YouLookFab Forum » Topic: Sneaker options for all

YouLookFab Forum » Topic: Sneaker options for all - day city walking [UPDATE #2} https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/two-sneaker-options-for-all---day-city-walking Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Sun, 19 Apr 2026 18:45:05 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 <![CDATA[Search]]> q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php Suz on "Sneaker options for all - day city walking [UPDATE #2}" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/two-sneaker-options-for-all---day-city-walking/page/2#post-1817520 Thu, 22 Jun 2017 13:06:11 +0000 Suz 1817520@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Those look great, Chris -- hope they work out! Chris987 on "Sneaker options for all - day city walking [UPDATE #2}" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/two-sneaker-options-for-all---day-city-walking/page/2#post-1817501 Thu, 22 Jun 2017 11:46:31 +0000 Chris987 1817501@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Update #2: as I was finalizing my travel capsule I realized it is primarily warm colors and these pale grey sneakers just didn't seem right to  my high-affinity-for-color-matching sensibilities. So, instead of "settling", I went back to Zappos.com, found the original shoe I started with in black (Dansko Charlie)  also came in a light brown suede called "walnut". I would not wear suede in rainy conditions so my previous issue with the large perforations being no good in rain disappeared. The Charlie in "walnut" is the one. It's perfect with my travel capsule, bookends my hair nicely, and I like the style just a little better than the pale grey Cozette.  What a convoluted journey this was! (Maybe I'll write a humorous posting about it some time) Thank goodness for Zappos return policies p.s. thanks so much for all the helpful comments....really appreciate all the inputs!  Firecracker (Sharan) on "Sneaker options for all - day city walking [UPDATE #2}" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/two-sneaker-options-for-all---day-city-walking/page/2#post-1815395 Wed, 14 Jun 2017 04:05:25 +0000 Firecracker (Sharan) 1815395@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ That's great news, Chris. Thanks for the update! carolbee on "Sneaker options for all - day city walking [UPDATE #2}" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/two-sneaker-options-for-all---day-city-walking/page/2#post-1815392 Wed, 14 Jun 2017 03:56:07 +0000 carolbee 1815392@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I love these shoes, would be perfect colour for my travel wardrobe as well. Alas, as usual, not available in Australia. Anonymous on "Sneaker options for all - day city walking [UPDATE #2}" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/two-sneaker-options-for-all---day-city-walking#post-1815309 Tue, 13 Jun 2017 22:34:05 +0000 Anonymous 1815309@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Oh I am so happy to hear you found something that works for you.  I was especially interested in your hunt for the perfect pair.  You did really well understanding your needs and shopping to meet those needs.  Really informative and highly interesting.   Anonymous on "Sneaker options for all - day city walking [UPDATE #2}" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/two-sneaker-options-for-all---day-city-walking#post-1815248 Tue, 13 Jun 2017 19:37:03 +0000 Anonymous 1815248@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Taking note of some of the winners for when I get around to trying something for a similar purpose. Glad you have a couple pair that should work well. Chris987 on "Sneaker options for all - day city walking [UPDATE #2}" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/two-sneaker-options-for-all---day-city-walking#post-1815242 Tue, 13 Jun 2017 19:24:06 +0000 Chris987 1815242@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Thanks Angie and Elizabeth B. Karen those Aravons look VERY similar to my workhorse Clarks, shown it my finds above. They are still going strong so I don't need to replace yet.  I've worn them on 1.5 - 2 week trips to Europe just as you say, 10-15 miles of walking a day. Thanks for the reference...that's not a brand I had heard of before. Ryce I did not know Dansko made sneakers either until I started searching on Zappos. I'm not a clog wearer so it's not a brand I usually think of but that's going to change now! Anonymous on "Sneaker options for all - day city walking [UPDATE #2}" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/two-sneaker-options-for-all---day-city-walking#post-1815208 Tue, 13 Jun 2017 17:34:51 +0000 Anonymous 1815208@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Success - HOORAY! I had no idea Dansko made sneaker-type shoes.   karen13 on "Sneaker options for all - day city walking [UPDATE #2}" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/two-sneaker-options-for-all---day-city-walking#post-1815202 Tue, 13 Jun 2017 17:19:52 +0000 karen13 1815202@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Those look great! Since you like black shoes, take a look at these. I bought them last year for a one carryon bag 4 week trip to Europe. They were my only shoes besides my Keen hiking boots and they were fabulous. And I walk a lot, 10 miles - 15 miles on city pavement was not uncommon. The aravons ran pretty true to size, perhaps a tad small -I got a 7D because I wear mid weight socks with them and I am usually 6.5-7 wide. One caveat- I put in my custom orthotics, which fit well. Do consider the superfeet or similar insoles. Have a great trip! Elizabeth P on "Sneaker options for all - day city walking [UPDATE #2}" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/two-sneaker-options-for-all---day-city-walking#post-1815201 Tue, 13 Jun 2017 16:59:31 +0000 Elizabeth P 1815201@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ That's great that you found something.  Angie on "Sneaker options for all - day city walking [UPDATE #2}" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/two-sneaker-options-for-all---day-city-walking#post-1815180 Tue, 13 Jun 2017 16:09:03 +0000 Angie 1815180@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ GLAD the Dankos worked out.  Chris987 on "Sneaker options for all - day city walking [UPDATE #2}" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/two-sneaker-options-for-all---day-city-walking#post-1815145 Tue, 13 Jun 2017 14:03:32 +0000 Chris987 1815145@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ [UPDATE] I returned the Dansko Charlie, because the perforations are so large that walking in the tiniest bit of rain would be annoying. I was reminded of this when wearing my perforated ankle booties recently. Maybe ok for a hot dry city but not so good for my real life. Passed on the Clark Sillian based on the comments about lack of arch support and not crazy about the style. Like the Eccos but not supportive enough and still not quite in love with this style. Tried the Fryes, but the soles are not cushy enough and the toe area squishes my toes even though the length is right. I went to “The Walking Store” nearby and tried on more shoes. Tried on a brand called Abeo which comes with a customized removable orthotic. Very comfortable but the ones I liked had uppers that were too soft/fabric-y and my foot slopped around in them no matter how tight I tied them. (no finds). Brought home the Taos (find 1 below) and after one hour of wearing realized that the arch is too high and stiff. I need arch support but my arches are neither high or flat. Went back to searching for Danskos on Zappos and found the “Cozette”, similar to the Charlie. SUCCESS! (find 2) <ul> <li>Super comfortable right away. I almost forget I’m wearing them, even the times I’ve worn them for several hours. </li> <li>Thick cushy sole even in the front half of the shoe which is often not the case with running shoes and why I don’t wear running shoes for all day walking</li> <li>Very comfortable and removable orthtic-ish insole. Perfect for my feet. </li> <li>Round toe, which is best for my feet. The ball-of-foot area on my foot is a little wide but the heel is narrow. </li> <li>Love the pale grey suede color. Perfect for my travel capsule. Has perforations but they are tiny.  As a sporty shoe I think they look pretty good. (I don’t consider them fashion sneakers)</li> <li>Instead of a traditional tongue it has a stretchy fabric that is attached on both sides of the lacing holes, and it extends to the top of the shoe as a “cuff” that is super comfortable.</li> <li>I’ve tried several different footie socks under them and all of them stay in place. The lining of the shoe feels soft enough to wear without socks although I’m not likely to do that. </li> <li>The only issue, and it’s a pretty small, is that the laces stretch, which when combined with the stretchy cuff, is too much stretch to secure the shoes properly to the foot, so I swapped in some non-stretch laces from another pair of shoes and ordered some in the right color from Amazon.</li> </ul> I’m keeping the light grey (find 1) for my trip but I like the sage (find 2) so much I was tempted to keep it too, for fall. I will keep the sage ones until I get back from my trip  and see how well they did. For some reason I was not interested in the black, which surprised me Anonymous on "Sneaker options for all - day city walking [UPDATE #2}" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/two-sneaker-options-for-all---day-city-walking#post-1811684 Tue, 30 May 2017 09:26:30 +0000 Anonymous 1811684@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I'm really glad you opted to bring the Merrill hiking boots.  You won't regret it.   Staysfit's advice was absolutely correct (based on past experience).  I will never consider fashion sneakers to be walking shoes again for as long as I live.  My stupidity did not ruin my trip, but made it quite painful for me to fully participate.   Chris987 on "Sneaker options for all - day city walking [UPDATE #2}" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/two-sneaker-options-for-all---day-city-walking#post-1811558 Mon, 29 May 2017 12:26:29 +0000 Chris987 1811558@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Jenni NZ good advice to try stores that specialize in shoes for foot issues. There seem to be so many more choices now than 20 or 30 years ago. The baby boomer generation is more active, living longer, and more affluent than their parents and of course foot issues tend to come with age so the retailers are paying attention. Staysfit, great suggestions. We've been communicating a bit more with the friend we'll be staying with in the French mountains at the start of the trip and I'm definitely bringing hiking shoes and am looking into buying a couple of clothing items for summer hiking. My hiking shoes are Merrill's, well broken in, and super comfy. Sort of like your #3 but not quite as lightweight. I wore them many days on a trip to Hawaii a few years ago where we did mostly outdoor/hiking activities, and they are still going strong. I'll still have them with me in Barcelona and they will be a great backup in case other options are not working. Good to hear about Eastern Mountain Sports; I was in one near me yesterday looking at hiking clothes and I did see a LOT of footwear options. p.s. I love looking at your finds list...lots of very lovely dresses and heels and yet you also clearly have a collection of stuff for outdoor activities! I also know you live in a 4-season climate like mine.  Joy - yep, definitely brining the Merrill hiking shoes. The decision was easy once our friend in France said we MUST bring hiking gear. I may not wear them at all in Barcelona but they will be there at the ready... Bijou - absolutely agree on the socks. I've been buying some different invisible socks since I started wearing sneakers more and the options are endless. Just ordered some smartwool ones from Amazon. I have a good collection of regular hiking socks and will bring a few. Firecracker - yea the Dansko's are lovely and very comfy but I've decided to return them and keep looking. Perforated sneakers may make a lot of sense for a hot sunny place like Barcelona, but I want to be able to wear whatever I get at home too, and my home climate is fairly rainy year round so they just don't make sense. I have a pair of perforated booties that I love but even a little bit of rain makes my feet wet... Style Fan I hear you. I'm not quite where you are but comfort absolutely HAS to be the top priority. It's not just about how your feet feel, it's your whole body. I've had "bad" shoes cause soreness or small muscle pulls in all kinds of other areas. And, there are SO many options now for comfy footwear that at least you have choices. Thanks The Cat! The Cat on "Sneaker options for all - day city walking [UPDATE #2}" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/two-sneaker-options-for-all---day-city-walking#post-1811437 Sun, 28 May 2017 18:14:08 +0000 The Cat 1811437@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I have no personal experience with any of these. (Nike has been my prefererance for decades.) I like the look of your #4 and #6 and of the silver shoes shown by Suz. Style Fan on "Sneaker options for all - day city walking [UPDATE #2}" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/two-sneaker-options-for-all---day-city-walking#post-1811380 Sun, 28 May 2017 10:00:04 +0000 Style Fan 1811380@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I like the look of the Dansko sneakers.  My feet have caused me so many problems that I don't consider the look of my footwear anymore.  My shoes have to be supportive and comfortable.  DH is the same as me. Firecracker (Sharan) on "Sneaker options for all - day city walking [UPDATE #2}" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/two-sneaker-options-for-all---day-city-walking#post-1811296 Sat, 27 May 2017 17:32:19 +0000 Firecracker (Sharan) 1811296@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I love the look of the Dansko, and if those work for you, I would think you could wear them as your fashion sneaker until the weather turns cold enough for non-sneakers. The key is going to be fit, though. I've only had one pair of Danskos, years ago, that actually worked beautifully for my foot. I keep trying them occasionally, but I always find other shoes to be a better fit for me. Bijou on "Sneaker options for all - day city walking [UPDATE #2}" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/two-sneaker-options-for-all---day-city-walking#post-1811263 Sat, 27 May 2017 13:02:31 +0000 Bijou 1811263@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ As someone with fussy feet, I would take at least two pairs of good walking / hiking shoes. I would go with Staysfit's advice of getting the most supportive and comfortable shoe and then also having a more fashionable back up. The last thing that you want is sore feet, and changing things up can really help. Socks are important too.  Good quality socks that wick away any moisture are well worth the investment. I hope you have a brilliant holiday. Anonymous on "Sneaker options for all - day city walking [UPDATE #2}" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/two-sneaker-options-for-all---day-city-walking#post-1811262 Sat, 27 May 2017 12:56:44 +0000 Anonymous 1811262@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Make sure that your feet will be happy. You must not ruin your trip for fashion. I second Staysfit with the idea of looking at some serious hikers like Merrell. Staysfit on "Sneaker options for all - day city walking [UPDATE #2}" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/two-sneaker-options-for-all---day-city-walking#post-1811259 Sat, 27 May 2017 12:29:40 +0000 Staysfit 1811259@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Chris, have you considered a technical shoe as opposed to a fashion shoe with support? My perspective comes from having suffered PF many times when I was running marathons. Technical shoes are not pretty. For example, our local Eastern Mountain Sports store carries some excellent water proof, supportive, travel friendly, hiking sneakers and hiking boots. They are big and clunky looking, and the colors are questionable, however, I suspect they are going to have a better, more supportive sole than the shoes you have shown here. Another option would be running shoes (I would purchase in a specialty running store and tell them you want a good shoe for walking that will help prevent PF). They may come in clashing neon colors depending on which style and brand fits your need, but they are obviously designed to handle miles and miles of steps. I have waterproof running shoes that I wear for local hikes, and I also have some lighter weight hiking sneakers made by Merrell. Of course there are also my ugly orange hiking boots! :-) (I have included pics of my well used hiking and running/walking shoes. The Merrell's and Aasics need to be cleaned, so sorry for the muddy pics. DH and I hike frequently and it's been raining so the trails are mucky. I wait for the mud to dry before cleaning my shoes. The point is that they are ugly, right! Yuck! However, I love all of these.) Jenni NZ on "Sneaker options for all - day city walking [UPDATE #2}" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/two-sneaker-options-for-all---day-city-walking#post-1811122 Fri, 26 May 2017 19:42:03 +0000 Jenni NZ 1811122@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I have been blessed to never have PF but see a lot of people with it and DH had it a year or two back. He bought a type of athletic shoe which helped. In our city there are special shoe shops with names like "Shoe Science" and "The Athlete's Foot" ( love the latter name, so funny! ) which especially cater for those issues. Fashion wise I prefer the look of the black Eccos you've shown but comfort is paramount for the trip! I do like to have both where I can, what I think is styly anyway! Chris987 on "Sneaker options for all - day city walking [UPDATE #2}" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/two-sneaker-options-for-all---day-city-walking#post-1811118 Fri, 26 May 2017 19:21:56 +0000 Chris987 1811118@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Suz, as always thanks so much for your thoughtful comments. I have had to use a heel insert on the boots that gave me the PF last winter and once the PF went away the problem has not come back, but I now avoid any shoes that are not moderately supportive. I don't seem to have any other shoes that cause this problem, but then again I don't walk 22,000 steps a day most of the time either. Unlike you I wear flat shoes a lot with no issues overall. It is very good to know about Superfeet insoles in case I need them in the future. Sounds like you have found a system that works for you, good for you! Great advice Gaylene! I do plan to walk all over southern France AND Barcelona so I need to be prepared. Maybe some hiking in France too, details not worked out yet. I'm totally with you on being willing to sacrifice fashion flattery to avoid foot pain, and not being willing to give up on walking. Besides, when you are a tourist in a far away place, if anyone dislikes your fashion choices it's their problem not yours! (That's true even in your own neighborhood but you get what I mean) Gaylene on "Sneaker options for all - day city walking [UPDATE #2}" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/two-sneaker-options-for-all---day-city-walking#post-1811107 Fri, 26 May 2017 18:09:21 +0000 Gaylene 1811107@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I'm nodding my head at Suz's advice. I'd been blissfully unaware of foot problems until I had a bout of plantar fasciitis a year ago after walking all day in a pair of fashionable sneaker-style shoes. Ouch! I now wear Superfeet insoles, or my custom orthotics, in almost every shoe or boot--including my Frye boots and Ecco sneakers. The only exceptions are my Danskos and my Vionic sneakers which come with built-in, super supportive insoles. I love to walk so I'll compromise on fashion flattery to avoid being crippled by a flareup of PF. If you are planning to walk all over Southern France and you've experienced PF, I'd be prioritizing arch support and heel stability for my walking shoe. If the Danskos provide that, they'd be in my travel bag. Suz on "Sneaker options for all - day city walking [UPDATE #2}" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/two-sneaker-options-for-all---day-city-walking#post-1811099 Fri, 26 May 2017 17:31:49 +0000 Suz 1811099@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Chris, I have the Eccos (both 7s and 8s.)  They were not supportive enough for me with the insole provided, and were also a bit wide, but I added Superfeet insoles and this has made them work exceptionally well for me, even with my plantar fasciitis. I have the green insoles in my 8s and they are on the verge of not working due to my high arch, but just barely work. I have a thinner insole in the 7s which does not actually match my arch at all, yet seems to give good stability to my heel, which feels like half the battle. I won't say they have made my PF better, but they have definitely not made it worse, and have not caused it to flare again (or no more so than any other shoe -- honestly, it's a mystery what makes it come and go). I regularly walk 10,000 steps on a normal day and 20,000 steps a day or more in them on trips. I admit I like to change out of them at night if we go out in the evening. A little heel helps me then. Of course all feet are different.  FWIW, until these sneakers (with the insoles), I have only been able to wear flat shoes with any degree of comfort once in my life (and they were another pair of Eccos). The 8s are more substantial than the 7s, a bit heavier but also a bit less "springy" due to a different sole.   I like the look of the Danskos in red, though, and if they are comfortable, that is your answer right there.  Angie on "Sneaker options for all - day city walking [UPDATE #2}" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/two-sneaker-options-for-all---day-city-walking#post-1811084 Fri, 26 May 2017 15:58:55 +0000 Angie 1811084@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ You'll like these colours more than what I bought. Worth a try.  Chris987 on "Sneaker options for all - day city walking [UPDATE #2}" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/two-sneaker-options-for-all---day-city-walking#post-1811076 Fri, 26 May 2017 15:43:01 +0000 Chris987 1811076@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Thanks NancyW! First of all welcome to YLF! You will love it here.... Thanks for the warning about the sillian. I did think they were probably more fashion sneaker than serious walking shoe, but good to have it confirmed. Thanks Angie I will definitely take a look at the Fryes! I know you have raved about them and you walk a lot. Angie on "Sneaker options for all - day city walking [UPDATE #2}" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/two-sneaker-options-for-all---day-city-walking#post-1811069 Fri, 26 May 2017 15:26:51 +0000 Angie 1811069@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I echo what Inge said, and ALSO think you should try these - but in a colour that works for you - like the taupe.  NancyW on "Sneaker options for all - day city walking [UPDATE #2}" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/two-sneaker-options-for-all---day-city-walking#post-1811068 Fri, 26 May 2017 15:25:54 +0000 NancyW 1811068@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Hi! This is my first post and is also a warning. I bought the Clark Sillian and enjoyed wearing them around town and even traveling when walking and sitting were about equal. Then I wore them for lots of walking last Memorial Day weekend. I still have plantar fasciitis and heel pain in one foot. They are cute and fun but are fashion sneakers and while soft, they do not provide arch support. Chris987 on "Sneaker options for all - day city walking [UPDATE #2}" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/two-sneaker-options-for-all---day-city-walking#post-1811066 Fri, 26 May 2017 15:16:00 +0000 Chris987 1811066@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Thanks Ryce. I'm not familiar with allbirds so no I wasn't considering them. I'll have to take a look. Thanks Jaileen. I like black shoes, I just need to get over the fact that others sometimes find them not the best color I do like lighter colored neutral shoes in warmer months but black just seems right for this particular purpose. I have a pair of hiking shoes too. Mine are merrils. When they are right they are right. If you are hiking (or similar) then they look VERY stylish and attractive IMHO...sometimes it's all about context. :-) JAileen on "Sneaker options for all - day city walking [UPDATE #2}" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/two-sneaker-options-for-all---day-city-walking#post-1811062 Fri, 26 May 2017 14:52:43 +0000 JAileen 1811062@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I like the looks of the Sillian and the Ecco best. But your feet need to be comfortable, so get the most comfortable shoes. Is black the best color, though? I'm leaving on a trip tomorrow and I'm taking not orthopedic-looking, but definitely unattractive shoes - my Salomon hiking shoes. They are comfortable, waterproof, and have good traction.