Walking Sandals?

April - You certainly aren't asking a silly question, finding a pair of shoes has been a major quest for me. I could not find anything in the stores where I live so I ordered 5 pairs from Zappos.com (free shipping both ways!) and think I finally found a pair I'm keeping. They're Mephisto style Helen. They are similar to Birkenstocks but way better, especially if you have a high arch like I do. They are, though, the most expensive shoes I've ever bought, but I know we will be doing a lot of walking and so they're worth it. A co-worker recommended them and she has had her's for 6 years so they definitely last a long time. Also, I did a search on this site for shoes and found a lot of suggestions from other travelers. This will be our first trip to Europe so we're pretty excited! Hope you find a pair of shoes and have a great trip!

Thanks Sharon. I did see where Rick Steves recommends those shoes. I may give them a try. I'm going shopping today, so if I do not find any in the stores, I may have to order like you did. Thanks again. Have fun on your trip!

I would recommend Birkenstocks. There are a lot of different styles, and the footbed is incredible.

It's a really good question! Sore feet can ruin a trip. For our trip to Italy in June, I brought two pairs of Merrell sandals (Siena and Pesaro) and one pair of Dansko sandals (Sela). I spent about $200.00 on these three pairs of shoes. We did a lot of walking and at no time did I "notice" that I had sore feet. I switched up shoes from one day to the next on the theory that each shoe would give my foot a different sort of support. Worked out pretty good for me. But since you're back packing, you'll probably only bring one shoe? Spend the extra money and take the time to shop for a really good pair of walking shoes that is most comfortable for your unique foot. You'll be glad you did. Not all shoes feel the same on all feet.

Wear what is comfortable for you. Dont be concerned about style or what OTHER people will think.

I got mine at REI = they are the first shoes that I have not had blisters from - I wore them exclusively - Amalfi coast, Pompeii, Rome, and Fallo. They are great.

They are leather and have a good sole that grips well. And a good Arch support!

Trying to read the brand... looks like Born or Barn something.

In June I bought ECCO Manhattan sandals in black, http://www.zappos.com/n/p/dp/35139326/c/359.html and have been wearing them almost every day to prepare them, and my feet for my September trip. Cute with skirs, capris, pants (and shorts!) Great support. I also have Ecco Ultra terrain for hiking and very long days. http://www.zappos.com/n/p/dp/34618237/c/129445.html. Both pairs are quite light. As someone with on going foot issues (plantar fasciatis) good shoes are vital, and I find ECCO brand fits my very narrow high arched foot great - and the "enclosed" styles fit my orthotics. As previous posters have said - don't worry about what they look like or how much they cost - wear what feels great and won't have you feeling miserable due to sore feet.

This year I took a pair of Ecco Yucatan sandals with me. I wore them every single day for the 3 weeks that I was in Europe. I wore them with socks when I went hiking and without socks most of the time. These were seriously the most comfortable shoe I have ever worn while traveling. The straps adjust in three places, they are designed such that the buckles and seams do not rub against the foot, and they have a sturdy sole with decent traction. I usually get blisters at some point, but none on this trip.

April,
I love my SAS "Duo" sandals. I have worn them for years and every trip to Europe. They are very cushioned so my feet don't feel tired. They come in several colors and look great with skirts. They are made in San Antonio, TX. Happy trails.

At the risk of sounding "cheap", I've gotten two pair of Sketcher's brand sport shoes for upcoming trip. I've worn them a bit already and they feel as if I'm wearing slippers they're so comfortable. Plus, on sale for just over $40, they were a good bargain. Have a black pair for skirt and black capris and a brownish pair for other capris.

Lots of suggestions for sandals. A lot depends on your age, and how active you are.

I personally live in my Chaco or Keen sandals. They are both very comfortable, usually less than $90, and last forever. Wearable right out of the box, no break in needed.

Both companies offer footwear that can be worn in a stream (great for rain!) and dry quickly.

If you get black, it will go with anything!

I relied on two pair of shoes during our trip to Tuscany this summer. I had a pair of Naot sandles that were very comfortable and looked good with skirts and pants alike; my other favorites were my Keens. I have never had a more comfortable shoe in my life!

I'm 32 and will be walking a lot. I'm still looking...thanks for all the suggestions!!

Hi April,
I like Keen Newport's--you can buy the at Zappo.com or REI--the price doesn't seem vary much. They look o.k. with casual dresses and great with capris. They're very comfortable!

April - do you get up to Atlanta for shopping very much? If so I love Abbadabbas for a HUGE selection of walking sandals including Ecco, Naot, Merrill, Mephisto - all of which I have worn. You need to get to a store and buy your shoes now and start wearing them. Not every style of every brand does well for me - I have two pairs of Naots - one that I can wear all day long (and have brought many times to Europe, including Italy last summer) and one that is so similar in style but continues to rub and bother me so much that I will never take them with me. I personally prefer a sandal that is fairly lightweight and has a back strap. I don't like anything between my toes. But my daughter did 3 weeks in Europe in Merrell flip flop style shoes and did fine. Final suggestion - take two pairs of sandals (assuming you are in Italy in summer) regardless of how light you are traveling. Being able to change shoes really helps to keep your feet feeling great.

I concur on the suggestion of shopping at Abbadabba if you're in Atlanta.

Great! I was hoping there was a store in ATL to try these on. Hubby and I are going to go tomorrow. Thank y'all so much!!

Hi April,
I agree with Sharon and Chrissie about the Keens. Keens have become my favorite shoes - so much so that I now have four colors! My favorite are the Venice H2s. I have wide feet, so it's always very difficult to find shoes. I put them on, and WOW! They fit perfectly. I've since seen them on sale at Nordstrom for about $59 - regularly $89 at most retailers.
I took them on my trip to England and Ireland last August and they were great! Only problem I found was that with the openings in the shoe - I have funny tan lines on my feet!

April,

My husband and I just returned from a month long backpacking trip throughout Italy. I took my Chaco sandles, wore them everyday and loved every moment of it. They are wonderful shoes, but you'll want to break them in before you go. Last summer, I bought them and headed straight to England for three weeks. I got my fair share of blisters as I adjusted the straps to figure out how they best fit, but this summer, they were perfect.

I have just one word for you - TEVA. (Elixer 5 specifically). I walked all over Germany in them, and they are the most comfortable shoe I own. You'll forget all about your need for frilly once you've walked all day, and feel no discomfort. I remember climbing a steep hill to reach a castle in Germany when someone told me I wouldn't be able to get there in the shoes I was wearing, and I proved them wrong. You won't be sorry, I promise.