Proper shoes

I've done it; it depends on where you'd like to go. You'll feel the most comfortable in the most casual eateries. You'd feel more comfortable if your particular shoe comes in a brown or black, though; I encourage you to seek them out. If you're fairly sure you'll go back to your room before dinner, you might consider a small, lightweight pair of sandals/flats (if very lightweight, bring them with you in your daybag; be sure that while you're eating lunch/dinner that you have room in your bag for your sneakers!). For pretty much every dinner I've ever eaten in Europe, though, we end up eating on the way to the hotel... I applaud you for choosing comfort over 'cute'!

Good advice already given on previous post to pack an extra pair of light-weight shoes. After a long day of touring, no matter how comfortable the shoes are, the feet "relax" by having a different pair of comfy shoes to wear in the evening. Also consider the chance that you could get caught in a rainstorm. Would you really want to put on still-wet sneakers the next morning? If you are dining anywhere other than the most casual restaurants in Paris, you will look a bit odd in basketball sneakers, just as you would here in the USA at anywhere nicer than maybe a Logan's or Cracker Barrel. But agree comfort is the most important thing. You can get all sorts of really comfortable shoes in black, and I agree that even black sneakers are better than white, as they don't "scream" sneakers. (But only if you have time to really break them in.)

It's all very well and good to travel light, but I have to say that having a second pair shoes has saved my feet. After a long day of walking and touring, it is really wonderful to alternate pair of shoes. I second the suggestion for a pair of sandals. Get a pair that are sturdy enough that they will do touring if you have issues with you sneakers. Pam

From a purely practical standpoint,, I will echo what others posters all said,, taking only one pair of shoes is NOT a great idea. And,, since you asked, I do not think white basketball sneakers are very nice for a nice dinner,, wouldn't do that at home, sure wouldn't do it anywhere else except the most casual of dinners( like mcdonalds) .. Packing light , fine, wear runners and pack a pair of comfortable walking sandals,, they will often look better then sneakers, and there are MANY comfy ones out there too. plus they are mostly fairly lightweight compared to runners, and your FEET will thank you for the change .

Another reason to have an extra pair of shoes - in case you run into a rainstorm and your shoes get soaked.

I've been to France twice now with my black and gray Mephisto walking shoes and they are the only pair I took with me. I must not have looked very American, because I occasionally had the locals walk up to me and ask me questions in French. Unfortunately, I could only reply with "Je ne comprends pas". The shoes were very comfortable, but not cheap! I dressed fairly casually for each trip and was comfortable dining out in a nice top and slacks with the shoes. I walked in the rain with them and don't recall them being uncomfortable the next day, because the only leather on them is the black suede. Don't forget to take your moleskin along, as you will get tender spots sometimes.

I have gotten by for years with one pair of shoes - winter, summer, snow or rain. It is an ECCO shoe that is waterproof with interchangeable inner soles. The innersoles are changed each day and position the shoe at so that it is completely aired out in the morning. Over time you would appreciate a better fitting and quality shoe than a basketball shoe.

I'm all for traveling light but I like to have an extra pair of shoes just to change things up. I like to take a good pair of walking shoes - mine are Joseph Siebel - and a pair of sandals or boots, depending on the season.

good post by Kira

I've had luck traveling with one pair of shoes.... but it was luck. I usually bring two pairs, and on a couple of occasions, have been REALLY happy that I did, because I got my feet wet and the pair I was wearing would not have dried in time to go out the next morning. But you are really addressing two issues - one about fashion and being acceptably dressed, and one about comfort. Comfort: if you've traveled to Europe before, you already know that you'll most likely end up walking WAY more than you ever do at home. If you haven't traveled to Europe - WARNING. You will most likely end up walking WAY more than you do at home! And your sneakers might not be truly all-day-over-cobblestones comfy. So that is something to think about. (And the poster who mentioned a second pair of shoes for true "foot rest" makes an excellent point.) Fashion: I wouldn't wear puffy white American sneakers to a nice restaurant here in Seattle, much less in Paris. You might want to think about buying a cute pair of sandals or something when you get there, and wearing them when you go out to dinner someplace nice. I think you'll feel less conspicuous. Both Paris and Venice can have a dressier vibe in the evening, despite what many posters say about "everyone's casual now and everyone dresses like Americans these days." IMHO.

There's also lots of comfortable, sporty ballet flats out there. I got a pair of Privos (by Clark) that I just wore on my last trip that were extremely comfortable, cute, and stayed dry. I had been looking for a pair like these for some time, and when I tried them on, they were so comfy I heard angels singing.

I second Kira's comments! and agree with Pat!

I'm trying to figure out which second pair of shoes to take also. We're taking a ETBD trip to Eastern Europe in the fall. I just bought a pair of Wolky sandals & wore them on a weekend trip out of town, where we purposely walked 5-8 miles a day. My sandals handled the brick streets & uneven rocks wonderfully! But now, which 2nd pair should I take? I know that my feet swell during a day of walking, so adjustable sandals are good for that. I hesitate to take a closed-toe pair. I'd appreciate some advice - what have others done? Thanks in advance.

Shellie, I would definately consider taking a pair of closed toe shoes if already taking sandals ,, I mean, do you normally wear sandals in the rain? It will be fall, its likely to rain at some point,, or you may catch some cool weather.