Best Walking Shoes
Foot-loose and fancy-free is not so easy in the wrong shoes. What are the best travel shoes for you and why?
Read the Distillation: Best Walking Shoes, 2005
- Please don't post questions here. Use our Travelers Helpline.
shoes
Fit Flops are very comfy....can walk for long time w/ them....they run big so if you are 1/2 size you may have to go one size down.
LS
phila, pa USA 07/01/2009
Flip Flops
On my 3 week trip to Scandinavia, I had researched the best shoes for walking and bought 2 pairs of skechers (the fashion athletic shoes) and by the 2nd day my feet were in bad shape-swollen and aching. I ended up buying a pair of flip flops in Stockholm (bought them for $30- the same kind they have at Walmart for $5!!). But they were worth every dollar- they ended up saving my feet.
Kelly
Chicago, IL USA 06/20/2009
Ecco Loafers
I've been to Italy twice in the past two years, and each time I wore my Ecco loafers. The same two pairs. The same shoes that I wear to work almost every day.
I find these shoes to be more comfortable than sneakers; in fact more comfortable than any shoes I've owned. I walk miles in them when traveling and recommend them highly.
I know this sounds like a commercial, but I run a small computer systems company, unrlated to clothing or footwear in any way.
Jim Gottliebson
Columbus, OH USA 06/20/2009
Traveling shoes
My standard travel walking (not hiking) shoes are Easy Spirit "Travel Time". I have found them quite comfy even after a long walk without socks. They've been all over Egypt, Kenya, London. Find them at easyspirit.com
Annilow
Clay County, FL USA 06/16/2009
Single best shoes for a dude.
I'm a guy. I took a pair of 55 USD clarks I bought at DSW. Being a guy I don't like bringing unnecessary things, so these shoes were great for walking all day in Rome, Paris, London, Pompeii. But they also looked nice enough to wear out to dinner in a fancy Parisian restaurant. I had a pair of dr. schols gel insoles I just left them inside my shoes. They went through 6 or so airports with no problems.
Brett T.
USA 06/14/2009
walking shoes
My $30 pair of Avia walking shoes were very comfortable during a 3 week trip to Italy. And I did a lot of walking, including the 7 mile Cinque Terre hike. I truly believe that the Avias were as comfortable as the more expensive brands.
peter rice
huntsville, tx USA 06/10/2009
Merrell - No Break In
I just love my Merrell Jungle Moc's. Got them in Black, they went with just about anything from jeans to slacks and best of all kept my feet warm & dry during a November trip to Scotland. Picked them up several weeks before my trip to be sure they were broken in, and honestly --- no break in period. They were comfy from the moment I put them on.
Sue
Los Angeles, CA USA 06/09/2009
Best Walking Shoes 2005
I took my Ecco, Dansko and Born clogs with me to Italy a couple of years ago, and all wore the bottom of my feet raw because of the friction when my feet slid. I had to buy an expensive but gorgeous pair of Karina's in Rome. Wear your clogs at home on a day you're doing a ton of running around town, to see if hours of sliding does to you what it did to me. I'd never worn them for hours of walking on end at home, and I was shocked they were so uncomfortable. Ironically, three years before, I'd worn a couple of pair of higher-heeled boot-cut slides around Italy for three weeks with no problems at all. Must have been the angle of the cut that kept my foot from sliding. For me, having a back to the shoe is something to keep in mind.
Jeanne
Richmond, VA USA 06/09/2009
Plane Slippers
I take my L.L. Bean wool slippers on the plane trip. My feet arrive comfy and ready to walk.
Penny J.
Los Angeles, USA 06/09/2009
Two brands I'd swear by
From recent experience I'd have to say that the two brands I'd go with for style, durability, and comfort are:
Ecco - for a more reserved yet progressive urban look. Good for city walks, museums, and depending on the particular style, a night out on the town.
Solomon - for a more aggressive and sporty look and use. Good for hiking, running, trail sports, and other more athletic uses.
Kwong Chang <email>
San Leandro, CA USA 06/09/2009
Try Keens
Keen leather sandles BLVD "Naples". No break in needed, worked perfectly for 11 days walking streets mostly, user has planter fasciitis and high arches - no pain with these shoes. Doesn't have the large rubber toe that most Keen's have. Wouldn't recommend for beach.
Katie
Milwaukee, wi USA 06/08/2009
Mephisto Allrounder Women's Walking Shoes
I just purchased a pair of Mephisto Allrounder walking shoes - they were on the Top 10 Comfortable Walking Shoes List at: MostComfortableShoes.com
These are perfect for my Italy vacation next month. I've worn them everyday, will probably buy a second pair.
Shana D
Burlington, VT USA 06/06/2009
Shoes
Before I went to Italy, I got some pads for the bottom of my shoe. I think they were doctor scholes. Not sure. But anyway they were wonderful and I highly recomend them to anyone who will be doing a lot of walking. Also wear cumfy shoes to. It'll make it a lot beter.
Emma
Star, Idaho USA 06/03/2009
Converse Are The Best Walking Shoes.
I went to Italy in late spring. I found that shoes such as Converse are good. My friend and eye both wore Converse the entire time with arch supports and were fine. Some of the
people who wore new expensive hiking shoes, for example L.L Bean. They got awfull blisters and some even got holes in their shoes. Be sure to break your shoes in before the trip. If you wear shoes such as Converse be sure that your feet are the right shape and size. Also make sure that you get your shoes from a good store such as Journeys. Wear low socks instead of ankle socks which can fall down. Or high socks, they rub annoyingly as you walk along. We walked 7 miles a day and my shoes and feet were fine. (I'm not being sarcastic)
Hanna
Boise, ID USA 06/03/2009
walking shoes
I just returned from a month in Italy and I have to make a comment about shoes. My daughter and I both took a pair of J-41's, different styles, and we both had the straps on one of the shoes break half way through our trip. Fortunately we were able to find an absolutely wonderful shoe repairman who was able to fix them and return them to us in 2 days. Later I wore my pair at home and the strap on the other shoe broke. The shoes were wonderfully comfortable but I think for the price they should have held up a little better. We're glad we had backups!
mez
Edmonds, WA USA 06/02/2009
Walking shoes
Just got back from Europe. Had a great time walking around Florence and the Tuscanny region. After that we jetted off to Athens. I am so glad that I had good shoes. It really helped my mental state to know that I was not only comfortable, but that I looked cool. I could tell by the look on the faces of European & Japanese tourists that they would like to get a pair so they could be as comfortable as me. I usually only feel this superior and smug when I am sipping my grande at Starbucks. They are called "walkabouts". They were $12.99 at Wal-Mart. K-Mart also has some similar ones for $10.99.
Kelly
North Shore, MA USA 05/28/2009
ECCO's Yucatan Sandal
I have had extremely bad problems with my left ankle for the past 5 years or so. My podiatrist keeps changing the diagnosis from "some kind of" tendonitis to arthritis and back again. I've tried every kind of shoe or sandal known to man/woman, and finally I've found the perfect shoe for me. It's an ECCO sandal -- not the walking shoe, although they do make an excellent walking shoe, I've been told, which Rick Steves takes to Europe with him. The model of the sandal is Yucatan Sandal. It is the only shoe I can wear (luckily I live in Florida), and I have four pair in different colors. A shoes salesperson in a local store, who has plantar fascitis (sp?), turned me on to them, and now I order them from Zappos.com. They have been a life saver for me. A bit expensive, but well worth it if you have foot problems.
Dodie Hajra <email>
Altamonte Springs, FL USA 05/28/2009
Kuru Cirques
I've got narrow feet and have had bouts of plantars in the past, and the Merrells and Keens just don't fit right. Most of my shoes now are eccos, but none meet my need for a single pair of traveling shoes.
Based on a recommendation below, I ordered a pair of Kuru shoes. Very comfortable out of the box, and true to size. After wearing them for a week, I have no hesitation in saying they will be the perfect travel shoe for me, stylish enough for the cafes in Paris and rugged enough for walking the trails of the Swiss Alps.
Dennis
San Francisco, CA USA 05/18/2009
SAS
I buy SAS shoes with laces (not the slip on type) and I replace the insoles with the best and thickest ones I can find. I have wide feet, so I often have to order my size and wait.
Kent
Santa Clara, Utah USA 05/17/2009
Ladies--my shoes felt like slippers
Ladies, I just returned from my Italian trip with many hours of walking and can highly recommend the NAOT brand shoe in the KUMARA style. Google them and you can find them. I paired them with a WIGWAM sock with heal and ball of foot cushioning with the cool technology and it felt like I was wearing slippers! They come in white which looks like a sleek sneaker, or I got the black which had a more European look. They looked good in dressier pants or jeans. The white in particular I think would look good with capris and shorts too.
Gail
Sacramento, CA USA 05/11/2009
Keen Austins
I've purchased Keen Austin's with Montrail Enduro-Sole Inserts. They are without a doubt the most comfortable NON-TENNIS shoes I've ever worn.
However, just the Keen inserts were not impressive. The Montrail Enduro Sold inserts make a world of difference! I actually have been saying "WOW" quite a bit every time I wear them.
WGD <email>
Denver, CO USA 05/11/2009
best walking shoes
My favorite walking shoes (not hiking) are Reebok DMX max. I have 12 screws and several metal bits in my leg. These are the only shoes I have found that absorb enough shock to make it pleasant to walk!
D. Cadorette <email>
Vero Beach, FL USA 05/10/2009
Comfortable Shoes
I'm always on the prowl for comfortable shoes. I bought a pair of Wolky shoes a few weeks ago and I'm stunned at how comfortable and nicely ambiguous they are -- I could wear them with pants, skirts, shorts, whatever. I can wear them with or without socks (though I usually use footies). They are so comfortable and lightweight. I can walk for hours and stay on my feet all day without pain. I got them at a small shoestore in San Francisco so I don't know how ubiquitous they are elsewhere, but there is a website. I believe Wolky is a Dutch brand.
Lynn <email>
San Francisco, CA USA 05/10/2009
My favorite shoes.
My hiking boots I got at REI make great all day comfy travel walking shoes. Also, take my Eddie Bauer favorite pair of comfy penny loafers for evenings out.
Joe
California, USA 05/07/2009
Best Walking Shoes
Just bought a pair of black Ryka Versa Mary Jane's from Zappos. I've worn them for a couple of days and they're very comfortable - excellent arch support. I've had 2 pairs of Ryka walking shoes in the past and I love them.
Sharon <email>
Houston, TX USA 05/06/2009
Merrell for casual walking
I'm a huge fan of Merrell sport shoes for both city and country walking. I wore a pair all over Italy two and a half years ago. Those shoes are still in decent shape, BTW, though a bit battered-looking, so I just bought another pair (my third) for an upcoming two-week trip to Scandinavia. I haven't tried any of their dressy-casual women's shoes, but that's because they make mostly Mary Janes, which I don't care for. If you like them, they might be worth a try.
Also, in Italy, I wore a moderately presentable pair of Teva sandals, both as hotter-weather shoes and as something that actually looked presentable under a skirt. They were comfortable, but Tevas tend to smell really ripe after a week or so of wear, and the only way to get them clean is to either scrub them hard in the shower or throw them into the washing machine.
Julie <email>
Rochester, NY USA 05/06/2009
MBT
I have recently purchased MBT and almost from the moment I put them on my back felt better. I suffer from relatively constant, lower-back pain and sore (arthretic) knees; however, these shoes have been a real god-send. HOWEVER, they are some of the ugliest shoes I have ever worn. There is also a period of adjustment needed. Given the novel sole technology, one's step needs to be relearned; it took me about two weeks before I began to adjust. They are expensive, but worth the $215 price tag.
Michael B <email>
Bellevue, WA USA 05/04/2009
Lands end trekkers
I have horrible hard to fit feet with bunions. I recently bought a great looking (all kinds of colors) pair of Lands end TREKKERs (from internet)they have a hiking sole but weigh next to nothing, and best of all, a lot of mesh. They adjusted to my feet immediately. No break in time needed. They may not be suitable for hiking in wet or cold areas but for everything else they are great. Best of all they make my clunky size nines look like sevens and they are not expensive.
Helen Davis
Vieques, PR USA 04/28/2009
foot pain
If you have problems with foot pain that a podiatrist diagnoses as plantar faciitis, you might ask your Dr. to prescribe Mobic so you can take it with you in case it flares up during your trip. I carry this medication with me in case it starts to bother me. It keeps me from getting a full blown case of it again. Works for me.
Linda
Crawfordsville, IN USA 04/28/2009
shoes for narrow feet
Hi Mariann. I saw your post about shoes for narrow feet. I too have really narrow feet. Aravon shoes come in narrow widths. They are made by New Balance. They are very supportive. Zappos carries them, but not sure if they carry the narrow sizes. Usually the New Balance store will have them in stock. Hope this helps.
Caroldean
dallas, TX USA 04/24/2009
Walking shoes
I never had problems with my feet but after walking all day in Venice in flat, unsupportive (cute) sandals, I developed a plantar faciatis that took 6 months to heal after our trip. Next time I will stick to the comfort shoes suggested by others.
Susan Brinson
Napa, CA USA 04/21/2009
most comfortable walking shoes
I have a pair of Kuru shoes that has a technology that they claim is the world's most anatomical midsole. Mine are probably some of the most comfortable and supportive shoes I've had. These shoes are perfect for travelling because they are supportive, and I can wear them all day long. Also, rubber has good traction, and the design is versatile and works with slacks or jeans.
USA 04/17/2009
Walking shoes
SAS shoes are the best - real leather, comfortable and you can get fitted for wider toes and narrow heel if you need that. Also come with removable insoles. Totally comfortable right away.
J. Quinlan
Staunton, VA USA 04/12/2009
PRIVOS
I walked Italy for two weeks and found these shoes made by clarks to be unbelievably light and comfortable. There cheaper than my ecco's and i like them much better1
Fred
philadelphia, pa USA 04/07/2009
Need AAA leather support shoes
I have a narrow foot. I have to have AAA sometimes called slim. I prefer DREW leather shoes but they are no longer made. What would you suggest for a narrow foot?
Mariann Kaye <email>
Houston, TX USA 04/03/2009
Looking good ladies!
If you want shoes that are dressy, stylish and comfortable to walk all day in, check out Fly (from London), Campers (Spain) Indigo (made by Clarks in England) and Naot (Israel).
Lydia
Vancouver, BC Canada 04/02/2009
Walking Shoes
I've tried on most brands of comfort shoes at the store. They're comfortable! I decided to stick with my trusty favorite pair of tennis shoes for travels...ADIDAS! :)
Joe
California, USA 04/01/2009
best walking shoes Merrells
Merrells are the way to go, the clogs are great!!! If you have a wide foot/bone spur problem these are great! Variety of colors. I am on my 3rd pair! I wear them out, only thing I can wear!!
kathi
upstate ny, USA 03/29/2009
Shoes
Try a Finn. A Chiropractor told me about the shoes when I was having some back problems and they have helped a great deal. They cost less than a Mephisto, offer more support, have a better foot bed and can be reconditioned to come back as good as new for only $125 US. Wearing synthetics in European Cities makes Americans stick out like a sore thumb and I don't want to look like a hiker at a big city restaurant, so a leather shoe is the most versitile. Out of the light weight hiking boots, training shoes, Aldens, Mephisto's, etc., the Finn shoes are the ones I want grab first when heading out the door. They can handle the cobblestones and allow me to walk and stand all day.
Brian <email>
Madison, WI USA 03/25/2009
Best Walking Shoes
My husband and I are preparing for our first trip to England and Italy and both of us purchased Merrell's- I wore mine to work today, wore them all day and they are wonderfully comfortable and supportive. I also bought a pair of Softwalks- Mary Jane Style- and they are great too.
Melissa
Pekin, IL USA 03/25/2009
On and off the beaten path...or sidewalk
For those wanting to occasionally get off the sidewalk, North Face Ultra 104 Gore-Tex Trail Runner...love the shoe! Can adapt lacing very easily to change from sidewalk strolling to off-the-beaten-path hiking and still have great support, VERY comfy, almost feels like a Keene sandal/shoe but with more support/protection, especially in less-than-ideal weather (thanks to the goretex, never had wet feet in the rain!).
Eric <email>
Kennewick, WA USA 03/23/2009
Walking shoes
Crocs really look horrid against European scenery. If you can, do what I was told... buy a European pair at the end of each trip in Europe to wear at home and on the next trip. Arche is a French favorite. Danish Ecco, English Clarkes, etc.
sylvia
London, UK uk 03/17/2009
Walking Shoes
I learned cowboy boots do not make good walking shoes on trips. I've found the Rockport brand of shoe's to be very comfortable and stylish. I take one pair of them, and I'm set. Plus some rubber sandals.
Roy Evans
California, USA 03/07/2009
Merrell's were the best for me
I recently returned from 10-days in Rome. I wore my Merrell Air Cushioned shoes while I was there. Best. Shoe. Ever!
Needless to say that I highly recommend these shoes! They're worth a look.
Earl
NY USA 03/03/2009
walking shoes by Merrell
I recently purchased a pair of Merrell Siren from a Top 10 Comfortable Walking Shoes Recommendation. They have been super with no break-in time required.
see http://www.mostcomfortableshoes.com/top-10-comfortable-walking-shoes/
Sonia Boyden
Boston, MA USA 03/02/2009
Online European Birkenstock Outlet
Birkenstock fans may be interested in the Jestel Birkenstock online store in Europe. They carry the complete European line of Birks at great prices and with excellent service. When the regular Milano sandal was not available in my size, they substituted the top-of-the-line "Exquisite" version.
http://www.jestelkg.com/Merchant2/merchant.mv?Screen=SFNT&Store_Code=BirkJ
Joelle Brink
Knoxville , TN USA 02/27/2009
Custom Orthotics at Costco
Costco has started selling custom orthotics for $89. In the Seattle area, you can find them at the Woodinville warehouse. They're coming to the Seattle Costco on 4th Avenue soon. Unbelievable deal.
Irene <email>
Seattle, WA USA 02/23/2009
Mephisto walking shoes
After having foot surgery five years ago my orthopedic surgeon recommended Mephisto shoes [a French company]. I buy them when I visit Paris [usually the store in the Latin Quarter] as they are almost 50% less than the same shoes in the US and they have styles and colors not available in the states. London prices are similar to US prices so maybe the cheaper prices are only available in France. They are great walking shoes.
HT
Unionville, PA USA 02/07/2009
Top 10 Walking Shoes
I just saw that Most Comfortable Shoes dot com released their Top 10 comfortable walking shoes list for 2009. I think I'll try the Merrell's that they recommend.
http://www.mostcomfortableshoes.com/top-10-comfortable-walking-shoes/
diane ridder
maplewood, nj USA 02/06/2009
NAOT & Birkenstock essential info
Depending on your feet, the footbed arch may hurt at first. Like physiotherapy, it really does try to 're-train' your foot to function better, correcting poor joint and muscle habits. Some people like me quickly get used to the footbeds by wearing them a bit at a time. Never have my feet and walking posture felt more healthy & energized.
New sandals may chafe toes due to the sharp inside edges of the thick leather straps. The straps do soften up with wearing. But for now, file any sharp inside edges lightly with emery board. Moisturize feet and carry a bandaid or two if traveling with a brand new pair.
JFK
Toronto, ONT USA 02/06/2009
Just a reminder to posters . . .
PLEASE include the model name of the shoe you are recommending in addition to the brand. It doesn't help much to read 'My Keens were great' or 'ECCOs all the way' without knowing which Keens or ECCOS you are talking about. Thanks!
George
Ellicott City, MD USA 01/27/2009
Waterproof shoes
I just got back from Italy and was so pleased with my Merrill Gortex Vibram waterproof hiking shoes. I was concerned about shoes before I left because of the rain that Italy can get in January. My shoes served me well, kept my feet comfortable, warm and dry!
Jennifer
Anaheim Hills, Ca USA 01/26/2009
Best walking shoes
Go to a specialty store that focuses only on walking & running shoes. Most people buy running shoes over walking because they are lighter & how more support for your arch.
G P
chicago, il USA 01/22/2009
Terrain Janes
AJM, if you purchased your Terrain Janes at Sears, they were probably a Lands' End shoe, not an LL Bean shoe.
B
Des Moines, IA USA 01/04/2009
LL Bean's Terrain Jane's
LL Bean Terrain Jane's! I just returned from 2 weeks in Spain and these shoes were GREAT! Spain has very uneven cobblestones and pebbles and I was so pleased with my Terrain Jane's. I purchased them at Sears for just under $40.
AJM
MN USA 01/02/2009