<p>For those of you who liked the Merrells with the zipper on top, I found these shoes in a similar style at Famous Footwear today on sale for $49.99.
[Eurostep</a> Black Women’s Brooke](<a href=“http://www.famousfootwear.com/shopping/productdetails.aspx?p=91876&pg=1025059]Eurostep”>http://www.famousfootwear.com/shopping/productdetails.aspx?p=91876&pg=1025059)
They also come in brown. They are the most comfortable shoe I’ve ever tried on! I needed a pair of black casual shoes to wear with pants and I tried on the Skecher Compulsions that thumper bought. They were great and I almost bought them but these were even better.</p>
<p>I saw those, Patsmom…and almost tried them on…but for my Africa trip, I decided leather was not the material I wanted. Maybe I’ll go back and try them on tomorrow!!</p>
<p>^ I have some leather walking shoes and they have been indestructible. Have worn them many times in the pouring rain, mud and snow. Sturdy leather shoes hold up well.</p>
<p>My favorite walking shoe is SAS Whisper (tie oxfords). I have them in many colors, mostly bought on ebay almost-new. The sizing is consistent, so I know they will fit. </p>
<p>Likewise I have many colors of my favorite SAS sandal via ebay.</p>
<p>I’ll be rereading this thread for hints. We’re planning an early May trip to Europe which includes Barcelona, Med cruise port (including visits on tough terrain - Pompeii, Rome/Colisseum, 3.5 mile walking tour in Florence), and Madrid. Even my beloved SAS Whispers might not be hardy enough for all the distance, cobblestone, etc.</p>
<p>Thumper - Are you still likiing your Sketcher Compulsions Organic shoes?</p>
<p>Softwalks are very comfy.</p>
<p>I DO still love my Sketchers…and I also love the Clarks I bought too.</p>
<p>I thought of you all today when shoe shopping. I even saw some of the brands/styles recommended.</p>
<p>For our Western Med cruise, I’ve decided to opt for sneakers on shore exursions to Pompei and to Florence (3.5 miles walking). Probably my old reliable SAS whispers, now discontinued - gasp, for Rome. </p>
<p>Today I bought flat sandals in a new Taos brand not seen before. LOTS of support in arch and other areas as well as great velcro straps for fit flexibility. I selected the Trophy style because walking seemed better with ankle straps. But there are other even cuter styles.
[Taos</a> Womens Trophy Sandal Black Womens](<a href=“http://www.modernshoe.com/store/TRO-12020-BLK!TAOS/Taos+Womens+Trophy+Sandal+Black]Taos”>http://www.modernshoe.com/store/TRO-12020-BLK!TAOS/Taos+Womens+Trophy+Sandal+Black)</p>
<p>just picked up a canvas, tie, dansko shoe. comes in a variety of cute colors. i actually wore them out of the store…i am hoping they can help with this chronic, nearly debilitating foot pain.</p>
<p>I haven’t read this whole thread, but this brand is really comfortable and made in the UK–cute styles.</p>
<p>[Hotter</a> Shoes - Comfortable Womens and Mens Shoes](<a href=“http://www.hottershoes.com/]Hotter”>http://www.hottershoes.com/)</p>
<p>colorado-mom - I have those taos sandals - There is an article in the LA Times today about Capri, if you will be stopping there.</p>
<p>Hotter Shoes are new to me too - they look intersting. </p>
<p>p86 - We are doing a Western Med cruise, starting/ending at Barcelona.</p>
<p>Yes, if you are stopping in Pompeii you will be passing Capri, I think.</p>
<p>Thanks, p86! The Capri article was interesting. Our shore excursion stays on the mainland, but the article was good reinforcement that our May trip (prior to summer crowds) was a good choice.</p>
<p>Not clear on which season(s) you plan on traveling but these boots are the most amazing shoes I own.</p>
<p><a href=“http://www.doversaddlery.com/Ariat®%20Heritage%20III%20Zip%20H2O%20Paddock%20Boots/p/X1-3800074/tid=froogle/eid=X1814001/utm_source=froogle/utm_medium=CSE/utm_campaign=MerchantAdv/zmam=1460880/zmas=1/zmac=88/zmap=3800074008054X1-3800074?gclid=CPaCmLKgvK4CFacGRQod_yRtDg[/url]”>http://www.doversaddlery.com/Ariat®%20Heritage%20III%20Zip%20H2O%20Paddock%20Boots/p/X1-3800074/tid=froogle/eid=X1814001/utm_source=froogle/utm_medium=CSE/utm_campaign=MerchantAdv/zmam=1460880/zmas=1/zmac=88/zmap=3800074008054X1-3800074?gclid=CPaCmLKgvK4CFacGRQod_yRtDg</a></p>
<p>Several years ago when DD started working with horses us we each bought of a pair of these. Bought them as ‘working’ shoes and they have become my fashion favorite. They are amazingly comfortable, have a removable insole if you wish/need to use custom insoles, are relatively lightweight and seem to go with just about everything. I’ve worn them with skirts, boot cut jeans, skinny jeans, to the theater and for all day walking (most recently in Warsaw). I own a brown and a black pair, they are at least 7 years old, look as good as when I got them and are my hands down go-to shoes unless it’s flip flop time in CA.</p>
<p>Those are really nice boots…the Clarks shoes I have look exactly the same at the toe…so when I wear slacks…the part that shoes looks the same.</p>
<p>I’d love a pair of those boots…but would need to find a SALE.</p>
<p>Last year when I went to Europe, I knew I needed to bring some sort of beach shoe i.e., rubber, for use when one might need to use a public shower–in many places this is required. Most people use flip flops for this purpose, but I don’t find these comfortable. So, I brought some women’s crocs, thinking I’d use them for beach days only. Much to my surprise, they turned out to be the most comfortable shoes for all occasions, usable for wearing dresses, slacks, whatever, on cobblestones, sidewalks, grass, wherever. Even better, you can wash them in the sink each day so they look brand new every day. Here are some styles that work:
[Crocs</a> Kadee Black/Black - Zappos.com Free Shipping BOTH Ways](<a href=“Crocs kadee black black crocs + FREE SHIPPING | Zappos.com”>Crocs kadee black black + FREE SHIPPING | Zappos.com)
[Crocs</a> Jayna at Zappos.com](<a href=“No results for Crocs jayna | Zappos.com”>No results for Crocs jayna | Zappos.com)</p>
<p>They cost $32. There are a few other styles available that work, but these were my favorites. I keep buying them in various colors, as they wear out.</p>
<p>moonchild - </p>
<p>I have been looking for a navy semi-casual shoe and the Hotter Shoes has one I’m interested in (although I like it in red, too).</p>
<p>How comfortable would you rate these shoes?</p>
<p>The taos sandals colorado-mom links above are incredible. I bought the pair without the ankle straps last summer and have worn them all winter with socks. They far surpass crocs or clarks for comfort and attractiveness - I get lots of complements, too. Amazon has them for less money (I think $79, but I bought them locally). I can’t imagine buying a shoe online.</p>