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Shoes! Comfy, travel-friendly, for women, for men...
- Thread starter chachalaca
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Cameron
500+ Posts
The "Banes" have great arch supports (I have high arches) and a very comfortable footbed. The x-cross keeps my foot from slipping into the toe and the 1 inch wedge is better for my hip bone spur than a flat shoe. In Paris, I wore these without any kind of sock. On the plane, I wore my compression knee highs with these. These performed so well that I'll watch for a sale and buy an extra pair to save for the future! Mine are leather, but they now have a suede. Based on the suede sandals (see below) from this brand, I'd probably chose that material because it's luxurious on the foot.
This is the Munro "Kaya" that I'd worn for months at home without any issues and were my "go to" sandals for walking, having also taken these to California, only a week prior to Paris. But, in the high heat, these sandals were miserable! My feet were swelling due to the heat, and these leather straps had no give, and the velcro fasteners wouldn't adjust to any size, but what I'd been using. I was so tempted to leave these in Paris because I was so mad about it! I hadn't planned to bring these sandals until I saw the weather report and decided at the last minute to pack them!
My third pair were also L'Amour des Pieds "Brenn" ankle strap sandals (red). I found walking in these was almost as comfortable as the "Bane" but don't think I walked more than 3-5 miles in these as I used them for wearing out to lunch or dinner with my friends who live in Paris. In the photo, you can see the arch support. The toe space on these may be too tight for some, but the soft suede had already been broken-in before my trip. These, though dressy, were so comfortable while the true "walking" Munro sandal was misery!
Please understand that I took shoes for "city" wear, not hiking nor doing much sightseeing (this was my 10th annual trip to Paris, so my museum visits were minimal). The walking that I do in Paris just happens, if that makes any sense. I don't go out with the intention of walking so far, but it's a walkable city and the miles accumulated without trying to walk a certain distance. I was out all day and took frequent breaks.
Next up, I'll be going to London, then on Kathy's Cotswold Experience. I'll take the Banes for city, and for true walking shoes...either my Ahnu Sugar Venture Lace Walking Shoes that have been on many 5-mile trail walks with my poodle...or, perhaps my Skechers GoWalk (similar to these), which have been worn on up to a 7-mile at a time walk on the San Francisco Bay Trail (paved) when I was there in early June.
aap519
100+ Posts
That's an issue I have always had along with width.
While working, the only steel toed boots with a high arch and a smaller width that fit me comfortably for 8 - 12 hours were Red Wing work boots and they normally run around $300. I tried a few $80 work boots I found at Target, but they never worked out.
For long walking now, running shoes seem to have the highest arch and I am also able to find a B width when most men's shoes come in D width, which is much too wide for my foot.
Shoe line-up on this trip - two weeks in London; 13 weeks in Brugge, side trip to Haarlem:
- Easy Spirit clogs - a must for me for airplane travel, worn with socks.
- Easy Spirit closed shoes for cold/wet days. Worked well in London but not so much in Bruges of cobblestone streets - not enough cushion so will not return to Europe.
- Mephisto sandals - not as comfy as it used to be but will continue to wear. I even used a pair hiking in the Swiss Alps ten years ago.
- Sanuk sandals - very comfy.
Sojourner
10+ Posts
Cameron makes a good point that should be obvious. Shoe requirements for normal day to day living in a city are different than shoes for a tourist walking from site to site and in museums etc. all day. On a normal day at home, how much walking do you actually do,? If Slow Travel is about trying to 'live' in a place for a week, then a lot of walking probably isn't in that scenario. Either you're doing the tourist thing in which case there may well be a lot of walking or you aren't.
"Please understand that I took shoes for "city" wear, not hiking nor doing much sightseeing (this was my 10th annual trip to Paris, so my museum visits were minimal). The walking that I do in Paris just happens, if that makes any sense."
It makes perfect sense to me Cameron, you aren't doing the usual tourist things. You're just spending a week in a place you know. I think you are describing something far closer to what Slow Travel supposedly is, than what many people here are actually doing.
I'd suggest the Ahnu over the Sketchers for a walk in the country, just based on what I can see in the photos. Lacing gives you more control over fit than a slip-on can. ie. when your foot swells due to heat.
JustTravel, you might want to read what an expert has to say about rear foot control. http://podiatryshoereview.blogspot.ca/2016/02/podiatrist-recommended-comfortable.html
"Please understand that I took shoes for "city" wear, not hiking nor doing much sightseeing (this was my 10th annual trip to Paris, so my museum visits were minimal). The walking that I do in Paris just happens, if that makes any sense."
It makes perfect sense to me Cameron, you aren't doing the usual tourist things. You're just spending a week in a place you know. I think you are describing something far closer to what Slow Travel supposedly is, than what many people here are actually doing.
I'd suggest the Ahnu over the Sketchers for a walk in the country, just based on what I can see in the photos. Lacing gives you more control over fit than a slip-on can. ie. when your foot swells due to heat.
JustTravel, you might want to read what an expert has to say about rear foot control. http://podiatryshoereview.blogspot.ca/2016/02/podiatrist-recommended-comfortable.html
Sojourner
10+ Posts
How many of you have ever visited a Podiatrist? I think most people never visit a Podiatrist. Some don't really need to but anyone who has any foot problems at all, should. That doesn't mean they do though does it.
After decades of hiking with no real foot problems, my wife started getting shooting pains in her feet after an hour or two o walking. Nothing had changed in her footwear, so the problem was obviously coming from somewhere else. She went to a Podiatrist and found out she had some issues that were more or less just a function of time. She wasn't getting younger.
So she now has custom orthotics that she uses in all her footwear. The problem totally disappeared immediately. But she has to keep wearing those orthotics or she can be sure the problem will come right back. This does present a minor issue when it comes to buying footwear. She can't buy anything that won't work with her orthotics. So for example a sandal without a removable insole is out.
I bring it up because I wonder how many people are 'self-medicating' when it comes to their feet and footwear. Blaming the shoe instead of having the foot problem diagnosed. If we got a pain in our chest, we'd go for a checkup if we are wise, why don't people do the same with their feet? And no, you can't just buy some 'Orthotic Insoles' from the pharmacy aisle.
After decades of hiking with no real foot problems, my wife started getting shooting pains in her feet after an hour or two o walking. Nothing had changed in her footwear, so the problem was obviously coming from somewhere else. She went to a Podiatrist and found out she had some issues that were more or less just a function of time. She wasn't getting younger.
So she now has custom orthotics that she uses in all her footwear. The problem totally disappeared immediately. But she has to keep wearing those orthotics or she can be sure the problem will come right back. This does present a minor issue when it comes to buying footwear. She can't buy anything that won't work with her orthotics. So for example a sandal without a removable insole is out.
I bring it up because I wonder how many people are 'self-medicating' when it comes to their feet and footwear. Blaming the shoe instead of having the foot problem diagnosed. If we got a pain in our chest, we'd go for a checkup if we are wise, why don't people do the same with their feet? And no, you can't just buy some 'Orthotic Insoles' from the pharmacy aisle.
Pauline
Forums Admin
I love those clogs!
For airline travel, I always think what would I want to be wearing if there was an emergency and we had to quickly get off the plane?
Well, Sojourner, I have seen several podiatrists way too many times in the past. I have had several foot surgeries and I used to wear custom made orthotics. I am just grateful that I don't have to wear heels and pumps anymore. I wear whatever is comfortable.
Now most of my walking, more like strolling, is done in cities.
Now most of my walking, more like strolling, is done in cities.
Pauline
Forums Admin
We have another thread, on the UK forums, about walking/hiking shoes. I just posted there that I found the Oboz hiking shoes that I wanted! @Lisa in Ottawa does not need to bring me a pair! After checking Amazon for the 100th time, they had one pair in my size. The Oboz Sawtooth - a good summer hiking shoe. I took them out for a 7 mile walk today! Not good for city walking (too clunky looking) but perfect for hiking and our next trip is to Switzerland.
Pauline
Forums Admin
Now we are not traveling the right way?
Roz
500+ Posts
I like those Easy Spirit Travel Times too, and have several pairs. I have a wide toebox, but a narrow heel, so I can't wear most slipons because they rub my heels. Usually I have to wear lace-up shoes to be tight enough around my heels. But those Easy Spirits have just enough of a lip in the back that they aren't too easy to walk out of, and they fit my feet well. They aren't good for long walks, but are very comfortable for short walks around town.
I always wear them in the airport because they are so easy to slip out of and back on when you have to put your shoes through security.
I always wear them in the airport because they are so easy to slip out of and back on when you have to put your shoes through security.
chachalaca
100+ Posts
Yes it is!
Rome Addict
100+ Posts
As many of you know I am in a wheelchair (or scooter) much of the time due to foot injuries. So when I walk shoes are critical for support and they MUST be comfortable if I am to go any farther than 100 feet. My feet can swell as much as 2 sizes in a day.
My criteria when trying on a shoe is they MUST feel like butter. They have to feel spectacular before I ever take a single step. Then that first step must support my archearches and ankles. Being cheap does NOT pay because the price then becomes pain.
My current go to shoe is Clarks. I am not going to recommend a specific model because A) everyone's feet are different and B) manufacturers change styles so often that a recommendation made can be meaningless in a year or less.
I think using my trying on criteria is the best advice I can give. If it rubs, punches, doesn't give support or any other issues then it will end up at the back of the closet. Use the butter standard, not margarine.
My criteria when trying on a shoe is they MUST feel like butter. They have to feel spectacular before I ever take a single step. Then that first step must support my archearches and ankles. Being cheap does NOT pay because the price then becomes pain.
My current go to shoe is Clarks. I am not going to recommend a specific model because A) everyone's feet are different and B) manufacturers change styles so often that a recommendation made can be meaningless in a year or less.
I think using my trying on criteria is the best advice I can give. If it rubs, punches, doesn't give support or any other issues then it will end up at the back of the closet. Use the butter standard, not margarine.
veronicafrance
100+ Posts
Update: I bought a pair of Rieker sandals thanks to this thread and am very pleased -- they felt comfortable instantly. They are these ones:
https://www.amazon.fr/gp/product/B009YCU7O4/
I wouldn't go hiking in them, but they are fine for walking around town and importantly are quite acceptable to wear with a skirt. They have a great range of shoes and boots available on Amazon, more affordable than the likes of Mephisto.
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chachalaca
100+ Posts
Veronica those are CUTE!!! How was the fit?
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veronicafrance
100+ Posts
Fine, as all three straps are velcro-ed, so you can adjust them to suit.
I just bought a pair of flowery ankle boots in Amazon's sale for 26 euros -- they are cute too!
https://www.amazon.fr/gp/product/B013AZA876/
The pink/lilac flowery pattern is more pronounced than it looks in the photo.
carolync
10+ Posts
I'm a sucker for shoes. Love the "Banes" Cameron posted. My go-to brands for sandals have been Merrell's, Teva's and Danskos - now I have new brands to look into.
I've been looking for a cute fashion sneaker and found the Taos Star at the Walking Company Store. They have a really supportive insert. I have not tested them out in a full day of walking yet - the salesman recommended wearing them an hour the first day, 2 hours the second to get your foot used to the footbed. They are lighter than Converse. They run super small, I had to get a full size larger.
Another recent purchase I made was a Rothy's flat. If you need a lot of support, I'm not sure I would suggest these, my feet are comfortable walking in Toms all day in a city. They do have a removable insert if you have your own orthotics. The first pair I bought was short, so I'm waiting for the next size up. They were super comfy except for my big toe because it was too short. They are made out of recycled water bottles - I have no clue how they can be so soft. The shoes are super light and can be machine washed, and come in a lot of colors. Since my travel wardrobe tends to be black, white and gray, I purchased the hot pink ones.
(Full disclosure: if you use the link you get $20 off your first pair, and I get a $20 credit)
I've been looking for a cute fashion sneaker and found the Taos Star at the Walking Company Store. They have a really supportive insert. I have not tested them out in a full day of walking yet - the salesman recommended wearing them an hour the first day, 2 hours the second to get your foot used to the footbed. They are lighter than Converse. They run super small, I had to get a full size larger.
Another recent purchase I made was a Rothy's flat. If you need a lot of support, I'm not sure I would suggest these, my feet are comfortable walking in Toms all day in a city. They do have a removable insert if you have your own orthotics. The first pair I bought was short, so I'm waiting for the next size up. They were super comfy except for my big toe because it was too short. They are made out of recycled water bottles - I have no clue how they can be so soft. The shoes are super light and can be machine washed, and come in a lot of colors. Since my travel wardrobe tends to be black, white and gray, I purchased the hot pink ones.
(Full disclosure: if you use the link you get $20 off your first pair, and I get a $20 credit)