Walking/Dinner Comfy Dilemna??
 

We will spend a long day walking Manhattan..I want to be comfortable-comfortable shoes, pants etc. But comfort doesn't necessarily translate into fashionable if we want to go to a nice restaurant for dinner. What does one do? I'm sure running shoes would be taboo but do you carry around another pair of shoes just for a restaurant visit? Can I wear navy chinos?

Although you'll see every type of dress (where ever you travel, not just NYC) I understand what you are trying to accomplish. Of course you can wear your navy Chinos. Don't bother carrying around an extra pair of shoes; try to find a pair of comfortable low-heel, flexible-sole shoes (often running shoes can be clunky to walk in all day anyhow!) You can go almost anywhere in "casual business" attire, if you plan on going to a VERY fancy, up-scale restaurant, you would want to change for dinner. Do you have set dinner plans?

Thanks Sue for being understanding!! Not to give more info than anyone really wants, I do have problems with my feet so really need to be in comfortable shoes. And I think our host plans on a pretty upscale restaurant for dinner. We're going the end of April so I had planned to wear a nice navy all-weather jacket with navy chinos and a nice jersey top. But the shoe issue is really giving me grief!!

This is an excellent rationale for stying at a hotel that is centrally located enough to allow one to change before dinner. If you're in NYC during the warm weather you'll probably want a quick shower before dinner anyway. That said... if you're not going to a place that requires/encourages jackets and/or ties... good walking shoes and presed chinos will be okay in most places. If you have a restaurant in mind but are uncertain if they have a "dress appropriate" code or recommendation, check the www.zagat.com website and you can probably get that info under the restaurant listing.

Nothing is more important than your comfort! Don't worry so much about what other people will think! This is always a topic of conversation on the Europe board as well, and speaking as a person who suffered with terrible blisters walking all over Paris in my "fashionable" shoes, let me tell you that you will never see those people on the streets of New York again so wear shoes that are comfortable for you and have a good time.

I'll also add that I found a very comfortable pair of black leather shoes made by Ecco. I wore them every day while in Europe last summer and every day while in New Orleans last month, both heavy-duty walking vacations, and my feet thanked me for it.

Thanks Sue..funny you should mention the Ecco's. I was in Italy last year and the most comfortable shoes were my Ecco sandals. If it was a little later in the season, I would have worn them to Manhattan! I walked forever in them. So I'll check out closed in shoes by them. Unfortunately we're just coming to NYC for the day so aren't staying downtown anywhere to change or shower or have a break.

Excellent advice here; do take Owen's suggestion and see if the restaurant you are going to has a suggested dress code. Also, keep in mind that you can give your feet a break during the day by taking a cab, bus etc. & sitting down for a lunch or coffee break. Susan is right, comfort IS important, but you still can be comfy without wearing sneakers. I don't know if this is still the case, but a friend of mine went to the Plaza for tea, dressed nicely but wearing running shoes and was politely told of their dress code. So, depending on where you are going, this could be an issue. Try looking at "Dockers" brand shoes, they look better than the name suggests and they have many styles to choose from that would look nice on your trip. Good luck & have fun!

All my shoes now have thick rubber soles and I go to fancy places. I buy Arche shoes, which are expensive and worht it (they last 10 years, for one thing). Ecco is another good choice. Lots of stylish women in Manhattan wear shoes that would look funny in other American cities.<BR><BR> Or--carry your other shoes in a shopping bag, switch in a taxi. Everybody in NY carries a lot of stuff, it is not a big deal to show up someplace with a bag.

Try Aerosoles. They are very comfy and still look good. I've walked all over in the US and Europe in mine.

Donttrash,<BR><BR>Do NOT make the mistake I made!!! I went to NYC a while back and just HAD to look good.... well, let me tell you girl..... I about died from the pain after walking all day. Reading your post brought back painful memories. <BR><BR>My doc recommended Dansko shoes. They're about $100 and are good looking clog type shoes that come in all colors. They are supposedly the only shoe recommended by podiatrists. The Aerosoles are pretty good too.<BR><BR>Personally, I wouldn't care if I wore sneakers after my last experience!<BR><BR>Good luck... go for comfort!