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Walking the Great Wall: help me choose (and find) my footwear

Suz

(website)

Veteran

Yet another trip in the offing! And once again, I'm calling on my friends at YLF to help me out with my travel capsule.

In October, my family is heading to China (with a stopover on the way back in Vancouver). My daughter was born in China and this will be her first trip back. So it's a very important journey for us all.

We will be in Beijing, Shanghai, and Hangzhou - Beijing at the start of the trip in mid-October, Shanghai towards the end of the month. Temperatures typically range in the high 60s to high 70s in the daytime, but cooler at night, especially in Beijing. Travellers are advised to bring long or short-sleeved Ts and a light jacket or sweater.

I've been planning my travel wardrobe, and wonder of wonders, I actually feel pretty good about it! Thank you, YLF!

I will try to get some pics a little later on, but in short, in addition to the obvious jeans, I have some wonderful jersey pieces that will layer easily and can be washed in the hotel sink, if need be -- a midi tube skirt (black), a tunic top with cut-out shoulders (also black), a fun dress (also black - yikes!), a couple of tops (at least one of which isn't black, phew!), a burgundy boyfriend cardigan, a striped sailor pullover, some scarves to pull things together, a denim jacket, a black jacket, and a bright pink rainproof jacket!

Over the next few weeks, I'll be looking for an additional couple of tops to add a bit more colour, but I'm not too worried about that.

What's got me puzzled is footwear.

I am very low on footwear options for mid-range temperatures. I have sandals, and I have boots, and I have very few shoes!!

What to do?

Fortunately, I DO have some gear shoes for the actual Great Wall walk!! (Black, yeah...)
I also have a pair of flat Ecco Mary Janes in dull red that are great all-over-the-city walking shoes: http://store.shoetopia.ca/inde.....ilter=Ecco

These will work fine with a shorter skirt or jeans. Maybe not high fashion, but acceptable looking.

My question is what kind of footwear for the midi? I really feel as if I need a bit of a heel with that.

I COULD bring my Doc Marcies. They are 10 hour shoes for me, they look pretty good with the midi, in a funky kind of way, and they are lightweight. But I feel as if they are too "wintery" to wear and I don't know if I would wear them without stockings.

I also have to factor in a week in Vancouver at the end, where it will be much cooler. So now that I think of it, I probably need to bring those Marcies, regardless!

But what kind of footwear might work well in China itself with that midi skirt? I am thinking some kind of wedge (for walkability). But I am open to suggestions.

Dressing

24 replies

Latest reply was from Suz

Anonymous

I have been to Great Wall before and I think the red Ecco Mary Janes would be good enough to walk and climb the stairs ( as long as it has good traction). Hope my feedback would help. Have a fun and safe trip.

Anonymous

http://www.zappos.com/merrell-evera-mj-smoke

I have this Merrell heel, it is made for biking and walking. Have a rubber sole, so it's very good for hiking and lots of walking and still looking good and feminine. Hope this help

Thistle

Veteran

How fussy are your feet? I think that will play a big part in your decision. It also sounds like you have a lot of black. Would the shoes be a pop of color for you or black to let the scarves really pop?

Thistle

Veteran

http://www.zappos.com/born-sia-walnut-leather

These come in black as well. They have some height for a skirt, and the brand tends to be comfy. Would also be good for the week in cooler weather.

velvetychocolate

Veteran

I hope Kari sees your post Suz - because she's been wearing the most beautiful midi-length skirts and dresses with shoes that *aren't* super high-heeled. There are some two-toned (cream/cognac) oxfords, some very low-heeled animal print shoes that have just the tiniest bit of heel, plus there's also her gold loafers too.

I don't know which brands/styles exactly - but Kari seems to be a master at picking the perfect shoes to go with midi-length dresses and skirts, plus it seems to me that she also chooses comfortable styles.

Here's a link to her YLF blog, and if you scroll through the first few pages, you'll see the midi green skirt, the midi black skirt, the midi Bailey 44 dress in red - all paired with really great shoes:

http://pencilskirtlife.lookfab.com/

Anonymous

The brand Camper( Zappos and Endless have them) has lots of good shoes too. Their soles are made of rubber which will survive the not too smooth road in China better.

Suz

(website)

Veteran

Thank you so much! You're funds of great info!

I love those Merrells and might indeed give them a try! They could be lots of fun. Thank you, vshp.

Thistle, I'm not sure if my feet are fussy, exactly, but they are a bit hard to fit in that I have a very narrow heel. It is almost impossible for me to find a ballet flat that stays on, for example.

I have far more black for this trip capsule than I usually wear. It just keeps creeping back into my wardrobe, try as I will to eliminate it! I DO hope to buy a few non-black tops to add colour and the shoes could go either way - pop of colour or coordinating.

VC, you are so right about Kari. I think she's been wearing shoes that either have low vamps (pop of colour) OR that tone in almost as nudes with her skin if they are higher vamp. So one solution might be a nude for me oxford. The ties would mean that I wouldn't have to worry about it popping off my heel. (I know you suffer from that problem, too, so will sympathize).

ETA: It is about 73 or 74 here as I write and I HAVE to be in sandals in these temps. So even though I will certainly bring the Marcies for my Vancouver week, I'm going to have to have sandals for China. Hmmm. Offf to think some more.

Inge

(website)

I'm drawing a bit of a blank on footwear options right now, Suz, but just wanted to say that your upcoming trip sounds AMAZING!! WOW!

Suz

(website)

Veteran

Thanks, Inge!

Update: I found a pair of Clark's sandals on sale down the street from me. http://www.zappos.com/clarks-w.....ck-leather

They are super comfortable and walkable and will do for the hotter days when I wear the midi skirt. I will also bring more sensible shoes, of course! And booties for Vancouver.

Thanks all!

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

I excited about your trip, Suz! WOW!!

These temperatures can change Suz, and in a big way. Also, you will not be wearing sandals at night. These day time temperatures are short lived in Oct, and not what you should base your shoes/feet on for the entire day. I vote closed shoes all the way. The days will be shorter and cooler in October despite the forecast of 73 degrees.

The Marcies all the way.

Mona

Veteran

These clark sandals look gorgeously comfy, Suz. However, I agree with Angie here that you will need closed toe shoes. Trip to China sounds really exciting! Let the travel capsule begin!!!!!!!!!!

Gaylene

Veteran

Do you need the midi if it means having to pack another pair of shoes? Shoes take up so much room compared to dresses, tops, and bottoms. Maybe work a couple of outfits around the Marcies for cooler weather and keep the rest of your outfits compatible with the Mary Janes.

I often throw in a pair of Havaianas into my suitcase to wear inside the hotel room. They don't take up any room, but can also work as hot weather footwear if the temperatures are higher than expected.

Jjsloane

Veteran

Oh my isn't Lynn also going to the Great Wall in October? Or am I mixing posts? Anyway - if you search she got some great advice.
I'm just excited for your trip and can't wait for the reports and photos.

velvetychocolate

Veteran

I agree with Angie on nixing sandals entirely. I am also going on a trip in October as well, involving some places where it might be 70 degrees fahrenheit, but I've pretty much decided that I'd rather keep my feet sort of "protected" instead of dealing with sandals. What if I get somewhere and it's raining? What if there are cobblestone streets and I'm having a hard time with my usual 'oh so comfortable' sandals?

I would take sandals to Dallas in August. I'd take sandals to Mexico. But other than that, I think it might be important to take good, stylish and sort of 'protective' shoes if that makes sense.

My plan is to take just two pairs of shoes. One everyday walking around shoe, and one extra pair that will work better for slightly dressier restaurants etc. I hope I'm not crazy for thinking I can get away with just two pairs of shoes.

In the meantime, I am considering these shoes as my "everyday walking around shoe":

http://www.zappos.com/ecco-blu.....AECCgg.zso

I am not sure if these are a good choice, due to the colour, since I might be wearing jeans a lot and am not sure if blue shoes with blue jeans is a good idea - I'll have to ask what YLF'ers think of this idea.

I am also considering a neutral oxford and/or short boot as my day-to day walking shoes...

In any case - I'd forget sandals, even if "they say" it could possibly be 70F ...to me, it's just not worth it because what if it rains? What if the streets are a bit rougher than you expect and yadda yadda yadda.

Since you already have a comfortable pair of 'everyday' walking around shoes, I think you want to look for something slightly dressier, but is still closed toe, and is still really good for walking around in. I am not sure what these shoes might be - but since I am also in a similar situation, I will be sure to post any 'finds' here in your travel shoes thread. What do you think of some dressier looking loafers or oxfords? I realize these aren't a heel, but they will be a bit more dressed up than the daytime walking Eccos you've posted. How about some of those "slipper" looking flats that are popular right now? I don't have any of these yet myself, but just looking at the higher vamp on these types of shoes has me thinking they'd stay on my feet a lot better than regular ballet flats.

I think I might personally be going with the "flats are fringe" idea - in that I might not bother with anything that has much of a heel.

I would take the boots you're thinking of...the good walking shoes, and nothing else. I don't really like taking more than two pairs of shoes or boots when traveling, one pair I wear, and I have one other pair in my luggage. That's it.

Transcona Shannon

Veteran

What an exciting trip Suz! You rock the Marcies and they are comfortable - I'd go with those. Can you also take your Reports as another pair?

Suz

(website)

Veteran

Oh...you've all given me much to think about.

VC and Gaylene, I completely agree that shoes take up so much room in a suitcase. It's a major pain, and I wish I could figure out a way to limit myself to two pair.

But the truth is...trying to do that will probably make me crazy. I'll be away for almost a month, in temps. ranging from a humid 80 degrees to a frigid and wet 10 degrees or less.

Angie, I hear you - sandals on their own won't be enough. I am bringing those Marcies. But for me, Marcies on an 80 degree day - or even a 65 degree day - would be intolerable. And since I can't easily wear low-vamp shoes (due to the problem of getting them to stay on my feet) I feel as if sandals will be my friend for the hot days.

Still, VC - I do take your point, closed shoes have their protective functions. Sigh....

Jeanne - you are right - Lyn's going to be in China at the same time. We have talked about a China YLF meeting. But we are both super-busy with family stuff so it is probably not possible. Still, I'll be checking again!

Shannon, I thought about the Reports. They are comfy. But I don't like them in rain, and I prefer a wedge for the extra stability it offers. And with all the BLACK I seem to have amassed for this travel capsule, they aren't the best shoes to ground me.

VC, I like the shoes you posted. They look terrific, actually. A bit more casual than I was hoping for; I was actually hoping these new shoes/ sandals would be my "dressy" look. Not super dressy, but dressy enough for going out if need be, if you know what I mean.

Anonymous

Oh Suz, what a fantastic opportunity! You have been to China before so you have a pretty good idea of what you need. I really, really like the very first pair of shoes that vrsp linked to for you. Funky and fun, low contrast and not black, yet they will go with black. Good luck with your planning, it sounds like you have the clothes part pretty well sorted.

What are the chances? Another month long trip with two destinations that have different climates. That's a pickle!

Anonymous

Suz, I really don't have any good suggestions but I just wanted to say what an amazing trip you are taking! I'm so jealous - in a good way!

tarzy

Veteran

No advice from me either, but what a fabulous trip to look forward to! I have a friend who adopted a baby in China and they're planning to visit at some point. It's very exciting!

Jonesy

Veteran

How thrilling! I agree on a pair of sturdy walking sandals + the Marcies. The sandals should pack really flat, so be easy to stuff in there.

Vix

Veteran

Hi Suz --

Sounds like an amazing (and meaningful) trip! Between the month-long duration and the culture/temp/activities shift from one country to the other I absolutely think you need a variety of footwear.

At least your feet are relatively petite, yes? [Can you tell I live with a larger-footed person who complains about the space shoes take up?]

Glad you've got your "Wall Shoes" sorted out, at least. I don't have tons of advice re other shoe styles etc. for China but have a wide foot/narrow heel (+ high arch) thing and basically hate shoes as most have some issue that even pads/stretching can't solve. Heresy, I know.

In general Clarks, Born, Earthies, Softt are my go-tos.

However, as a PNWer who just got back from my first "real" and heavy, heavy walking trip to Vancouver -- not counting 1.5 days 20 years ago -- I am already envying you! End of Oct/early November = closed toe/non-slip for sure due to high chances of rain. The Docs sound fine and will let you dress up/down.

I run cold when sitting but get HOT when moving -- the weather you describe re your Chinese portion of the trip would have me in sandals too, especially as you'll be in major cities and already have "active shoes" in the bag.

FWIW, other than when exercising I wore (rather high-heeled, vain me) wedge sandals exclusively during highs of low 70s-mid-80s F/ 22-29 degree C days and had no issues on concrete or "mild" trails.

[Like Manhattan in the summer, Vancouver's busy streets were filled with women in flip flops -- made my arches ache just looking at 'em!]

Suz

(website)

Veteran

Chuckling here, Vix....I get that achey feeling looking at women in flip flops, too! I LOVE my wedges if the arch is in the right spot. SO much more comfy.

And I'm glad to know I'm not alone in my general hatred of shoes. Sandals - yay. Boots - yay. Shoes? Not. So. Much.

Thanks for the nod to my sandals. I honestly think I will need them. Or if I don't, that will be a fluke. We do have some relatively important meetings where I want to be dressed a bit more ...dressily. And they will come in handy there.

And since I'll have the Marcies in the bag, I should be okay if the weather is cooler than anticipated. Actually, it occurs to me now that if worst came to worst I could probably buy any number of shoes in China! At a very low cost.

CocoLion

(website)

Veteran

Another vote for the boots. I think you will wear them. Personally, I can tolerate boots even in warm weather -- I think I got used to it from my hiking and backpacking days. Boots and shorts.

Suz

(website)

Veteran

Denise, I seem to be in a minority here on YLF. I see many of you who live in much warmer climates than mine wearing boots even in the summer. Until I got my Report booties I couldn't even imagine wearing boots in spring or fall! My feet get too warm for that. With the Reports, I do get it...I can wear them on a cool summer evening. But most of my boots I leave until the weather turns quite cold. However, the Marcies are unlined and quite lightweight, so I have hopes they will serve me well.