I know everyone's feet are different but I would like your opinion on what shoes have been kindest to your feet while traveling through Europe, etc. <BR>Have the extra dollars for Mephistos, Eccos, etc. been worth it? My feet need a little extra comfort these days it seems. What are your recommendations?

Easy spirits (runner type or other lace-up styles)..haven't tried the dressier versions. As well as white, they come in grey/beige and black colours for fall and winter. I could walk forever in them and they don't require 'breaking in'. There are Easy Spirit stores in many malls. Last month my husband tried on the equivalent in the Easy Spirit mens' walking/running styles and found them so cushy yet supoortive he bought 3 pairs. He said they were much more comfortable that the Rockport styles he has always worn. Unfortunately the mens' lines are being discontinued ...the staff told us because Easy Spirits are marketed towards women, very few men ever knew they existed and would not have known to look inside the store. One might still be able to find some mens' shoes; they were all sale-priced to clear.

I also wear Easy Spirit shoes. Beige; lace up. VERY comfortable and though they are not dressy, they look much better than sneekers.

I did love Eccos untill I bought one pair of <BR>Ecco Shape-womens collection. They were looking <BR>good but were horrible to use ! So avoid Ecco Shape <BR>but for example Ecco Relax has allways been worth <BR>it's price.

I have been really happy with aerosoles - usually buy a pair before going and use them for a while, then walk 'em to death on a trip! In addition to comfort, they can be dressy and stylish too.

You did not say whether price or fashion were issues with you. In March, I flew to Italy for two weeks - on the plane and for the entire two weeks except one day that it rained heavily, I wore a pair of Gucci boots ($425) - black - just over the ankle and with a fairly low heel. I have narrow feet and wear a very lightweight pair of socks underneath. I was in total comfort the entire time and I walked incredible distances. This is a much better look than athletic shoes - everything from jeans to nice suits. I took a pair of running shoes but wore them only on the day it rained.

<BR>WoW! Is that really $425.00 listed above, or maybe a typo?? Oh well, for me, I agree about the aerosoles, especially since they can double for dress up if need be. But now I will be looking for the Easy Spirit and Eccos mentioned - thanks, ladies.

To answer Joann's question, my first and foremost concern is comfort -- all day, walking all over comfort. Thanks for the ideas so far.

My last two trips o/s I wore Saucony joggers which were very comfy, but easy to get dirty because they are white. When I go to Scandinavia later this year I have decided to wear a pair of Rockport black nubuck laceups that I've had for about two years. They still look good and are comfy to walk around in for a day here, so hope they'll do the distance o/s. Being black and nubuck they can go from night to day without me needing to "dress up" shoe-wise. <BR>

Let me add one more vote for Easy Spirit walking shoes. Since I usually travel in November or December I take a pair of black oxfords with Velcro fasteners. They are suitable for all but the dressiest occasion and I find them VERY comfortable. They (Easy Spirit)also make a very comfortable mid-heel calf dress shoe and I usually take a pair of those for dressier occasions as well. All are priced under $100 and though the more costly footwear mentioned above may be nice, I find Easy Spirit just right. Happy trails! Joan

I took a pair of black Munro ankle high lace up low heel boots and walked in them for two weeks. This was in March and they worked well in the snow up in Cortina and all the way to Amalfi. Just bought a second pair because they are so comfortable. Nordstrom's has them, I don't know where else. Have fun! <BR>

I bring sandals and sneakers on my trip because that is what I wear here at home. My sandals are flat and extremely comfortable. They are not Tevas or that type of sandal but regular shoes. I wear my sneakers on days I might hike. I actually bring my sneakers more out of a sense of obligation than actually needing to wear them. However, if you are concerned with fitting in with the locals and not looking like an American tourist, do not wear sneakers, and if you do, do not wear white socks. These are a definite give away. In my opinion, Europeans are far better dressed than we are. Of course, they are not walking around for ten hours that day.

My absolute favorites are Reebock "Walkers". Come in white, beige and black. Incredibly comfortable - like walking on pillows. Great for tourist attractions and museums (essential actually) and for walking all over. Definitely agree that something dressier is better for restaurants and going out in the evening. For those occasions, I like Easy Spirit flats and low heeled pumps. Very plain, but very comfortable. I also have a pair of Naturalizers that look good and carry me for miles. I like Aerosoles for local travelling, but find the soles are too thin for lots and lots of walking, especially if the street/sidewalks are cobblestone or brick, or even those miles and miles of exhibits in museums. Be advised that, after walking all day (even in your most comfortable shoes),you'll want something almost as comfortable in the evening. I found that after changing to my most comfortable "evening" low heeled pumps, my feet weren't up to much strolling.

Easy Spirits Warning: If you weigh much over 125 pounds (women) think twice. The pair I wore to Hong Kong last april, and around a vacation lake near my home last June have cost me hundreds and hundreds of dollars in doctor bills and physical therapy bills. They failed to support me properly, even with custom orthotics, and I have a badly strained fascia (connects your heel to your toes). Two of the doctors said they have had other patients with the same problem, same shoe. They are not built for us taller larger folks. <BR> My personal favorites, beside New Balance running shoes (tacky, but they work), are SAS shoes, which come in flat heel and low heel, lace up, but a little dressy, and usually in a range of basic colors. Also made for men, and not wildly expensive. <BR> Happy walking.

My wife, Susan, swears by her Easy Spirits. But, <BR>once again we have a Mars and Venus thing here. <BR>The answer for the weaker sex is not the same. <BR>For you guys that walk those same cobbled streets, <BR>I highly suggest the ROCKPORT PROWALKERS--call them <BR>the Easy Spirit for guys.

My husband and I just returned from a 4 week trip to Europe. I wore a pair of Nine West "Cloud Nine" soled sandsals. They were great! The Cloud Nine soles were indeed like walking on a cloud. The support was great, as well. I always have problems finding adequate support in the arch, but these were great! The Cloud Nine soles come on several different styles. If I was to do it again, I would take the sandals and another pair or Cloud Nine soled-shoes such as a closed-toe loafer for the rainier days. You can find Nine West stores in many malls as well as large department stores. It's worth trying them on.

Just returned from three weeks in Europe. I wore Mephistos sandels. I didn't want to spend that much money $150.00 but my husband insisted...am I glad I did. They were wonderful. My husband wore blck tennis shoes and his feet were very warm. I only took the sandals for day and black tennis shoes for night, it was perfect. <BR>

Just got back from Italy. I brought Aerosoles and Reeboks (yes, I did bring white athletic shoes which labeled me as a "tourist") which were comfy and practical.

I have had very good luck with SAS shoes. I just returned from 3 weeks in Europe and I only took dark SAS shoes - 2 pair of walking shoes and 1 pair of flats. We walked long distances and I was always comfortable. I saw lots of black walking shoes but white sneakers were not popular.

Another vote for SAS over Easy Spirits. I think they support my foot a lot better. For a break from tie shoes, Teva has a wonderful new performance-walking sandal for women, called the Circuit. Very light weight, cool, yet great support. If you can't find them in stores, they have a web site at www.teva.com or call 800-367-8382.