Another good quality shoe maker is Meindl. They are expensive but well worth the cost.

Comfortable heels? This miracle has
now occurred, I wore my brand new
Aerosoles high heels to a conference
where we walked all day long and my
feet didn't hurt. Call the newspapers.

Walking shoes are a very individual matter. For the record, I tolerate Rockports for about a day, but my Mephistos, in a style matched to my foot and carefully fitted at a shoe store that specializes in customers with difficult feet, work for days on end, as long as I change the liners at midday and let the two pairs of liners dry out overnight.

My wife, after numerous failures at walking shoes, got fitted with a pair of Finn Comfort shoes with an oddly contoured but effective sole insert fitted at the same shoe store, and was liberated to being able to walk many miles a day without discomfort.

The solution is not to buy and guess, but get expert advice, bring in the best and failures in your previous tries at walking shoes for analysis, and above all, break in the shoes at home before you even think of going on any walking trip.

Naturally, a few trips ago I messed up and didn't keep my feet dry and got blisters my second day in Paris. "Better get some foot powder," I thought, so I went into a pharmacy and tried my high school French. I learned that the word for "blister" is the same as the word for "lightbulb" ("ampoule"), that rubbing is "frottage," and that in France nobody uses foot powder because that makes frottage and you get ampoules. Instead, I was handed a squat tube of some sort of cream containing exotic extracts of some African tree, with instructions to rub it into my feet before putting on my socks, and paid a seemingly exorbitant fee for the combined merchandise and advice (new vocabulary included for free). This turned out to be more valuable and far less expensive than Mephistos. My feet were like new in a day, and I no longer get blisters on long walking days if I use my cream.

So, if you go to France, get some "NOK Renforcer Sports Akileine (anti-frottements)." Your feet will love you. By the way, I'm running out. Anyone know where to find this stuff in the USA?

Can't beat a pair of BLUNDERSTONES. Expensive, comfortable, water resistant, and somewhat stylish!

Aerosoles do the trick for me! I wear them all the time - work, casual, travel, etc. And the price is right too.

WHY NOT ATHLETIC SHOES! THAT IS WHAT THEY ARE MADE FOR!!!!

Leddy's cowboy boots from Fort Worth, Texas. There is nothing more comfortable, but if you're not from Texas you may not like the look.

I like Hush Puppies that are like sneaker shoes, Puma has some sneakers that are very trendy, comfortable and a fortune in Europe. I got many compliments on mine.

The Gringas in San Miguel (brutal cobblestones) have many pairs of San Miguel cocktail combat boots for style and ankle protection.
M

Try and find any of these in narrow widths!!

loisco--try Munro shoes. I buy mine at Nordstrom. I have been wearing them for about 6-7 years and they are incredible! I have taken them to Europe several times and they are great on all the various surfaces. I know they come in many sizes, and believe they come in narrow, so check those out.

Sandals during the daytime and dark shoes at night work best for me. No dirty socks with the sandals, either.

I have been researching shoes on Fodors for our upcoming trips. I'd like to buy them now and have them broken in before our first trip in April to Central and South America.

Like the OP, I'd like something as comfortable as athletic shoes, but nice enough to wear with slacks. I'll be bringing my hiking/athletic shoes, too. Not sure crocs would work for me.

Any new suggestions to add to this thread?

Anyone tried any of these old suggestions and found them solely (sorely) lacking???

I am always very concerned about comfortable shoes when I am traveling and walking a lot.

I bought a pair of Icon shoes (the style is similar to a moccasin) a few years ago in Las Vegas. I wore them a little, would forget about them, then take them out again. Now, they are truly worn... showing lots of scuff marks. But, they are my most comfortable pair of shoes. Talk about stylish... I get compliments ALL THE TIME on them (even as worn as they are) because they are so unique.

I now have two more pairs of Icon shoes, one is a driving moc and the other is another pair of "regular" mocs. I need to break both in before I wear them very much.

Icon shoes have paintings on them. They are not cheap at all. I think I probably paid $250+ for that first pair. The two newer pairs were purchased on E-bay for a lot less. They are also new in the box, unworn. Do a search for Icon shoes and you'll see what I mean about unique. I prefer the moc style but you might like one of the other styles. These shoes are hard to find, but worth the looking, IMO.

On the less expensive side, I have a pair of sketchers that are cute and comfy. They have a tread like sneakers, but have velcro fastening and look a little like a mary jane.

Trying on shoes is fun, until I get home and find that the shoes I bought are not as comfy as I had thought!! My feet are very sensitive. Good luck with your search.

Carol

Carol, I don't think you and I should shop together. ;-) I have the same exact experiences, I like them in the store and regret the purchase later.

I will look into Icon shoes. The name sounds familiar, so I think I've seen them before. Thank you!

Patricia
Do a search for Icon shoes to see where they might be available near you. I don't know where you live, but they are only in specialty shops! I love to try on a pair of shoes rather than buy on line... gotta see how they feel!... but now that I "know" my size in Icons, I feel OK buying online.
Carol

Oh boy...I LOVE my Icons! They are without a doubt, the most comfortable shoes I've ever owned. I bought my first pair years and years ago at Neimans. They are the picture "girlfriends". Walked past them in the store the first time and laughed...but kept thinking about them and ended up going back and buying a pair. To this day they get compliments. They are cool but even better, really really fabulously comfy!

How about those new ones that are part Cole Haan/part Nike Air?

If you shop online, buy from Zappos.com because it's free shipping and free returns. You can order 4 pair, wear them around the house, and decide which to keep or send back.

I've been meaning to check out zappos.com. Thanks for the reminder Suze.

hi trippinkpj, yup it's a great website. Especially works well if you have a pair of shoes you love and simply want to buy another exactly the same (or different color). Or to shop around knowing you can return for free.