After spending 5 hours walking around during a fundraiser I was working on, I discovered that the Merrell black shoes I planned to wear in Paris left me feet hurting. I know white athletic shoes are a no, no. But would some sort of black athletic shoe be o.k. for during the day? I found several at Merrel and Ecco websites. These brands have usually served me well.
I think I can find some sandals that would be comfortable. I've seen several on both Merrell and Ecco's website, that look comfortable, but I wonder if a lighter color would be o.k. as I'd get more use out of them here at home. They do come in black . Both sandals and walking shoes have an athletic lookt to them, but it's the only way I think I can keep my feet happy for 4 days, plus another 7 elsehwere.
I plan to take a lightweight, cobalt blue dress to wear if it gets really hot in June. I have lightweight, black cardigan type top to wear over it if necessary. I just didn't think I'd wear the dress in black here at home during the summer. I think I can find some sandals that would be casual but comfortable. I've seen several on Both Merrell and Ecco's website, that look comfortable, but I wonder if a lighter color would be o.k. as I'd get more use out of them here at home. They do come in black which would tone down the blue dress. I plan to wear the sandals with the dress. I didn't think athletic shoes would look that great.
Any suggestions would be appreciated.
Shoes for walking in Paris
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I have traveled with Ecco "Yucatan" sandles for years. They are comfortable and come in several colors. I think they would work with a dress. However, I always find that (as you did during the fundraiser) that you have to wear shoes for quite a while to be sure they are comfortable for you.
Thanks, I have actually considered Yucatan sandals. They looked very comfortable. The question then becomes black or a lighter color that I will wear more back home.
I know white athletic shoes are a no, no. But would some sort of black athletic shoe be o.k. for during the day? I found several at Merrel and Ecco websites. These brands have usually served me well.>>
who says white athletic shoes are a "no-no"? if you think that they will mark you put as a tourist, you're right, but then, so will everything else you say or do!
buy for comfort and for what you'll use at home, and don't worry about what the locals will think about your dress - honestly, they don't care.
Yes the whit athletic shoe myth is still going on. Amazing as most of the French I saw in Paris were wearing them on the weekends.
When walking around all day the only thing that matters is comfort. But that involves not only walking long distances but walking on uneven pavements and cobblestones (sandals may not be great) and in the rain (so if you are bringing sandals you also need a pair of closed walking shoes).
Not sure what you mean about a cobalt blue dress - are you talking about going out in the evening? During the day I do only pants - but in the summer lightweight cotton or non-crushable linen - with silk pants or skirt and tops for evening.
I also have the Ecco Yucatan sandals. They're very comfortable for all-day wear on all kinds of surfaces. I wore them for 3 weeks in Southeast Asia, and wear them at home, too. I have the light tan color.
I have hip problems all of a sudden now. Keen Newport H2s saved my life. They are NOT fashionable. They ARE wonderful. I walked hill and dale in Turkey in them.
If your feet aren't comfortable, you WILL be miserable. Wear shoes that make your feet happy! Everyone's feet are different. I can't wear Eccos, and the Naot arch hits my foot in the wrong place. That said, both brands are praised for their comfort, but not for my feet. Make YOUR feet happy.
Any color shoes or sandals will be fine as long as they are neutral to match your clothing. I take 3 pair of shoes on most trips - a tennis shoe/trainer, a ballet flat, and a comfortable sandal (not a flip flop). If it's winter, I will usually take only a trainer and a nicer closed in shoe/boot for evening, and never more than a 2" heel on ANY, preferably, lower.
I have found that if I bring a couple of pairs (or 3), I have much happier feet. Those cobblestones are a killer on the feet! I always try to buy sandals/shoes that are completely different. Seems to work.
Take 2 pairs. I also find that if I can change shoes at some stage during the day it makes a huge difference.
White athletic shoes are only a problem when they are accompanied by shorts, a Hawaiian shirt and masses of camera equipment slung across an expansive chest and portly tummy!
Wear whatever you are comfortable in as others have said, you will look like a tourist no matter what you wear.
You'll be in Paris, home of Mephisto shoes (www.mephistowebstore.com). They have the perfect city walking shoes just for you. There is nothing better!
My Merrell sandals saved me last summer in Paris: http://www.merrell.com/US/en-US/Product.mvc.aspx/12032W/36366/Womens/Agave?dimensions=0
I didn't try them, I bought them online and at first they were a bit tight around the metatarsals. but with time, they've stretched and molded to my feet. The footbed was very cushioned and comfortable.
I usually have to wear shoes around the house for days before I will commit to wearing them off carpet.
The other day I bought a pair of Ziera shoes. (actually I bought 2 pairs) They are, for me, the most comfortable shoe I've worn in a long time. They are harder than other shoes but I could have walked 5 miles out of the store and I've worn one pair almost every day since I bought them.
If you have a healthy feet store, you might want to go in and see how they fit. They might give you a different kind of support than the Merrils. I like Merrils quite a bit for a casual look.
I swear by Mephisto sandals, here at home and also for travel. Arch support, very comfortable, and the Sydel style is my go-to shoe in warm weather. Some Mephistos are kind of clunky, but that style is not. Available at Zappos, generally.
Thanks for all your replies. Yes, I have found knee length or longer skirts, dresses to be the most comfortable in hot humid weather. You get a lot of ventilation. Actually shorts too, but not in Paris For awhile I sang in our local Mission Choir and several Brothers were in the choir. They wore long brown "dress" type clothes. I finally got up the nerve to ask one if they weren't hot in the summer. He said on the contrary. They were very cool due to the ventilation. I will check out the Mephisto website.
I have 2 pair of the agave's and wear them a lot, but they would not be comfortable enough for a lot of walking and being on my feet. I definitely need more padding.