good travel shoes

[runsurfswim]

so, in Rome and Tourino, the natives pointed out that tourists are identifiable by their sneakers. Since I have been wearing sperry's, i haven't been as obvious, and many have told me so, but they are hell on my feet. I have horrible blisters on my big toe on my left foot. So, i figured I would open this thread to find the best shoes taht are a bit rugged, professional, and comfortable.

 

[cptjeff]

I just did a couple weeks in Ireland with two pairs of leather soled penny loafers and one pair of bucks (and a pair of chucks for some biking). Worked perfectly fine, though something with a bit of a tread could be nice, depending on what you're doing. Something like that isn't necessary unless you're doing some serious hiking.

Basically, I bring my everyday clothes when I travel. Wear what you're normally comfortable in.

 

[JayJay]

I walked miles, literally, in my Alden boat shoes over the past few days on the west coast and similarly the week before on the east coast. The shoes have become my favorite casual walking shoe.

 

[lemmywinks]

My Sperry Topsiders kill me after I've walk in them for more than a few hours, and they are pretty broken in too.

Had a pair of Nike Air Max 1s that are some of the most comfortable sneakers I've worn but they aren't better than some of my other canvas sneakers after a few hours of walking.

Not exactly a helpful answer... but I guess the conclusion is whatever shoe you don't mind wearing for hours. As someone else suggested, you do want something with some tread.

 

[Johdus Fanfoozal]

Not sure you want to spend $400+, but I've walked for miles in my Alden Indys wihtout a break and they still feel like butter.

 

[willpower]

I don't know if you'll like the style but Keen makes some incredibly comfortable shoes that are inexpensive. Combine with a great insole for $30-$40 and you'll have a great walking shoe.

http://www.onlineshoes.com/mens-keen-austin-black-p_id103981

http://www.onlineshoes.com/mens-keen-denver-black-p_id187080

 

[ter1413]



I don't know if you'll like the style but Keen makes some incredibly comfortable shoes that are inexpensive and ugly!!

http://www.onlineshoes.com/mens-keen-austin-black-p_id103981

http://www.onlineshoes.com/mens-keen-denver-black-p_id187080

FTFY!

 

[willpower]



FTFY!

Hence the disclaimer. Is there such a thing as attractive walking shoes?

 

[Xericx]

i have found cushioning to be of most importance with shoes for traveling in places like Rome where there are a lot of cobbled streets, etc. I thought I could have used my Quoddys but I absolutely killed my feet walking around them last weekend in mexico on the rough streets...for city life they would be fine but when the pavement is not very even, it hurts pretty quickly.

I have a pair of Prada sport sneakers that i have used for several years that I absolutely love for travelling...they get a lot of hate on here for the price/design but they are pretty low key and have been extremely durable, taken them to several 3rd world countries, europe, etc. I like them because i can wear them with shorts or jeans and they don't stand out too much. The thing I like the most is the grip and the cushioning of them are really good. Also had some common projects achillies that worked well and I took to torino...looked good, but the pradas were way more comfortable for me.

Maybe a pair of Eccos are a good bet too. I saw a few at nordstroms, didn't really dig the shape of them.

I think maybe use talcum powder that might help too to keep the feet dry so you don't develop blisters. sweat is a lot of the cause of these I'm thinking.

 

[lee_44106]

For long walks, I wear exclusively leather soled Edward Greens or John Lobbs.

I'm currently experimenting with G&G to make sure they are also a good fit.

Not only do I look elegant but my feet are super super comfortable.

All you people that wear rubber soled shoes or sneakers

Blisters and discomfort are NEVER a problem with top-quality footwear

 

[VRaivio]



So, i figured I would open this thread to find the best shoes taht are a bit rugged, professional, and comfortable.

For these three words I'd go for Alden. They have a superb selection of lasts and models (even orthopedics) and you're sure to find your pair. Some members mention Alden's steel shank as an additional comfort factor, but my feet haven't found it different from other makers' shanks.

 

[JayJay]



For long walks, I wear exclusively leather soled Edward Greens or John Lobbs.

I'm currently experimenting with G&G to make sure they are also a good fit.

Not only do I look elegant but my feet are super super comfortable.

All you people that wear rubber soled shoes or sneakers

Blisters and discomfort are NEVER a problem with top-quality footwear

+1. I wore my double-soled Lobbs (William monks) on a recent trip to Spain, and was surprised at how comfortable they remained after full days of walking. I was hesitant to take them, but they were great. I usually wear my dress Lobbs on frequent trips to DC, and walk a lot in full comfort.

 

[david3558]

So I'm doing an extended 2 month study abroad in London then a 11 day backpacking journey after that... I'm thinking I can get away with using my leather soled shoes in London (may pick some up in Northampton too!), but what shoes should I use for my 11 day trip? I have flatter feet and I can't decide on what shoes would work well for me.

 

[Gradstudent78]



So I'm doing an extended 2 month study abroad in London then a 11 day backpacking journey after that...

Backpacking where? What kind of environment/terrain? Is this just traveling from city to city or is it camping outside?

 

[david3558]

Hey - sorry to clarify, it's certainly more urban. I have some pretty intense hiking boots for my outdoors camping but they are simply too cumbersome and hot for the summer travels (Danner Mtn Lights).