Do any women have an opinion which is the better shoe to explore Italy on foot: Ecco Yarrah or Keen Sydney II? Unfortunately, I'm forced to order without trying on and can see the benefits of each by reading reviews and Rick Steves' forum on travel shoes. We will visit Rome, Florence, the Tuscan countryside and the Cinque Terre in May 2009. If I take Rick's advice and take one pair of shoes only, which of those is the better pair? Thanks in advance for weighing in.
Posted by
Boston, MA, United States
83 posts
In your defense, Kimberly, I don't see anywhere in your post saying you won't break the shoes in before taking them so I will give you shoe advice rather than harping on you for not trying on your shoes! I love my Ecco Xtreme Mary Janes that I have worn for about 9 months, they are great for light hiking and city walking. I happen to like them more than the Yarrah. I am also bringing my New Balance 790 super light weight sneakers for a change up now and then.(I am also going to be in CT in May) The Keen Sydney looks hot and sweaty....it looks more like a winter shoe than a spring shoe. The Ecco looks like it has more ventilation. Also the Ecco has a nicer velco strap, rather than fiddling with a buckle. If you can, try going to a mall/shoe store and trying everything on and then order online for the cheaper price? That's what I do. If not, order from Zappos that has free overnight shipping both ways!
Posted by
Atlanta
800 posts
Kimberly - PLEASE do not take only one pair of shoes that you have not tried on or worn for quite a while. Even asking for advice from folks who wear these shoes may not work for you. My goddaughter was so happy with her Keens that she had me convinced they were the best. I tried them on and immediately saw that they would not suit my foot at all. I'll tell you how much I love the Mephisto sandal and it is all I've taken on my 3 trips to Italy - but when I tell you this, I expect that you will try them on for yourself!
And finally - I ALWAYS take 2 pairs of shoes - even though once they were the same shoe in two different colors. I do "pack light" but for me (and my admittedly delicate feet), pack light also means pack smart. My feet feel much better when I alternate shoes. Especially if you are unsure of Shoe Choice #1, be sure to take a second shoe that you already know is comfortable.
Posted by
Centennial, CO, USA
1883 posts
I'm with the other poster. Do NOT take a brand new pair of untested shoes with you! I always take the shoes from my closet...the ones I wear everyday. If I do take a new pair, it's because the exact same model I've worn is worn out, and I replaced it (but I wear that new shoe at least a few weeks before they travel with me)
Also, I'd advise taking one pair of closed toe shoes, and a pair of sandals. In May, it can get pretty warm in part of Italy, and your feet will thank you. Sandals are also very handy in hotel rooms on the tile floors. I also take a pair of socks to wear just on the floors to keep my feet clean before bed.
Take what you know, what you can walk for a few miles in and not feel uncomfortable, have hot spots on your feet, or get blisters.
If you do not have a current pair of shoes that will work, then indeed, stimulate the economy and purchase a new pair of shoes, but YOU need to decide which pair feels the best on your feet. Every person reacts to footwear differently. Read the Best Walking Shoe Board here and see that hardly anyone will recommend the exact same model of shoe ! The same brand keep popping up...Ecco, Dansko, Merrell, Rockport, Keen, Chaco, but different models!
Posted by
TX
515 posts
My faves: Easy Spirit Traveltime, Keen slides, Ecco sandals, all black, all comfy, all well broken-in...I take all three so as to have happy feet...the one piece of RS advice that I don't agree with...if my feet aren't happy, well, it's not good. I still use only a carry-on, and can easily fit these lightweight extra shoes. Have a great trip. Ciao!
Posted by
Los Angeles, CA, USA
1003 posts
It's hard to give you advice because everyone's feet are so different. What might be sooo comfy for me might be hell for you. I'd strongly advise ordering from a site like zappos.com where you can return stuff for free (they're expensive, but...) and then you can try them on and walk around your home for a while and decide. I bought pretty nice keens for a 6 week trip 2 years ago and I brought along a couple other pairs too. The keens were comfy, but not good enough, and by the end, my feet were dying and after I got home it took me at least a month to wake up without pain in my feet. Also, I agree with the previous replies, do not take just one pair of shoes unless you KNOW they are the most comfortable things ever. Best advice is to get some options from a website that offers free delivery, try them on, decide what you want, and start breaking them in ASAP. Or, go to the mall and visit a few different stores and try things on, decide what you like, and order them online cheaper. Either way, the sooner you start breaking them in before your trip next month the better you will be.
Posted by
victoria, Canada
11507 posts
No way in heck would I order a pair of shoes to take without trying them on.
Feet are all different, I cannot wear Keens or Eccos, but both are good shoe brands. Its not the shoes, it the shoes and my feet.
Can you order them, wear them around the house for a week or so, and then return them if they suck?