Comfy AND cute?

Where in AZ? I also have had to struggle to find something comfortable that is not a sandal. The little piggies want to run free.

My current favorites are Abeos from the Walking Company. In Tucson their store is at La Encantada. This is the link to their website if you are not in Tucson -- https://www.thewalkingcompany.com/. Perhaps you can find a store closer to you.

I just bought 3 pair, 2 styles of Mary Jane flats and one pair of sandals. These are links to the flats: https://www.thewalkingcompany.com/abeo-24-7-amie-black/36884 (I got gray) and https://www.thewalkingcompany.com/abeo-smart-3590-black/33917. They have lots of other walking shoes, the cuteness of which is in the eyes of the beholder, but for me at least, they are the best shoes for my old feet and body that I have ever worn, and I've tried or worn every brand of shoe ever mentioned on this forum!

I learned a neat trick at the store. They sell Raffini bamboo liners for flats. I hate liners, but you can put them over the insole backwards so that the foot bed is covered. That way you don't mess up the foot bed/insole and you can wash the liners to keep them fresh. I bought a set of 3 pair: black, gray and purple.

I tend to wear Ahnu Montara (http://www.zappos.com/ahnu-montara-boot) boots for the hard core walking, but switch to something else for the evening or when I know the walking will not be quite so challenging. Depending on where you are going in England and Belgium, you might not need footwear that serious. I am not very graceful or steady on my feet and that boot saved my ass from hitting the cobblestones on more than one occasion in Istanbul and Greece, I never had sore feet or blisters, and my feet, legs and back never wore out even with all the walking we did.

Hi Lo, funny to find a fellow Arizonian on my first post :) I'm up in Phx!

Thanks so much for all the options you shared. Believe it or not, they were all new to me!! I hadn't really looked at the Walking Co but will definitely try some of those options on my next shopping trip! I love the tip about the liners. I have a love/hate relationship with flats. Love how they look w/o socks but hate the stinky feet that follow!!

I'm not planning on needing anything like the Ahnu Montara's this time, but could use something like that even for some of the hikes we do around the state.

I'm probably making this search harder than it needs to be, but since this is my first trip to Europe, I want to be comfy so I don't miss out because of sore feet. But there's a part of me that just wants to buy some inserts and throw them in my Converse haha!!!

I just bought a pair of Sketchers Go Walks for Europe in May and they're the most comfortable pair of shoes Ive ever owned! I like them so much (I've had them for two weeks) that I'm thinking of getting another pair (or two). They have many colors and styles (including an open weave design that could be an alternative to a sandal). If you order online, I'm sure you'd find some nice varieties in your size. I also have a pair of ECCO hiking boot/tennis shoes for colder days and mountain/hilly days. I like them a lot too, but they're quite pricey!

Lisa

I'm going with the Merrell Enlighten Eluma Breeze this next trip. Merrell seems to work best for me. If there is a shoe I really like, I check ebay and Sierra Trading Post as well as more traditional websites. I know that feeling of finding a shoe you love and not being able to find the right size. Good luck!

Naots... they are harder to find ( but I can find them here and we are a small city )..

They are seriously comfortable.. and many have cork insoles..so feet do not get sweaty stinky etc.

I have a pair of their sandals.. the "Paris" model and I can walk all day in them.. and they look good with dresses or capris.. they also have many other styles. I am not sure why you want black,, but colored shoes are very "in" in Europe so don't limit yourself.. !

omg, that comfort-cute combo is my holy grail. Cole-Haan has a few pair that are great for walking but do check the sole since C-H has lots of cute but only a few work for walking. The other brand is Reiker, I now have 3 pair, one is just cute but the other two are cute and great for walking. Please note, these are NOT recommendations for hiking through the Dolomites. I have worn the C-H and the Reiker on several 3 week trips to Italy and France, all with lots and lots of urban walking.

This is my favorite subject right now. I know there are cute and comfy shoes, but my size 10 W, plantar Faschitties sensitve feet can't seem to find many. I am like you...I've looked at dozens and dozens, and even have ordered about 20 from Zappos, Amazon and Nordstrom. Many of the styles I tried were recommended in the thread with over a hundred of posts down just a few from yours. Unfortunately, I'm afraid I have not been able to find why heart's desire of comfy AND cute...because they just didn't feel good on "my" feet. So, I think I'm going to have to settle. The most comfortable shoes I found were the Keen's Rose Sandals..and ordered them in Cranberry for something fun. Why not? The one shoe that "got away" that they have in black and a Geo Black print is Bzee's Flawless. If you have a wide foot, it won't work. They do have a wide width..but it's not cut wide. I think it would be very comfy for a normal. They were SO comfy and I thought the Geo Print was chic looking. they were pretty on. I also ended up with the Clark's Lucena sandal because it was so comfortable and maybe a little more dressy than the Keen Rose's. I still have a few months left...but at least I know I can walk for miles and miles in those Keens's

Kate....what are the Reikers that you have that you love?

Thanks for all the suggestions! I've got a few more options added to my list of possibilities thanks to you guys!

I've worn Taos Trophy on my last 3 summer trips to Europe. Great for walking on cobblestone streets in villages. http://www.zappos.com/taos-footwear-trophy-black

Thanks to all who offered advice for me. I have tried on so many shoes in the last two weeks, and finally bit the bullet. I couldn't find the "perfect" shoe, so I decided to get two pairs that I can alternate, and will be bringing a comfy pair of sandals as well. Yes, there will be two pairs of shoes in my backpack :-) Here are the three that I decided to bring, just in case anyone else is looking for something cute and comfy!!!

Clarks Arbor Jade - I got my pair for less than half the price off of Amazon, brand new! I haven't worn them yet but they seriously feel like nothing on my feet. I believe they're intended to be worn without socks, but I'll be breaking them in with socks over the next 2.5 months. The insoles actually come out and can be washed/replaced. Great arch support too!
http://www.clarksusa.com/us/womens/womens-active/Arbor-Jade-Black/p/26100128

Skechers BOBS, Subtleties - They have memory foam insoles, and have been great for work so far! Plus they're sparkly! Tried on others that were just as comfy, I just couldn't turn down the sparkly pair!
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00LY060V8/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s01?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Sanuk Yoga Sling 2 - my work recently forbade flip-flops, so this was my solution. Best sandal EVER. At least 3 co-workers have ordered their own pairs, and they come in a ton of colors and prints. The Slingshots are also super comfy.
http://www.zappos.com/p/sanuk-yoga-sling-2-black/product/8250068/color/3

That's great you found your shoes. I bet I ordered and have tried on 25 - 30 shoes...it's been crazy. I finally settled on the Keen Rose and another walking sandal with an open toe so i could switch back and forth. I will be wearing one on the plane. i will be packing one of the other walking sandals, and pair of really flat light sandals for evenings and....ok I have to admit...a pair of 3 inch black wedged peep toe shoes for evenings. I love them. I know there are cobblestones in Rome, so the 3 nights we are there i will be conscious of where dinner is that night (and throw in my flat light weigh ones in my purse if I need them)!

I need a comfortable walking shoe that is also water resistant since we are going to Ireland in September, can anyone give me a good suggestion? Don't want to "break the bank" on a pair of shoes though.
Thanks. B.

becky . . . . Keen tennis shoes are waterproof, very comfy, good support and tread. Teva Hiking sandals are also waterproof. I get mine on amazon.

keens Presidio. A little clunky but I have worn them in downpours and they dry fine. I also wear SAS Roamer T strap shoes that I have sprayed with waterproofer and they do very well also.

http://www.footsmart.com/P-Merrell-Grassbow-Air-Lace-Up-Walking-Shoes-83946.aspx

For Ireland last year, I waited until these went on sale. They worked very well.

Mary

I am a teacher and on my feet all day. Several of my friends wear "Hoka" brand walking shoes. They are pretty ugly and bright colors, but very cushioned and propel you as you walk. I bought a pair that are coral and white. Would they be inappropriate for Paris? I normally don't care as much about fashion as comfort. My 77 year old mom and I are leaving Friday for Paris with RS tour. I wear a size 5 1/2, it is impossible to find a good fitting shoe!

I found that the Skechers didn't have a sturdy sole for walking on cobblestones. I could feel those stones through the lightweight sole.

However, I loved, loved my Crocs sandals. They have a slightly raised heel, cork sole and the insole is a foot massaging sort of gel with nubbins on it that massage your feet as you walk. They are open toed so they wouldn't be good for the rain but they were perfect for dry Spain.

Update now that the trip is over -

Loved the look of my Skechers but by the end of the trip, the memory foam was completely shot. Perhaps I did too good of a job breaking them in before we left. My boyfriend also had a pair of memory foam sneaker type Skechers and they went right in the trash when we got home. He had terrible blisters on the bottom of his feet. We agree that they were not supportive on cobblestones at all. My Clarks were just okay, I think they were a little small but unfortunately I am a 10.5, which is difficult to find. Still love my Sanuks though, but only wore them for an hour or so at a time.

For our next trip, we will both be buying something with a better sole and support. Lesson learned, but this did not ruin our trip at all!!

Sorry the Sketchers did not hold up! However, it is so nice to hear back from you regarding what worked and what didn't.

I am sort of nuts in that I will walk a ~lot~ before my trip and if the shoes stand up to repeated 10-milers I will buy another of the same kind and take the new ones with gentler break in miles on them. I agree it is a pain in the neck/foot to be an in-between size. I have changed over completely to Altra Zero Drop which are not cute but have a roomy toe box and accommodate my 10.5 foot. I did have to go up to a 12 in a new one of their styles. My toes were at the end of the 11's.

I am glad your shoes did not impact your trip. Now it will be your life mission to find comfortable shoes for Europe, lol!! Really, I am always looking!

Wolky makes some very comfy and attractive shoes in a variety of styles and sole/heel heights.

I would recommend looking at Simon's Shoes. They have a whole section of their site dedicated just to great travel shoes that are both cute and comfy. Their selection of Naot shoes are especially great for walking and travel while also being super stylish.

I work in the Operating Room with Orthopedic Foot Surgeons. While shoes fit us all differently - they've always said Brooks, Saucony, Keen, ECCO, Ahnu, and Merrell are the best shoes for foot/arch support and quality. As a nurse, I've spent 1000s of dollars on shoes over the past 30 years and I must say that I tend to agree. My husband and I took KEENs to Austria, Germany, & Amsterdam 3 yrs ago with no issues all day walking on cobblestone and endless steps. We are heading to Italy in October for 3 weeks are we are taking KEEN again this time. Of course, it must be comfy for your foot, but they say the companies that spend the most on advertising (Nike, Reebok, Sketchers) do NOT make the best quality shoes.

If I were going in the summer, I'd take KEEN sneakers and Chaco sandals (or maybe my KEEN water sandals= KEEN Women's Newport H2 Sandal). At the Christmas Markets a couple of years ago, in the snow, I took KEEN snow boots (they were waterproof, warm, comfy for 3 wks). This year, Italy for 3 wks in October - I'm taking KEEN sneakers, & one of my KEEN shoes for nicer restaurants (haven't decided which one yet). I'd love to take my KEEN water sandals or Chacos - but we are 'traveling light' & 2 pair of shoes is plenty.

I am surprised you did not mention Danskos, which I see on a lot of doctors and nurses. They make a lot of styles other than clogs ( which I would not wear on cobblestones!). They have cute sandals, boots, and Mary Janes and other styles, like these:

http://www.zappos.com/dansko-orla-black-nappa

http://www.zappos.com/dansko-lulu-black-nappa-leather

They definitely hold up well a and do not break down. I have one pair that has been to Europe four times.

I've been reading this thread with interest as we are heading to Spain for 4 weeks in September. Like everyone else, I would love to find a pair of shoes that look at least slightly stylish, are comfortable and can be used for urban hiking (i.e. walking all day in city environments). I've bought several pairs of shoes recently for trial runs before we go and nothing seemed to work once I wore them for longer walks. Many shoes seem OK In the store but get them into the 'real world' they reveal their true nature. For instance, a pair of Ecco sandals made my feet ache after walking for more than an hour but walking around the house they were fine. The only shoes that seemed to work were my Brooks or Saucony running shoes but I was loath to wear them on my trip as they really don't look all that great with a skirt. That's when I got my insight. It's not the shoes that give me the comfort it's my orthotics. When I wear running shoes I trade out the insoles for my orthotics; I realized I need the arch support I get from my orthotics. I've now bought a pair of Wolky Jewel sandals which allow you to take swap out the insole and insert a custom orthotic. They aren't perfect as the edges of the strap across the toe are rubbing a bit but I figure that I will have worn them enough by the time we leave that they will have softened up. The good news is that they are truly comfortable when I wear them for hours at a time. They aren't true fashion shoes but they look reasonably stylish and come in a wide variety of colours and multiple styles including sandals and shoes.

I've been wearing these for 3 weeks and love them: Eddie Bauer Send.

http://www.eddiebauer.com/product/women-s-eddie-bauer-send/92006132/_/A-ebSku_0206132184005243__92006132_catalog10002_en__US?showProducts=&backToCat=Sandals&previousPage=LNAV&tab=women&color=184

I waxed on about them in another post.

I had great luck with a pair of Finn Comfort when we went to London and Paris. Wore them everyday and my feet never hurt once. Somewhat expensive, but so worth it! Available on Zappos.

I read an article where travel guides were interviewed about their favorite walking shoes. I weighed the characteristics based on what I needed in a good walking shoe. Out of all their suggestions was one that I now have purchased seven pair of in about two years and the brand is Fly London. I have the following styles: Ylva (2 pair), Yema, Yama, Yown, Yip, and one pair that I cannot recall the name of--all of which have the wedge heel and good arch which I need. These shoes are expensive, but they are worth it. If I had to get rid of every other pair of shoes I own and only keep them, it would not bother me at all. In fact, I am slowly working towards that in my closet--probably only wind up keeping some tennis shoes, my Blundstones, my Chacos and my FitFlops to go with my Fly Londons. Sadly, Zappos does not carry Fly Londons, but they can be found on PlanetShoes.com, OnlineShoes.com, and Amazon.com (as well as eBay.com). They do come in European sizes so you probably want to get your first pair from a place where with free returns. FYI, I generally wear a 6.5 N and will wear size 37 (which is 6-6.5US) if the toe is open, but a 38 (which is a 7-7.5US) if the toe is closed, which may help you if you decide to order some. These shoes are cute and funky. They come in cute colors as well as black. The one color I have yet to get a pair in is a rich brown (although they do have tan and taupe). I cannot say enough good things about Fly Londons--they fit well, they are sturdy for walking, they are comfortable, they are cute, they are funky. I get compliments all the time on them, too.