Second pair of very comfy shoes?

Welcome to the forum! You may notice the posters here are passionate about shoes that travel well and can withstand a lot of walking. I would definitely NOT take shoes that hurt your feet! That is a waste of space in your luggage and if you do wear them and cause some damage to your feet you'll have regrets.

I have horrible feet - problems with plantar fasciitis - so I am very careful about how I am shod. I only wear Altra brand shoes which have a zero drop platform (heel and forefoot are the same level off the ground). They are wider than most women's shoes across the forefoot as they are going for a natural toe splay. They are probably out of your price range but you may want to check them out. If you live in a bigger city you may be able to find them in a running shoe store. I have to order from Zappos. You may also find you need to size up slightly.

To me what it comes down to is what feels good on YOUR feet. You'll get a number of suggestions but you'll want to try them out if you can and see what feels best.

I'm female, but I wear a wide shoe as well. You might look at the brand, Clarks. I've found it easier to use DSW and Zappos websites and start my search with my shoe size. Even then, I end up typically ordering 2 different sizes so I can choose between the two. Zappos is great with returns and I have a DSW close to my house.

The idea of better fitting shoes and less than $50 doesn't match up well. A more expensive, better designed, and better made shoe may be worth more than $50 shoes that hurt your feet. That really doesn't make a lot of sense or cents. Hard to find a decent tennis shoe for less than fifty. We tend to the ECCO line of city walkers. Close to the $200 - maybe under $150 on sale -- but they also last forever. This is not an area to save a lot of money.

My wife is the reverse -- wears a small size man's ECCO shoe. You wear the shoe that fits regardless for whom the shoe is marketed. Second, we don't take a second pair. The ECCO come with loose inner-soles. We carry a second set of inner-soles that are changed daily. That way the inner soles and the shoe stay relatively dry from daily wear. From my Army experience, the first priority is taking care of your feet !!!!

Okay I think I need to clarify:
I'm talking primarily re: slipper and just a spare shoe to wear if I fall into the creek, which happened last year. (I hike a LOT.) NOT a super nice pair of shoes--- perhaps more like Skechers or water shoes or sneakers of some kind.

I would not take two equally good walking shoes, because to me it makes no sense. I don't find them that good to lounge around in. We are talking in a pinch I could wear for a day.

I have a pair of hiking shoes/trail runners that are going to be worn 99% of the time during the day. I don't go out that much at night, after dinner.

I have had several pairs of Tevas over the years. This new style intreagues me and I may just have to order a pair for myself. I think it fits your requirements to a T. It’s called Ember Moc and comes in a few different colors.

https://www.teva.com/women-shoes/ember-moc/1018225.html

EDIT: Amazon has some of the colors and sizes on sale for $50. If you wear a wide size you could order a 9 perhaps although they do look to be stretchy and comfortable.

Have a look at Allbirds merino shoes. I do not know the price in the USA, but I do know that they are popular as a second comfortable pair of shoes for hikers.

Have you tried Skechers Bobs? They're very similar to Toms but I've only worn Bobs so can't speak to the comfort level of the other brand. They're very light, should pack well, and I wear them in place of slippers but they're also acceptable for errands. I wouldn't want to hike in them but they're great to relax in.

Question re: Merino shoes and Embers? How are they in summer? I live in NM and it is pretty hot here in summer.

If the occasional hikes aren't strenuous All Birds are my favorites, for everywhere. The Lounger style serves your very lightweight "street /slipper" primary goal. The inserts can be replaced as needed, and the wool version, except if you go very hot places, is my go-to. But I also bought the "Tree Bird" lightweight style.

I know you said that you don’t wear sandals, my husband isn’t a sandal wearer either. However have you considered a closed toe sandal like a Teva or Keen? https://www.outdoorgearlab.com/reviews/shoes-and-boots/sandals/keen-newport-h2

I live in California and don’t think I could wear a wool or quilted slipper on 100° s summmer days but I love my close toed sandals for lounging, hiking and everyday wearing. I own a pair of Keens.

Have you tried the using an arch support insert in the less expensive shoes? That works for me, letting me use a lightweight Clarks cloudstepper. (Some inserts can be used directly in the shoe, and some work better with removing the shoe's original insole. If going with the remove and replace style, make sure the insole can be removed. Take the inserts with you when shopping and use when trying on shoes.)

Since women's shoes fit you, you may want to look at Skechers. They make several styles in all black. My faves are a black on black slip on sneaker with fixed laces. I have worn them on 3 trips to Europe. Skechers also makes a loafer style in all black. Do not take any shoes that hurt your feet! That's a waste of space and money!

Sketchers GoWalk shoes would work. I have some that look like “boat shoes” and they’re the most comfortable shoes I’ve ever worn. I brought them to Europe last summer. They slip on easily (great for the airport), are super lightweight, and comfy for walking. They make them in lots of styles, for men and women.

Go Walk sounds like what I might be looking for. I like the idea of the merino shoes, but honestly afraid of wearing in New Mexico.

Thanks for the help.

Anywhere near a Costco ? Sketchers slip-ons there in women's sizes, well below $50. They're my in-hotel and short-walk favorites.

Hi,

I don't belong to Cosco, never bought enough to really bother. Too bad.

pleiades, Saucony brand (mens) shoes have a wider forefoot. Might be worth a try, but usually need to buy half a size up as they run small. SAS have been the most comfortable shoes I've owned, but they are pricey.

Prior to traveling to Italy for the month of December, I purchased a pair of Clarks Ayla Low shoes. They are really comfortable with memory foam. I planned on using them as slippers and a pair of shoes for stepping out for coffee or to go to breakfast in the hotel. However, they were so comfortable, I found myself wearing them all day for long distance walking. Also, they are light and easily slipped into the outside pocket of my carry-on suitcase. Due to extensive foot and ankle surgery with lots of metal and screws, finding a pair of shoes that I can wear for an extended period of time is a gift. In addition, they have a men's line. I purchased a pair of lace-up boots for my husband. He found them to be light-weight and comfortable.

Altras. Because your feet deserve them.
The DW picked up a pair of Skechers GoWalk4s at the Skechers shop. A good travel shoe.
So are Lems; they even roll up.

There are dozens of great women’s shoes that won’t harm your feet and that are super comfortable. But your list of needs is going to be difficult to satisfy while staying within your budget.

Check out Sanuks, they are what you described. SANUKS (The Vagabonds, not the sandals.)
I've taken a pair on every trip. They flatten out in your bag and weigh very little. The bottoms are thick enough to walk down the street but they feel like slippers or sandals.

I'm seconding bogiesan-- Skechers are the best bang-for-the-buck multipurpose shoes if you have problem feet. Naot, Clarks, Keen, & Earth are also great, but they aren't particularly cheap (but check Zappos for sales).

I can always snag something at Skechers below $60 that will be comfortable. They probably will not be leather, and they will not last as long as the other brands, but if you want to wear it for a month before you travel, then during your trip, who cares if they wear out in a year?

Since European towns have lots of cobblestones, even if your 2nd pair is just for wandering a short distance from your lodging, you want to make sure there is enough tread in your shoe so you don’t feel uneven cobblestone with every step. After a full day of walking or hiking, cobblestones with the wrong shoes can be brutle.

SAS will have shoes that fit you and they need no breaking in. I have put on a brand new pair and walked 10 km with nary a blister. But they will cost about $150

Having a comfortable pair of shoes is important when you travel. If your travel plan involves a lot of walking or trekking, then I would advise you to get a pair of comfortable sports shoes. However, if your travelling activities are not that exhaustive, then a normal pair of casual shoes will also do. Brands like Woodland, Bond Street, Arrow, Sparx, Sketchers, Soleplay, Metro, Pavers England, Harvard, Lee Cooper, DC, Van Heusen, etc. all sell casual shoes that are ideal for travelling. Also, do not worry about your foot size. All of these brands manufacture shoes that come in varied colors and sizes. You can buy these shoes at their respective outlets in the mall or try to opt for online shopping. I am sure you will find great deals on all these brands.

Thanks for all the recent replies. I got a pair of Skechers though I have my doubts about how little arch it has. Am replacing the insole, so we'll see. Yep, I do have a pair of excellent shoes for walks/hikes, so we weren't really talking about that.

Jay

What are we without our feet right?

I agree with many of the other posters on the value of finding shoes that work for you. I have used Clarks and Sketchers as my go to shoes for the last two trips I have been on, one to Great Britain and the other to the Med. I usually wear the Clarks leather shoes and pack the lighter Sketchers. I have one ankle that swells and like many others sometimes have issues with swelling (from a previous injury) , so now I make sure I have a back up pair of lace ups or flip flops (Clarks) that will work if I have a swollen foot and ankle.

My plan for my upcoming GAS tour are Clarks , my trusty lace up solid color ASICS, and a fairly new pair of Sketcher Go Walks, The Go walks are ok to wear with a skirt or capri's. Depending on how heavy the suitcase is, I will drop one if needed.

The Go Walks make excellent slippers! DH and I always miss our when we vacation, too so it is a solution for us!

Hey there. Just catching up on the forum. I know this may be late for you, but wanted to share. I agree with the comments that good shoes aren’t necessarily cheap. I have found good selections of Ecco walking shoes on the Nordstrom Rack website. Deeply discounted, nice styles, fantastic shoes.
God luck. Jo