NYCFoodSnob

There are brands that make sandals for sport enthusiasts, like Teva and Keen. Many styles offer padding and softer leathers on the straps. For me, the designs are ugly and they don't work with the clothes I like to wear.

I have the experience of taking a bad fall in Florence. I had no idea that my body was as tired as it was. Stability and safety means everything to me now. And for that, I rely on a chic, closed-toe, lace-up shoe design.

Apres_Londee

People who wear sandals and flip flops on public transportation get their toes stomped on. I know this because I'm constantly doing it to others.

Another classic is having someone accidentally step on the back of your flip flop on the escalator, or even just walking in the subway station. I do this all the time to people and it's really, really annoying not to mention dangerous.

So I guess my advice is, be aware if you are taking buses or subways and maybe try and avoid rush hour. I totality agree with the other posters who say sandals don't make for good heavy-use footwear in an urban environment. They aren't so great for your feet, and in some situations (like on the subway at rushhour) they can be downright inconsiderate towards the people around you.

hazel1

Jill - Check out the Naot Paris Sandal http://www.zappos.com/naot-paris - I walked all day in them throughout Italy and my feet were very comfortable and blister-free. They're not flats, but feel extremely stable. I loved that they looked good with skirts as well as capris (no shorts for me)

goddesstogo

My favourite casuals shoes for traveling are Skechers, the ones with the straps that velcro closed over at the side. I walked millions of miles in France and Italy in those and they cost something like sixty bucks a pair.

Peter_S_Aus

Italy.

Dog Droppings

Sandals

Interesting combination.

WillTravel

I have used hiking sandals with good results in certain environments (like summer), but in general, supportive walking shoes are best.

The best way to tell what works for you is to devote yourself to a 10-hour walking day (with reasonable tourist breaks) in your home town, on various terrains, and see what works for you. Best to find out in advance, rather than wasting your valuable time in Paris on this.

JillDavis

What about these?

http://clarks.zappos.com/n/p/dp/43675784/c/231780.html

WillTravel

Can you seriously envision walking 5-7 miles in those shoes? Give it a try at home, like I suggested above.

suze

JillDavis~~ You're still picking cute-looking sandals for going out to dinner maybe, but NOT for walking around Paris for 8 hours straight. My best sandals (I've been thru maybe 5 pairs same style) do not have a back strap (google Naot Jessica).

cls2paris

Well, maybe you are a lot younger than me but I've been through plantar fasciaitis (sp) and need to feel stable and have support. The Clarks you show are really cute but walking 5-7 miles or hours on end on uneven roads would not be possible for me in those sandals. I have had two pairs of the Wolky Salvia sandal - I could wear these for 12 hours of sightseeing and my feet weren't tired and I had no blisters. They could also be adjusted if my feet swelled. I switched these with a similar pair of Aravon Katy sandals on my last trip to Paris. I prefer sandals in the summer to stay cool, but want the backstrap because it feels more secure if I walk on cobblestones.

Take the advice of the people here who recommend buying a pair, then walking for a few miles on uneven sidewalks or paths. That'll give you a good idea if you want to take them on vacation with you.

It sounds like you have a fun trip planned!