Walking Shoes and reasonable on line sites to purchase

Jim, one of our favorite places to buy shoes is
www.SierraTradingPost.com. Their prices for Mephistos, Eccos, Danskos, Birkenstocks, etc. are about half retail. They are sometimes, but not always, last year's models. Sometimes I try shoes on at REI or similar store, but then buy the same exact shoes from Sierra Trading Post for sometimes about 70% less. I get frequent emails offering an additional 25%-35% discount. Their customer service is excellent, and returns are very easy. I also use their credit card, which gives bonus points and free shipping. I never buy shoes or boots without checking here first.

Jim, I use Rockport World Tour shoes and I love them but would advise you to try on whatever shoes you find to make sure you like them and they're comfortable for YOU. Everone is different and what works for me may not work for you. Sorry I couldn't give a better answer.

The best walking shoes are the ones you have already broken in and are well adapted to the contours of your feet.

It depends on what you want to do.

I have a pair of Eccos I like a lot. They are basic black. They are comfortable, durable, light-weight and water-proof. I chose them because I wanted something that can dress up when needed.

For light hiking I have a pair of North Face. They are also light-weight and have good traction but they aren't water-proof and don't really dress up.

I use to pack a pair of dockers oxfords that had lug soles. They were good all around shoes, comfortable, light-weight, water-proof, presentable as "business casual" (but not for anything dressier).

Regarding On-Line sites to buy shoes, Zappos.com is very popular.

Jim, I'm planning a trip myself to Europe this coming summer (2010) and purchased a pair of Rockport World Class walking shoes - I added a pair of gel innersoles and have been wearing them to "break them in" (not that it really was necessary, but I have to tell you I swear by them now - they are the best walking shoes that I have ever purchased and highly recommend them. I got them on line- can't remember the exact web site but it was something like shoes.com but if you put into the brower Rockport walking shoes you find a site with them. I think I paid about $85.

My recommendation would be Eccos. The Ecco Track II Low is a comfortable shoe that looks decent (for churches and restaurants) and has an excellent soul with great traction for walking/hiking. The shoe also has a Gore-Tex lining, so it's waterproof which makes getting caught in the rain no problem, and it can still breathe.

Other shoes that I've heard can be a good buy are the Clarks Street Lo or the Clarks Rockie Lo. These pairs look decent, seem to be OK for hiking, and also have a Gore-Tex lining.

If you're looking for a cheaper pair of shoes that would be suitable, I would recommend the Streetcars Ambassador. It seems to be made for travel as it is really a cross between a loafer and a tennis shoe. So it looks pretty decent and I'm surprised at how much comfort and support it gives as well.

Anyway, these are just a few suggestions, but in all I would definitely only take one pair of shoes to make things easier (light packing).

BTW, you can also check out the "Graffiti Wall" on this website and look under the post "Best Walking Shoes" for more ideas.

Enjoy your travels!

Jim, Brookings probably doesn't have a lot to offer in shoes but you should really try them on and not buy online. If your athletic shoes are comfortable take them. As you know, Coos Bay, Medford, and Eugene would be your closest places to try on shoes. You should be able to find Rockport and Eccos in CB. Nordstrom carries Eccos. I think there is also a pretty good shop in Bandon. Good luck!

My shoes are expensive, but they are soooo nice to my feet. About three years ago I discovered Finn Comfort shoes. They are wonderful, but horribly expensive. I actually have purchased shoe trees to make them last longer. ; ) Pam

You don't need special shoes for your trip. Take the ones you use at home. I assume that they are comfortable or you wouldn't be wearing them.

Here's a place to check out for online. They have a variety of shoes and good prices. I've purchased a few things from them online and all were delivered promptly. They're supposed to have a good return policy although I've never returned anything.

http://www.cabelas.com/cabelas/en/templates/index/index-display.jsp?id=cat140016&navAction=jump&forcedId=cat21404&cmCat=cat601940_feat

Ecco shoes that I have seen are European shoes. If you did not wear European shoes before : Mens' European shoes fit tight at the top of the person's foot. I do not like that. The black soft leather Rockport shoes (casual shoes for walking) are very comfortable, that kind of shoe is ideal for wearing in airplanes flying to Europe, and that style of black shoes is generally acceptable in Europe. Those Rockport shoes are stiff when new. Rockport casual walking shoes can be found for sale, at discounted prices, in some mail - order catalogs, such as Sierra Trading Post. That catalog sometimes has the newest styles of Rockport shoes, and old styles of Rockport shoes. I do not like the Rockport "World" Prowalker shoes (casual walking) : that is a European style shoe, it fits tight at the top of a person's foot. Rarely, some of the catalogs of The Sportsman's Guide (mail order) have wonderful casual shoes, at low prices.

I just wear my New Balance shoes. I prefer the running shoe which seems to offer more support for me. Mine are grey. I also have Merrell's.

Piggybacking on Julie's comment - you can get some great deal on very expensive shoes such as Ecco, Mephiisto etc. at Nordstrom's Rack (the outlet for Nordstrom's regular stuff).

Let me throw in a pitch for Keen's. I have problem feet (high arch, need wide toe box) and I find Keen's extremely comfortable where many brands (for me) are not. They are also very well priced, usually around $100 depending on the style.

www.keenfootware.com

Jim - Nordstrom stores and their website have a wide variety of walking shoes - many of the brands listed on previous posts. Not always the best prices unless you catch a sale, but they will take them back if you don't like them even after wearing them.

Zappos.com is a great online source for shoes. Sometimes at a reduced price.