Shoes for touring Europe (merged discussion)

[DrmnOfMaui]

Oh, you must mean tennis shoes!

 

:D Being from California, but having family in Minnesota that made me laugh! My cousins all drink "pop" and wear "sneakers". I drink "soda" and my kids wear "tennis shoes"! Different names in different regions...

[Ethel5]

With all due respect to you, Bob, it's those middle-age and older men with Dunlop's disease, brightly patterned shirts, shorts, white athletic socks, white tennis shoes, cameras around their necks, fanny packs at their waist and baseball caps that scream out, "AMERICAN!"

 

I adore those guys who wear the athletic socks (with red stripes please) with sandals!!!! NOT:)

[Hal&Rob]

Who cares whether you look like an American :eek:, a tourist or whatever. Dress the way YOU feel comfortable. You'll never see those people again.

[lisiamc]

Lisa, I bet you look good with low rise jeans, a thong and black trainers!!

 

BobK/Orlando

 

:eek: :eek: :eek: It's the black trainers that make the look!

 

Lisa

[DrmnOfMaui]

I adore those guys who wear the athletic socks (with red stripes please) with sandals!!!! NOT:)

 

We always tease my Dad, but he used to do black socks and sandals! He's actually become "hipper" the older he is (now 80!) and he got a new, cool pair that he even wears sometimes with no socks. Just took a few years to figure it all out.

[cathydev]

Just got back 2 days ago from our Med cruise and 5 days pre-cruise in Rome. I can assure you sneakers are fine. You will do so much walking that you will appreciate good quality supportive shoes. :)

[daniela]

I found Rockport (Marci style) to be the most fabulous (machine wash in cold water and air dry) sneaker I have ever had. I can walk forever in them and they are stylish and extremely light in weight. They come in many different colors, black/grey is great for travel all year round.

[FARMGIRL1103]

If you need a great shoe and don't want to go with the white sneaker, try Merrill's or Naot brand shoes. They are the most comfortable and come in many styles. I used to always wear my white Reeboks until I discovered these brands.

[Sugar&Buddy]

Hello...

 

I sympathize with your problem. I have chronic ankle problems after a couple clumsy breaks while walking on cobblestones and not paying attention.

 

I have no problem with sneakers as far as being appropriate in warm climates, but often find that they feel too hot. I've got a couple identical pair of Mephisto's with the same support...or more...than sneakers and find them great for all day touring. A lot of other brands are now copying this design...for a lot less.

 

I also purchased a collapsible cane, stick it in my pack, and when I'm touring ruins or anyplace with uneven surfaces, I pull it out and it helps "offset" the weaker ankle and lends stability.

 

My two cents!

 

Enjoy your tour!

 

murphysmum;)

 

What style Mephisto? I too think sneakers are too hot.

[Sugar&Buddy]

We wear the Reebok DMX walkers in black when we travel in Europe. They are very comfortable, come in wide sizes and look more like dress shoes than sneakers. You can get them at any reebok outlet store or even online.

 

 

Are the Reebok DMX walkers hot to the foot?

[sandij]

You will be so busy looking at all the sights and every place will be so crowded that no one will notice what you have on your feet. Go for comfort cause there is a lot of walking and all the streets are uneven cobblestones and I bet slippery if wet. Relax and enjoy, it's a wonderful place and you will never see any of these people again.

[capi]

All this reads as a little freshmanic. Wear whatever and enjoy what you're seeing. I doubt you'll run into Mr. Blackwell. :rolleyes:

[drk]

Are the Reebok DMX walkers hot to the foot?

 

We have not noticed any difference between the white and black but have not traveled with them in any really hot climates/times of year either.

[Tanyaec]

Anyone have any good recommendations for good comfortable walking shoes? Don't want to wear tennis shoes all the time and sailing in Jan., it will be too cool for sandals.

 

Thanks!

[westcoastvecs]

good question-eagerly looking forward to everyone's answers!

 

:-) Robin

[Carolina Cruisr]

Just bought my Ecco clogs and love them. So comfortable and slip on too. Plan on wearing them for our trip on the Grand Sept 11 in the Med.

 

http://www.onlineshoes.com/productpage.asp?gen=w&pcid=74626

[ab0si]

Let me second Ecco. They make a wide variety of styles.

[cruisincousin]

SAS - That is all we wear. They have wonderful walking shoes, runners, sandals etc. Try them!!!! I have mine ready for Rome and Athens!!!

[Keith1010]

We too have done very well in Ecco. We have found them to be very comfortable and have walked all over ports in them. We will also use athletic shoes which are really fine in ports all over the world.

 

Keith

[bxny]

I love my Dansko and just bought a pair of Keens which I have beeen breaking it and so far they are very comfortable. Got both on Zappos.

[texancruzer]

We went in Nov/Dec and also not the right time for sandals.

 

I wore Naturalizers (a little dressier style) and Skechers (dressier than sneakers but stylish). Not one blister or sore foot day. :D

[tahoe782]

I have bought a pair of Earth shoes and some Keen sandals and love both of them. The Earth pair are the ultra-lite and I have never had a more comfortable shoe.

Tahoe782

[agabbymama]

I have used SAS and Ecco both in the past. SAS is difficult to find and my friend recommended Easy Spirit, so that is what I have purchased for my Med cruise in Oct '08.

 

They are really comfortable with lots of arch support, which I need for very much walking.

[cruiseryyc]

Lands End gets my vote. I walked everywhere in them while on my Med cruise this past June.

[joan24]

I use Ecco laced walking shoes. They look good with pants at night too. I also wear Ecco sandals every day, since I live in Florida. I have a terrible back and they have wonderful support.

Joan