I wear nothing but my sneakers in Europe and I have been to several places and I cannot recall one time even when someone mentioned my footwear!!

However, I would like to be on Champs Elysee when the fashion police tear them off your feet and make you walk barefoot up and down the Champs Elysee and I would love to hear the epithets the local scream at you..what are they screaming anyway ????

"I wear nothing but my sneakers in Europe and I have been to several places and I cannot recall one time even when someone mentioned my footwear!!"

Good one, Areala. If you were wearing nothing but your sneakers, I'm not surprised no one mentioned the footwear!!!

In Italy this past May I wore black New Balance walking shoes to all sites and no one cared. The same goes for walking length shorts at churches. I thought for sure the Abby at Assisi would not let me in, but they did. Most churches do not want the minishorts, spaghetti strap halters, flip flops, etc. Many Americans wear this type of garb.

Lunch of dinner does not seem to matter. Of course if you are going to a coat and tie place(?), then dress accordingly. I bet my black walking shoes would pass.