<p>Truth be told, I have very few shoe options. Possibly TMI, but my feet spread during pregnancy, so now I have a D width toe area with a normal to narrow heel area. This leaves to me owning not one pair of flats. (Flats wide enough at the toe slip off the heel.) [But for Zappos I would have only flip flops to wear.] Open toe/sandal season is great for me (good thing I live in Texas) but closed toe season gives me few options. (Last fall, I finally found a paif of black closed toe pumps that fit, after not having any for over ten years. Increased my options dramatically.) Anyway, lack of flats is a known problem.</p>
<p>Just don’t wear sneakers aka trainers, tennis shoes or other athletic footwear unless you are headed to a gym! and if you are in midtown Manhattan (think Rockefeller Center area) you will stick out like a huge hick, especially if you are over 35! from a native New Yorker!</p>
<p>Oh, and please people, keep it moving on the sidewalks! :o)</p>
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<p>Are you saying that if were are over 35 in Midtown, we will stick out like huge hicks, no matter what we wear?</p>
<p>Oh please. Missy IS a tourist with a high school group. If she is doing significant walking, she will need comfortable shoes for walking. If all she has is sneakers, so be it. I wouldn’t be as concerned about making a fashion statement as making sure I COULD do all the necessary walking without foot discomfort. I have chaperoned high school trips, and the last thing I cared about was whether I was wearing stylish shoes. Comfort…number ONE.</p>
<p>There are plenty of folks walking around NYC in gym sneakers.</p>
<p>Now, having said that, I would bring a more stylish pair of comfortable shoes to wear out, especially in the evening.</p>
<p>BUT Missy…if you are going to get new shoes, get them ASAP and wear them around your house for HOURS.</p>
<p>I bought an expensive pair of Dansko shoes…think over $100. They are stylish and a great color. They felt great in the store. However, they are the MOST uncomfortable shoes I’ve ever owned for day long wear. I would take them back if I hadn’t worn them outdoors.</p>
<p>Thanks everyone! Again, no pre-trip shopping is planned. I mostly want to know what pieces that I already own will fit best. And yes, if it is chilly, the top will never show anyway, just the coat.</p>
<p>Over 35 and wearing sneakers in midtown Manhattan. New Yorkers walk everywhere, every day and there are lots of comfortable options for adults other than gym shoes!</p>
<p>Agreed, there are other options IF one already owns them. Missy needs to go for comfort with what is IN her closet.</p>
<p>So what if some native NYC person scoffs at her shoes? It’s not like she is applying for a job, or is planning to move there, or doesn’t want to embarrass a NYC friend with her unfashionable shoes.</p>
<p>Have a great trip, Missy. Check the weather a couple of days before you leave. That will help you finalize your clothing choices.</p>
<p>“really great looking athletic shoes” does not just = gym shoes. Tourists are touring - not going to the office. </p>
<p>@missypie—not for this trip, but if you can ever find Tod’s loafers on sale, they are very accommodating for wide toe box. (Saucony running shoes for same.) There is a Tod’s outlet less than an hour north of Manhattan, where you can often find flats for less than $200/pair, but you might be able to find them at one of those Neiman’s outlets. They last forever, and the rubber-soled styles don’t absorb water the way the leather-soled ones do. I would avoid the driving shoes as they serve no purpose other than driving.</p>
<p>And, yes, wear sneakers and be comfortable as you will walk and walk!</p>
<p>I live in a suburb of NYC and wear sneakers whenever I’m in town. Why wouldn’t I? She might want to take a pair of flats to wear to a restaurant at night, but no one is going to judge or mock her. And my sneakers are magenta and I’m 60.</p>
<p>I actually can’t find sneakers to fit, either, so no worries on that front! (The non-New York-ish shoe that I bring may be dark brown Sperrys.)</p>
<p>If your boots are comfortable wear them. If weather is cold, wear the boots over your pans. If weather is warmish then wear a pair of jeans over them. Wear a nice, stylish T or shirt with a vest and a light jacket over. I am a New Yorker, currently touring in Europe at the moment. I am wearing stripe shift dress with linen spring coat, ballet shoes and a scarf. Same as what I would wear in NYC in spring. If the weather warm, a blazer with scarf and jeans are also very appropriate. I would bring a big handbag to carry an umbrella, makeup, extra pair of shoes, sweater. I don’t understand this concept of carry a small bag over body because some how that’s safer. In reality, if anyone could reach into my big bag to steal anything from me without me knowing it, more power to you. I can’t even find anything in my bag. </p>
<p>Thanks. I do wish that I had an appropropriate tote that zipped closed. Around here, Vera Bradley is big. Seems quite “not New York”, but the bigger issue is that they aren’t water proof. (If anyone wants to find me one, uinder $100, on zappos, that would be great!)</p>
<p>Missy…look for a Baggalini. Look on amazon or zappos. They have tons of compartments and are well organized for travelers. Lots of styles under $100, and they are light weight, nylon that is water resistent. I’ve had mine out in pouring rain with no issues. </p>
<p>I like the shoe blog barkingdogshoes! Lots of great suggestions for hard to fit feet. She had a pair of Bernie MeV ballet flats that looked perfect for lots of walking. When I was in Chicago in the fall, tons of boot wearers. As long as it’s not too hot, I would think they would be perfect. </p>
<p>I have a cute pair of new balance sneakers that are not clunky. I think they look super cute with skinny jeans and my lululemon jacket. </p>
<p>I tend to obsess over what to wear and then I get there and wear the same thing that’s most comfortable. I have this black cardigan from whbm that is the most comfortable thing I own. I swear I’m going to wear it to my funeral. :)</p>
<p>Sperry is fine. Everyone will think you are from CT. :)</p>
<p>Honestly, make sure you have comfortable shoes, including something dressier than sneakers just in case, and wear whatever you want. The darkish pants+jacket with brighter accents will work fine in most situations. You never know about the weather at this time of year. Bring layers.</p>
<p>The likelihood is that people are going to know you are a tourist anyway. Wear something that YOU feel reasonably attractive and not like a sore thumb in. And definitely, move along on those sidewalks! :!!</p>
<p>Personally, I now wear black Dansko clogs everywhere, unless I have to dress up. Including when I am in NY. I have a pair of black Dansko sandals for summer. My other daily-wear shoes are all Crocs sandals or Tevas. I’ve rusticated. 
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<p>Walking the sidewalks of NYC like a mama duck with her gawky teenaged ducklings trailing behind - right, no way to fit in. I just want to feel as good as possible.</p>
<p>I agree with Oldfort. Get a bag the size that YOU need to carry what YOU need. If it’s larger, that is fine. The last time I was there, all I needed was my ATM card, and my identification, so I went with a small bag. Just make sure it is comfortable to carry.</p>
<p>The sweet spot is a bag large enough for my own umbrella and sweater, but not so large that others think I should also put their stuff in my bag (i.e. what my H did on our last vacation.)</p>