I was in Paris and Barcelona at the beginning of May. Saw them on the streets everywhere (by the way Jeff, I see them here in Berkeley all the time). Camper shoes were 110 euros (90 euros in Spain), about 35-40% less than in the U.S. Addresses for Camper shoe stores in Paris:<BR>- 1 Rue de Cherche Midi<BR>- 9 Rue des Francs Bourgeois<BR>- 55, Rue du Passy<BR>- 14-16, Rue Faubourg St. Honor&eacute;<BR><BR>I don't recall seeing Campers specifically at Galleries Lafayette, although I saw many similar shoes (two tone, or one color w/contrasting stitching). One of my travel companions purchased bowling-type Bata shoes at La Samaritaine on sale for about $35 (including the 10% visitor discount). To my surprise La Samaritaine was running in-store discounts of 20-30% off many items.<BR>

Ben, they are all over. Your daughter won't have to look very hard. Colors: red/white, tan/white, light blue/tan, etc. Still very popular with the under 20's, and also with all ages because they are comfortable and practical (no heels). Can't believe that people out there are bashing 'bowling shoes' when they have no idea what they're talking about! If you can't read the recipe, stay out of the kitchen!

I have seen them in Marshall's (US discount store), too!

Wait 'till you get there.<BR><BR>Then walk into any sho store, close your eyes and pick up a pair of shoes.<BR>

The Campers store on des Francs Bourgeois is the Marais location. Go to the Jewish section, have a falafel then walk one block to buy the shoes and check out the rest of the stores, walk down to the Place de Vosges and sit at one of the cafe's for a beverage and people watching. Makes for a great day, especially if it's a Sunday when the rest of Paris shops close and you want some bustling activity.<BR><BR>

After you get the bowling shoes get a tattoo and then you'll be an official mindless idiot who follows the crowd.

For all the replies, thanks.I didn't realize that asking such a question would cause an international incident. I got great insight from all. The ones that gave me shopping info were appreciated. As for the others... well, it it proves that freedom of speech lives on. After all, if there weren't people posting then what would those "superior" people vent about? <BR>And since you were not shy about giving your "honest" opinion Bill, Ben, Greg, Paul, Jeff, El & the rest... if you are so superior then why waste your time here? With your great ability to grasp the important things in life then maybe you should be involved in "foreign relations". Just not the Diplomatic Corp!

Heh, heh, good one, Ben!

No Ben, we'll save the important stuff for you. You can wear your bowling shoes.

How about a store? Maybe? Naw, that couldn't be.

is it just me, or are these the ugliest shoes ever made?? I saw them everywhere in Italy 18 months ago - nope, didn't look good even then.<BR><BR>however it is the teen thing to be seen in the latest 'fashion' no matter how ugly - so go for it. they at least are marginally better looking than the baggy jeans they all wear/wore...<BR><BR>I don't know where to find them, though - I try to avert my eyes. :-)

They look much nicer than dirty white sneakers, and are just as comfortable. That's why everyone's wearing them. <BR><BR>I'm sure you can find them in any shoe store in London and Paris, just as you can find them in any shoe store here. Though if you're concerned about being "in style", beware...bowling shoes have been around for 2 years already. By next year no one may be wearing them. I probably will, though...my hiking boots and and my gym sneakers can't hold a candle to my bowling shoes, in terms of comfort.

They really are everywhere. I noticed that even the bus drivers in Italy were wearing them!

Bowling shoes = happy, comfortable feet = happy person<BR><BR>Some other shoes = hurt, growling feet = angry, mean person<BR><BR>Some people on this thread need to get bowling shoes!

If you want the shoes before you go, try Dillard's, if there is one in your area. I was there yesterday here in Phoenix and they had a big selection. If you want to get them in Paris, they are everywhere.

Thanks for all the advice. My daughter was looking for something comfortable but a bit different from regular tennis shoes/ sneakers. We have been looking for them here & haven't seen them. I guess it takes a while for fashion to trickle down here in the sticks. By the time they found out polyester & bell bottoms were out, it had come back in style!<BR><BR>This will keep her busy while we are admiring the rest of the sites.<BR>Thanks!

these shoes are called "campers"<BR>you can find them at almost any army surplus store <BR>also, i bought a brand new pair on ebay<BR>quite nice!<BR>just a thought

Mine are made by 9 West, still available in most dept stores in the US<BR>although I bought mine last year

Do you get a free bowling shirt with the purchase of the shoes?<BR><BR>I mean how could you not want one of those with your name on the back. And what's really cool is you can take your smokes and roll them into the short sleeves of the bowling shirt.<BR><BR>Get yourself a DA haircut and you now have a look worth going for.<BR><BR><BR>Very European!<BR><BR>US

The other day I saw Ecco's version of the bowling shoes in Dillard's (here in Tejas).<BR><BR>I saw them on many feet when I was in Italy last year. They may have been "hip" for 2001, yet the stores are still selling 'em and lots folks are wearing them this year too.<BR><BR><BR>