BootsnAll Travel Community

Well, I'm going for comfortable! I picked up a pair of Merrell's to wear for now, and also for my trip in the fall. --> These ones:Shoes

... they may not be super cute, but they're comfy, and at least they aren't white! (I don't wear white shoes!)

I too rock Merrells! I think they used to make a better boot, but they still are the best IMO. It is all about comfort- and keeping your feet warm and dry

My Merrells lasted me all the way through Europe, plus a year and a half after I got home. In fact, the only reason I don't still have them is because I got blitzed one night and ended up throwing up on them. I still don't know whether I was wearing them at the time.

Well, unless I absolutely have to bring dress shoes for a formal occassion, I will leave those out. But for my travels I prefer 3 pieces of footwear:

Casual Shoes: These can be the popular bike-toe or "bowling" look shoes that can go with jeans or khakis and can be be casual or go with a light sports coat/jacket. If you're going to be visiting big cities (such as in Europe), these will be a good blend between fashion and comfort. My preferred brand is Ecco.

Trail Shoes: These are more rugged shoes for actual hiking or walking on rugged surfaces. If you plan to do some outdoorsy activities such as hiking, these will be a good addition to the casual shoes. Definitely invest in water proof gore-tex types.

Flip-flops: For the beach or hostel showers ONLY. I never consider these a practical, safe, or reliable form of actual footwear.

I believe with the above combination, you should be set for both fun and fashion. Just remember do not waste your money on "fashion brands". For instance, I do not consider brands like "Diesel" or "Steve Madden" actual shoe makers. These companies do not design/research foot wear, they make fashion shoes. Stick with actual shoe makers like Ecco, Merrell, etc.

Remember, you hurt your foot, twist and ankle, or stub a toe due to poor footwear, your trip is basically over.

Yeah. I bought some Burkes before leaving and thought i'd broken them in the month before, but they gave me pretty bad blisters. ouch. i still ended up having to walk from Victoria Station in london to an apartment and almost died with my backpack. looked like a loon limping along, but it took me another day and a half to fully be able to walk properly. Comfortable footwear is a must.

Shoes are so personal that what works for one person will not work for another. My best friend swears by Josef Seibel shoes but they don't fit my wider feet very well. On the other hand, I have a black pair of Naots that I have worn all over Europe, and they're the most comfortable shoes I own. They're great walking shoes and look good with just about anything.

I would go to a good shoe store with lots of European shoe selections and just try them on and walk around for awhile. Then after you buy them, make sure you have enough time to break them in before you go.

Edit: I just realized you already bought your shoes - oh well, it's still good advice.