Men’s Walking Shoes

As a woman I’m far from the correct person to offer shoe brand advice, but, whatever you choose, he needs to make certain they are WELL broken in before taking them on a tour in a little over a month. There’s a lot of walking involved.

I’m a big fan of Ecco shoes. People seem to either love or hate them but I would definitely give them a try.

Not sure what you mean by "loafer or boot type." I wouldn't advise loafers for serious walking, or boots unless he'll be hiking on real trails or paths. I've done well with Rockport World Tour Men's Classics, around $110, comfortable and sturdy, OK to look at. Easy to find online or at many stores. They don't cover the ankle. Yes, all shoes should be broken in before travel, so get them (whatever you get) soon and wear them a lot.

There are many fine shoes for walking. And there are even more kinds of feet on more kinds of bodies. While any of us could recommend favorite brands/styles, the best way for your husband to select the right shoe for him is to go to a good shoe store or sporting goods store (thinking REI, The Walking Company, or even better, a local shoe store with good customer service -- I would not recommend the discount warehouse type store) and talk to the salesperson about the nature of your trip and try on different shoes. You need comfort and support and traction and, if it's going to double as a hiking shoe and an urban walking shoe, needs to work in both settings. A good salesperson will be able to recommend a good shoe for him and make sure it fits properly. Then, as Patricia mentions, it's essential that he start wearing them and break them in completely prior to the trip, so don't wait too long.

I agree with everything Lane said. But as a starting point, he might try some of the Rockport lace up shoes. DH has 3 different pairs that he wears on trips (he doesn't take all 3 on the same trip, obviously). Two of them have waterproof leather uppers, which may be a plus if it's rainy.

We bought my husband Rick's favorite shoes, ECCO Track II Moc Low Brown, for our RS trip 2 trips ago and he loves them. He wears them every day. On our South of Italy trip this year there were 2 other guys and one women (wearing a men's size) also wearing the same shoes and everyone agreed they were great.

All good suggestions everyone. Keep it coming!

ECCO Men's Howell Mocc-Toe Oxford

I've never had very good experiences with Rockport shoes. I tried on a variety of other brands and walked for a few minutes in them at my local Hershey Shoe store. I was really impressed with the Ecco Howell Mocc-Toe Oxford which has turned out to be the best walking shoe for me. It's not offered in different widths and is actually a bit wider than an American "D" width. I normally wear 8.5 D and the ECCO size 42 is perfect for me and is actually wider and more comfortable than my usual "D". Euro shoe sizing works best for me thanks to my insulated Pennsylvania Dutch ancestors.

I've worn these for several years and walked hundreds of miles. They still look and feel great. They look acceptable in more dressy situations if you keep them reasonably polished.

FYI, here's ECCO's description of the fit of their shoes. I think the wider toe box and narrow heel to instep is perfect for me.

The ECCO Freedom Fit

Conventional shoes fit across your feet at the toes, restricting the way your toes spread as you walk. ECCO's Freedom Fit is different; it offers a roomy toe box and fits more narrowly from heel to instep, suitable for most widths. Toes spread naturally to support your weight and foster a more comfortable walking experience. Feet of nearly all widths feel good in ECCO, comfort straight from the box.

Clark's Wave slip-ons are worth a look. They are surprisingly "sturdy"-feeling for slip-ons. They are all I wear in Europe, and have been fine so far.

I swear by Keen brand of shoes. Although female I can attest my dearly departed loved his Keen casual slip ons.

I have 8 pairs of Keens. Boots, slip ons, lace ups, hiking and sandals. All markedly lightweight and durable. I even hike the trials in Griffith Park above the Observatory in the sandals. Love, love, love my keens.

Not cheap but worth every penny IMHO. Slip ons, boots and hiking pairs have all traveled in Europe during wet weather.

Here's a link. https://www.keenfootwear.com/mens-casual/

Thank you everyone for your suggestions and input...very much appreciated!

Look at SAS Shoes Time Out. Available in many widths.

If they're within your price range, Ecco and Mephisto are the most comfortable, long-lasting brands of shoes I've ever owned. Perhaps neither is trendy nor particularly fashionable (not that I would know) but I've found them to be good shoes based on decades of experience wearing them.

Thank you everyone! Going shoe shopping tonight.