Which is the Comfort Sandal for Ladies
May 20th, 2004, 08:02 PM
#41
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Birkenstocks are my vote, hands down. I, too, had a bad case of plantar faciitis about three years ago, right before we were leaving to visit San Francisco where we wanted to walk all over town. My right foot especially was so bad I could hardly put any weight on it. I bought my first pair of Birks, and they immediately felt so good on my feet. I broke them in for a week before we left for S.F. and they were perfect. I didn't have any more problems with my heels,and I am convinced they saved me from surgery. Now I wear a pair of Birks as slippers in the house (going around in stocking feet in the house is what caused the plantar faciitis in the first place, I think.) I just bought another pair to head for Europe next month. For my money, they're the best. Homely, but that's ok.
May 20th, 2004, 08:22 PM
#42
I just tried a pair of Geox for the 1st time and they are incredibly comfortable. These are a bit dressy with black suede/shiny leather. On the downside they got a "beat up" look immediately with leather pealing away, and I'm not normally hard on shoes. But they are so comfortable I keep wearing them and would try another pair. More than you probably wanted to know... but since someone asked about the brand.
May 20th, 2004, 08:49 PM
#43
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Do sandal-wearers find they can walk 6-10 miles per day, as is often the case on a European trip, and not have problems with their feet? I haven't had good luck with sandals so far, but maybe I'll try again.
May 21st, 2004, 02:34 AM
#44
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I've been wearing my Teva's for 3 weeks in Cuba and they were perfect! The cheaper ones come with woven straps, the more expensive ones with leather straps, they look a bit nicer as well. All are velcro-adaptable so for whatever height of archs. They are about 100€.
And about the socks: I truly believe it might be more comfortable and probably safer as well when walking in nature (bites, cuts, whatever) but NEVER EVER where them in European cities unless you want to look like a complete dork.
And about the socks: I truly believe it might be more comfortable and probably safer as well when walking in nature (bites, cuts, whatever) but NEVER EVER where them in European cities unless you want to look like a complete dork.
May 21st, 2004, 09:15 AM
#48
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I've worn my Birks all over Europe and they've been great and no they are not the ugly double strapped ones that look like Jesus sandals. Check BirkenstockExpress.com for tons of cute styles and colors. My husband swore by them and I always insisted no way was I wearing those ugly shoes but I got a "flip flop" style in a black lizard print and love them.
May 22nd, 2004, 09:02 AM
#49
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I always want to like Arche shoes and have bought several pairs over the years...however, these shoes seem to get "sloppy" faster than any other brand I've worn. I'm thinking of a pair of Mephistos for my trip to France.
I would also absolutely recommend shoes by Wokky(Danish). I've had slip ons and sandlas by them. They are great for walking right from the start. I wore a pair of slips ons all over Paris and never had sore feet.I am now sportig a pair of their sandals which have a sole that "molds" to one's feet. I get compliments on them all the time.
I would also absolutely recommend shoes by Wokky(Danish). I've had slip ons and sandlas by them. They are great for walking right from the start. I wore a pair of slips ons all over Paris and never had sore feet.I am now sportig a pair of their sandals which have a sole that "molds" to one's feet. I get compliments on them all the time.
May 22nd, 2004, 10:00 AM
#50
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This is an endless quest for me, too. I end up switching between 2 or 3 different sandals so that flaws in one don't build up as a problem. But here's a question for all of you:
How can anyone wear backless slides or slip-on sandals without a back strap and survive heavy-duty tourism? I own a couple of pairs which are okay for puttering around near or at home, but for dealing with city walking, subway stairs, running for trains, etc. etc., they seem out of the question -- will slide off my feet forward and I'll trip, or the straps get weak and they flop sideways, or my calves get tired from gripping with my toes to keep them on.
Am I the only one mystified by the popularity of no-heel-strap sandals?
How can anyone wear backless slides or slip-on sandals without a back strap and survive heavy-duty tourism? I own a couple of pairs which are okay for puttering around near or at home, but for dealing with city walking, subway stairs, running for trains, etc. etc., they seem out of the question -- will slide off my feet forward and I'll trip, or the straps get weak and they flop sideways, or my calves get tired from gripping with my toes to keep them on.
Am I the only one mystified by the popularity of no-heel-strap sandals?
May 22nd, 2004, 10:04 AM
#51
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Has anyone ever worn "Curvetures" sandles? They are made in Mexico. I found a pair that I love and they feel so comfortable. I have not bought them because when I asked for the mate to the size 6 display shoe, they discovered they had sold it! (Apparenty someone, accidently or otherwise, left with one size 6 and one size 7). They didn't have another pair in my size and I've searched on line but have only found one site that sells them, and they didn't have the style I wanted. Anyone know where you can get this brand?
May 22nd, 2004, 10:12 AM
#52
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Cassandra, the slide/mule that fits highest up on the top of your foot will stay on better and will be good for serious walking. I went on many a long fast walk with Pup and touring Upstate NY in my Merrell clog style shoes.
I have been wearing Monroe sandals, no heel and a girly pair of sandals with a tiny heel that fit perfectly, so they barely slap the bottom of your foot and stay on comfortably, no matter how much walking you do.
I think it is mostly trial and error to find the perfect mule ~
I have been wearing Monroe sandals, no heel and a girly pair of sandals with a tiny heel that fit perfectly, so they barely slap the bottom of your foot and stay on comfortably, no matter how much walking you do.
I think it is mostly trial and error to find the perfect mule ~
May 22nd, 2004, 05:10 PM
#54
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Message to Chicgeek, I went to Europe 2 years ago and suffered the same problem as you, just curious what therapy or treatment helped you? I've tried most of the shoes mentioned in this thread and have had some relief, but I still have pain when walking. Any advice out there?
May 22nd, 2004, 05:55 PM
#55
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No, Cassandra, you're not the only one who wonders about backless sandals/shoes. IMO, many of those styles are a big liability when traveling.
Boarding a French train at the Gare d'Austerlitz a few years ago, I had one of those shoes slide right off my foot as I got jostled hauling my suitcase up the stairs of the train. It was only thanks to a kind French gentleman who got on his hands and knees and scrounged around under the train that I got to take the journey with two shoes.
And because they don't hold your feet firm, you are far more likely to get blisters because your feet slide around in them, even if they are a good fit.
If it's just for an evening out, fine, but for the kind of touring that I do, which involves sometimes 10 or more miles of walking a day on various surfaces, including cobblestones, I need a shoe that grabs my foot and has plenty of sole.
My tried-and-trues are Clarkes and Aerosoles and Easy Spirit, all of which I can often find at great bargain prices at places like Marshall's and T.J. Maxx.
Boarding a French train at the Gare d'Austerlitz a few years ago, I had one of those shoes slide right off my foot as I got jostled hauling my suitcase up the stairs of the train. It was only thanks to a kind French gentleman who got on his hands and knees and scrounged around under the train that I got to take the journey with two shoes.
And because they don't hold your feet firm, you are far more likely to get blisters because your feet slide around in them, even if they are a good fit.
If it's just for an evening out, fine, but for the kind of touring that I do, which involves sometimes 10 or more miles of walking a day on various surfaces, including cobblestones, I need a shoe that grabs my foot and has plenty of sole.
My tried-and-trues are Clarkes and Aerosoles and Easy Spirit, all of which I can often find at great bargain prices at places like Marshall's and T.J. Maxx.
May 22nd, 2004, 08:51 PM
#56
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JeriB, I did a lot of research online about this problem and none of the expensive and/or invasive solutions seemed to help people. I ordered a pair of gel inserts from sensitivefeet.com, and that was extremely helpful. I started wearing sensible shoes---damn!--- (even around the house), and put the inserts into any shoes I was wearing--even my Ryka tennies. Little by little my heel got better, but it took a loooong time. At first I could barely walk after I got out of bed in the morning, and I had never had this problem before. We are leaving for Italy on Monday, and this time I am taking my well broken-in Ecco boots (with my gel inserts) and my Wolky's sandals that I have been wearing for a year. I just hope I don't come home crippled this time!
May 23rd, 2004, 04:48 PM
#57
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If you're suffering from plantar faciitis, one exercise that really helps is to roll a tennis ball under your foot. Sit in a chair, put the ball on the floor, and roll your foot around on top of the ball, with the ball under your arch. It feels good and helps stretch that tendon. As I said earlier, for me Birkenstocks were the biggest help of all.
May 23rd, 2004, 06:12 PM
#59
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My favorite sandals are Munro "Lola". Actually, they're my favorite footwear. Walking on pillows - never a blister. When I decided against tossing them in the bag for a recent trip to London (low temps predicted, but warmer weather instead), I did find a fabulous pair of Clarks "Sunseattle" almost as comfortable. I, personally, have never had good luck with Mephistos (which feel fabulous at first, but just do NOT go the distance), or other highly recommended brands, except for Naturalizers and Beautifeel - both of which are almost as comfortable at the end of a long day of walking as the Munros.
May 23rd, 2004, 06:44 PM
#60
grandmere and I both agree everyone's favorite may not be suitable for your feet. I suggest you buy what you think feels comfortable in the store. return home , put tape on the souls as to not dirty them, and walk around your home all day. If they are not working(hurting) return them the following day.
