ekc

I swear by Cole Haan shoes for trips where I am walking alot. I have worn these shoes on several trips to Italy and have never had a problem - http://www.colehaan.com/air-tali-lac...edges&start=41

Just noticed they are on sale, so I am off to buy my 4th pair for my upcoming Italy trip!

bvlenci

I've had several pairs of very comfortable Wolky shoes. They weren't ugly at all, even stylish in a chunky sort of way. However, I haven't seen any in a long time. Italy has a limited selection of anything but Italian shoes.

I also like Josef Seibel and Ecco, but they may not be comfortable on most people, unless they have a high arch.

Taltul

When are you going? If it's in the middle of summer, it's going to be hot so of course you'll need sandals. I agree with everyone - sturdy sandals, sturdy sports shoes and then a pair of flats (ballerina?) for evening etc... And nothing brand new. By the way, sturdy sandals can also be sort-of-stylish.
People your age wear sports shoes everywhere. You're going to need them in the cities with cobblestones because if your feet ache at the end of the day, you're not going to want to go out at night!
Unless you are planning on going to the Opera or the Symphony on opening night, attending a wedding or dining at 5 star restaurants, you don't need anything fancy or stylish. On the other hand, if you like having the option of dressing up a bit, why not?
You can easily buy a pair of stylish sandals cheaply while you are travelling. I just came back from Berlin and I saw all sorts of trendy youthful footwear at reasonable prices (lots of sales). I'm sure it's the same everywhere.
Think aching feet and back versus style. It's no fun to tour when your feet hurt!

bvlenci

I don't bring any dressier shoes for the evening. It's just not necessary to dress for dinner, unless you go to a very swank restaurant, which I almost never do when I'm traveling. We often don't even go back to the hotel to change. And I sometimes have to walk fairly long distances to get to and from the restaurant.

IDtoTX

I have to second the recommendation for the Camper Micro sandals. I purchased a pair for my upcoming trip to Spain. I've been wearing them around all over the place to break them in but they didn't even need to be broken in. They were so comfortable from the very beginning. I never think about my feet with them on so that's a good sign. Try them out - if you order from Zappos they are super easy to return.

ILUVPARIS

I wear Toms and I find them incredibly comfortable. Granted they're not for hiking but, for every day driving and walking around on decent pavement they are very comfortable.
www.toms.com

suze

Naot is my best brand for sandals, but everyone' feet are different. I've also had OK luck with Geox, Clark, Ecco, but none can I walk for 8 hours except one particular style of Naot (Jessica).

I bring sneakers/running shoes for my daily walking shoes.

One pair of flip flops, one pair of ballet flats.

So 4 pair total, but one if on your feet

MyriamC

Since you will be in Italy, why don't you buy a pair of stylish sandals over there? They have the very best quality leather and you will have a nice souvenir of your trip!

About what to wear on our cobblestoned and uneven streets ... it's just what you are used to. I can walk on my (stylish leather) flip flops all over Brugge or any other medieval cobblestoned city without any problem.

MimiLocke

Ecco...leather tie sneakers. Good for walking. Smart casual.

nubbyrose

I took two pair of shoes to Italy for a three week trip. One pair of flat Steve Madden thong sandals with rhinestones and a pair of J-41 Tahoe mesh. My husband and I walked and hiked nonstop. I probably wore the Steve Madden as much or more than the J-41. Both were perfect choices. The Steve Madden could be dressy but casual as well. The J-41 are super comfortable. I broke the little toe on my foot a week before I left so besides crocs and slippers (did not take these), thong sandals and the J-41 were the only shoes I could get my foot into.

I love sandals and I have found so many that are both comfortable, cute and while not appearing so - sturdy enough for a lot of walkng.

http://www.j-41.com/storeitems.aspx?gender=women

nanabee

Several people have said one persons dream shoe doesn't work for someone else. This is so true. I would check out local stores in your town were you can actually walk around in them. Someone said flip flops damaged her daughters feet but I routinely wear them in Europe (in good weather) on cobblestone streets and my feet are happy as a clam. Restrictive, supportive shoes kill my feet because of a bunion.

stokebailey

I can wear my Birkenstocks all day.

suze

<why don't you buy a pair of stylish sandals over there?>

Because you don't know if they would be comfortable or how they will work for you? I mean that's a great idea as something fun to remember your trip by, but I'd never count on being able to find sandals to immediately wear for loads of walking like most people do when they travel.

MyriamC

@ suze
This whole question is a bit silly, don't you think? What is a comfortable shoe for one person isn't necessarily for another person.

MmePerdu

Buying shoes there, counting on them to be immediately comfortable and having to tote them around in her backpack, comfortable or not, also seems a very poor plan to me.

suze

"Silly" is in the eye of the beholder. This is a question about trip planning like any other on the forum.

To me the only real solid advice we can possibly give, is to buy shoes/sandals at home in advance with plenty of time to test them out before the trip.

MmePerdu

"...the only real solid advice we can possibly give, is to buy shoes/sandals at home in advance with plenty of time to test them..."

Unless she's one of those rare individuals who are comfortable in any shoes, this is the single most essential point, and the main theme running through these replies.

suze

<2 pairs of flats and 1 pair of sandals>

I don't think that's the best combination. I'd instead suggest 1 sandals, 1 sneakers, 1 flats, plus flip flops.

Bedar

I really like those Camper Micros, but there is no store near me, and I wouldn't pay $160 for a pair without trying them on. I leave on my trip soon, June 4th, so wouldn't have time to have them sent and then return them. Will have to take whatever's available in local stores. Sigh.

tuscanlifeedit

I have bad feet and always have.

For sandals, I like these Ecco sandals because of the foam lining in all the straps. It doesn't rub, if that is any sort of concern for you.

http://www.zappos.com/ecco-sport-yuc...ce-white-black

They aren't stylish but maybe are slightly cool in a weird way. Lots of colors.

If rubbing is an issue, I use a non friction glide stick all over my feet. Very helpful.

bvlenci: Wolky's are my most comfortable brand ever. But my father used to say that they made me look like an Amish nun, whatever that meant.

I have tried OTBT because they almost look like Wolky's but more stylish, but the comfort factor isn't there they way it is in Wolky's.