Fashionable and Comfortable shoes for Europe

Alyssa, this topic gets posted a lot. When contemplating lots of walking in chic places like Paris and London it hard to visualize comfort and fashion in the same sentence. Check out the Graffiti Board which has a whole section on this. http://www.ricksteves.com/graffiti/graffiti92.html Personally, I like Finn Comfort shoes, but they are not for everyone. I also like Dansko. I'm lucky in that Madison has a couple of stores that specialize in shoes that combine comfort and style. I'm sure others will post with their thoughts. You might also want to search the helpline for other threads. Checkout the FAQ on searching Rick's Archives.

Pam

I have two pairs of Dr. Marten women's sandals that I LOVE. Super comfortable, and yet they don't look like 'old lady' shoes.

Hi Alyssa, if you search the helpline archives - put in 'general europe shoes' - you'll find a couple of threads discussing this question. Loads of shoe options offered! Don't forget to test out the shoes before you go.

Why not just wear the shoes you wear at home? Comfort is more important than fashion.

You might want to try Clarks -- they are fashionable and comfortable. For places like Greece or hilly terrain, I like "Teva" sandals or a sturdy / serious walking sandal. You can use these for beach or light hiking. For Euro-style "sneakers," (for city walking), I like Sketchers or Privo. Good luck!!

Why do people think that total strangers can help them pick out the right shoes? Everyone's feet are different, everyone's tastes and style sense are different, and everyone's trip is different.

There are lots of nice shoes that are cute and suitable for lots of walking. Go to a good shoe store and look at brands like Clarks, Privo, Merrill, Cole Haan, Dansko, Mephisto, born, the list goes on and on. You need to see what you like and what feels good to you.

The one thing I would advise is that you do not try to get by with just one pair of shoes.

Thank you for all of your help. I was looking for brands more than anything. We're lucky to get nice weather here in Buffalo and I pretty much live in boots. Sandals are a new world for me. :)

Some good brands of sandals are Keen, Teva, Naot, Merrill, and Dansko.

Google "Dansko Lolita" and you'll see the shoe that is my standby---they go with me on every summer trip to Europe. Very supportive, very comfortable, they handle cobblestones just fine, and they're cute.

I'm going to second the suggestion that you take two pair of shoes with you. A change of shoes in the evening can extend you feet unbelievably. I take Finn Comfort Sandals which have lots of support and lasted wonderfully over all of Prague's cobblestones and another pair to wear in the evening when the walking was less strenuous. Pam

For sandals my personal favorites are Birkenstocks...they have very cute styles now. I wore them for 14 hrs a day on our 7 wk trip and loved them.

I also suggest Sofft brand shoes-- very comfortable and stylish options. If you have a "walking company" or "comfort shoes" near you, I always find that if I look around enough I can find something stylish and comfortable!

I heartily agree with those who suggest taking 2 pairs of shoes. After walking much of most days, I like the comfort of some low-heeled slides; current pair is Soft Walk. Keen shoes and sandals have the rubber toe guard which I like on uneven pavement. I also take a pair of waterproof walking shoes because wet feet are NO fun. Yes, this is 3 pairs of shoes, but I pack socks in them. Since I have narrow feet, socks are a must for me, and SmartWool are the best ever. Their website has so many more styles than any retail store can carry.

Hi Alyssa
I did a search on the help line wrote down quite a few of everyones favorite. I then went and spent a day trying on various recommendations.
For me I found I like Keen the best. Did a search on E-bay and found the style I liked and bought from there. Paid much less than in the store. I have been wearing them everywhere and love them.
So my suggestion go try on shoes then decide what one works for you.

Wendy

Hi Alyssa,

I've spent tons of time looking for cute,comfortable shoes recently. I agree with the previous poster that mentioned Sofft. Clarks has some cute stuff too. It took me a few weeks to find something I liked...but maybe I'm too picky :). Also, if you're looking online, try looking for a "comfort" collection. I know Nordstroms and Macys sorts their shoe collections that way.

Good luck!

I'll put in a plug for Ecco shoes. Have a few pair I've bought for traveling, one has lasted me 10 years.