An earlier poster was right. If he is miserable and in pain after a day or two of trekking he can always buy a new pair of shoes.

One time I forgot to pack my favorite dress shoes for a conference in Vancouver. The only ones I had were killing me after 1 day. I walked to the closest store from the convention center, bought some black pumps made of Italian leather - and I thought I had died and gone to heaven. They were by far the most expensive shoes I've ever bought, but the most comfortable I've ever worn. Those shoes were perhaps the best "souvenir" I've ever purchased. Your husband may have to do the same, but it's no big deal.

I'm glad you aren't embarrassed and just concerned. Good for you!

Now, now, nytraveler, remember that you hail from the virtual capital of PC-dom and allow for the fact that there may actualybe valid forms of life and style outside ZIP codes that start with 100. You may assume that "cowboy boots" are always godawfully gaudy circus apparel things. Since I moved to this part of the world I have learned that there are actually some quite beautiful ones. One of my prized possessions for years was a pair of custom made boots, which I did wear in Europe on a few occasions. Despite what many folks assume, a pair of well fitted boots are extremely comfortable.

Hi gls, starrsville is right. If you DH finds that he needs something other then his boots well let me tell you, there is nothing like Italian leather shoes to baby your feet.

And just a thought. How about packing in your suitcase a pair of your DH shoes (other then the boots of course) so if his feet are hurting (walking miles on cobblestones etc.) at the end of the day he will have those for going to dinner etc. If he needs them he will thank you!

Have a wonderful trip. And happy walking!

Better to wear cowboy boots than white sneakers. (unless you're running)

Quotequot; I read an article that advised against wearing items like cowboy boots when traveling out of the country after 9/11"

Are you serious ????

Given what you have said I am glad you are going to Europe for "the first time." I think it will do you a world of good to get some exposure to other cultures. The only thing that will make you stand out is a closed-minded attitude.

And as to your question about "should I just let him....?"...like he needs your permission??????

There's nothing wrong with being an American in Europe! I'd bet my boots, if I had a pair, that you and your husband will meet more people thanks to his footwear than the athletic shoe-loafer set.

And what's happened to everyone's troll radar lately?

GLS, if you and your husband plan to visit Germany's Franconia (nothern Bavaria), tell him to wear those cowboy boots and he'll look like a local! A very specific type of local, but a local nonetheless. When I worked for a company based just outside Nuremberg and spent a lot of time there, it was amusing to see a small group of locals who were true devotees to cowboy style clothing. In fact, there is a cowboy store near the Nuremberg train station that does a booming business. And out in the farm village where I spent most of my time, a surprising number of local men also wore jeans, Nikes or Adidas, sweatshirts and baseball caps. When we went to the village beer festival, the locals looked more like American tourists than we did!
Some Europeans (men, mostly) are fascinated by cowboy gear. In Brussels, between the Place Rogier and de Brouckere, there is another store that sells cowboy clothes to the locals (and also Asian tourists) and it does a roaring trade as well.
That whole west/southwest look isn't my style, but let your husband wear his boots with pride. Until his feet hurt, that is, and then get him to buy some nice shoes in Europe.

" Very unusual first-ever question" Do you think it is a troll question, Elaine? Has your troll detector blown a fuse on this one?

i wore my cowboy boots while living in Milan several years ago. i did a ton of walking every day and they are the most comfortable shoes i own, so i was so happy to have them. i did get tons of stares, but IMHO that's to be expected in Italy, where conformity is king. i got the last laugh, just a year or so later cowboy boots, ruffled skirts, etc were all the rage over there, EVERYONE was wearing them

this troll question is not very clever due to the fact that it is not uncommon to see europeans wearing cowboy boots. if you see someone walking around europe in the full cowboy kit (hat, belt buckle, etc), wait till they open their mouth and 9 times out of 10 you will hear German.

nice try.

The husband is right; you will stand out as Americans regardless, so he might as well wear what's comfortable. Besides, what's the big freaking deal about standing out as Americans? It's not something to be ashamed of. It's more important to mind your manners and be polite than to be concerned about what you are wearing.

If I were walking down a street in my hometown and a scotsman in a kilt were coming the other way, I'd think it was neat. I would not be offended or think he's an idiot or whatever.

Just came back from Greece. My 22 year old daughter bought a pair of boots in Athens and the next day she saw a pair she liked better in another store. They were cowboy boots. She was sorry she had bought the first ones.

Hi gls,

>Should I keep making an issue of the boots or just let him wear what he feels comfortable in?<

No. Yes.

Don't end a sentence with a preposition.

((I)

NeilOz:

ira--completely agree about that dangling preposition, that is something up with which I will not put!

My first day at Harvard I asked one of the Faculty, "Where's the library at?" He responded, "We at Harvard never end our sentences with a preposition."

I asked again, "Where's the library at, a$$hole?"

Should have ended my last post with:

Is worrying about ending sentences with prepositions less important than worrying about footwear in Europe?

Well, so long as he doesn't wear his spurs in bed.
Budman, that Harvard joke has been around since John Harvard's day.
For one delicious moment, I thought that you'd dropped those naff emoticons.