I have those Simples. I have them in satin plaid (I was just going to post asking if they're hideous, actually). They're not available on Zappos anymore but I found a tiny picture: https://shopping.zappos.com/images/732/7329645/8521-795813-t.jpg

They're super comfy and way more padded than Converse. The silk also makes them really breathable (but you can't get them wet or you'll soak your feet). I actually sort of feel that they look funny on my feet, but I have large feet so maybe that's why. I really like the style though, and they'd definitely be good for traveling. I think they'd look cute with your outfit and your feet would be happy.

Keen has several styles of sneakers. I am on a slow connection now, so I can't look up styles, but I think the name is Ventura?

Shana, I'm sorry about your foot problems. I think the shoes are very cute and sound great for traveling. The last thing you want to do is torture your poor feet if you have a big trip ahead of you. I would go for comfort. Your airport outfit sounds great. Have a safe trip!

Those look like they will be a good solution for your trip. Last summer Angie blogged about slip on sneakers, but I can't copy and paste with the computer I'm using. Anyway, some shoe like Grasshoppers or Hushpuppies might be another solution. I wear an athletic flat for airtravel with Hue footlets so that I'm not barefoot when taking them off.

I used to have a pair of Coach sneakers that I wore to death and unfortunately they are a bit too small for me now, but they were great at the time. Very comfy and not as athletic-looking...along these lines:

http://www.ecrater.com/product.php?pid=4212310

I tend to prefer slip-on shoes for travel because they easily slip on and off through security. Sandals would be out anyway since all the buckling is a nuisance. I wore my Naturalizer Cordo flats last time I traveled and they were perfect.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0012NVOAY

I will say that I do often buck the no socks with flats rule when it comes to these, since they are on the more athletic side. I don't mind a black pair of trouser socks. Otherwise I don't think they would have been too comfortable. Even with peds I seem to get blisters.

I know what you mean about a funky pair of loafers. I'm after the same thing. Most of them just look soooo dowdy and conservative.

Angie has a pair of Tsubos, something like this one:
http://www.zappos.com/product/7510076/color/187061

(she had me try on a pair at Nordies when we were shopping together).

Pricey, but they are really comfy, as Tsubos are in general.

Good luck with the shoe search!

I like your idea of an interesting loafer!

If you like the idea of a converse shoe but do not feel the classics are your style try these http://www.office.co.uk/womens...../16578/1/1

I think they are a more feminine shape and the styling is less obvious.

The Tsubos that Cciele posted are very similar to what I wear. I like Maya's idea of trouser socks with them for travel. When wearing PPL pants they won't really show anyway.

Those Tsubos look like a great idea. I'd go for a style more like this, because it's easier to wear a sock:

http://www.zappos.com/product/7437108/color/180600

I like the Simples (it looks like a Converse very much though) but at airport I prefer a slip on shoe just for quick on and off.

Shana, as someone who still feels tortured thinking of my traveling halfway across the globe only a few weeks ago - slip ons are your airline travel friends. Perfect for security checks (it is only in the US that they make you take off your shoes though), perfect for slipping off on the plane when your feet start to swell a bit. This time I just wore a pair of comfortable fashion sneakers, but tied the laces really loose so I could just slip them off and on. But all the while I was just wishing I had had enough time to shop for a pair of slip on shoes before my travel. Those Tsubos look good. I'd also consider some of the mary jane looks in this blog post by Angie: http://youlookfab.com/2006/06/.....iday-feet/

Good luck!!

DSW has several styles of loafers on their site (so probably in store too) including several MeToo loafers. There's one in green, red, or yellow patent.

Like a lot of people here, I've been trying to find a funky loafer for a long time, but I'm starting to think that a) they don't exist anymore and b) if they did exist, they might be too 90s.

Here is one alternative I'm thinking about:

http://www.fluevog.com/code/?p.....ourID=2584

Those of you looking for a loafer, how about these?
http://www.topshop.com/webapp/.....&top=Y

Oh, RandJ, thank you sooooo much. I saw these on the site and you have solved my shoe problem that's been going on for a year! Love at first sight.

http://www.topshop.com/webapp/.....;langId=-1

Shana, I am sorry to hijack your thread, forgive me. Are any of these ideas working for you?

Shana, I like the Simples you originally posted, and the other suggestions look good too.

Laura and R&J - those topshop links aren't working for me. What's the name of the shoe? I'd like to check it out.

Shana, I think the simple shoes you posted are a great alternative to converse. Maybe your feet will make you a fashion sneaker sort of person. They will look really stylish with the microchecks. As for travelling, everyone makes a good point about slip-on styles for the airport so I think that will depend on your preferences for practicality. I wore gladiators through the airport a couple of weeks ago which are definitely the opposite of slip on, but I wasn't in a rush.

Medusa, the one I linked to is the Kiss Studded Low Shoe. It's in the "brogues" category.

I like the shoes from TopShop also, Laura, please let us know what you think if you decide to order them!

Thank you ladies for all the suggestions. O.K. I've decided to stop being delusional. There is no way I have time in the next two days to head to the mall with two kids in tow to shop for shoes last minute. I'm still doing laundry in order to pack plus I need to do a major cleaning since my neighbor will be checking in on our two cats and I don't want her to have a heart attack when she sees the inside of my house.

Anyway, I'm still glad I asked and plan to continue this search when I am back (or possibly while I am there). I really like the Tsubos and the Fluevog's definitely need some investigation. Maya, I tried on a pair of coach sneakers awhile back and they were SO comfy - but all the current ones feature the logo which I don't really like.

Laura, no problem - I'm glad to hear that this post has helped you with your quest. I really want a loafer with a chunky low wedge heel (just like my old pair!). Funky loafer is going to top my list (right behind flat boot).

So, in conclusion, I am going to wear shoes I already own:

http://www.6pm.com/product/7564789/color/150596

They are pretty comfy and I can wear a trouser sock with them under my pants. I need to try them on with my outfit to make sure it works but this is probably my only option right now other than ballet flats.

BTW, I have the chestnut leather ones (brown black) not the bright green ones!

Laura, with the revival of the 90's, funky loafers cannot be far behind!

I have nothing constructive to add, but have a great trip, Shana!

I also hope for more funky loafers... and oxfords. Does Angie really have those Tsubos? I cannot picture it! :)