Walking Shoes...Paris
 

Is it okay to wear walking shoes in Paris with jeans or is that not allowed?

Oh no you are not allowed to do that. You will be carried away by the Special Shoe and Clothes Police (SSCP)and will never be seen again. I understand that there are several levels of punishment, depending on the color of the walking shoes. White ones will get you a severe slap along the side of the head, but the pink ones, on my God, the pink ones - those call for an immediate trip to the SSCP pokey. <BR> <BR>Now as for jeans, do not even think of wearing them. In France if you wear jeans you are considered a low life scum sucker and will be laughed at by children, and the housewives will throw rotten vegatables at you as you walk by. Why, even the French Poodles will pee on your legs. <BR> <BR>No, when in Paris you MUST AT ALL TIMES wear black from head to toe - black dress, black jacket, black hose, black shoes, or, black pants, black turtle neck, black jacket, black shoes, black socks, and black underwear. If you are seen in anything else you will be in SERIOUS TROUBLE. <BR> <BR>You have been WARNED.

Lt. Costeau, <BR> <BR>You're pretty funny!!Ha!Ha!

What are walking shoes? I'm not sure they are allowed in Paris, no matter what you wear them with. And Lt. Cousteau (I always thought it was INSPECTOR CLOUSEAU), Jeans are perfectly acceptable if worn with a stylish jacket and some cute shoes!

Is this instead of dancing shoes? I think the shoe part is ok but get rid of the jeans...black jeans might make it, just-but black pants, a black turtleneck and a black leather jacket will get you by, and don't forget a cigarette, dangling from your lips! Then you will look so French they won't even notice your American tacky shoes~

Jamie: <BR> <BR>Do not wear uncomfortable shoes. Just came back from 10 days in Paris and the surrounding countryside and stayed with my French relatives. They wore jeans and looked fine... It is better to dress up a bit in Paris, but there are lots of cobblestone streets, so don't wear shows that hurt. I took some funky black Mary Janes and loafers to wear while sight seeing. I even wore a pair of tennis shoes one day, but they were black and grey and looked like the hot "bowling type shoes" a lot of the young women are wearing. Try and look like you didn't make a huge effort while still looking fabulous and you'll fit right in! Have a great time!!!

Very funny... <BR> <BR>I don't really remember what kinds of shoes I saw people wearing, but make sure that whatever you take is comfortable. I had a pair of well-worn loafers that still looked nice. So I didn't feel uncomfortable having a sit-down meal in a nice place. Sneakers tend to shout AMERICAN in a lot of places. But it's more important for the feet to be comfortable. Metro stops are plenty so if your feet do give you trouble, you have options. <BR> <BR>Enjoy the trip :)

Thanks SJK for your advice! I was talking about tennis shoes (Walking Shoes) for all of you that don't know what walking shoes are.....

To me, there is nothing more important than wearing comfortable shoes when I'm in Europe. Not only do I do a lot of walking, but the surfaces are such a challenge --what with all the cobblestone streets, and the slick stairs worn smooth by hundreds of years of use. I wear a lot of black when I go to Europe, because it travels well and doesn't show the dirt, and I have a great pair of black SAS Free Time shoes that are incredibly comfortable. I have worn them for more than ten years (not the same pair!), and they have served me well. On my last tour, I was in the ladies room with another woman who is always dressed to kill. She was treating her feet for blisters and complaining to anyone who would listen about how much her feet hurt. I asked her why she didn't wear more comfortable shoes, and she said they don't go with ther outfits. It's your choice: looks or comfort? All I know is, it's hard to enjoy yourself when every step is agony. Have a good time in Paris!

Take several pairs of shoes. Also foot lotion (anything for tired feet). Maybe bandages. I was in Paris for 7 days and walked from morning 'till night. You might plan a pedicure there! <BR>Dark colors!! (blacks,greys,browns,etc.) <BR>

I heard these boots are made for walking.

I have SAS Free Time shoes ($109 in NYC) they are wonderful. They look a bit like black leather sneakers but support yourself much better. I actually wear them with a suite to work. They also make a model with velcrow. With all the mention on here about black in Paris I highly recommend. They are the most comfortable shoes I own.

Sandy just saw your post funny I really did not know these were so popular. I have heavy calouses on my feet sorry to gross anyone out but I feel like they are actually going away. My mother has to wear these shoes (diabetic) and I bought them out of solidarity but now I am hooked.

Anyone else here soak their blistered feet in the fountain outside the Louvre? I made the mistake of going for looks and not comfort. I think you can have both. Lose the tennis shoes and get some good quality black leather walking shoes, like Ecco. They are pricey but you can wear them all day, into restaurants, etc. and your feet will thank you.

Try SAS Susan they are even better sorry I am a recent convert.

Definitely go for comfort. I was there last November and walked everywhere! I wore riding boots and some cute Aerosoles shoes w/ rubber-y soles (both black) which worked well for me. Also, Rockports makes very comfortable shoes. And I wouldn't take jeans b/c they make for a heavier suitcase. Enjoy!

One does not walk in Paris...one "strolls".....

SAS shoes are the only kind of shoe that I wear. They never have to be 'broken in', you just put them on, and go. I started wearing them when I worked as a nurse, and was on my feet a lot, but I have since worn them for other reasons. They are not real stylish looking, but the comfort level is so high, the appearance of the shoe, is forgiven. And, no, I do not work for the company. I promise!

Walking shoes are the only way to go.New Balance makes both women's and men's shoes that dont look like sneakers. if you can't find them locally, call the 800# for a catalog and order via phone

I swear by my Mephisto and I have very bad feet. Pricey but worth every cent.

Jamie, <BR>You might also try the Ecco brand of walking shoes. They've now come out with a couple of styles that are great for daytime touring and dressy enough for evening wear with slacks. I've worn Ecco's for years for comfortable. They're pricey, but you'll be glad to have comfortable shoes...whatever brand they are. <BR>Also, we were in Paris last November, and I took a pair of dress boots, no heel. They were great for daytime and evening. And you can wear thick socks (or two thin pairs) to keep you tooties warm. <BR> <BR>Jeans?? Well, I find them cold in the winter and hot in the summer and heavy to pack. Although, we saw lots of French wear them, especially black and dark colors. <BR> <BR>Have a great trip!!!

Does anyone have a good website where you can buy SAS Shoes on-line? Thanks.

If you are in dallas, you should be able to find a store where you can try them on. I needed a different size than I normaly wear when buying SAS and also Ecco. Unles youare comfortable with sending packagaes back and forth. <BR> <BR>I MISS DALLAS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Thanks, Jody. I found out there is an SAS store in Mesquite. I plan on going there next week. <BR> <BR>As for missing Dallas, come on back. We're still here!

there is a SAS store in Lewisville too. It is staffed by a very helpful group of women, and if they don't have the shoe you want/need, they will get it for you. I give them high marks!

Just returned from 10 days in Paris- no car, used the metro and walked and walked - i'm 54 and in good physical health, not over weight thank God. I wore Easy Spirit walking shoes they are around 70 bucks and well worth it - the tops are a microfiber - so when dirty just wipe them with a damp cloth or "wet ones". Yes of course you can wear jeans. Everyone teases about the French wearing so much black - they do it to be pratical - not to make a statement. I took two blazers, 4 slacks and several long sleeved tee shirts, I was comfortable and felt somewhat chic by tying a scarf around my neck. You dont have to dress up or dress expensively - just dress neatly - too many tourists with sloppy attire and manners. You will have a great time whatever you wear. Best of luck.

Thanks for all your help!!!

I am wearing Eccos right now as I type, and on my last vacation to Las Vegas I ended up buying Rockports because the shoes I brought from home tore my feet to bloody shreds. And the vacation before that I bought Easy Spirit little light weight boots in black suede for comfort because we were relying only on feet, and I had no foot problems whatsoever. All shoes I mention are in black, and though they can be considered a bit nerdy, you just have to dress them up with something stylish.

The key is to find shoes that make your feet happy. Not all brands work for all feet. I swear by Mephistos, and can't wear much else. Go to a store like Nordstrom, The Walking Company, etc and try on various shoes. They should feel good in the store - don't plan to "break them in." There are manyt styles and colors available - get what works for you. Happy feet are VERY important!

I, too, swear by miphisto. I have sold shoes. If they pinch and the salesperson tells you they'll stretch-forget it. Now I can't wear eccos or arches, like the previos poster said everyone's food is different and every shoe's last also.

Lt. Costeau, <BR> <BR>Thanks for the laugh!!

Topping -- fyi I searched using 'ecco'

Jamie- I am in the majority that SWEAR by SAS-they NEVER need breaking in and are soooooooooooooo comfortable- they make a wedge sandal that you can wear yearound and it looks good with slax or dresses...<BR><BR>Hubs swears by Mephistos=they also make womens shoes-kinda expensive-$200 range but if comfort is your thing-try them.

Jamie, <BR>Just came back from Paris and wore Rockport shoes and walked and walked and walked...with no discomfort. I refused to let my husband wear his sneakers and jeans(his typical travel in the states gear) and so he wore older worn in loafers. Both of us did just fin. The secret is not to wear brand new shoes and wear the most comfortable you can afford. I have worn SAS and they are a bit "old folks looking"...I wore them for 10hrs/day as an R.N.They were great but I weould wear black. Anything in black attire fits in great with the Pariseans.Also, as mentioned before..they wear scarfs all the time...coat or no coat. Hope thisd helps. S.

I swear by Ecco's. They have seen me through Scotland, Ireland, Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Ireland again, and though a little pricy, have withstood years of wear without looking shabby.

I was in Paris a couple of years ago, listen to the comments about the fashion police!! Don't wear Jeans! Unless you want to be perceived as a looser.. the color of the day; everday is black. If you want to be daring wear gray! No kidding, it's black everything.<BR>However, I also agree with the other posters, wear comfortable shoes (hopefully not white tennis shoes, they don't go well with black*) you'll walk miles a day without even realizing it, over cobblestone, up and down stairs and hills in the subway stations, you name it. Don't forget to bring 'band-aids' for your feet should you get blisters, I couldn't find band-aids there! You'll love it, I think it was my favorite destination to date.

Just got back from Paris, had a wonderful time, and I wore jeans one day and tennis shoes and saw many other people with them on as well..Not EVERYONE wore black all the time. It is a beautiful city...