I know there is another area for walking shoe questions but we are leaving soon for France and my husband is looking for a walking shoe. Problem is he is particular; averse to athletic shoes and sandals; has only ever worn boots, boat shoes, loafers. Would a good pair of Sperry top siders (boat shoes) with a supportive insert make it a good walking shoe?
Posted by
Pensacola
9110 posts
Living where I do, all I wear is boat shoes. Sperry Billfisher (thicker sole) is what I usually buy and wear them with no insert. They should work fine. My preference for hard traveling however is Merrell low cuts since I hike quite a bit and need to wear socks.
Steve's right about the thin sole kind -- they're no good for anything except bedroom slippers.
Posted by
Tresana, Highlands Ranch, CO, USA
23626 posts
While it is easy to recommend brands and style, the best walking is one you can walk in for a long time. I prefer the ECCO line because they fit my foot very well but might not work for you. Thick soles that cushion against uneven surfaces generally are preferred BUT I see a lot a people in flip flops and thin soled dress shoe. So find something and go for a long walk in gravel and other bad surfaces.
Posted by
Las Cruces, NM, United States
136 posts
I also wear Rockports and Ecco for travel, although usually New Balance athletic (wide sizes) in the US. The Rockports and Ecco have the benefit also of "fitting in" well in Europe.
Posted by
OP
Chicago, IL, USA
15 posts
By the way, this is for wearing with shorts. He says he looks like a hippie mountain climber with hiking boots. He doesn't like athletic shoes or anything which needs socks because he's not that tall and his shorts are long. I can't believe how hard this has been to find a solution to.
Posted by
England
375 posts
If it's only the appearance of the socks to which he objects, why not suggest the no-show type of sock that only covers the foot, or the short ankle-high type? My husband prefers those with his athletic shoes or trail runners because he doesn't like anything binding on his ankles, but does want the cushion feature of the sock. On vacation when you are doing a great deal more walking than usual, I think it is helpful to wear some kind of sock to prevent rubbing.
Posted by
L'Occitanie, France
10633 posts
My husband ditched his leather shoes and picked up his first pair of Birkenstock imitation sandals at a large chain store in the Loire Valley two weeks ago and has worn them every day since over both countryside and cobblestones, into cafes and Michelin recommendations. They're ugly but he's happy. BTW, there was a heatwave two weeks ago.