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Walking Shoe for Paris/Germany in November (special needs feet here.)

I'm searching for some ankle boots to wear to Paris in Nov. Of course, they need to have traction, arch support and a slight heel for my tendinitis. I had horrible foot problems in Italy and then discovered Asics Gel Craze tennis shoes for Greece..those are amazing. Now I need good ankle boots for possible rainy days in Paris and Germany. What brands do you recommend?

Posted by
3961 posts

You may consider looking at the Blondo brand ankle boot. There boots are waterproof, well constructed and comfortable. Although I have not worn them in Europe, I do wear them during rainy season (Seattle) at home. I too wore my "go to Asics" in Greece last year. They were great for walking 5-10+ miles a day. I have found Nordstrom to be a good resource for trying on boots that will fit your particular needs.

Posted by
94 posts

I highly recommend the UGG Bonham chelsea boot. I have wide-ish feet with high arches and high instep and plantar fasciitis and these feet perfectly. I wore them to the UK in December and January and they were awesome. We walked over 20K steps a day and they kept my feet warm, dry, and comfortable. The heel is 1.5", which I find is perfect for me. I have the Bonham - https://www.amazon.com/UGG-Womens-Bonham-Ankle-Bootie/dp/B01ACBTW3M?th=1 - but I see that there's a Bonham II out this year.

Have a great trip!

Posted by
2659 posts

I'm not convinced that ankle boots are the answer.

I have foot issues, including bouts of Plantar fasciitis. For a trip last December to Germany & Austria, I wore my favorite Asolo brand low hikers and wool socks. We had a few days with snow/ice and while others were complaining about cold feet, my feet were comfortable and warm, and had good traction.

Posted by
15 posts

Thanks everyone! I've seen Blondo brand, but not tried them on. I'm actually headed to Nordstrom in a bit, so I'll see what I can find. I love Dansko brand, but can't find just the right ones.

I don't think I need to worry about ice, but do want traction. I'll consider something other than ankle boots. I actually bought a clog looking, waterproof, dansko pair, but they are U-G-L-Y. haha. I'm bringing them anyway.

I'll check out the other brand on Amazon too. Thanks for the link!

Posted by
15 posts

Michele....are these boots lined? I've never worn UGGS because they look hot. I'd like to find shoes I can wear here in southern Ca when I'm not traveling.

Posted by
1625 posts

I also need an ankle boot with all the elements you need to keep my feet from developing Planters Factitious. I swear by the Vionic brand for fussy feet. They have cute ankle boots and I have taken a pair on each trip and I feel sure footed on all surfaces and have happy feet. Plus they are cute. I used them in the rain in Paris and they took me from wet cobblestones to sleek museum floors with no problem with great traction.
Take a look at these:
https://www.zappos.com/p/vionic-country-logan-ankle-boots-black/product/8900243/color/3

These are close to what I use (check out that padding on the sole!)
https://www.zappos.com/p/vionic-kaufman-black/product/9066644/color/3

Oh great, now I want a new pair and I don't even have a trip planned and it hardly ever rains where I live.

Posted by
920 posts

Check out Ariat. Many of theirs are equestrian-based (paddock boots is what I’m talking about) and come with decent ribbed traction soles. I’ve posted before that I’m still wearing Ariat clogs I’ve owned for 20 years.

Posted by
5595 posts

My favorite brand of shoes for Europe is anything made by Aetrex. [They also make orthotics , so seem to understand foot anatomy.] All their shoes seem to have great arch support. I lived in a pair of their ankle boots last March in Eastern Europe. Many of their styles are waterproof. [If not, simply use a waterproofing spray. ] If you can't find the brand locally, they have a good return policy for online orders. Their shoes usually have a roomy toe box and run a little big.
My newest purchase isn't an ankle boot, but a cold weather, waterproof, navy blue style called Laney- its just heaven to walk in! I highly recommend these shoes.
Safe travels!

Posted by
5697 posts

Do you have hiking boots? Good traction, built for comfort, warm with good wool socks, can be treated with waterproofing. Not cute, though.

I wore Khombu ankle boots from Costco ($24.99) on our last Christmas markets trip.

Posted by
15 posts

Letizia...those look great. You should work for vionic! Haha. I only have a pair of flip flops by that brand and they’re great!

Posted by
15 posts

Rachel...I wa spooking at Ariat brand yesterday. Love the style! I even want the riding boots and I don’t ride. Would love to try a pair of walking shoes sometime

Posted by
15 posts

Pat...I saw that brand. Haven’t tried them, but would love to. I went to the Walking Company today and bought some aebo brand shoes. They more super cute than real walking shoes, but at least I’ll be able to wear them here in Ca.

Laura...I don’t have hiking boots. I tried on several pairs of granny type of boots, but not hiking ones. That might be too heavy duty for Paris in November? Not aure