Can One Shoe Do It All?

I sware by Mephistos. I have warn them all. These have no break in period at all! I love the "Helen", a cut sandal. You can dress it up or down. I won't wear anything else. My back seems to feel better as well as my feet! If you want a gym shoe, I suggest New Balance 992, a running shoe that I adore for walking. I have worn them to Europe several times in the past.

Good luck and happy travels!

On our recent 4 week trip I took three pairs of shoes: 1 pair of Ecco brown suede tennis shoes (had already so don't have a link), 1 pair of Privo sandals http://www.zappos.com/n/p/dp/35618249/c/133496.html and one pair of black loafer type shoes http://www.zappos.com/n/p/dp/29191050/c/100161.html. I ended up mostly wearing the Eccos and the Privo sandals as my feet were a bit swollen and weren't as comfortable in the Reikers, but I still wore them a bit and love them. I believe you could get by with two: I'd suggest one nice looking but comfortable sandal, and one tennis shoe type especially for hiking.

I was thinking of making a similar post. I've now bought 4 pairs of shoes and returned them all! I've tried Merrell, Keen, Ecco, and even a pair of Nike. I loved the Dansko but was told it is a good shoe for standing not for walking distance or climbing stairs. I also wonder about wearing them on cobblestone.

At this point I'm honestly considering buying a black pair of winter crocks! I wore some all winter last year without any breaking in period and they were always comfortable, light and good in rain. Only problem is that they are really ugly! I was hoping for a nice leather comfortable walking shoe.

No luck so far! Only have two months to find and break something in. What do you think of the crocks idea?

As a devoted "if I can't carry it, it doesn't go" traveler I can attest to the fact that you CAN do your trip on one pair of shoes but I do suggest taking two. . As a rule, your feet do better when you switch off shoes and if, God forbid something happens to one pair, you have a spare!
Based upon what you are doing, I would take a sturdy pair of shoes for day and then a "nicer" sandal for night and city touring. I have a pair of Joseph Seibel sandals (the sole looks like a Teva sole but the sandals have leather straps) that I take as well as a pair of Privo's - but since it sounds like you will actually be doing some real hiking, Keen's might be a better choice. As for the specific shoe, that all depends upon what fits you best and is the most comfortable.

As for the pain in your knees, the best preparation for your trip will be to do some extensive walking at home prior to your trip - in short, do some training! If you aren't accustomed to walking long distances, no shoe you buy will alleviate the discomfort of walking long distances if you aren't accustomed to it.

For me, its Dr Martens, not the boots, but the mary janes or similar styles for women. I can walk for hours in these things. With or Without socks.
Just remember they are 2 sizes smaller in UK sizes (all Dr Martens are UK Sizes). I wear an American 8 therefore, I buy UK 6. American 7 = UK 5, etc... No half sizes.

They are leather, the most comfortable shoes ever. Many styles, and can be cheaper online.

Heres an example of a few..

http://www.nextag.com/dr-martens-mary-janes/search-html

My wife and I swear by Etonics walking shoes (now known as GeoStep in Canada), lightweight, firm sole, good arch support.....we walk all day in them. They may not be suitable for the "skirt for dinner" thing, but a compact dressy sandal or slingback will take care of that....and they'll fit every other suggested eventuality.

It depends what time of the year you go. If its summer, you can get away with 2 shoes: 1 on your feet, 1 packed in the suitcase.

I took 2 shoes last month. Wore the black sandals and brought along brown sandals. They complimented my skirts and my pants/blouse attire. I did not bring shorts on this trip, but at home I wear those same sandals with my shorts.

My most comfortable sandals are not the expensive name brands that you listed... but the Earth Spirit ones from Walmart. I wore similar ones in my trip 2 years ago to Europe and they were most comfortable than my Merrill ones...

Remember, Europe is a big city. If you don't like the ones you brought.. buy new ones. My husband's favorite sneakers were purchased in Madrid.

My daughter (has very bad feet) and I wore these (similar)sandals and tennis during our 8 week trip. On our travel days, train stations and hauling our 21" Roll Aboards we wore the tennis. Walking (approximately 10 miles per day we wore the sandals.

Needless to say neither of our feet ever bothered us.

http://www.teva.com/ProductDetails.aspx?g=w&categoryID=339&productID=6021&model=Open+Toachi

http://www.teva.com/ProductDetails.aspx?g=w&categoryID=340&productID=6930&model=X-1+Racer

We chose a running tennis because they are built for impact. They are very light weight and dry over night.

I agree with Nancy's comment. I always start with one walking shoe that can go from dressed up with a sport coat and tie down to casual with dockers and a casual shirt. I add a pair of sandals (for a water/beach/pool heavy trip) or a pair of trail runners (for hiking and backup walking).

It's better for your feet and shoes to have a second pair as a back up or to trade off. If your shoes get soaked for example, let them dry and wear another pair in the meantime.

For women, the right pair of sandals can look good with a wrap on the beach or with a dress for dinner or a show. Sandals are rarely sturdy enough for heavy walking so add a pair of sturdy walking shoes.

Lately, I've been comparing shoes a lot on weight. Not only do light shoes pack nicely, if they are built well they can also help your legs survive major walking.

It does depend on time of year but for spring, summer, and even fall I take my black Keen Newport sandals. They are really comfortable for hiking. They look fine with capri pants and not too bad with a skirt in a pinch. They work o.k. with socks as well. In the winter I wear black Timberland boots.

As a teacher that travels, I needed good shoes ,also. I love ECCO's I have a pair that I have worn all over Europe. We are also photographers and have logged in many , many miles of walking. The Ecco's I have are sooo comfortable.. they have elastic on either side of my foot and they come in brown, b lack, and a tannish, rust brown. Some even have zippers instead of elastic.I do take 1 other pair for dress, a black, wedge that is sort of material, sort of stretchy black.

Jane, do you know what style the Eccos are?

I have some New Balance 474's (trail/running) that are really comfy and lightweight, but they take up so much room in a suitcase. I guess I could always stuff other things into them, or wear them on travel days.

I'll look into the Wal-Mart sandals for something that could probably be squished flat in the suitcase, for space sake.

I'm probably going to order a pair of Keen Calistoga MJ's. I'm not traveling until next summer, so I have a while to try shoes and narrow down.

I really like the Finn Comfort sandals that I got last year. The Mephistos did not work for me, which only goes to show you that it really varies from person to person. The Finn Comforts were really expensive, but they worked for a Rick Steves tour with lots of walking. The rest of me wore out before my feet did. ; )

We do a lot of walking on our trips on pavement and trails. I take one pair of trail shoes. I've had good luck with New Balance and Merrills. Then I usually take one extra pair, either Merrill clogs or Merrill sandals to wear in the evening to dinner or any time I'll be doing very little walking. Sometimes I just start to feel like my feet are in prison and I want a shoe that's a little less structured. That said, I just got back from Scotland and wore the trail shoes for the entire two weeks because it was too cold for the sandals I bought. It was fine. Tired or sore feet can absolutely ruin a vacation. I don't worry what shoes look like; I just want to be comfortable and have energy for walking. Also, I don't go anywhere that requires you to dress up. If the restaurant requires nice clothes and shoes, we don't go. Makes it easier to pack lightly.

I am a HUGE Ecco's fan.

Now I am not going to give you a specfic shoe since some of mine are several years old, but suggestion one... Get away from "looks" If you are doing the Alps you need support not "cute"

I like the kind that lace up because they do seem to provide better support for me. For a trip last March I did just take one pair (from their "cloud" line) with an extra insole.

For a summer trip I take this same shoe with an Ecco Sandle. It's not "adoreable" but it's cute enough and it is comfortable!

For my Girl Scout hiking trip in the Alps I actually took hiking boots!

I am a huge fan of birkenstocks. BUT I am not a hiker and they wouldn't work for that. But everything else is fine. They just feel the best on my feet. I think you will probably have to take at least two pair to cover everything. And as far as brand, it's all about what works for your feet.

Land's End slip-on Mocs: $29.95. I wear 'em at work (hospital - 12 hour shifts) and when I travel.

They suit me just fine, plus they're comfy.

Nothing lace-up for travelling for me in Germany.

Why?

Because in Germany, when you visit friends or family, it's traditional to take your shoes off before entering the main living area, so if you visit a lot of people, that's a lot of tying and untying shoe laces.

B~

Bethany - I can't travel with just one pair of shoes either... I think most people don't recommend a specific shoe because even within brands, each style fits differently. One of my co-workers loves Privos as much as I do, but we each find different styles comfortable. The last time we went shopping, we tried on the same shoes and I ended up hating the ones she ended up wearing on her two week trip to Spain.

Last year I spent two weeks in Spain, one week in London and another week in Bruges and Amsterdam. For hiking and lots of walking I found that my Merrell Siren Sports worked well. They are lightweight and ventilated but even kept my feet warm with thicker socks in the colder regions. I also threw in a pair of Privo's Comice slip ons that turned out to be my 'museum' shoes since they had so much cushioning I could stand in them for hours. I shouldn't admit it on this site, but I didn't even break them in before I left. In Spain I mostly wore my Cole Haan sandals that have the Nike sole - don't know if they make them anymore.

For my Greece trip this year I'm looking for a new pair of sandals. If I can't find the Cole Haan, I'll probably look for a pair of Clarks or Privos (made by Clarks). I usually look for shoes that are lightweight and not bulky so I can bring 2-3 pair on my trips.

I'm a teacher also and next week on my RS Best of Europe tour, I will be wearing my black leather Earth shoes on the plane and packing my red Mary Jane style Crocs ( a lot more stylish than my usual Crocs). I wore these last week touring British Columbia and my feet were just fine.

I will also take my Finn Comfort sandals for when I am in Italy - it will probably be very hot and I can walk all day in them.

I have a pair of all black Chaco Z2 sandals - they require breaking in (because of the toe loop) but I find them easy to wear and great for lots of walking. They would go with a skirt.

I also hiked the entire Cinque Terre trail in Keen Vancouver Mary Janes and had no problems (although I wouldn't recommend the lowback, they are more likely to fall off - try the Sydney). I wore this pair with a black skirt and I thought I looked fine (perhaps I'm not the best judge though, I go for comfort).

I too second the recommendation for two pairs - your feet will thank you. I also recommend visiting a podiatrist - you may need special orthotic inserts (as I do) to help quell your pain. If you had problems in three days in NYC, you will regret not finding out the source of the problem before you head on a very expensive trip overseas.

I'll share my own painful shoe tale.

On one of my Germany trips (wearing the aforementioned Mocs) I developed some very LARGE blisters on my right foot. I'm talkin' HUGE....

It wasn't the shoes..... I'll get to the cause in a second.....

So anyway, I had to connect in DFW (don't ask WHY DFW - it was one of those hotwire things where you have to go to east hell in order to get the cheap rate) so I went to the men's, popped those bad boys and put band-aids on them, but I was miserable the whole of my vacation, because I HAD to walk and when I did, they rubbed on the side of my shoe.

When I got home, I went to a dermatologist who, after taking a look at my meds, determined that the blood pressure medicine I was taking had a diuretic in it and I was taking ANOTHER diuretic as well, and that was what was causing the blisters: dehydration.

We changed my meds and no more blisters, but THAT was a vacation of misery.

B~

Betheny (and Monte/Susan) - My last 3 trips have been solely with my Mary Jane Crocs (black). I wear them with capris, jeans, khaki slacks, skirts that aren't too dressy. They aren't as bulky as the regular Crocs and depending on weather can be worn with a thin pair of socks under pants as I did last November in freezing London. Having only the one pair saves tons of room in my suitcase and I never have indecision about which shoes to wear with what outfit. They will by my shoe again in Hawaii in 4 months.

I picked up these shoes, New Balance 811 Walkers, on a Tuesday and left the following Saturday for a week in Edinburgh. Absolutely no foot troubles the whole week.

Two days that I thought I would hike in countryside I did wear some New Balance Gore-tex day hikers, but the 811 Walkers were more comfortable, and hindsight says I could have stuck with them (not enough wet to justify the gore-tex, though you never know about weather!). Leaving the day hikers home would also have lightened my bag by almost 2 lbs.

I bought the 811 Walkers from my local Lamey Wellehan, http://www.lwshoes.com/lameywell/. They were a wide width. The first wide width for women that actually fit me comfortabley (usu. I get guys' shoes).

I bought black, but you should be able to find bone and white. They're a lace-up shoe, fyi. Cheers.

I think it could be done. I'm not sure I'd actually want to do it though. My husband and I just came back from a month in Britain, and for 95% of the trip, I wore a pair of Merrell walking shoes. They were great - they were comfortable, they kept my feet warm in cold, rainy weather, they didn't smell, etc. For the two or three times we actually dressed up (like for our anniversary dinner) I wore a pair of sandals that were very thin and easy to pack - bought them at Target. I only wore them when I knew I wasn't going to be walking far - their whole purpose was to look nice. I actually took a second pair of sandals as well, which was a mistake - I wore them once and got blisters. So my advice would be to find a really skinny, cheap pair of sandals and just use them when you need to dress up. Go for comfort otherwise.

For me, one shoe does it all--the Nike Pegasus. When we are in Europe, we can walk up to 4-5 miles each day--especially in cities with subways and lots to see. These shoes provide the comfort on the cobblestone streets, up and down endless subway stairs and escalators, walking many blocks to the sites, and finally walking at the end of a long day back to our hotel. They are also great on the uneven and rocky dirt trails in the Alps. If you are travelling by train, you will be walking (or running) to catch the train while carrying your luggage. Whatever shoe you pick, just make sure it not only provides comfort and cushioning, but protects your feet. Like other posters have said, it's not how cute you look, it's how good your feet, ankles, calves, knees, glutes and lower back feel after walking many miles. As much as I jog, walk and exercise at home, I always get extra sore in Europe. Also, bring along some good cushioned socks. You can buy socks that fit the occasion--hiking, walking, etc. I like Thorlos. Have fun!

I'm having a heck of a time finding comfortable walking shoes (not tennis shoes or sandals), too. 6 1/2 wides seem to be few and far between. Many of the brands mentioned do not come in wides. Due to fun foot surgeries, I need lace-ups. There are only eight weeks until my trip - not much time to break something in. Clarks are nice-looking, but don't fit. Sketchers are cute, but not supportive. Hmmmmm, what to do?

Oh, God, I can't believe I'm posting about shoes... but you asked about hiking in the Alps. I don't know anything about brands, so I can't comment on those you named. But in general, unless you stay on the paved roads around Murren and Gimmelwald, you should probably have a well broken-in pair of hiking boots. Get a boot that you find comfortable and that offers good ankle support. The hiking around Murren is not particularly rough, but there's enough uneven ground on which sneakers and walking shoes won't protect your ankles as well as a boot. And any shoe or boot that you use to hike through the Alps will probably get quite muddy and ... well, lets just say if you hike around Murren, you'll share the terrain with a lot of livestock. So, to answer your original question, no, you'll probably not want to wear the same shoes to dinner that you'd wear for an Alpine hike.

Two pairs of sandals are all I've needed in numerous trips which have included hiking the whole trail in the Cinque Terre and hiking in the Alps around Gimmelwald and walking Rome, Paris, Amsterdam, etc., and also biking along the Mosel and around the Bodensee. One was a pair of black Chacos with the toestrap and the other was an Ecco sandal with 3 velcro cross-straps. Those worked great on the flights because when feet swelled a bit, I could loosen the straps. On one trip I also bought a pair of Birkenstocks in Germany and wore those several days. Be sure to wear the heaviest shoes on the plane -- if you're into packing light and don't check any luggage.

Hi Bethany... I am the one who posted saying I had worn the same pair of Eccos all over Europe about 8 times. You asked what specific model. I do not know, however, they are always part of their stock because they are so popular. One pair has elastic on either side of the top of your foot and the other pair has 2 zippers on either side of the top of your foot. They are leather walking shoes, not boots or clogs. Although they are not very glamorous, I keep wearing them because they are just too comfortable!!! Unfortunately, we do art shows and last weekend I was standing in 2 inches of water and I think my original pair have finally bit the dust. Luckily I have purchased 2 more pairs and will have to break them in before we go to France in October. Jane

Summer times requires three pairs.

A walking shoe

A walking sandal that can be dressed up (leather uppers are usually good)

The cheapest flip flops you can find for showers and hotels... a pair you wouldn't mind leaving behind at the end.

My favorite shoe at the moment are Sketchers mary janes that make good city walkers and can be paired with a skirt.

But as long as you are comfy that is what matters most because you will stick out any shoe you choose because most of the local women will be wearing heels even on cobblestones.

I had never had a foot problem until I trained for and ran a marathon last year. Since then one foot always hurt in most shoes. Now I wear a ashoe made in Europe. The brand is MBT. Cost is high and they range from $225 to $250 but many style available and if I wanted to carry one shoe, MBT brand would be the shoe. If you live in a good size area they should be available there. Many web sites sell them with free shipping. They take a little getting used too because of the soles but think you will love them if you try them.

Bethany, I should have also added, that many people wear the BMT brand of shoe because of back and knee problems. They work to relieve stress on legs, knees, and backs. I have had this pair for about 8 months and will buy another pair.

For the MBT shoes, look @ Zappos.com they search for MBT shoes. Think they have about 34 styles of womens shoes that run from about $200 to $250. I swore I would never pay that for a pair of shoes but I did and don't regret it. Promise this is my last post. Should have put it all in the first. Good luck on your search for the perfect (1) pair of shoes.
Also think we have corresponded on my earlier post.

OK, well, I'll give in and say that I'll probably end up with 3 pair: hiking boots, walking sandals and flip-flops. That's ok... even if I did find the perfect shoe, I'm a little bit too much of the "be prepared for the worst" kind to ever let myself leave home without a spare!!

Here are mine...all open back...just cannot bear the thought of heel blisters...couldn't make it with only one pair as some can...changing shoes from time to time makes for happy feet. These are the ones I took for recent 3 week trip...totally happy feet. It was early June and the weather was always pretty cool. For our hot and humid June-July trip to Venice and Rome, I added a cushy pair of Reef flip-flops. Bought the first two pair on Zappos. I, too, am a teacher and always on the lookout for comfort.

black Keen Isabella slide...multi-purpose

black Easy Spirit traveltime...open back

black Ecco two-strap velcro sandals

Have a great trip!

I was given the WONDERFUL advice of take 2 pairs of shoes and alternate them. Wearing the same pair can rub in the same place. Day 1-3 you may not blister but come later you may. I changed my shoes every other day.

I wore a pair of non-toe loop chacos and a pair of dansko sandals.

If you don't already have a comfortable pair of walking shoes then don't buy one just for a trip to Europe. Chances are you're not a walker anyway, so if you do a significant amount of walking while there you will probably wear yourself out before your feet start to complain.

But if you're looking to replace an old pair for the trip then consider Cole Haan. They were bought out by Nike recently and there are several styles that are basically Cole Haan uppers on a Nike platform. You can walk anywhere for miles in them and then sit down in a fancy restaurant. Which color? Basic black of course.

I am going to Thailand in August. I am looking at the Keen Venice H-2. I am torn should I go with basic black or a funky color?

I'm also in the 2 shoe camp. One sturdier pair that you can wear all day (and that hopefully looks nice with skirts as well as pants), and a nicer pair you can wear to dinner with a skirt/dress. We mostly travel to France, and we eat at restaurants where dress is important, so a nice pair is essential for me.

Another post mentioned zappos.com. It is the best site if you're not sure what to order. Plenty of feedback provided about fit--very helpful in figuring out what will work for you since shoes are such an individual thing. Order as many pairs as you like and return everything you don't want for free. Guys, FYI, my husband has very bad knee problems and very flat, big feet and I ordered him Keen Venice sandals and Rieker shoes style 09040. He loved both, they fit true to size, and they were both amazingly comfortable out of the box.

I returned from a trip to France and Italy in May. I took two pair of shoes, Privos Acacia and Keen Wasatch. The Privos were comfortable, and definitely cuter, but not for hours upon hours of walking, nor would they work for hiking the CT. However, I ended up wearing the Keen's almost soley (no pun intended) because I could wear them all day, day in and day out, and never have sore, tired feet. You can order on ShoeBuy.com or Zappos.com, besure to read the reviews. I also own a pair of the Keen Mary Jane's, but they are not nearly as comfortable for long hours of walking or hiking. I wouldn't consider them a hiking shoe. I can say what I pack that I think I'm going to wear, and what I actually end up wearing once I get there are always different. I always end up wearing whatever is most comfortable, over what looks better. Good luck, I always agonize over the shoes!

So far I haven't seen any mention of New Balance. I am going on "Best of Europe" tour soon and found a great pair of shoes from New Balance. They are the "Country Walkers" 748. So far they do well on gravel, pavement and standing for long periods. I'm sure I won't have any problems in the Alps or at the museums......I found mine at the Sierra Trading Post for a staggering $44....I'm breaking them in now and so far they feel good. I love the color too, they are a two toned brown/tan. They will go with most everything I will be wearing.

As a shoe junky with plantar fascitis, I understand your problem. It's hard to give up the notion of just the "right" shoe for every outfit and to focus on comfort.

We just returned from spending 3 days in Florence, 3 in Rome and a 10 night cruise of the Eastern Mediterranean, and I spent every single day in Teva Dozers. Prior to the trip, I had auditioned Earth, Merrill, Ecco, SAS and Clarks on the hard floors at my school and around the neighborhood, but the Tevas won. They are not gorgeous, by any means, but did not look awful with my long skirts and capris. They were cool, had good traction and protected my toes. We walked for miles on end on rocks, marble floors, up and down hills and stairs, etc., and I never knew I had feet. Because we were also on the cruise, I took the SAS sandals as back up and a pair of dressy flat sandals for evening, but otherwise would not have needed them.

Have a wonderful trip.

Betty

One pair of hiking/athletic shoes, one pair of comfortable sandals that can also be worn with a skirt.

BTW - be careful of weight. My favorite Chaco sandals weigh 1.5 LBS. My favorite Naot sandals weigh 0.5 LB. If you care about packing light, that's huge!

Just returned from a 10 day vacation. We used backpacks to carry 5 days change of clothing and my husband and two kids each had one pair of running shoes. I took two pairs of running shoes because I have problems with foot pain. Throw caution to the wind and wear tennies with everything(cute or not).

Two pair of shoes alwasys. Your feet and shoes need a breather. One pair should be a good walking shoe (New Balance running shoes are great). One pair of goood walking sandals or a pair of Privo/Keen type ballet/Mary Jane that are just a little bit dressier but still good for walking. I wore the NB during the day and at night used the Privos. Wear your heaviest pair on the plane. Make sure your shoes are broken in . . . don't buy new and pack them. Buy them 3 months ahead of time and wear them often! Have fun!

I hope this post is not too late. I toured Italy this summer, walked all over Rome and Florence, and took only ONE pair of shoes. Yes, it's shocking, but the Clarks sandals that I took along were comfortable with no break-in necessary and looked stylish enough to wear with skirts in the evening. They are constructed with soft leather uppers and lambskin liners. Check them out. Clarks Un.Lunar.

My mom, a teacher, turned us on to SAS shoes. Hubby and I both bought a pair of the slip-on loafer style walking shoes. Neither of us would trade them. They are lightweight, comfortable and durable. We've walked all over all kinds of roads, paths, surfaces in all kinds of weather (no deep snow or mountain terrain, however). We did take water sandals for beaches, etc.