dressy walking shoes

pjb58
pjb58 Posts: 100 Member
in Chit-Chat
I am planning a trip to Italy in the spring. Any recommendations for walking shoes that are great on the feet and legs but also very stylish? Apparently shoes are a BIG deal there and I don't want to stick out like a sore thumb.

Replies

  • Morgan5647
    Morgan5647 Posts: 598 Member
    I love heels but Italy is full of cobbled streets and you will be walking miles if you sight seeing! You need comfort as well as style. Italy's amazing!
  • Joannah700
    Joannah700 Posts: 2,665 Member
    Dress like you would on a day trip in the states.

    If that's wedges or tennis shoes or cute ballet flats - choose something you'll be happy to wear each day.

    My last trip I bought a pair of ballet flats from aerosole. Honestly, I thought they were ugly and every time I wore them I inwardly sulked a little. Yes, yes, I am that shallow. I was much happier and comfortable wearing my pretty sandals or wedges - because they're pretty.

    Honestly, I think that they recognize us as tourists long before they get to the shoes you're wearing so if that's why you're worried - don't be.
  • Morgan5647
    Morgan5647 Posts: 598 Member
    Nice wedges with skinny jeans! That's what I would wear
  • BusyRaeNOTBusty
    BusyRaeNOTBusty Posts: 7,166 Member
    Clarks. Really can't go wrong with Clarks.
  • BusyRaeNOTBusty
    BusyRaeNOTBusty Posts: 7,166 Member
    I have some close to these which are super comfortable. The heel is rubber and squishy.

    http://www.dsw.com/shoe/clarks+ingalls+divine+pump?prodId=310032&brand=300084&activeCats=women,300084&isBrand=y&categoryName=women

    Or a cute sandal:

    http://www.dsw.com/shoe/clark's+wendy+land+sandal?prodId=267388&brand=300084&activeCats=women,300084&isBrand=y&categoryName=women
  • Joannah700
    Joannah700 Posts: 2,665 Member
    My most comfortable ballet flats are from Vince Camuto (which I would not buy full price!) but I saw them at Nordstrom Rack. Tried them on and proudly walked away... but came back for them. They're so comfortable!

    I don't normally pay attention to brands (sorry) but I know my Charles David wedges are super comfortable. I would wear those in Europe.
  • AllOutof_Bubblegum
    AllOutof_Bubblegum Posts: 3,646 Member
    Depending how late in the spring it is, you might want to invest in some nice leather riding or biker boots. They come in all lengths from ankle to knee and anywhere in between. They are comfortable enough to walk around all day in, and stylish enough to fit in with the fashion-forward Italians.
  • saranpratt
    saranpratt Posts: 1
    I recommend Dansko.
  • smantha32
    smantha32 Posts: 6,990 Member
    I've found really comfortable dressy walking shoes at 9 West.
  • RavenLibra
    RavenLibra Posts: 1,737 Member
    I recommend you wear what you normally wear...no one is going to pay attention to you specifically... least of all what you wear on your feet... chances are... you are never EVER going to run into ANY of those people near your hometown once you get back anyway... If it were me... i'd go with clown shoes.. clown wig.. clown nose... and overalls... THEN you'd be remembered
  • BinaryPulsar
    BinaryPulsar Posts: 8,927 Member
    I'm trying to remember, but I used to buy nice looking shoes for walking all the time. I am a dancer, I've had injuries, and I walk a lot.

    Naturalizer
    The Walking Company
  • Joannah700
    Joannah700 Posts: 2,665 Member
    I recommend you wear what you normally wear...no one is going to pay attention to you specifically... least of all what you wear on your feet... chances are... you are never EVER going to run into ANY of those people near your hometown once you get back anyway... If it were me... i'd go with clown shoes.. clown wig.. clown nose... and overalls... THEN you'd be remembered

    Plus. I bet they would let you in front of all the lines.
  • pjb58
    pjb58 Posts: 100 Member
    There's an idea!
  • pjb58
    pjb58 Posts: 100 Member
    Thanks for all the tips....especially the clown theme. ;-)
  • acpgee
    acpgee Posts: 7,994 Member
    Little ankle boots with a low heel (such as Chelsea boots) or cowboy boots. Cute sneakers, such as Vans or Converse. A lot of Italian yuppies wear deck shoes with jeans or chinos. If you don't want to look like an American tourist, just avoid white sneakers.
  • gail1961
    gail1961 Posts: 111 Member
    I bought a pair of tan Rockport's (at the outlet) before a trip to Europe. They are basically nicer looking walking shoes. I wouldn't wear shoes that don't have a lot of support for all the walking you will do! No one will care what you are wearing on your feet. It's so true that you will look like a tourist no matter what is on your feet. I heard the same thing about European's not wearing sneakers anywhere but in the gym! My tan walking shoes were perfect because they did look good with everything (shorts, capri's or jeans). Heels or flats with no support is not a good idea. Worry about comfort not style. You will not have fun if your feet hurt. HAVE FUN!
  • acpgee
    acpgee Posts: 7,994 Member
    If your style is more "street" or "rock and roll", I second the suggestion of motorcycle boots or Doc Martens. Error in last post. Dead give away of American tourist is white trainers.

    My American cousin, when he was visiting me in Europe noticed that no one wore light colored trainers except the American tourists. Even homeless people wore dark leather shoes. Tan leather shoes won't stand out.
  • seltzermint555
    seltzermint555 Posts: 10,740 Member
    Little ankle boots with a low heel (such as Chelsea boots) or cowboy boots. Cute sneakers, such as Vans or Converse. A lot of Italian yuppies wear deck shoes with jeans or chinos. If you don't want to look like an American tourist, just avoid white sneakers.

    I like this advice. How about Superga sneakers? Would that be weird? I love them & wear them all of the time...but wonder if they are considered cheesy by real Italians? haha
  • acpgee
    acpgee Posts: 7,994 Member
    Little ankle boots with a low heel (such as Chelsea boots) or cowboy boots. Cute sneakers, such as Vans or Converse. A lot of Italian yuppies wear deck shoes with jeans or chinos. If you don't want to look like an American tourist, just avoid white sneakers.

    I like this advice. How about Superga sneakers? Would that be weird? I love them & wear them all of the time...but wonder if they are considered cheesy by real Italians? haha

    Superga are definitely in the same category of cool sneakers like Vans or Converse. If you need more support for tons of walking put off the shelf arch supports or insoles in your shoes.
  • gail1961
    gail1961 Posts: 111 Member
    If your style is more "street" or "rock and roll", I second the suggestion of motorcycle boots or Doc Martens. Error in last post. Dead give away of American tourist is white trainers.

    My American cousin, when he was visiting me in Europe noticed that no one wore light colored trainers except the American tourists. Even homeless people wore dark leather shoes. Tan leather shoes won't stand out.

    ".....European's not wearing sneakers anywhere but in the gym..." Maybe the way I wrote it was hard to understand, but I meant that the only place Europeans would wear white sneakers is inside a gym, not on the streets. I wore dark tan Rockport walking shoes and my husband wore his white or tan Rockport walking shoes. He only cared about comfort. We were both comfortable walking miles a day, so we were both happy. The huge cameras around our neck' s, maps in hands and the backpacks gave us away more than what we had on our feet!
  • SwashBlogger
    SwashBlogger Posts: 395 Member
    Aerosoles! They have some grown up styles that won't have you standing out in a bad way. Also Sketchers, believe it or not, has some cool slip on styles.
  • Joannah700
    Joannah700 Posts: 2,665 Member
    Whatever makes you feel pretty. If I can walk after 4 drinks (I know, I m a
    Lightweight) up hills in Charles David wedges you can do Europe.
  • annafrmrm
    annafrmrm Posts: 1
    I am a Roman (from Rome - Italy) and I wear white sneakers even out of the gym. :happy:

    I think you may come with your comfortable shoes (type according to weather condition that can be very moody in Spring) and then buy other shoes here.
    At least in Rome in the central area there are always sales.
    Brands that are considered on fashion and comfortable here are Hogan, Nero Giardini, and Geox.
    In my opioni Hogare are the most comfortable and Nero Giardini really stylish according to "Italian taste".

    ps I do not "get on well" with heels, but as a matter o fact I have seen a lot of female colleagues walking without any problem with stiletto heels in "san pietrini" streets (streets made of little rocks). No idea how they can manage that!! :huh:
  • TavistockToad
    TavistockToad Posts: 35,719 Member
    I am planning a trip to Italy in the spring. Any recommendations for walking shoes that are great on the feet and legs but also very stylish? Apparently shoes are a BIG deal there and I don't want to stick out like a sore thumb.

    I was in Rome in February, no one cared about my shoes...
  • Anahita_Swims
    Anahita_Swims Posts: 4,127 Member
    ive done some good trekking in crocs the stylish ones

    shopping?q=tbn:ANd9GcQDLAwtAcSP2vZGQkLDXpKECTAwhcW1hJK5bchrmCfjq4qdTrvg&usqp=CAY
  • cronly
    cronly Posts: 307 Member
    I agree with annafrmrm!
  • pjb58
    pjb58 Posts: 100 Member
    Thanks for the input!
  • hip_hop_honey91
    hip_hop_honey91 Posts: 33
    Wedged trainers?
  • 3dogsrunning
    3dogsrunning Posts: 27,167 Member
    Depending how late in the spring it is, you might want to invest in some nice leather riding or biker boots. They come in all lengths from ankle to knee and anywhere in between. They are comfortable enough to walk around all day in, and stylish enough to fit in with the fashion-forward Italians.

    If I was going to go for leather boots, I'd wait until l got to Italy to get them. Florence leather market was amazing, I love my jacket and still regret not buying that purse.

    I have really bad feet so I can't wear any heel at all. Unfortunately I often have to sacrafice style for comfort. I had a pair of Aerosole flats that I wore for my entire trip. I survived a walking tour of Rome with them. Not sure of what the locals thought of me though.

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