Requesting shoe recommendations from ladies over a certain age (okay, I’m over 60).
Planning a trip to Leipzig, Berlin, and Prague next mid-May to early-June. I always try to pack light, which usually means two pairs of shoes—wear a pair, pack a pair. One pair will be running shoes or sturdy sneakers. I’m pondering the second pair, perhaps something like a loafer or Mary Jane. What I’d like to take is a pair of sandals-I have great travel sandals but it looks like the weather will not likely be suitable for sandals.
What kind of supportive non-sneaker shoes do you like for moderate walking days that would be attractive enough (or passable) for going out, a night at the opera or symphony, etc.?
Posted by
Land of La
9864 posts
Peruse the KEEN website. Lots of sandal options. Pricey yet durable sandals. For years wore mine on the job as as film and TV Locations Manager. Still wearing them. Sandals have been to Havana, Miami, Rome, Milan, Venice, Washington D.C., San Francisco, Boston, and Vegas.
The pairs are Newports H2 and the UNEEK sandal. Have them in beige, red, blue and lime green.
Oh and I’ve got a decade on you age wise.
Lastly, finding those sandals cured the plantar fasciitis I had endured for years.
Posted by
TX
2997 posts
I have begun wearing Sketchers and really like them.
I just bought two new pairs for this trip, one a closed toe and one a pain of sandals.
Previously I wore Chacos and they are great. I was wearing their sandals but they may have other styles.
I believe that Chacos is recommended by the American Podiatry Association.
They are made in Colorado and are water proof. Hikers like them.
Posted by
Surrey, UK
585 posts
Do you have Hotters in the States?
Posted by
New York, NY
4116 posts
If you plan on doing substantial walking, I would save sandals for dinner time. I’m 55 and wear running shoes (all black instead of those loud colors) to walk. I actually walk 5 to 10 miles every day. It’s like walking on clouds.
Posted by
Bend, OR
1626 posts
I agree with Claudia, I love my Keens. I have the Whisper black sandal and have worn in May in Europe numerous times. I’m not sure that’s dressy enough for the opera or symphony though but everything else.
Posted by
Cincinnati
223 posts
Vivaia has some cute loafer and mary jane options you might like. They are made with recycled bottles and are washable but have decent foot support. Some of their styles also come in wides.
Posted by
Peterborough, ON, Canada
1780 posts
What about NAOT Papaki sandals:
https://naotcanada.com/products/papaki-7?variant=45612504449283
I bought them after a woman wore them every day on the RS Besr of Adriatic. She swore by them. I couldn't walk quite that much in them, but a good half day for sure, and they're quite nice, especially the black with the patent leather detail. And with it closed at the heel its not quite a full sandal.
Posted by
OP
WV
82 posts
@sharon, have you tried Vivaia yourself? I see them advertised everywhere.
Posted by
Minnesota🌲
10286 posts
I think that most people misread the question. The OP is looking for shoes that are NOT sandals, as the weather is not right.
Personally, I like Hey Dude shoes. A lot of of them are very casual looking as they’re meant for deck shoes and wearing outside, but they do have some dressier options. I love the fact that they are extremely lightweight, they are very comfortable, and yet I could walk a mile or more in them without any problems. I have one pair that I really like and I’m planning to take those to Romania next week. They are dressy enough for the opera I’m going to but can be worn for a lot of other options as well.
Posted by
Colorado Springs
128 posts
I wear a lot of Skechers, and my go-to for non-sneakers is their Relaxed Fit Bikers Get Up Mary Jane. I don't currently see them on their website, but they're still available on Amazon.
They're extremely lightweight and packable, they have a reasonable amount of cushion and support, and I can wear them with a dress or nicer pants.