MoPet

I found these by MeToo Brand- a bit of bling to dress up plain black dress or skirt for evening. http://www.dsw.com/shoe/me+too+nori+...?prodId=272362.. Also these Rampage Caiden Gold metallic sandal for same purpose. http://www1.macys.com/shop/product/r...dals?ID=792394.

I think hiking will be minimal at best- husband has been dealing with some foot issues. The Mary Janes are lightweight, but have good support, however, I prefer not to wear an enclosed shoe unless it's very cool outside, which I don't expect this time. Re- thinking those wave sandals now- they were a bit clunky fir dress, but very comfortable and supportive. I can wear the Mary Janes in flight to save space.

Thanks all!

uhoh_busted

Remember, no one will really be looking at your feet and judging you, unless you are in flimsy flops or 4 inch heels and you don't look like a 25 year old Roman or Parisian!

patandhank

The other brand of sandals you may want to look at are Finn Comfort. Yes they are expensive, but they last and last. I wore them walking all over Lisbon (numerous cobblestone streets).

Clunky looking - maybe a little but you know what, I'm into comfort and besides do you really think people are paying that much attention to you?

kfusto

We are headed to Italy in 4 weeks and I have also been trying to figure out what shoes to pack as our itinerary covers a lot of territory. We are flying into Milan and spending time in the north, then Liguria, then heading south.

We usually travel in colder weather and I wanted a pair of sandals for warmer days as well as something more substantial.

I went to the Walking Company last weekend and tried on a lot of shoes. I ended up purchasing a pair of Taos walking sandals. They have several adjustable straps, a lightweight yet supportive footbed and great arch support. I bought them in a neutral metallic and am very pleased with them. I do require my footwear to be both fashionable and comfortable so the all terrain, rubbery options are just not for me.

I also tried on clogs as I find them very comfortable and convenient. I ended up with a pair of Merrell Encore Flora clogs in a fun black and white print which are very lightweight and supportive. On sale at Zappos for 1/2 the price of the department store. I will wear these on the plane.

I will also pack a pair of Cole Haan athletic shoes with a Nike Air sole. I have a pair in black and also one in red with patent trim that are very Euro in styling. Both have great soles and support and will be used as my workout shoes and a second pair of walking shoes.

For me, two pair of great walking shoes are essential for these types of trips where we will walk 10 miles a day on overage. And since I work out on vacation, I always a double duty athletic shoe, but something with street worthy style versus what I wear at home to to the gym and on when I do my 3-4 miles in the morning.

I pack rubber flip flops for hotel rooms and a pair of dressier shoes for evenings out. Since we are traveling in mid to late October, my choice is a pair of black fabric shoe boots, ankle high with a mid heel. We do dress for dinner in the evenings and enjoy being fashionable.

grandmere

I like Naots and also the Munro Traveler. Both brands available on Zappos.com

MoPet

I would love to bring a pair of my ankle boots that are comfortably broken in! Sounds perfect for your itinerary dates kfusto. I think September will be too hot as others mentioned. I so relate to your shoe needs and fashion sense though. Thanks for your thoughtful input! Will check out your choices.

Thanks also to the others who've offered options - going to take a look at all of these just in case. I do like fashionable shoes, but know function over form is important when traveling. There's probably only one other person who'll be looking at my shoes, and he'll be celebrating our wedding anniversary with me!

ctoner

This was a great question, MoPet! We are travelling to Italy, Spain, and France next Sept., all these footwear answers are so helpful. We were in the AC a couple of years ago, and it was hot. Between that and the 75 steps in and out of our villa accommodation, a good shoe was in order and unfortunately, my choices could have been better....this time around, I will spend more time and $$ and find the proper shoe. FYI, we were there in Sept. and it was very warm with a couple of cool days. Enjoy, and thanks again!

kfusto

MoPet, my booties go with me on all fall trips to Europe. They are Pliners and are fabric with leather detail, 2 inch heel and pointy toes. They look great with slacks and work with skirts as well. Very lightweight, comfy and look great!

foolforfrance

kfusto-is there a name for those Pliner booties? I am traveling carryon for 10 days in France in early October...next week!!!! My guess is you are not traveling carryon for 4 weeks.

I just ordered 4 pairs of Geox ballet flats to try. I am debating about my black boots. They are very comfortable Frye knee length black boots. I have a pair of shoes that look a lot like the Munro Traveler by Thierry Rabotin Tango Pump, but I have not been crazy about how they look with skirts

kfusto

Not sure of the name as I do not have the original box - I have had mine for years. But here is a link to the style and mine are black: http://www.ebay.com/itm/Donald-J-Pli...item2ecaa373fd

We never go anywhere for a month at a time but often do two weeks carry one only and I do not think I would pack differently for that. These booties are lightweight, clean easy, look great with pants and jeans and are comfy.

I love Geox shoes and have a few pair in my closet. Some of the styles have soles not substantial enough to handle cobblestones and others are great.

foolforfrance

kfusto-The soles will be the deal breaker as I tore my plantar fascia a few years ago and arch support and not-to-soft soles are a must for European walking vacations!

Thanks for the link.

kfusto

I don't wear those for long distance walking, just dinners when we are not going far. I put orthotics in all of my shoes for serious walking.

ekc

I agree with the orthotics - and with packing cute shoes for dinner! I go 3 weeks in Italy with carry-on only, and bring 3 pair of shoes. I swear by Cole Haan, as the Nike Air technology is great.

kf - the boots might need to be added to my closet!

MoPet

Ah, well, we are back from our trip as of Oct 1, and I wound up taking four pairs- two dressy flat sandals for dinners, and walking sandals and Mary Janes. Our weather proved to be a tad too warm for boots after all, so advice taken from this forum was good. I would not hesitate to bring boots for cooler temps though. I find them so versatile. Also saw lots of bootie styles in the shops there though, so you may want to buy a souvenir pair!

Hope to share a report soon.

uhoh_busted

Oh yeah. I have learned that if I am debating taking a 4th pair of shoes, (most of our trips are 3 Weeks or more) that I tell myself: No. Save the space in your luggage. If you really need them, then you can buy some THERE which will then be a useful souvenir!