home for a period of time was great.
Good Luck!

I love Mephisto and used to wear them exclusively. Recently, I discovered Clark's Privo and Unstructured - wow! My husband likes Mephisto, Clark's and Merrells.

The key, as mentioned by many is to find the shoes that are most comfortable for you and give you the support hat you need. Shoes really are an individual thing and there is no reason to be uncomfortable, especially on your vacation.

While I've had great luck with Eccos and Paul Green, I would advise that you test them out first before taking them. Wear them walking (in a city if possible) for many hours and make sure they are truly comfortable. If they're not, take them back and try another pair until you find what works for you. (Nordstrom will stand behind--literally--any shoe they sell you. Not sure about other places--ask before buying.)

Take your Adidas. Seriously, at least as a bad up pair. Where them on the plane ride. Nothing is more comfortable for long days of walking then my Nike Air or Brooks running shoes.

Other comfortable brands I've liked include Ecco, Merrill, Joseph Siebel, Clark, Munro... but I've also had duds in each of those brands!

For men the Cole Hann+Air Nike combo has some fantastic good looking and comfortable shoes.

Thanks to everyone for your suggestions. We went to Nordstroms, were waited on by a very experienced salesman, and tried on several pairs.

I chose Munro, DH chose Sperry. Will break them in and let you know!

I love the folks of Fodors!

Ecco closed type shoe and the Naot sandal seems to work for me, but this summer I bought my first pair of Munro sandals and could not believe how comfortable they were. Well worth the $$$!

I was going to say my Taryn Rose shoes are very comfy and dressy, as are my Aerosoles shoes.

Alas, I'm having a hard time finding the Taryn Rose Mary Janes clog that I had. My ((&)) loved them too. Sigh...

Glad you found shoes for both of you. I swear by Munro's for myself. I took one pair to Europe for a 3 week trip and my feet were great.

I did buy a pair of Naot sandals this summer the day before we left, and they were so comfy I knew they would be great and they were.

Have the male try on a pair of Ecco Neoflexor tie shoes. Wore my new pair all over Italy, Switzerland, and France in September-October. Most comfortable shoes I have ever had (and I have tried several of the top brands). I also swear by Spenco insoles--worn them for forty years and never had a blister.

Cheers,

Jinx Hoover

I like shoes by Ecco, Aerosoles, Mephisto, and *especially* Donald J. Pliner.

You can browse a huge selection at www.zappos.com I can highly recommend them, along with shoes.com and shoebuy.com as reliable and safe places to order from.