Backpacking in Europe

[Biggie_Robs]

I need more support than JPs offer if I'm walking a lot. I'd suggest something with more support, but you may have better feet than I.

If you have to choose between the two, I'd go with black. White sneakers shouts American, or trying to look American. Having said that, I've seen plenty of British folks wearing white sneakers, too. Full disclosure, I've not been to Europe since late '06.

 

[nicelynice]

my fav. white sneakers are CPs and Margiela, both European???

I've never heard white sneakers = American before..

Those alden shoes are pretty ugly too, big clunky sole, and crepe sole on a shoe seems weird. Get some ankle boots like clarks DB (which is what I wear traveling in the summer) before those..

 

[cioni2k]

If I was going to go casual for walking around, while still trying to look nice (isn't that the end goal here?) I would go with anything made by Clae. ( http://www.pickyourshoes.com/shoes.a...productcode=40 )

I own a pair of CLAE Russels in Charcoal wool, and I have never gotten more compliments on a pair of sneakers in my life. In fact I know two people who went out and bought the same exact pair (much to my disliking!

)

 

[Biggie_Robs]

Maybe that was an overstatement on my part. Perhaps I should've said "white sneakers tend to shout American." I first went to Europe when Seinfeld was still on the air, so my whole white sneaker thing might just be a function of ol' Jerry. White sneakers can certainly be done right, though I'd still choose the black.

 

[Stylin-1]

This thread is odd. The implication seems to be one should try to not "look American". Why would an American in Europe care if he looks like an American? Much better option than trying to blend in and looking eurotrash.

Oh, BTW, black sneakers suck. They look horrible with dark jeans.

 

[WorkingClassDude]

Originally Posted by Stylin-1

This thread is odd. The implication seems to be one should try to not "look American". Why would an American in Europe care if he looks like an American? Much better option than trying to blend in and looking eurotrash.

I think the idea is that people will treat you like a marsupial if they think you are from America. There's probably tons of ways to dress somewhere between 'tourist' and 'eurotrash' somehow... but then again I've never been to Europe and have no plans to go.

This may be an odd question, but don't a lot of younger europeans dress like Americans? Tshirts, jeans?

Oh, BTW, black sneakers suck. They look horrible with dark jeans.

Wha-whaaa!?

 

[IBJanky]

I'm only taking 2 pairs of jeans with me (I'll be wearing one), and both are dark.

I wonder how black canvas shoes would look with dark jeans.

myke

 

[pronxs]

^why dont you try them today?

 

[IBJanky]

Originally Posted by pronxs

^why dont you try them today?

I don't own any black sneakers

myke

 

[Big A]

photoshop?

 

[WorkingClassDude]

Of course black kicks go with dark denim. I'm sure certain combos might look wonky, but it's not like it's generally bad looking. Black canvas kicks are a staple, they can be made to go with most anything.

It goes without saying: imo, but c'mon...

 

[Biggen]

Don't get the thing why white sneakers would make you look like a tourist. Loads of people wear white sneakers in Norway and Sweden and I have never for a second wondered if they're tourists because of that.

And of course black sneakers work with dark jeans.

Too be honest, think you would look more like a native wearing white canvas sneakers here since it's popular every summer.

 

[holymadness]

Originally Posted by MiddleClassDude

This may be an odd question, but don't a lot of younger europeans dress like Americans? Tshirts, jeans?
No, you'd never mistake one for the other.

Originally Posted by IBJanky

I'm only taking 2 pairs of jeans with me (I'll be wearing one), and both are dark.
In case you feel the need to switch it up a little?

 

[impolyt_one]

lol @ alden suggestion, the guy is probably 45 years too young for those still.

white sneakers are staple, black are not imo. you won't get into certain clubs in them, but why would you want to go to those kinds of clubs anyway? JP's are a good choice for just ******** around in, they have that removeable insole and they're pretty comfortable. Stan Smiths are a better choice if you want white leather though.

 

[Lnja]

Originally Posted by nicelynice

Get some ankle boots like clarks DB (which is what I wear traveling in the summer) before those..
+1.

Think about it.