<p>Does anyone have suggestions for a stylish woman’s walking shoe? I’m a recent empty-nester who has plans to finally go overseas. It will be a real challenge for me not to have my heels, flats, flipflops and running shoes in tow. My biggest criteria is that I don’t want something that looks like my mother would wear it!</p>
<p>Do you want a athletic type shoe or otherwise? I’m a big fan or either a lower style Puma athletic shoe - has some style and are comfortable. Also a big Keen fan. They have a variety from hiking boots to MaryJanes and/or slip ons.</p>
<p>Everyone seems to worry about how wearing running shoes will make them look like Americans, tourists, whatever. BUT… if your feet hurt, you won’t enjoy yourself. I’ll also note that all the nuns I see in Europe wear running shoes. </p>
<p>My vote is for your most comfortable running shoes and a nice pair of flats for evening.</p>
<p>Mephistos, hands down. You can get them in a metallic sheen and they are wearable everywhere. As comfortable as running shoes and no one in Paris will know where you are from until you open your mouth!</p>
<p>I have narrow feet so most of the shoes mentioned here don’t fit me. One thing I did last summer was to wear comfortable shoes (running shoes or tevas) for sightseeing and carry a little pair of ballet flats if we had an event or nice dinner in the evening. </p>
<p>Because I have such a hard time finding shoes that fit I will usually order five or six likely candidates from Zappos, wear each around the house a while and send back the least comfortable.</p>
<p>Ecco’s are great. Josef Seibel.
Or find a great pair of running shoes that are really comfortable.
Oversees is not USA in terms of wide flat sidewalks–depending on where you go, get ready for dirt, cobblestones, uneven surfaces. Comfort above all!</p>
<p>I just spent weeks looking at/trying on travel shoes and discovered these: heels that feel like sneakers. Expensive, though, but man, what comfort!</p>
<p>[Beautifeel</a> - Every Woman Deserves a pair](<a href=“Beautifeel.com”>http://www.beautifeel.com/)</p>
<p>I also second the recommendation of Ecco, Josef Sibel, Mephistos, and Naot.</p>
<p>H & I did 2 weeks in Italy a year ago. I went with 2 pairs of shoes – a pair by GoLite and a pair of black flats from Lands’ End. The GoLites are the most comfortable shoes ever. I got them in light gray. While not specifically advertised as waterproof, my feet stayed dry in the rain. My philosophy is wear whatever is the most comfortable for you – there’s no way Americans are going to be mistaken for natives, no matter what you wear on your feet.</p>
<p>“there’s no way Americans are going to be mistaken for natives, no matter what you wear on your feet.”</p>
<p>True - but the issue isn’t about being mistaken for a native. The issue is being instantly and correctly pegged as an American tourist. Which isn’t necessarily a good thing.</p>
<p>Where did you buy the BeautiFeels? Did you buy them on line?</p>
<p>Geox and Ecco shoes are sold throuout Europe as well as in many stores here. Geox shoes have waterproof breathable rubber soles, which is a huge plus for me. Anoher brand that is known for its comfort and style is Anyi Lu.</p>
<p>No matter what you end up buy, make sure that you wear the shoes a few times prior to your trip - you might find out that the most comfortable shoe becomes a torture device on a hot day if you feet are prone to swelling…</p>
<p>I recently bought a pair of Munro flats at Nordstroms. They are like wearing slippers! The inside is neoprene, so socks are unnecessary. </p>
<p>Another brand I find comfortable & versitile (& quite a bit cheaper) is Aerosoles.</p>
<p>nj2011mom, Do you remember the style of he Munros? That is one brand that usually fits me.</p>
<p>1moremom, I have the Munro Journey and have found it to be quite versatile and comfortable for walking. It’s not the most delicate looking shoe and wouldn’t be my first choice based on aesthetics, but it’s a pretty good combination of form and function. If you’re a “red” person – the red is on sale at Nordstrom. </p>
<p>If you’re looking for something with a heel, the Munro Tatum is surprisingly comfortable. It’s a nice sleek look with pants.</p>
<p>By the way, like Zappos, Nordstrom now offers free shipping both ways.</p>
<p>
I am sure now OP will really want to wear running shoes now.</p>
<p>I think any loafers with thick rubber soles would work. I also travel with patent leather ballerina shoes with half inch heels for going out at night. Europe has a lot more cobble stones, high skinny heels don´t work very well.</p>
<p>^^LOL, oldfort.</p>
<p>St Petersburg is all cobblestone, but I noticed that the Russian ladies had absolutely no problems navigating the city streets in their stilettos. I did not take any chances and wore flats, even to the opera house.</p>
<p>The last time I was in Europe I brought 3 pairs of shoes: Clark’s Wave (lace up), patent leather wedges (2" heel) and Eccos that looked like flats but had a 1/2" or so wedge that wasn’t noticeable on the outside.</p>
<p>Varying heel heights worked best for my feet. If I had real foot issues I wouldn’t blink at bringing more athletic-type shoes.</p>
<p>Munro “Carrie”</p>
<p>[Munro</a> ‘Carrie’ Loafer | Nordstrom](<a href=“http://shop.nordstrom.com/S/munro-carrie-loafer/3174243?origin=category&resultback=245]Munro”>http://shop.nordstrom.com/S/munro-carrie-loafer/3174243?origin=category&resultback=245)</p>
<p>These have worked for me. The Skechers are very light and comfy. I can walk in them all day and they look nice with jeans. Unfortunately, the ones from Land’s End are down to brown/orange (I have a olive/grey pair). They are both great for airport security because of the velcro.</p>
<p>I have looked high and low and have settled on the Skechers plus any comfy pair of sneakers that are brown or grey and broken in. The Land’s End mary janes plus a pair of Teva sandals are the best if the weather is warm.</p>
<p>[Women’s</a> Trekker Mary Jane Shoes from Lands’ End](<a href=“http://www.landsend.com/pp/MaryJaneShoes~217797_253.html?bcc=y&action=order_more&sku_0=::QB6&CM_MERCH=IDX_Shoes-_-Women&origin=index]Women’s”>http://www.landsend.com/pp/MaryJaneShoes~217797_253.html?bcc=y&action=order_more&sku_0=::QB6&CM_MERCH=IDX_Shoes-_-Women&origin=index)</p>
<p>[SKECHERS</a> Bikers - Step-Up Toffee Leather - Zappos.com Free Shipping BOTH Ways](<a href=“Skechers bikers step up toffee leather skechers + FREE SHIPPING | Zappos.com”>Skechers bikers step up toffee leather + FREE SHIPPING | Zappos.com)</p>
<p>“Where did you buy the BeautiFeels? Did you buy them on line?”</p>
<p>At a local store in Denver that specializes in quality/walking shoes.
[Beautifeel</a> Shoes | Dardanos.com](<a href=“http://www.dardanos.com/beautifeel?sec=women]Beautifeel”>http://www.dardanos.com/beautifeel?sec=women)</p>