White Tennis Shoes
Mar 25th, 2004, 05:05 AM
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White Tennis Shoes
I have been to Germany and Italy many times and know that white tennis shoes are not appropriate footwear outside of the gym. How about wearing them for walking and sight seeing in Ireland?
Mar 25th, 2004, 05:10 AM
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Just before this thread inevitably deteriorates, the answer is white tennis shoes are appropriate footwear anywhere in Europe, as long as you don't wear knee high socks, tartan shorts, a yellow polo shirt, a flat cap and sport an enormous SLR and 'fanny' pack.
If you feel comfortable wearing them, wear them.
If you feel comfortable wearing them, wear them.
Mar 25th, 2004, 05:16 AM
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That's not strictly true geejay, but no-one would look at you twice in Ireland if you wore 'sneakers'. Why you had trouble in Germany or Italy I do not know. I've been to both countries several times and footwear has never even crossed my mind. I think, perhaps, a lot of you out there think a little too hard about the less important aspects of travelling...! If shoe selection is your only worry when travelling, you're obviously much better at it than most of us...
Mar 25th, 2004, 05:59 AM
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Gee Jimbo - with such strict fashion rules, how do you find anything to wear in the morning???? 
But I agree - if you wear white tennis shoes when you're out and about doing walking at home, why not in Europe? If that's not your style anyway, then there's no reason to buy them for your trip, but wear what you're comfortable in. Your feet will thank you at the end of the day.
But I agree - if you wear white tennis shoes when you're out and about doing walking at home, why not in Europe? If that's not your style anyway, then there's no reason to buy them for your trip, but wear what you're comfortable in. Your feet will thank you at the end of the day.
Mar 25th, 2004, 07:19 AM
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Message: "Where in the world did you come up with the ridiculous notion that white sneaks are " not appropriate"."
The owner of the hotel where we stayed in Germany on many trips (who became a close friend) shared with me that only American tourists and local people who could not afford leather shoes wore tennis shoes outside of the gym.
While traveling in Italy (and Europe) I did not want to stand out as I am female and often traveling alone. While visiting many small towns throughout Italy I observed no one wore them there. (I have visited Europe 19 times)
Having never been to Ireland...I didn't know the custom and therefore decided to ask. I do have a very comfy pair that I will take since I won't stand out...and I will be with my husband this time.
Thank you for your replys!
The owner of the hotel where we stayed in Germany on many trips (who became a close friend) shared with me that only American tourists and local people who could not afford leather shoes wore tennis shoes outside of the gym.
While traveling in Italy (and Europe) I did not want to stand out as I am female and often traveling alone. While visiting many small towns throughout Italy I observed no one wore them there. (I have visited Europe 19 times)
Having never been to Ireland...I didn't know the custom and therefore decided to ask. I do have a very comfy pair that I will take since I won't stand out...and I will be with my husband this time.
Thank you for your replys!
Mar 25th, 2004, 07:34 AM
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And I think that hotel owner probably believes everything he reads in Der Stern, the National Enquirer, etc.,too.
You've already answered your own question..since you've flatly stated that these are not "appropriate..outside the gym" why are you asking the question in the first place?
You've already answered your own question..since you've flatly stated that these are not "appropriate..outside the gym" why are you asking the question in the first place?
Mar 25th, 2004, 07:36 AM
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There's a reason why most people outside the US don't wear sneakers - at least those who need to take public transportation like buses and subways...
It's because they won't be white within a day or two!
It's because they won't be white within a day or two!
Mar 25th, 2004, 07:41 AM
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My only experience with "white tennies" was less than comfortable. I took them to Vancouver knowing we'd be doing a lot of walking and figured they'd "match" just about everything I brought to wear. They were not a good fit and I wound up with painful blisters the first couple of days. I resorted to buying some comfy shoes while I was there and all was well. So, if the shoe fits (literally) go for it!
Mar 25th, 2004, 07:46 AM
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BobbiJo
Such an experienced traveller in Europe should surely be able to make up her own mind when it comes to suitable footwear?!! I've travelled to over twenty different European countries, and some of the Far East and Oz & NZ, and never, once, not ever, did footwear fashion issues cross my mind.
I think the German who convinced you that tennis shoes were worn by the poor was taking the piss. In fact I know he was.... Did you seriously believe him??! And why did you care???!!!
Such an experienced traveller in Europe should surely be able to make up her own mind when it comes to suitable footwear?!! I've travelled to over twenty different European countries, and some of the Far East and Oz & NZ, and never, once, not ever, did footwear fashion issues cross my mind.
I think the German who convinced you that tennis shoes were worn by the poor was taking the piss. In fact I know he was.... Did you seriously believe him??! And why did you care???!!!
Mar 25th, 2004, 08:01 AM
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I have to admit that I LOVE your sneaker discussions... ;-)
I'm German and while I was in Rome on my own last week for 3 days I played nationality-guessing: On the Forum Romanum I watched the people walking in my direction and tried to guess their nationality by looking at their clothes, footwear, complexion and behaviour.
I'd then listen to their conversations to detect whether I was right or wrong (more often right than wrong). And shoes really gave it away most of the times.
Now I have to admit also that on this particular day I was suffering from blisters because I had been vain enough to wear less comfortable shoes myself.
And for the afternoon I switched to SNEAKERS. The kind that are very popular here in Germany for walking outside the gym: Just not white but colored ones. In my case black with a thin sand-colored stripe.
In a nutshell I'd say: Wear whatever you're comfortable in!!!
I mean, the worst thing that may happen to you wearing white sneakers will be that you'll be recognized as being American more easily. And who knows, you might make someone very happy by that - like me.
I'm German and while I was in Rome on my own last week for 3 days I played nationality-guessing: On the Forum Romanum I watched the people walking in my direction and tried to guess their nationality by looking at their clothes, footwear, complexion and behaviour.
I'd then listen to their conversations to detect whether I was right or wrong (more often right than wrong). And shoes really gave it away most of the times.
Now I have to admit also that on this particular day I was suffering from blisters because I had been vain enough to wear less comfortable shoes myself.
And for the afternoon I switched to SNEAKERS. The kind that are very popular here in Germany for walking outside the gym: Just not white but colored ones. In my case black with a thin sand-colored stripe.
In a nutshell I'd say: Wear whatever you're comfortable in!!!
I mean, the worst thing that may happen to you wearing white sneakers will be that you'll be recognized as being American more easily. And who knows, you might make someone very happy by that - like me.
Mar 25th, 2004, 08:06 AM
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Kascha
A German with a sense of humour?! Only joking, nice reply! I agree wholeheartedly. If you're a walker, wear comfortable shoes, if you're a supermodel, worry about wearing sneakers, it may ruin your reputation with German hoteliers.
A German with a sense of humour?! Only joking, nice reply! I agree wholeheartedly. If you're a walker, wear comfortable shoes, if you're a supermodel, worry about wearing sneakers, it may ruin your reputation with German hoteliers.
