BEST SHOES< BEST SOCKS

I bought some ECCOS and need to break them in, but still on the lookout for that special pair that won't kill my feet. Thanks for the feedback on your shoes. What style was it? Could you post a link please?

Would you recommend these socks for summer travel? Somehow wool makes me think cold, and the need to keep feet warm, but when it's hot outside?

We'll be in Europe from May 19th to June 17th so maybe it might still be cool in Italy/France/England...don't know.

I don't have a web link for the shoes. I bought them at Dillards in Springfield Mo...so I am sure you can check Dillards in KC!

We got the socks at "The Walking COmpany"..don't know if they have one in KC...they also had them at Bass Pro, but they were much thicker.
As for heat...we just returned this week from Italy and hiked the Cinque Terre..it was 60-70 degrees and or socks were fine...they wick away moisture etc. I know wool sounds yucky in summer..any sock does...but TRY THESE! WE WERE VERY VERY IMPRESSED WITH THEM.
Also,...go try some Josef Siebels!
Let me know
kathie

Eli,

I just ordered my Husband and son New Balance Walking shoes MW 977. They are brown leather with a gortex lining. I think they'll be perfect! We all wore a similar New Balance style on our last trip, and they were great. These shoes have a women's version also.

Eli, I'd suggest sandals for Italy at that time. Again, Josef Seibel - aren't they fabulous, or Merrell. Will you be in England for the Trooping of the Colour?

One nice thing about ECCOs is that you can buy removable liners. That is critical if you wear the same shoe everyday. You need to rotate the liner each day so that the shoe has an a chance to dry out. Eliminates a lot of potential problems. Socks are more important than the shoe. You need a medium weight, general purpose hiking sock for cushioning and foot support but the shoe must be fitted with the sock. Wool is an excellent material. I wear wool year around in every shoe. Wools sock are actually cool and better for the foot in summer than thin cotton socks. However if wool is a problem for you some of the better synthetics are nearly as good.

Pat, we will arrive in Oxford on May 19th. When will the Trooping of the Colours take place?

Well you live and learn every day. I honestly would never connect wool with any other season than winter. Thanks for the tip. Will check out some socks too for our trip.

I agree with the Smart Wool recommendation. I do alot of hiking/backpacking in them in hot weather and I find that my feet never get blisters/don't stink/not overly sweaty. For our trip coming up I am bringing only Smart Wools. Plus you can buy them in different styles/colors/thickness, so it doesn't look like your typical backpacking sock.

I agree re removable liners...Josef Siebels liners come out...I took them out everynight to air...never smelled and stayed damp...even after tromping around Pompeii all day in the rain!

Eccos or Merrels - and best socks - merino wool is the best - I like the Patagona med or lite hikers, icebreaker or smart wool. The best ones form to the foot a bit, have a little synth. material to help keep shape, and have whicking action - mostly merino also drys over nite - but even if damp are meant to keep you comfy!

Another vote for Josef Seibels,, I have a pair I picked up for work, honestly, not really good looking, but I bought them since they were on sale and I KNOW how good that brand is.. they are heaven on the feet , and I am on my feet all day, on a tile floor, I know comfort!
I am looking for some of them , or some Naots for summer.

PS,, Evreyone here seems to have sweaty feet, my feet never sweat,, honestly, but, they do get very very dry,, and heels even crack,, what cream do you use for that, most stuff just doesn't work for me.