Women's shoes for cobbles and hills

Thanks for the warning! Glad you had your Clarks!!

I am glad you had Clark shoes. I love Clark's Wave Walk shoes (in many colors). They are water-proof too! My plantar fasciitis never flared up on my European vacations of walking an average of 8 miles/ day.

Good to know about the Clarks Sillians! I just ordered a pair online (extra 20% off sale prices right now) for our trip to France this Fall. http://www.clarksusa.com/us/womens/womens-shoes/womens-active/Sillian-Joss-Grey-Canvas-Synthetic/p/26119850
I'm a little concerned about the fabric upper soaking through/not drying if it rains but figures I'll try some test runs with the hose outside and Scotchguard them if need be. I tried on a similar Sillian style in store and they were so comfy!

Ahnu waterproof hiking shoes are my "go to" shoes for vacation because they handle all terrain and all weather. They are also very comfortable.

CJ's experience is a reminder of the need to try on shoes if possible -- stores like REI will let you (or insist that you) test out hiking boots on an inclined ramp to see whether your feet will slip forward going downhill in that boot in that size, and can recommend alternatives. Uncomfortable shoes can ruin a trip.

Also I learned the hard way if the sandal has a smooth sole it will be very slippery on the stone pavers and steps. I learned that the hard way when I fell on some steps in the Louvre. The SAS sandals were very comfy and supportive but had no traction something I never realized at home. Thankfully, I broke the RS packing rules and brought an extra pair of ECCOs, though not as supportive they have some pattern on the sole. Another lifesaver.

I bought a pair of Dansko walking sneakers before my big trip to Spain. They were fabulous. I need lace up shoes because I have flat or "shallow" feet, one narrow one normal, etc. They're gray and pretty much went with everything. Best travel shoes I've ever owned. Highly recommended!

Wow CJ - sorry you had that experience. I wore my Alegria Brees all over Europe and never had a problem but maybe that is because the Bree is a lace up shoe. The Bree reminds me of the earth shoes I used to wear in the 70's. They served me so well that they will be the only shoe (other than boots) that I take back with me this winter.

After the Skechers Go Walks and the Dansko boots both broken in and used with an athletic insole failed my feet and lower back in Italy in 2014, I got my usual sized New Balance walking/ hiking shoes (like this: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00GYS9UMG/ref=oh_aui_search_detailpage?ie=UTF8&psc=1 ). I sprayed several liberal coats of Kiwi Protect All leather and fabric spray, which worked to keep my feet dry in heavy rain in 2015 Prague and Budapest. They were the only shoes I took and my feet and back were very happy with the upgrade. I love New Balance!

I have to say, for my travel shoes, I prefer something that looks good with any outfit, rather than a clunky tennis type walking shoe. Preferably a Mary Jane looking shoe that I could wear with jeans or a skirt and they still look classy. Unfortunately, I find a lot of the "Mary Jane" style shoes look like they are made for the hippie style or old woman (no offense) - honestly! Does anyone have a shoe they feel they could walk for hours, with support, that still looks classy/simple and goes with anything? Thank you! :)

Nothing beats Mephisto Laser, which is a lace up leather sneaker/street shoe that is light and supportive with the right tread for walking. The insole is not soft and squishy, it is a dense quality cushion and it doesn't leave me with plantar heel pain or knee pain as some lesser brands do. My two pairs are metallic pewter leather and gray/brown suede. Expensive but you can google and find a bargain around $100. The toe box has a smidge more height which means you don't have to go longer or wider in size to get the room you need. You can stick with your true size that fits in the arch and the heel and that, plus the adjustability of laces, makes a huge difference in comfort. I spray mine with waterproofing and they do OK in rain. If you order without trying on, know that Mephisto sizing runs slightly large. For example, an 8 translates to a 38, not a 39.