https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shoe-suggestions-for-walking-city-vacation-springsummer Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Wed, 15 Apr 2026 05:00:01 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shoe-suggestions-for-walking-city-vacation-springsummer#post-1886394 Tue, 06 Feb 2018 00:39:10 +0000 delurked 1886394@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Rachylou - I definitely don’t take new shoes. Totally agree to wearing beforehand. </p> <p>Karen13 - I haven’t been happy with the ones I’ve tried, but I noticed the walking company sells shoes with this feature built in. I’ve been meaning to try some of those on. Will try to get to that soon. I also want to try the Hoka one ones since that has a lower sitting heel. My friend has some she likes. Although flats don’t have enough support in general, the flatter a shoe is has been generally more comfortable at this point. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shoe-suggestions-for-walking-city-vacation-springsummer#post-1886361 Mon, 05 Feb 2018 23:40:20 +0000 karen13 1886361@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>What rachy says!! Have you tried metatarsal pads? DH had a similar issue when skiing and got a small metatarsal bump placed on his custom orthotics for his ski boots (the clamping down of a tight ski boot exacerbates the pinching of the nerve there). It helped him a lot.</p> <p>They come in a lot of different fabrications, shapes and sizes, so if it sounds like something to try, do some research. But they are an easy non-invasive, conservative and inexpensive treatment to try. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shoe-suggestions-for-walking-city-vacation-springsummer#post-1886335 Mon, 05 Feb 2018 22:00:05 +0000 rachylou 1886335@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>My one thing is: don’t take new shoes. I’ve gotten shoes from a walk shop and even tho they were walking shoes... yeah, big no. Nothing like 12 hours of walking to show you where your feet and a particular design don’t meet up... </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shoe-suggestions-for-walking-city-vacation-springsummer#post-1886247 Mon, 05 Feb 2018 17:43:41 +0000 gradfashionista 1886247@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I’m enjoying my Nike LunarEpic white metallic Flyknit sneakers. They’re extremely light, offer a pleasant bounce, and easily accommodate orthotics and wide widths. I only use them for walking, and they’re not ideal in rain, but I don’t feel like I’m wearing running shoes when I style them. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shoe-suggestions-for-walking-city-vacation-springsummer#post-1886216 Mon, 05 Feb 2018 15:34:06 +0000 delurked 1886216@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thanks for the suggestions. I’ve been thinking about this, and will plan at least one serious athletic shoe. I always fly with carry on luggage, so packing a bunch of shoes does get tricky, but I will definitely emphasize comfort over looks. For fall through spring, i wear more long pants where the shoes can blend in better. Of course the black tennis shoe I’ve successfully worn on trips was discontinued. I am babying my backup pair. It’s possible instead of changing the shoes that I need to change the pants from cropped to full length. I will also put Superfeet in my regular shoes and see how that goes. Trying new shoes can be an expensive endeavor, but I need to make sure I don’t ruin any trips with foot discomfort. I think a lot of try ons are needed here. And then trying out any potentials. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shoe-suggestions-for-walking-city-vacation-springsummer#post-1886212 Mon, 05 Feb 2018 15:20:47 +0000 texstyle 1886212@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I also like Merrells for athletic hiking/walking and nearly always wear these on the plane (not the most stylish) but they are clunky to pack and I like to bring at least two other shoes - usually white leather sneaks and sandals for warm weather. I had a pair of Clarks sandals from a few years back that were SO comfortable for walking but they have really worn out at this point and I haven't found an exact comfort match. They only had about a 1.5" wedge heel and I could deal with that for at least a couple of hours of walking. I need some arch support to be comfortable. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shoe-suggestions-for-walking-city-vacation-springsummer#post-1886192 Mon, 05 Feb 2018 12:23:50 +0000 cindysmith 1886192@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I don't have any specific shoes to recommend, but OTBT shoes are quite comfortable IMO, and OTBT actually stands for Off The Beaten Track and their blurb on their homepage reads like a travelers manifesto LOL </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shoe-suggestions-for-walking-city-vacation-springsummer#post-1886182 Mon, 05 Feb 2018 11:28:15 +0000 viva 1886182@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Personally I would probably get a true athletic shoe in all black, but that's because it would fit best with my style and be most reliable in terms of comfort.&nbsp;</p> <p>But I found this article which has some great options in it - might be worth a look.&nbsp;</p> <p><a rel="nofollow" href="https://shershegoes.com/best-travel-shoes-womens-comfortable-and-stylish/">https://shershegoes.com/best-t.....d-stylish/</a> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shoe-suggestions-for-walking-city-vacation-springsummer#post-1886176 Mon, 05 Feb 2018 11:19:26 +0000 Style Fan 1886176@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Lots of good suggestions here to try.&nbsp; I tried custom orthotics, superfeet and Birkenstock inserts.&nbsp; For me, the Birkenstock inserts were the best.&nbsp; I was fitted by a knowledgeable person and I put the inserts in my New Balance walking shoes.&nbsp; Very comfy.<br />Like Suz, I also change my footwear often. &nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shoe-suggestions-for-walking-city-vacation-springsummer#post-1886155 Mon, 05 Feb 2018 05:34:18 +0000 delurked 1886155@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>My pain is under the forefoot - metatarsalgia. I’ve helped myself out by getting rid of heels. What also helps is enough arch support and a wide enough forefoot that gives my toes lots of space. I walk for an hour several days a week, and don’t have an issue in my tennis shoes. It’s when I try to wear cuter street shoes. They have enough support for day to day usage, but when I’m asking them to perform as much walking as my regular workout shoes, I really haven’t been able to substitute. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shoe-suggestions-for-walking-city-vacation-springsummer#post-1886117 Mon, 05 Feb 2018 01:50:55 +0000 Suz 1886117@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I agree with those who are suggesting that you need to diagnose the cause of the fussiness. Is it a specific issue, like plantar fasciitis, or a bunion rubbing, or arthritis, or low arches...or is it not being used to walking on hard pavements, or not being used to walking in general?&nbsp;</p> <p>If it's the latter, working up to walking those distances will help. My husband does not walk as much as I do in daily life and his feet are always much more sore than mine after a long day of travel -- yet there is nothing technically "wrong" with his feet.&nbsp;</p> <p>If it's a specific foot issue, then you'll need shoes that work for <b>your</b> feet.&nbsp;</p> <p>If you wear Superfeet, make sure you're wearing the correct version. And you might need a different insole in different shoes. I wear one in my white Eccos and a different one in my silver Eccos. Partly because that's what will work in each shoe. The lower white shoe won't accommodate the insert I really need for my higher arch, but at least will accommodate a thinner one.&nbsp;</p> <p>I have narrow heels, plantar fasciitis, a higher arch and instep. I walk &nbsp;(or sometimes skate or jog) an average of &nbsp;5 miles on an ordinary day in my normal life, and 10 or more miles each day of city travel.&nbsp;</p> <p>Plus, I hate to compromise on style! Yikes.&nbsp;</p> <p>The only thing that works for me is options. I change my shoes a couple of times a day. If I can, I take more than a carry one. If I have to take a carry on, I will forego other things so I can fit more footwear. Or shove an extra pair of shoes/ sandals in a tote. This is all easier in summer, of course, when they squish down more than a boots do.&nbsp;</p> <p>Booties/ boots are best for travel but obviously not in the summer. Below are options that have worked for me <i><b>in combination</b></i> -- never completely alone. The Fitflop is good for the PF. Most styles are too wide for me but this one buckles tighter so it works okay and the cushioning is great. I wear Superfeet in both sneakers and always wear little Smartwool sockettes as well with those. The Sofft sandals were great (but they don't make these similar styles any more and the more recent versions don't work at all as well for me. I still mourn these styles!) The Franco Sarto was a surprisingly comfortable sandal for long walks because the suede was really soft and the heel stable. I'd wear those if we were going out for dinner or something on a trip.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shoe-suggestions-for-walking-city-vacation-springsummer#post-1886104 Mon, 05 Feb 2018 00:55:39 +0000 karen13 1886104@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Delurked - do you have any specific foot issues, or is it just general comfort? I struggle when I travel, because my feet are quite fussy (wide forefoot, but the heel slips and create "pump bump"), I walk everywhere - 10-20 miles a day, and I tend to travel carry-on only on long trips that have lots of different activities. Shoes are a challenge, and I always compromise on style rather than giving up comfort.</p> <p>The Aravon Farren in a wide width has worked really well for me - specifically it has a wide enough toe box, the laces and high vamp keep it on my foot without too much slipping, and the heel is pretty straight up and softer so it doesn't irritate the bottom of my achilles. I have it in black, but it comes in Sand leather and mid brown suede. It is more attractive than the black New Balance shoes I used to bring. I only look fashionable in comparison to my husbands "postman" looking shoes, but since he is my date, that is the bar I have to hit.</p> <p>I had great luck on a recent trip to Santa Fe with my Born Pirlo booties - walked for miles in them. The Born Cymbals haven't had as much of a test but have been good so far, and are much cuter than the Farrens.</p> <p>I wear custom orthotics and highly recommend that you put Superfeet in all your walking shoes if those fit your feet. Look for shoes with removable insoles, so you can replace with Superfeet. My booties don't have them, but my orthotics are 3/4 length and still work. I also have a collection of all the removable insoles and swap them around with my orthotic into different shoes to get the fit dialed.</p> <p>Keen hiking boots have been really good for me. And for sandals, I actual use the Keen Kids Newport (I fit a kids 5) with my orthotic because the sandal heel is enclosed. Unfortunately the women's version doesn't enclose the heel so I have to find kids colors that aren't too too.</p> <p>I will be one of the many YLFers watching this post for more ideas.</p> <p> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shoe-suggestions-for-walking-city-vacation-springsummer#post-1886096 Sun, 04 Feb 2018 23:57:34 +0000 Windchime 1886096@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>For serious walking--more than 30 minutes or so at a good clip--my aging feet demand a supportive athletic shoe with an orthotic. When I was younger, I could pretty much wear whatever I wanted and walk as long as I wanted; that has really changed! Painful feet will ruin a trip for me, so I grab the athletic shoes (Nike and Brooks are my current favorites) and focus on making the rest of my outfit look good. I enjoy my non-athletic footwear when a travel activity doesn't involve a lot of walking. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shoe-suggestions-for-walking-city-vacation-springsummer#post-1886083 Sun, 04 Feb 2018 23:32:38 +0000 Suzanimal 1886083@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Sterling</p> <p>I have planter&nbsp;fasciitis and those shoes are so comfortable I wear them around the house as house shoes in the summer. They're one of the few pair of shoes I walk in all day and not have heel pain after sitting down for a few minutes.</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shoe-suggestions-for-walking-city-vacation-springsummer#post-1886077 Sun, 04 Feb 2018 23:16:26 +0000 delurked 1886077@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Sorry to have posted and run. Will check back in soon. Super bowl commercials now call my name. </p> <p>Sterling - recently got a pair of Merrell lightweight hiking shoes. Need to test them out soon and will report back. </p> <p>I do put Superfeet insoles in my walking shoes. Perhaps I need to do the same for my other shoes. Plus, used to wear dansko Lolita many years ago. Made no sense when they discontinued them. </p> <p>I’ll be back to look at all the suggestions in depth. </p> <p>I know I’m not the only one with picky feet, so hope others can get use of this thread too. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shoe-suggestions-for-walking-city-vacation-springsummer#post-1886076 Sun, 04 Feb 2018 23:12:25 +0000 Anonymous 1886076@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I'm willing to try them <b>Suzanimal</b>. &nbsp;Thanks. &nbsp;</p> <p>Thanks, everyone, for the Merrell suggestions. &nbsp;I'll also be looking into them this year. &nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shoe-suggestions-for-walking-city-vacation-springsummer#post-1886072 Sun, 04 Feb 2018 23:00:29 +0000 Suzanimal 1886072@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>These are the most comfortable sandals I've ever owned. Yes, they're Crocs but people are shocked when I tell them. They do not look Crocy, at all. I have a high arch and that strap across the top is adjustable. It's also leather, in case you were wondering. So cushy...</p> <p>I wear a 6.5 or a 7 and I bought these in a 7. They fit perfectly.</p> <p><a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.crocs.com/p/womens-a-leigh-2-strap-mini-wedge/202531.html?cgid=women-footwear-heelsWedges&amp;cid=060#&amp;cgid=women-footwear-heelsWedges&amp;start=10">https://www.crocs.com/p/womens.....heelsWedge</a></p> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shoe-suggestions-for-walking-city-vacation-springsummer#post-1886033 Sun, 04 Feb 2018 20:31:40 +0000 Mainelady 1886033@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Merrell has several styles of sandals and shoes that offer excellent support for me. Encore, Sojourn and Ember have given me all day comfort and were not too heavy. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shoe-suggestions-for-walking-city-vacation-springsummer#post-1886025 Sun, 04 Feb 2018 19:48:21 +0000 Style Fan 1886025@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Barking Dog is an excellent website devoted to evaluating footwear for people who suffer from painful feet.&nbsp; I have constant pain in my feet.&nbsp; Cities have hard surfaces which add to the problem.&nbsp; I have tried all kinds of brands and spent all kinds of money on footwear.&nbsp; These are some of the brands that work for me.&nbsp; I have average size feet (8) and medium width.&nbsp; My feet do get inflamed so I don't buy narrow shoes.</p> <p>Finn Comfort - These have saved my feet.&nbsp; They are not gorgeous or fashionable but I can actually walk long distances in them.&nbsp; I wear the sandals constantly in the summer.&nbsp; The insoles mold to your feet and are replaceable.&nbsp; My sandals are a mustard colour which I like.</p> <p>Birks - I wear my Birks for dressy casual events but I don't walk long distances in them. &nbsp;</p> <p>El Naturalista and Trippin - I have boots in both these brands.&nbsp; The insoles mold to your feet.&nbsp; They are very comfortable and funky looking.</p> <p>I have heard good things about Naot and I like the look of them.&nbsp; I am between sizes so I can't wear them. &nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp; &nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shoe-suggestions-for-walking-city-vacation-springsummer#post-1886016 Sun, 04 Feb 2018 19:19:32 +0000 Lynn 1886016@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I have worn Ecco and now Abeo sports sandals on multiple trips and I walk and walk and walk when I travel. I actually like the Abeo better for my foot. Plus I can put my own insole in the Abeos. I have had the Teva's but they did not work well for me however I friend who swears by them.&nbsp;</p> <p><a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.thewalkingcompany.com/abeo-evan-neutral-black/55512">https://www.thewalkingcompany......lack/55512</a><br /><a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.zappos.com/marty/women-sandals/CK_XARC51wFaAzaPHcABAeICBAECCxg.zso">https://www.zappos.com/marty/w.....AECCxg.zso</a></p> <p>&nbsp;I also take a &nbsp;light hiker, the Merrill Siren is my favorite&nbsp;<a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.zappos.com/marty/merrell-siren-sport-2">https://www.zappos.com/marty/merrell-siren-sport-2</a>&nbsp;. or my New Balance sneakers.&nbsp;</p> <p>Clearly I am not making a fashion statement when I travel. :)</p> <p>The key for me has been the ability to put my own insoles in the shoe. Personally I like Super Feet. If you don't have good insoles go to an athletic store (REI, a runner's store) where you can try on multiple brands. &nbsp;If you buy new insoles be sure to give them several days of a trial run first.&nbsp;</p> <p>For a more dressy shoe- I stick with comfort brands. &nbsp;Mephisto, Naots, some Wolky's have all worked for me. Munro's have worked with a added insole. I can usually walk 4-5 miles in these.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shoe-suggestions-for-walking-city-vacation-springsummer#post-1886004 Sun, 04 Feb 2018 18:51:00 +0000 Katerina 1886004@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>The walking shoes which always save my feet during long city walking are by Hogan - a model called Interactive. I have had several pairs - I try to get them on sale or in the brand’s outlet store. For my feet, they work much better than anything else I have tried. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shoe-suggestions-for-walking-city-vacation-springsummer#post-1886002 Sun, 04 Feb 2018 18:33:54 +0000 Anonymous 1886002@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Bought a pair of Grasshoppers at DSW before we went to NE last year. I walked all through Boston in them and they were so comfy. I took them along again to California a month later and again it was like walking on a cloud.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shoe-suggestions-for-walking-city-vacation-springsummer#post-1885999 Sun, 04 Feb 2018 18:25:36 +0000 danskogirl 1885999@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Dansko recently brought back its Lolita sandal. I have no idea if the <a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.zappos.com/p/dansko-lolita-black-full-grain/product/8986100/color/69">new Lolitas</a> are as supportive as the older-model Lolitas, but I have a pair of Lolitas from many, many years ago that is still going strong and that I've worn for all-day sightseeing in various cities.&nbsp;</p> <p>I also like the <a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.amazon.com/Dromedaris-Womens-Hornbill-Platform-Shoes/dp/B009I5JBC6">Dromedaris Hornbill</a> oxfords for city sightseeing. It's bulky but incredibly supportive, and I can pull off a sort-of urban funky look with it, even with cropped jeans. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shoe-suggestions-for-walking-city-vacation-springsummer#post-1885997 Sun, 04 Feb 2018 18:15:21 +0000 LaPed 1885997@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Hmm, I find a lot of fashion sneakers too rigid for my taste (ie Stan Smiths), so I have no good recommendations. </p> <p>I'd consider finding a cute sneaker, or even oxford/whatever strikes your fancy, with enough room (maybe try going half a size up) for a set of Superfeet inserts or similar. As long as you spend some time walking in the Superfeet before the trip to get accustomed to them, they should give you the support you're looking for and improve your comfort.&nbsp;</p> <p>And if you're thinking black sneakers, I'd consider something with a white or otherwise contrasting sole. All-black can read a little orthotic/postman...&nbsp;</p> <p>TBH, in all of these cities there will be so many locals commuting in sneakers that you will fit right in.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shoe-suggestions-for-walking-city-vacation-springsummer#post-1885993 Sun, 04 Feb 2018 17:57:58 +0000 Anonymous 1885993@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>This has proven to be one of my most difficult travel dilemmas. &nbsp;I KNOW I need really good, supportive shoes. &nbsp;Yet I desire fashionable too. &nbsp;I nearly ruined a trip to DC by picking the wrong shoes. &nbsp;I was a lot smarter in Charleston. &nbsp;I ended up using my hiking shoes. &nbsp;Not fashionable, but ..... </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shoe-suggestions-for-walking-city-vacation-springsummer#post-1885991 Sun, 04 Feb 2018 17:56:11 +0000 Greyscale 1885991@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>All finicky feet are different but for me what helps is a more rigid sole. Sneakers are worse, in my case. Hiking boots (including the newer low cut versions) have a rigid shank that protects my feet against cobblestones and keeps my toes from bending back too much (old dance injuries). But hiking boots aren't always stylish. The walking shoes that came closest to me were a pair of Skechers in the early 2000s - they had a hard plastic shank in the sole. Sadly I don't know if the current styles have the same support. Right now there's nothing in my shoe wardrobe that really fills this niche, though my Mephisto and Dr Martens sandals are very close. I also have very comfortable, light weight Dr Martens boots that are excellent for around town but too flexible for walking all day.</p> <p>Edited to add: Dansko sandals might work well. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shoe-suggestions-for-walking-city-vacation-springsummer#post-1885988 Sun, 04 Feb 2018 17:47:26 +0000 Christina F. 1885988@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I get significant foot pain when I travel unless I have really good shoes. The two pairs of boots below have been the best. The hiking boots look like hi-tops so I’d didn’t mind wearing them in the city in Chile. The Tevas are waterproof so they’re great for cities that are cold and wet. They’re probably not what you want right now, but I really recommend them to everyone for travel shoes anyway.</p> <p>Sandals have been harder for me. The Birkenstocks are the best thing I’ve found, but they don’t do as well as the boots. And of course they’re not comfortable for everyone and have a breaking in period. I have hopes for the Teva sandals below but have only worn them on family summer home vacations with less walking so far. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shoe-suggestions-for-walking-city-vacation-springsummer#post-1885970 Sun, 04 Feb 2018 17:14:08 +0000 delurked 1885970@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>After my Blondo boots failed me walking in Vegas (they are comfy for daily activity, but my foot pushed too far forward for long distance walking), I’m thinking ahead to spring and summer vacation shoes needed for something like Chicago, NYC, DC etc. I am afraid I’m relegated to running shoes, not even cute tennis shoes like the Ecco soft VII. I have a hard time walking huge distances in sandals, and seem to do better with good socks, but I would likely take a pair of sandals. </p> <p>I have a lot of crop pant outfits and hate the thought of bulky tennis shoes with them. I guess if I had dark full length pants, all black tennis shoes could blend a little better. I definitely need to test out ahead of time to make sure whatever I bring holds up. </p> <p>So my question is, any suggestions for a more serious sight seeing shoe that can hold up to a lot of walking for my increasingly finicky feet? What is working for you? </p>