Good women’s walking shoe recommendation

OP, typo in your title but suspected shoe instead of show.

Look at the Keen brand of shoes. I’m a walker/hiker.
I have 8 pairs: lace up, slides, boots, sandals. My Keens have been to Havana, Lake Tahoe, Mt Shasta, Yosemite, London, Paris, Rome, Florence, Venice, Lake Como, and San Francisco.

Costly, sturdy, durable and comfortable.

Claudia, eek - thanks!

I edited the title…

Wow, your Keens have taken you all over the world! Sounds great - I’m going to check them out!

Thanks again!

Yes, my Keens suit me. FYI I spent 30 years as a film and tv Location Manager. 16 hour days on set.

Keens made those hours bearable.

When I’m in London I’ll wander 2-6 miles a day. Firm believer you discover the best spots by walking about.

I love my Dansko Paisley shoes. They are great on cobblestones, comfortable if standing in a museum, keep my feet warm and dry, and could probably do some light hiking although I almost have my hiking boots for that. I actually prefer them to sneakers for anything in Europe.

Claudia, maybe I’m just messing up on terminology - but the walking shower on Keen’s site look like sneakers - even the bottoms. Stupid question - is this typical?

And, they’re numbered - is there a difference?

I really want to be doing so much more than I do at home - exploring areas in some depth.

Thanks!

There's a whole section on this topic. Lots of different ideas.
https://community.ricksteves.com/travel-forum/best-travel-shoes

Never bought any sneaker via the Keen website.

The Keens I own and wear are the Targhee Presido, the Targhee slide, lime green and light blue Uneek sandals and a pair of blue Newports.

Liz, thank you! I’ll do a deep dive on that !

Shoes are a highly individual thing. The width of your foot, the height of your arch--it all matters a lot.

For the UK I'd be getting something waterproof, because I don't like walking around in shoes that squish. However, the trade-off is that your feet may get sweaty since the shoes may not breathe very well. That simply doesn't bother me much at all. YMMV.

Because I'm on my feet a lot, averaging about 800 miles over the course of a 4-1/2 month trip (not to mention all the standing on hard museum floors), I really appreciate a cushioned sole. Serious hiking shoes tend to have stiff soles; fortunately, I don't need that kind of footwear for my trips.

If you're going to be walking on unpaved surfaces very much, you may need shoes with sturdy outers--leather or something similar. Lightweight shoes will likely have some fabric components, and they may not stand up well under frequent contact with brush, etc.

Claudia, thanks! They were listed under hiking shoes-boots

Looking at now!

Acraven, that’s a great point! I’ll have to find which ones suit me best among all these great choices

I think waterproof is far more important for me than sweaty feet. I can get good socks to try and account for that…

I definitely don’t beee serous hiking shoes…and I agree that a sturdier outer will be best, not lightweight fabric

Doing a deep dive now…

Thank you!!!

I like Taos sneakers for walking. They’re low-key looking and have great arch support. A good alternative to full on athletic sneakers. Not waterproof but they have canvas or leather option. I find the leather ones hold up well in the winter, with getting a little wet, but probably wouldn’t keep your feet dry in a downpour. I can stand/walk all day in them and be comfortable.

I also love Dansko shoes, as recommended above. I don’t have any of their casual shoes, but I have the clogs and some dressier ones. They’re always good to my feet!

Barbara, thanks - I’ll look into!

Someone on another board actually suggested that he’s had best luck using his ordinary sneakers

I DO have a pair up lace up Sketchers that I don’t wear that often because I prefer slip ons…but they are very comfy, and got me through long days at Walt Disney World, lol. I did have to wear two socks on each foot to prevent blisters, but that’s not on the shoes - that’s just par for the course at WDW, lol

So I wonder if I should supplement these with Sketchers Go Walk 7 or some other version - since I know I love the brand

Or even go with a bit of a boot - which would come in handy in iffy UK weather

Someone had suggested Chelsea boots. I read a blurb on a Doc Martens - they sound great, but apparently take a very long time to break in

Thanks
read a blurb on a Doc Martens - they sound great, but apparently take a very long time to break in

I agree with a previous poster about the waterproof Dansko Paisley shoes. I used them for all walking and light hiking (6-8 miles most days) in Switzerland this past June.

Thanks, Barbara!

I think I might get one of those, and a Blundstone Chelsea boot …

I really like Orthofeet shoes. For a waterproof shoe, I am using the Orthofeet Carmel boot. Very comfortable and slip- on! I have wide feet and need a shoe that had wide widths.

Hi Betsy,
I like Merrell’s JungleMocs.
However, they are made slightly differently nowadays to a pair I’ve had and still wear, from 20 years ago.
My new ones were a bit slide-y on my feet, but I fixed that by adding my own insoles.
They have good traction and are warm but not hot and I walked all over London in them in Dec ‘23.
I wear them in light snow here….they're like tractors on your feet!

MLS and SJ - thanks for the tips; I’ll check them both out!

My god, the choices are overwhelming, lol

Keen Sandals are great because they have a closed toe so that you do not stub your toes on the cobblestones. They also have a sturdy sole that does well on cobblestones.

Brooks athletic shoes - either Adrenaline GTS or Ghost shoes offer great support. I have not done well with Skechers since they do not give me as much support, and the soles are not as sturdy as other choices.

Merrell Siren Edge or Merrell Siren Sport are good low hiking shoes with great soles.

Have a wonderful trip and enjoy your walking!

Hi, Betsy, when I was in the UK for 6 weeks (and Scotland the year before for 3 weeks), I wore my Oboz Low-Leather walking shoes, which I love. They are NOT waterproof (although Oboz carries waterproof shoes) but they are water resistant and worked fine for me. I like them because they feel very secure and snug on my feet, and have a higher arch but wide toe box, which I need. I have 3 pairs now and alternate wearing them when I go for longer walks or hikes. I don't think they carry the design I have now but they do have others that are very good.

For what it's worth, you can find them to try on at REI and other major sporting goods stores.
https://obozfootwear.com/en-us

Another vote for the Dansko Paisley! I’ve worn them on two tours (Italian Hill Towns and the Adriatic), and with those and my Keen Rose sandals I’m ready for anything! Waterproof, supportive, great on cobblestones, and in lots of fun colors. Spendy but worth every penny.

Kay, thank you- I’m going to look into all of these!

Sooooo many good walking or hiking shoes out there. But it all depends on what suits your foot best. And there's only one way to find out. If you have a couple of good shoe stores near you, then head out and try a bunch of them on. If you find one or 2 that you think you like, take them home and wear them to see if they actually do work for you. Nothing worse than to find out while on your trip that they start rubbing after a few hours, or don't really have the arch support you need.

I was in Scotland and England for 3 weeks last fall and had 2 pair of walking shoes. A sketchers go walk slip on that was like wearing slippers, even on a long walk, and a pair of Clark's leather loafers for city wear. If you like Sketchers, they do make waterproof ones.

Hi Mardee - thank you!

Do you know the name of the shoe? Was it Katabatic?

I have a long big toe - would the shoes suit me?

Dbottle, that’s at or near the top of my list / o have it up on my phone, just haven’t bought it yet

I have a long big toe - would the shoes suit me? I need a shoe that won’t …well, squeeze me, for lack of a better term, lol

Thanks!!

CJean, that’s a good idea.

I was thinking of buying a pair on-line, but it’s hard to argue with you

I have a pair of Sketchers that I love, but while o don’t wear them much, I’m not sure how they’ll hold up because they’ve taken a pounding twice at Disney World, lol. I could ask a shoe salesperson if they’re ok…if so, I’d get another pair of walking shoes to supplement

Thank you!!!!

Betsy, I think mine were just called Low-Leather shoes. They were not the ones you mentioned—probably the closest to them would be the Sypes, like this one. I would really go to a good shoe store (or someplace like REI) and get fitted in something.

Betsy, how soon are you leaving?

Since you haven't purchased new shoes yet, and you aren't a long distance walker, I would suggest you take the lace up Skechers that you already know are comfy.

You don't have a lot of time to break in new shoes. Walking around the house in new shoes is totally different that walking a mile or 2 or 4.

Stick with what you know.

Just my two cents.
Jeanm

Mardeee, thanks! I’m definitely going to a shoe store - the sooner the better too, lol

Jean, those Sketchers are definitely coming with me

I’m leaving on April 3, so…not much time!

Thank you !!

Sounds like a wonderful trip!

It is so important to go try them on! I went to REI with the expectations of getting the top number one or two from my list and they just did not hit my foot right. So, I saw the Oboz waterproof hiking shoes and they were a dream. They were very lightweight and flexible and comfortable immediately.

We had many instances of downpours, puddling from the rain the night before, or muddy paths. Because my shoes were waterproof, I had dry socks all day. If yours sneakers get soaked first thing in the morning, that is a long day. But it is nice to have another pair of shoes to give your feet relief from the same pressure points. I like bringing a black pair of sleeker walking shoes, for lighter walking days, and those work out well for going out to dinner. Enjoy!

One thing about Sketchers, make sure the soles are thick enough so that you won't feel like you feel every stone on uneven, cobbled streets. (I have some Sketchers, but they are my backup shoes at home, because for me the soles are too thin).

I have traveled on numerous long trips to Europe, with lots of walking, primarily trips during the shoulder months, with a pair of ECCO Soft 7 sneakers. They are leather, so a little nicer looking IMO, though just like in the U.S., many many European wear sneakers. And while they're probably described as water-resistant, vs. waterproof, I haven't had issues with them getting wet on the inside or waterlogged. (While my spouse is complaining about how wet his "regular" sneakers are.)

My other pair of shoes, which I've had numerous pairs of, is the Cobb Hill Laurel Rivet ankle boot. I like an option with a bit of a heel, but I can wear these all day and still be comfortable. And we walk A LOT when we're on vacation (well, we walk a lot at home too).

Sunny, I think it will be - thanks!

I went to DSW today and ended up buying 2 Sketchers - one Navy, that I’ll wear when I’m hanging around town (which can be worn at night), another cream/ivory …same. I also have my lace up Sketchers that are very comfy. I think I’ll alternate those with a new pair.

I’ve pretty much decided I want Dansko Paisley, I called 5 stores - none carry the brand, I’ll just take a chance and order on-line; if they don’t fit, I’ll return them

I think you and I are on the same page !

Thanks!

Lexma, my Sketcher leather lace-ups stood he in good stead at Disney, so I’m confident in them. On days when I’m walking on unpaved roads, I’ll likely rely on a newer pair I’m going to order tonight - Dansko Paisleys that seem like they’ll be perfect

The only time I’ll be on cobblestones is Paris - I really hope the Danskos will hold up, lol, because it’s easy to get shin splints walking so much on those cobblestones, lol

Thank you!!!

I will just add to the suggestions. I’m in Ireland, expecting rain but having pure sun. I’ve been wearing my (new) Allbirds Tree Runners Mizzles (if I remember exactly) for the past week. I’ve been putting miles on each day….not exactly hiking, but countryside paths and climbing, and Belfast as well. They’re wool (but cool) and quite waterproof according to my husband, who has had a pair for several years. Breathable, sooo comfy, supportive and kinda cute lol.

Cathy, those sound wonderful ….but one thing I neglected to mention is that the shoes I buy need to be ones that I’ll wear often outside of this trip. I live in Florida, so that’s one reason I chose the Dansko Paisleys, which aren’t as heavy as some.

Thank you!!!

I’m wondering if Mardee’s Oboz shoe model is the Bozeman? If it is, I have a pair and find them very comfy and love them to bits, although the prospect of crossing a boggy moor in them does give me pause. For that I would go with a more trusted and certainly more rugged boot!

Ian

Ian, I just checked the order email for one of my pairs of shoes and I believe you're right. It calls them the Oboz Footwear Bozeman Low Hiking Shoes. Yes, they would not be good for a boggy places, as they are low and water-resistant rather than waterproof. But I try to avoid wetlands (I get enough of that in Duluth when the snow melts in spring), so that's never bothered me.

That's interesting that you have a pair. I just love mine! And I know they come in men's sizes, too, as one of the dentists where I go has a pair.

Mardee - unfortunately, as with all good things, Oboz appear to have discontinued them (at least in the U.K.). You can still pick up pairs online where a retailer has stock, but my advice would be, if you love them, buy another pair pronto, just in case they disappear for good!

Ian

Ian, sadly they've also been discontinued here. But never fear—I actually bought 2 more pairs online before they all went away. One on Amazon and one on Sierra Trading Post.

I ended up buying the Dansko Paisley - it’s a beautifu shoe, but TBH, I expected it to feel softer, cushier

I guess I’ll get used to it, lol

Thanks for all of your help!

I have not worn the Dansko Paisley, but as a nurse I wore Danskos for years. They always say, if you want a comfortable shoe to wear all day, see what nurses are wearing! Trust me - we know! I hope you enjoy yours!