Comfy Shoe Recommendations?

ThePregosaurus · July 2014

On Saturday DH and I leave for about 10 days in Europe. The majority of our time will be in Paris and will be A LOT of walking. Any recommendations on walking shoes that would be comfy for the many types of surfaces we will be walking on? I'd prefer something that doesn't scream "I'm an American tourist!!" ...so flats or sandals rather than sneakers. Thank you!

ThePregosaurus · July 2014

Thanks! I've heard good things about Birkenstocks but my feet are narrow so they tend to be really wide. I'll keep trying them on my shoe mission this week though.

ThePregosaurus · July 2014

gradschoolmom1234 said:

I have really narrow feet too (believe me, it's a huge problem). The great thing about birkenstocks is that they can punch tighter holes in the leather if you need them (assuming you get the original style). My briks have molded to my feet really well, and over the years as the leather stretches out I've made the straps tighter to keep them fitting well. Do you have an In Step anywhere nearby? They'll help fit you, and they can even re-shape the cork a bit if necessary.

I didn't know they could be tightened! That's fantastic! I'll definitely look into them then. I don't often talk to people who share my skinny foot problems! Finding narrow enough shoes is so time-consuming and frustrating. Half the time I just end up ramming insoles inside whatever I buy.

Kim0710 · July 2014

Too bad "barefoot and pregnant" isn't a comfy possibility!

EmuTavi · July 2014

Good luck! Just got back from Italy wearing low profile sneakers in an attempt to fit in and I was done by the end of the trip. I would buy what Europeans wear and bring a backup comfy pair of American-wear.

CandEChicago · July 2014

I have done ballet flats and then I also like Clarks. They have some low profile black "sneakers".

BrainCellSup · July 2014

I have the opposite problem, my feet are too wide and the Birkenstocks arch left me in so much pain even after a month of breaking them in. I was so sad so resumed my research and recently bought the Adrina flat from Crocs. I walk a lot each day (I live in NYC), and they have been so comfortable! I highly recommend them. I have had foot pain issues the last few years and I feel like I've finally found relief.

Eora3 · July 2014

Clarks can be amazing and check out Sanuk. Sanuk has some very light weight canvas type shoes that are wonderful!!

ebilbao · July 2014

I swear by Reef flip flops, particularly the Ginger style. I bought a pair in 2001 and wore them through Costa Rica, Italy, Spain, England and just everyday etc. That pair lasted until this Christmas, and I only got a new pair because the first pair were worn down to nubs. They're only $25 and you can get them on Amazon.

nesenotes · July 2014

I bought a pair of Sketchers Go Walk and they are the most comfortable shoes I've ever worn. I wear them any time we will be walking a lot. I used to wear toms but I need more support pregnant.

mightymango · July 2014

Forget the others, buy these KEEN's:

https://www.amazon.com/Keen-Womens-Newport-Sandal-Dream/dp/B000FBJW1W/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1405380020&sr=8-1&keywords=keen+h2+womens

I have worn them from coast to coast, in rain, snow, whatever. Totally ok with a sock or without. I have a pair I bought in 2003 (yea, kinda sounds gross) and I just wore them to work today!

They have a good grip and wide base but are adjustable. Toe protection too!

One thing you will need to think of is all that effing cobblestone in EU gets super slippery after rain, etc.

I've had several different styles from this company too and enjoy the heck out of them.

irish2014 · July 2014

MJLovey said:
I love Cole Haan shoes...I live in them and they're seriously SO comfortable (I can walk miles in their pumps and they are my go-to work shoe). They have really comfortable ballet and flat shoes too!

I second. I have three pair of Cole Haan ballet flats that I wear just about every day. Break them in for a week or so and then they're like buttah. It's the soft leather ones - I haven't tried the patent stiffer ones or the ones with the low chunky heel but they're cute.

I also have three pair of their pumps so I guess you could say I'm quite brand loyal on this one thing. (I'm usually not)

ThePregosaurus · July 2014

Awesome, ladies. Thank you! I'll keep an eye out for all of these brands on my quest tomorrow. I've read a lot of good things about Cole Haan and Clarks in particular. @mightymango‌ I actually have those in the keystone/gray color! I bought them for my trips to Haiti bc the terrain is very rocky and hot there (they're nicely ventilated)' My favorite outdoorsy shoes! (Edit: Sorry, format never comes out right when I post from my phone)

yellowroseFRA · July 2014

Hey, I live in a big Germany city and travel in Europe a lot, and I gotta say, people do wear sneakers here. Just not big huge bulky ones. But more "stylish" ones are actually the big thing over here, esp if they are in a bright color. Or canvas flat sneakers that look exactly like Keds are huge this year, paired with bright denim leggings if you want that Eurotrash flair : ) When I am just going around town, I wear ballet flats or loafers, but for a full day of sightseeing, go with something with more support like a sneaker. Also, flipflops are not ideal on public transport here - the Metro is super crowded and someone will step on your foot, and also you really wouldn't want your bare foot down there. And, even in summer it rains a lot in northern Europe, so you risk getting icky wet feet. When we travel, I usually pack low, slim-style sneakers for day and then a loafer or ballet flat to go out at night.

ThePregosaurus · July 2014

@yellowroseFRA‌ Thanks for the insight! I was actually wondering if Keds were in style in Europe too. I just have plain white and had been debating whether or not they'd be ok... it sounds like I'll be bringing mine along then!

yellowroseFRA · July 2014

They are so cool right now - I keep wishing I'd kept mine from years ago. And they really are perfect for going around town.

krystrist2014 · July 2014

I personally wouldn't recommend anything but sneakers. All those cobble stones are so killer to tourists from the west where we are used to flat side walks. And the couple of times that Ive traveled in Europe, all I ever did was walk all day every day, I feel like I would have died if I wore flats or sandals every day.

abcmom12 · July 2014

find a really comfy pair of loafers that look stylish. I've lived in Europe (been to France many times) and sandals/flats on those streets will kill your feet but sneakers scream American/Canadian. If anyone asks, say you're from Canada, I'm not kidding!

loafers/work shoes will blend right in, plus give you the support and cushion for the cobblestones. just get those low cut socks to wear with them so you don't sweat in um too much

LovesBooks · July 2014

I wore my Converse all over Europe and they were so comfortable. I don't think I looked out of place but my two most recent trips were outside of the summer season (one Spring, one Fall) so sandals weren't an option.

hellopartyof5 · July 2014

Reefs are cute but really not supportive. They do have an arch, but even with the walks around my neighborhood (30-45min) my ankles start hurting. Ariat has really comfy things if you can find a style you like

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