Comfortable Shoes

Have a look around the Forum here dedicated to all things travel shoe related.

https://community.ricksteves.com/travel-forum/best-travel-shoes

It is probably best to get whatever you are going to wear ASAP so you can wear them for 5 weeks and start to get them broken in...

Whatever you decide is good on your feet, you need to get them soon and put some miles in on them. In my experience, I find that I need to walk miles in shoes to decide if they are really comfortable.

After reading the shoe threads here, I see that there is no real answer to this question as everyone's feet are different. I did 8 weeks in Europe last Fall and my feet stayed in excellent shape wearing Altra Zero Drop shoes. I took 2 pr, one of them the Lone Peak style which is their trail running shoe. I know this shoe is not for everyone as it is not as dressy as some people like, but my primary concern was preventing a recurrence of plantar fasciitis, not fashion, so they worked really well for that.

Good luck with your search. I'm not sure where you live and if you have adequate shoe stores (I live in a small town with few options) but I order frequently from Zappos with free shipping and free returns.

perfect..thanks!

Are you looking for fashionable and comfy? The reason I ask is because some people don't care what they look like, they want the MOST comfortable they can fine...fashion be damned! I understand that totally, but I'm all about the fashion, too? I'm assuming you want shoes and not walking sandals?

If just shoes, my favorites (that I couldn't wear because the weren't wide enough) were:

Bzees Flawless (different colors but I loved the Geo Print) and Bzee Luxury. Very comfortable foot bed and material. The flawless even had a little height too them. DH thought they were pretty, too. Oh well.....

I also like the Sketchers Go Walk Memory Foam, different styles. Incredibly comfortable, but again I'm a wide and they aren't!

Merrell, Naot, Keens, SAS, Eccos, Cole Hann, Fly London...many out there! Look to see what you like and then go see if Zappos carries them to order as they have free shipping both ways.

If you are interested in a walking sandal, I have lots to share, but don't know if it's too cool for that yet.

There are so many types out there. The problem is you need to decided how aggressive of an arch support you need. Some people just cant wear a very flat shoe like sketchers, Cobb hill has a medium arch support, and then you have the Birkenstock, Dansko with a very hard arch. All can be very painful if not right for you. I would go to a good quality shoe store and start trying them on. Or order a few different types on Zappos.com, I never thought I would wear and athletic shoe, but they are very stylish now and I see them all over Europe.

With only 5 weeks before your trip, you don't have time to break your new shoes in... really...

If you have any comfortable athletic shoes with good arch support, I'd take them.

I wear my 'Brooks' running shoes & for sandals, I wear the 'Keen Rose' sandals.

Everyone's feet are different & only your feet will know what's comfortable for you ;-)

If you have shoes that you wear here and can be in them all day on your feet, take them. You do not need to run out and buy a special pair of shoes for a trip....unless you are in need of new shoes.

Personally, I pack a pair of Chaco sandals that have been to Europe and South America and in the US for 10 + years of vacations, and I wear them at home, they are my go to comfortable walking shoes.

Last year I went on a hiking trip with friends in Italy, I had to pack my hiking boots which I ended up wearing in Venice in the rain (they are water proof hiking boots) For just walking around town I brought some Vans. I tend to wear Vans now everyday (and I'm 61 years old - they are comfy and cute, and I can walk in them).

Most importantly - bring TWO pairs of shoes with you. Your feet will need a break. For May-Oct travel I'll bring one pair of closed toed shoes (athletic shoes) and my Chaco sandals. Never a "dress shoe".

Bring what feels best for you, there are tons and tons of "walking/comfort" shoes out there.

And if you are leaving in 5 weeks, I think you have plenty of time to "break in" shoes. If they are right for you - there shouldn't be a break in period...you should be able to wear them for hours and be comfortable.

My wife swears by her Mephisto shoes and they've lasted her for years! They're pricey but last 4-5 times longer than any other shoe. For men's shoes I travel with Vasque trail shoes and Clarks.
Happy walking!

Clarks are the best!
Diane

I finally caved in and I went with the Walking Cradles (Andie). They are very comfortable so hopefully I made the right choice.

I hope they work for you! They look like they would be comfortable.