Favorite Footwear

Have you checked out this past thread on the subject?

https://community.ricksteves.com/travel-forum/best-travel-shoes/women-s-travel-shoes

thanks for the tip!

I like the brand Ahnu (check them out on amazon). Lots of support, comfortable right out of the box and cute!

Easy Spirit mocs (a few different styles). I take two pair and switch every day or two.

Aerosoles sandals, Sketchers "Go Walk" slip-ons, Repetto ballerina flats.

Whatever shoes you take with you, be sure they are well broken in and you try them out on some long walks. I have a very comfortable pair of slip on Sketcher Go Walks. I took them to Washington, D.C. and after walking for miles was suffering from painful shin splints. It happened again last month. Now I know, they are comfortable to wear for most everyday activities, but they aren't good for me to wear while doing serious sightseeing.

I prefer Keens and Mephisto shoes but to me comfort trumps style.

Naot are my favorites, and in the past few years they've gotten more stylish. I've worn out a lot of them on trips to Italy, France, and Spain. You can look at them on Zappos. These have a cork insole, and good arch support

I wore Born oxfords, Saucony sneakers, and some Romiko mary janes around Italy last autumn, and I don't remember any tired feet. Romiko is probably most comparable to what I suspect other people here would recommend -- good quality, definitely a comfortable line, can be a mixed bag in terms of style (at least, in terms of my style). Next month, I'm packing Converse slip-ons with a more supportive insert, plus black flats, to Paris.

And, although I can't in good conscience recommend it for either style or comfort for most people, I wore $2 Old Navy flip-flops around Thailand for 10 days last year and they were perfect. :)

If I can tack on my own question: Is it worthwhile packing a pair of comfortable heels to Paris and London, to wear out to dinner? I'm not even sure we'll go back to our apartment/hotel before dinners, and we'll probably only eat at nicer places a couple times. But, I'm short and I like to dress up, so I wear heels almost every day to work. A whole vacation to major cities without any feels odd, but I also like to pack as light as possible.

Raven, go ahead and pack a pair of heels! I don't think you'd like to walk in them all day, but you could bring a pair of cute "wedge" heel type sandals.

I second Naots - they aren't 'high' fashion, but they can be kinda quirky, and they have some lovely sandals. I have a pair of their clogs, which I don't travel with, but I always pack a pair of their sandals (let's just say...I sold shoes for 12 years and was able to get a good deal on Naots from the supplier - I own at least 8 pairs - don't judge me!). My current fav is the Valeria (I have it in red and pewter, but it is a flat sandal The pewter is the one I take - colour looks good with everything - black, brown, navy...). The Paris style is also a nice strappy number with a bit of a wedge. And my fav shoes to wear (well, boots, and not fashionable really, but classic and look great with jeans/khakis and are waterproof) are Blundstones.

Splurge on a pair of Fly Londons. I have been thinking about them for a YEAR (!) and finally bought a newer style full price even ( the Ylva style). They are even cuter in than they look and they go with everything from shorts to leather skirts to dresses to jeans. You can get some styles of Fly London shoes at a discount through Amazon.

Here's a website: Footsmart.com

I agree with another post. Mephistos are absolutely wonderful. I have both shoes and many sandals by them. My husband prefers them or Eccos. He swears by his Mephistos though. Munro is another comfortable brand. I usually take one pair of Munro or Mephisto sandals and one pair of Munro or Mephisto shoes. You can find both of them on Zappos.com or Nordstrom.com. Both offer free postage and have no-questions-asked refunds.

Whichever brand you decide on, you can usually save money by ordering them from an online site like ShoeBuy.com, which is what I do. Try on actual shoes to find the style and size that works for you, then order online. Shipping (and return shipping if necessary) are both free on ShoeBuy. You can wear the shoes around inside the house for a day to make sure you like them (NOT outside where the soles will get dirty). Again, there's free return to ShoeBuy. I've been using the site for 5+ years and love my Spring Step sandals! I know this cuts out the brick-and-mortar stores, but anything I can do to save $$ means I can travel more!

I have had the same pair of Josef Seibel for 8 year and they are like new. I put them on and never looked back! Have walked miles and miles without a hint of tired or sore feet. Also Merrills are great- same thing - I have had and worn same shoes for almost 10 years and they are still in great shape. Polish and go!!

I have had the same pair of Josef Seibel for 8 year and they are like new. I put them on and never looked back! Have walked miles and miles without a hint of tired or sore feet. Also Merrills are great- same thing - I have had and worn same shoes for almost 10 years and they are still in great shape. Polish and go!!

I have had the same pair of Josef Seibel for 8 year and they are like new. I put them on and never looked back! Have walked miles and miles without a hint of tired or sore feet. Also Merrills are great- same thing - I have had and worn same shoes for almost 10 years and they are still in great shape. Polish and go!!

Love my Naots, even bought new insoles for them, I can wear them and day and night! I am jealous of poster who's said she has 8 pairs! They are not cheap but worth every penny. I am going to get another pair for upxomi g trip, thinking of the maryjanes this time.

The problem is no !after what we suggest you still have to find the brand that works for you, many here have named excellent quality brands ,but some of them do not work for my feet.

Pat - I sold shoes for 12 years - and I was able to buy them from the distributor for 20% off the wholesale cost (so if they sold for $150, our cost was generally half that - so I'd get 20% off the $75...and free shipping.). I count myself lucky, as I will prob never buy a pair at regular price (well, when they all wear out...lol)...ah - I miss some of those shoe selling benefits - I also got an awesome deal on Clark shoes...they are great as well. I also got a few free pairs from the Rockport rep as well - those were the days :)

Russell - Ecco Track II. I'll even throw in a little tip. When I travel I put fabric softener sheets in my shoes at the end of the day. It helps take the odor away.