Earth shoes

I haven't tried Earthshoes, but a growing popular shoe here is something called MBT. They have rounded soles. Tried a pair on and though it felt weird at first, they were soooo comfortable. I want a pair of those as soon as I get the money! They are expensive though. Check them out online.

For what it's worth I have this men's pair of Earth shoes: http://www.zappos.com/n/p/dp/23805750/c/72.html

They're reasonably comfortable, but I don't find them especially so. Not sure they were worth the money. As for the back health issue, can't say I've noticed a significant difference but I've only had them about a month.

I have found my Earth shoes very comfortable, I think you would find them very comfortable and that they would ease your back pain.

I bought a pair of earth shoes specifically for my trip earlier this summer. Not to deal with back pain, but just to get a good pair of shoes to walk in.
I found them to be VERY comfortable on the feet. Although I wore them at home to break them in, I felt that if I had not done so they still would have been okay to take.
One thing I did notice though was the back of by calves started to be a little sore. Whether it was do to their "negative heel technology" or just the extra walking and stair climbing i was doing, I couldn't say.
I would buy absolutly buy these shoes again

I bought Earth shoes to help with plantar fascitis and find them to be quite comfortable, but it did take a while to get used to them. The sales person suggested I start wearing them one hour per day and work up. The most comfortable shoes I have ever had for walking long distances are Teva dozers. They are not georgeous, but perfect for my foot issues. I wear them without socks in summer and with socks in colder weather. They are a walking sandal with covered toe.
Good luck and have a wonderful trip!

Consider Eccos. Wear them an hour and you'll wonder if you can ever wear another shoe. They're pricy, but worth every penny. find what you like on line, or the likes of Dillards, Nordstroms, etc. (not Macys). Selections for every need for both men and women. FYI, it's the only pair of shoes Rick Steves takes to Europe.

Thanks much. I have an old pair of Eccos (mary jane style) & they're not comfortable for me. I'm pretty much a Birks wearer but don't like them for Europe. My left foot is a mess, so travel shoe buying is a nightmare. I do have a pair of SAS that work well, but I want something different.

I have the Earth Melissa sandals..and I wore them all over Italy...I love them & very comfortable. I have plantar fac..also..the support is fantastic

I own some Earth shoes....I had them back in the 70's when they first came to the US. The new ones are not the same as the first ones.

One thing that I notice is that the heel strike is harder in them, my heels hurt with too much walking. I don't think they are really good "touring" shoes. OK for wearing around the office, and for the mall, but I think they are not well suited for long days on your feet. Just my 2 cents.

You might be better off checking into getting some good orthotics for your best walking shoes. Your back might hurt more due to your hamstrings - but core muscles are part of that too. you might try some yoga!!

I have a pair of black Earth Ivy shoes. I have worn them for two trips to Europe - about 6 wks total time. I also wear them regularly to work and around town. I find them to be very comfortable - actually the most comfortable shoes I own. I have had back problems most of my life and I would say these shoes probably helped aleive some of the pain I would have had if I hadn't worn them everywhere in Europe. Just make sure you wear the right type of socks too - that is very important so you don't get blisters.