hckypris98,

I totally get your style, as I dress very similar to you. I wear stiletto's every day. But I did really get a dose of reality when I first started to travel.

Comfort really is key when you are walking 10 miles a day. I have been all over South East Asia, Europe and Central America and realize that my style had to be sacrificed a little in order to have some comfort.

I would never bring my DVF dresses with me, but I did buy a cheaper look-a-like dress that packed well and that I didn't have to worry about getting ruined, lost or stolen (my friend had several pieces of her designer tops stolen from her suitcase somewhere between Toronto and Tokyo).

Anyway, point being is that I get it, I really do. Europe is a fashionatas dream, we want to look good, while seeing the sights. And I think the clothes you are bringing will do that, and also keep you comfortable.

My .02 cents is seriously ditch the wedge shoes, and the capri pants. You won't need them. Plus you can always go out and buy some shoes in Europe if you feel like you want to dress up while there. While in Brussels I bought some knee high stiletto boots and made friends with the sales guy. I am glad I had room for them since I only brought 2 pairs of shoes.

Suze's suggestion is a good one. Decide what shoes you are going to take and then wear them all day while you walk 6 miles on city pavement. Find the ones that work for you. Nothing ruins a vacation faster than aching feet - although as Travelbug pointed out, you can always shop for more.

One more reason why footwear is so important on uneven pavements in Europe. It only takes one wrong twist and you will be walking in either a lot of pain or a walking cast. My sister found out yesterday that her simple twist = 2 fractured bones in her foot. She's in a walking cast and we leave tonight for a trip. Thank goodness it was always planned to a mostly driving vacation 'cause anything more than limited walking is out now.

Hi TravelBug...I am right there with you...fashinista but realize the need to be practical. If i can seriously get away with my jeans, a nice top and pair of flats...that is my solution. I just found some Vince Cabuto flats that are cute and cushy on the inside so I am gonna exchange the ballet flats for those. If I could find some Born flats that are cute....the Vince Cabutos will go back and I will get the Born shoes instead which will mean I can ditch the Danskos too! The flips flops are a must in case i end up in a hotel with an icky floor

One tip I learned on this board. Take 2 pair of shoes that you think are good shoes for walking. Your feet will need a break and it is amazing what a difference it can make. I would slip off my Mephistos and exchange them for Cole Hahns at night. My feet thanked me. I'd like to thank the poster who advised that a couple of years ago - but have no idea who she is! :-)

Okay...any suggestions on good walking shoes that are cute? I some of the BORN styles but they are hard to find for some reason. Brands I definitely do not like...are Rockport, Clarks, Easy Spirit & ECCO. I already have Dansko...so that is out too. Any suggestions?

Camper shoes are made in Spain and I've heard raves about them.

http://www.camper.es/

They sell them on Zappos.

Can those of you that talk about Born and Clark shoes, etc. that "are cute" and "don't look like granny shoes" tell me exactly which style you are talking about? All of the Born and Clark's that I looked at today after reading this thread look "clunky" and dare I say "Birkenstockish"!! I am going to Europe in Sept. and am also hunting for some comfortable but "cute" shoes.

MollyB and hckypris98: When you are walking for 6 to 10 miles a day, up and down church towers, up hills and down, exploring castles, on cobble stones, river boats, marble museum floors, etc. -- CUTE cute should be your absolute last requirement. Not that you want the ugliest things going (but if your choice is ugly/support or cute/no support I'd choose ugly <u>every</u> time)

Most every one on this thread trying to help has been to Europe many times and know what we are talking about - and we aren't all hags. we honestly know what we are talking about. Not ONE person in Europe will take any notice of what is on your feet.

Get some REAL shoes and forget about cutsey . . . . . (you can wear cute when you are home and driving everywhere)

My shoe disclaimer: we all decide where we trade the comfort/style level, and to each her own.

My (perhaps very idiosyncratic) viewpoint: I've never seen any Clark's or Birkenstocks (or the expensive Taryn Rose, for that matter) that met my style quotient. I'm sure my shoes are less comfortable than these, but there is a line I can't cross and still respect myself. They are comfortable enough, and to each her own. (Although, I've noticed some attempts at more fasihonable styling in Birkenstock's, but I'm not there yet.)

The following is a list of what I find comfortable enough to wear, even pounding pavement all day, depending on weather, season, length of stay, events, etc.:

1. Ballet flats. Sometimes I'll put in an insole, but many companies now put a crepe or rubber sole on them (Delman and Nine West, to name some in a wide price range.) Can go day-to-evening easily.

2. Any number of wonderful flats or loafers with a good crepe or rubber sole: Cole Haan, G Series, Ferragamo, Magli, Gucci,..... Mostly for day, and with slacks, but whatever.

3. Snazzy sport shoes with rubber soles and other foot-friendly features. There are zillions on the market, from lower-priced to the sports brands to Coach to Dolce &amp; Gabanna. Strictly pants-only day outfits for me, but I tend to be a more formal person.

4. If I need professional-looking pumps: a faille/fabric of some kind are quite comfortable, as are soft suede. ...But I'm not on my feet all day when at professional comitments.

I almost always switch into different shoes for dinner, just to feel like I'm not marinating in the shoes all day. A small a pair of slides or kitten heels don't take up much room.

...and I must admit that if I know I'll take cabs to a very special dinner or two, I'll take some nice heels if there is room.

I'll pack DVF wrap dresses, too. They pack wonderfully, as do many types of knits. I've never had a problem with luggage theft in many years and flights of travel (again, knock wood,) and perhaps I'm living dangerously, but I like to have clothes I love.

...But this is me. If this sounds like your shoe preferences, this is how I handle shoes.

janisj, starrsville, suze...we totally hear you on the comfy shoes and totally appreciate your feedback as it is valuable. I have learned a lot from getting your feedback. But as long as myself and MollyB has time to find cute comfy shoes...we might as well try to find some that are cute. I am with you...if I can't find another pair that is cuter than what i already have...just not gonna spend the extra money, wear my semi cute shoes that are walking worthy and maybe I will find another pair in europe. Otherwise I have another year till I plan my next trip.

MollyB...i hear you on this one. I have been searching and searching..but have come up with nothing so far. The way I am looking at it is that I already have a pair of semi cute Dansko mary janes(dr Marten-ish) that I would rather not wear if possible just because they are clunky. If I can't find another pair that I am willing to spend money on(i can't see spending money on an ugly walking shoe when i already have a semi cute walkigng shoe).

TravelBug13...if you happen to see this thread...can you please tell us what kind of shoes you have?

These are the BORN shoes that I kind of like in all black.

http://www.bornshoes.com/asp/shoepag...CategoryID=135

They not totally cute but they can be worked with. I have another pair of BORN shoes at home but they suede so I am not taking those...BUT they are super super soft and cushy.

These are kind of cute too but very conservative - but they won't look too shabby with jeans, v neck sweater, white T and hermes scarf...more of a clean coutured/preppy look versus what i would call Lyndsey Lohan/Paris Hilton/California trendy. I would say that in the summer I am more Cali Trendy but in teh fall and winter...i go for more of a classic tailored coutured look...which is why i think these might be okay.
http://www.bornshoes.com/asp/shoepag...CategoryID=135

The shoes that i am going to take...if I can't find something else...look very similar to these(I think these are the new version of mine). They are clunky but they are very comfortable...my jeans are boot cut so they basically cover the majority of the shoe. You just can't wear them with a skirt or anything where your ankle would show. Too clunky for something like that.

A word of caution regarding the Diesel tennis shoes. I took my cute black Diesels last trip and when it rains or there is a wet surface, they are extremely slippery, even though it looks like there is good tread on the bottom, it is somehow rounded and boy very slick. I had to hold my friends' arms while walking to catch the ferry to Capri and almost fell overboard on the slippery deck. I would have bought another pair of shoes on Capri if the stores had been open!!

Check these out:

http://tinyurl.com/qx2eb

oops...here are the dansko shoes i was talking about

http://www.dansko.com/Product_Detail...02&amp;VID=493

Good to know Barb. Which ones did you have? I have these in all black...wore them all through the rains last year and it was ridiculous rain for Cali.

http://shop.nordstrom.com/S/2869269/...381675&amp;P=1

Well take several pair of cute shoes, then you can switch between them at least, as each will be uncomfortable in a different way!

I'm definitely with Janis on this one. You asked us &quot;What do I pack for Europe?&quot; and we've tried to answer in a helpful way that won't compromise your sense of fashion.

I am assuming this is your first trip to Europe? First time on a tour?

Bought them last fall at Nord. They are black with velcro strap across top and little silver/steel rivets on each side. Awesome looking, very comfy, but dangerous.

I like (not in hot weather) Ferragamo black leather loafers or Coach &quot;trainers&quot;..non clunky looking in black with a few white stripes (friends in Italy call this style trainers) to wear with pants.

For evening when going to a restaurant I pack a pair of Ferragamo pumps, I have several in various styles.

I always take a pair of black Clarkes flipflops.

I am looking for a pair of balletflats that will be good for walking, to wear with dresses or skirts. I need a good arch support. Thanks to MadameX's post I will check out her brand suggestions.

Pack light hckypris, do take two pair of shoes for all the walking you will do as you do not want to wear the same pair of shoes day after day and take a pair you feel wonderful in for dinners etc.

Suze,

No, this is not first trip to Europe but it is my first tour and crossing many countries. My last trip...I went to England and basically saw most of England.


But...as I said before...not gonna scrap the sensible shoes that are semi cute...just trying to find a cuter alternative that will give me same comfort. Doesn't hurt to try and find something better. I dumped the wedge idea and now exchanging my original ballet flats for another cuter pair that just happens to have more comfort for walking and didn't sacrifice style at all on that one. I have heard your advice and I am taking it seriously.

So...with that said...those who are looking for cute walking shoes...continue your search and if you don't find anything...then see if you can cross that line...like Madame X said in her last comment...&quot;but there is a line I can't cross and still respect myself&quot; I totally agree with her on that one. One of my girlfriends just said...there is a point where if i look down at my feet and if the look of the shoe just makes her sick to her stomach...she would rather sacrifice some comfort so that she would not have to look at them.

Thanks LoveItaly...I was just checking out the Ferregamo website. Do you have a link to the shoes that you have? They sound like something right up my alley. Would I be able to get them in Italy for less? I found some Vince Camuto ballet flats that are comfy...but if u want an arch support...I would buy just a tad bigger and stick an orthodic in it. I have not seen any ballet flats with arch supports just yet. I am getting these in all black crocodile...really nice and they are comfy.

sorry LoveItaly...here is the link to those Vince Camuto shoes

http://shop.nordstrom.com/S/2869753/...003972&amp;P=1