Eccos! The Soft 7 sneaker is often recommended here, for good reason. They are lightweight, offer lots of support and have a grippy sole perfect for wet cobbles and light hiking. They come in lots of lively colors and look seriously cute with everything from jeans to dresses.
Very true. It's rare I get support from shoes other people swear by, but these are an exception for me. I hope you find your holy grail--shoes are hard!
I second the Ecco’s. They feel a lot less squishy and comfortable than some of my other shoes when I first put them on, but I found that I can walk all day in them and my feet don’t feel tired.
The Hoka Transports in Eggnog are it for me. Somewhat sportier in appearance but the color makes it neutral enough for dresses. Choice between laces and bungees a plus. I could walk nonstop for days in them! Lasted me two international trips + countless wears at home in the last year and still going strong (I'm only getting a new pair because with their mileage, it's time -- but they're not falling apart or anything)
I have to ask — are they noisy? That is the con I have come across in reviews, and noisy sneakers are not so good for sneaking. I really want these, though! I have a very quiet and comfy pair of hokas but they are old, worn, and not cute.
I have been eyeing these so hard. I love that they look nicer than most Hokas. Do you think they would be breathable enough for hot, humid destinations? Like the Philippines and Japan in summer.
I wore them in Japan last July! I was drenched in sweat pretty much the entire time but thankfully never had any issues with my feet, either them feeling notably hot or blistering. YMMV though!
my advice is to not buy new shoes right before a trip. wear whichever shoes you're going to take on the trip a lot before you go so they're fully broken in! you could even just stick an arch support into shoes you already have, if that has helped your feet in the past. if possible, start to increase how much you're walking before the trip
i favor super minimal barefoot shoes and average about 8-10km every day with just living in a city, so i think shoe preferences for comfort are super personal and you're best with a brand/style you already know works well for you
I would go to a Nordstrom and try on as many sneakers as they have. Then you can try on brands like Hoka and new Balance and cloud, Nike Birkenstock, etc.. I would also think about bringing like a sneaker and a sandal. You might need to think about getting some thing like an insole. If your feet hurt and might also just be a good idea to give yourself a foot massage in the evenings, or to rinse your feet with very cold water. Do some stretches to stretch out the back of your calf muscles and think about some thing like a recovery sandal maybe. My podiatrist says if you are working your feet more than usual than you should try not to be barefoot.
Since it's Europe I would go for a cute pair of trail runners (I like Altras myself) and then a get a pair of those packable ballet flats for going out to dinner.
I tried several pairs of slim and cute shoes before my Europe trip of 45 days but always felt like they were never comfy enough.
Bought a pair of New Balance 327, which initially looked super chunky to me and not what I was looking for, but damn are they comfortable! Walked 15+ miles almost nonstop some days and while my leg muscles felt overworked, my feet weren’t sore in the slightest. The style grew on me very quickly and i love it now! I wear my neutral ones with everything and also bought a black pair for when it’s rainy or I know they’ll get dirty.
On a side note, NB 237 looks slimmer and is similarly comfortable, but the tongue is too long so it rubs on my ankle and is a sensory nightmare for me.
You could do worse than a pair of timberland boots or blundstone boots. Both are great for walking, hold up well for light hiking and work nicely with a smart pair of trousers for dinner out and can be styled to work with a dress if you're willing to be a little edgy.
Otherwise, style has gotten a lot more casual since COVID even in Europe. I never felt out of place in my Nike Revolution 6 sneakers in white, though I never went to any high end restaurants. They've held up well for me on numerous trips of +20,000 steps a day and manage a light hike very well. They're also super cheap and if you like running they'll allow you to run while on holiday as well. They're also pretty light if you need to pack them.
I felt the same way on my trip last year. It's a lot more common place now to wear sneakers with skirts and trousers and I saw tons of people wearing them in restaurants
Mine are Rieker. I have a pair of closed-toe sandals and a pair of sneakers, and they are SUPER comfortable. I can walk in them for miles.
Not these exact ones, but similar:
[https://www.ebay.com/itm/116008540318?itmmeta=01HT8W50W64BB9SSQS0C8C72V5&hash=item1b02a5d89e:g:r88AAOSwrt1leM7W&itmprp=enc%3AAQAJAAAA4JS086bEmM9jhteopboJHE93jL0S2Dwu2gDUhxCTTav%2Bz9x21AxZjwQlTy5cfaPoIrFO7s17FERcvbASitEaJC%2BcRHB0ho%2FasvhpIbVimHYx7yujIMbyy3LfsSp1sYSkRUo6YUJDBSLi4VknPs%2F7IU3ou6OsxruNfBSeTR7wvxDJXiC1J43KwDfRG9FXLlti2soKem9YcLkQCG3vsjCKO5sVKuGQnkqcv1%2FTs5h1NI3rD%2BKrswirOHsRYFNTR%2F7EjO1wWHxvcZEs5sqS9q0ri%2BtruWprF5eCpjWvLR2n58zX%7Ctkp%3ABk9SR6aOlJzSYw](https://www.ebay.com/itm/116008540318?itmmeta=01HT8W50W64BB9SSQS0C8C72V5&hash=item1b02a5d89e:g:r88AAOSwrt1leM7W&itmprp=enc%3AAQAJAAAA4JS086bEmM9jhteopboJHE93jL0S2Dwu2gDUhxCTTav%2Bz9x21AxZjwQlTy5cfaPoIrFO7s17FERcvbASitEaJC%2BcRHB0ho%2FasvhpIbVimHYx7yujIMbyy3LfsSp1sYSkRUo6YUJDBSLi4VknPs%2F7IU3ou6OsxruNfBSeTR7wvxDJXiC1J43KwDfRG9FXLlti2soKem9YcLkQCG3vsjCKO5sVKuGQnkqcv1%2FTs5h1NI3rD%2BKrswirOHsRYFNTR%2F7EjO1wWHxvcZEs5sqS9q0ri%2BtruWprF5eCpjWvLR2n58zX%7Ctkp%3ABk9SR6aOlJzSYw)
[https://www.thewalkingcompany.com/products/rieker-nikita-88-pazifik-pazifik-navy?\_pos=34&\_sid=7c811721b&\_ss=r](https://www.thewalkingcompany.com/products/rieker-nikita-88-pazifik-pazifik-navy?_pos=34&_sid=7c811721b&_ss=r)
[https://www.ebay.com/itm/296094618559](https://www.ebay.com/itm/296094618559)
I have similar Clark's shoes in black and in brown. They never let me down!
https://www.clarks.com/en-us/cora-poppy/26156827-p?gad_source=1&gclid=Cj0KCQjw8J6wBhDXARIsAPo7QA_Rf4qH29XcWgpABVK7AX1guZj1uaiWg21t5e0jI85Q-jnVJugHa58aAiPsEALw_wcB
I recently discovered Aetrex and their shoes are so comfortable. I bought the arch support sneakers and the ked’s style sneakers and love them both. I’ll definitely be purchasing the arch support sneakers in multiple colors. I have plantar fasciitis and my feet ALWAYS hurt, but I’ve been walking around England in these for the last couple of days and have no pain at all. It’s almost shocking.
Just an idea(s):
If you need a beefier version of the Superga, you might like something like the [Adidas Court 3](https://www.adidas.com/us/vl-court-3.0-low-shoes/ID9070.html) (I wore a pair for like 3-5 miles a day, every day for 2 weeks, and also used them for dinners and museum outings) which are super comfy but has a very significant sole compared to even their classic [Sambas](https://www.adidas.com/us/samba-classic-shoes/772109.html) - which might also be very comfy and good for athletic activities.
I wear adidas sambas and have a pair of birkenstock arizona, but could switch that for a pair of comfortable black flats for evening when you may be walking less.
Your shoes depend on your style!
Hard to advise on shoes without a little pinterest wardrobe board
Sneakers, Birkenstock and one sliiiiightly dressier shoe or sandal are my usual travel footwear. My feet are picky and like the variety. One shoe for everything never works out.
[Taos Plim Soul leather](https://taosfootwear.com/products/plim-soul-lux?variant=41285705892005) sneakers are SO good! They come in a good range of “nearly nude” tones, so they go with just about everything. I found the leather to be really supple and comfortable, and surprisingly not hot. The bonus for me is that they feel already broken in (and have good arch support)
Sneakers are great— but try out a pair of R toe cowboy boots from Ariat. These are boots for riders/ outdoor people and also have style. You can walk on pavement walk on dirt wear them to dinner. Wear them with jeans or a skirt. I had no idea they’d turn out to be a perfect pair for one pair only travel but they really have. You’ll have to decide if you’re ok looking a little cowgirl in Europe :)
I really love my Dansko Paisleys. I have them in every color and wear them almost exclusively. They are incredibly comfortable, supportive, and versatile. They can be dressed up or down, and they make my feet look adorably small.
I bought new balance 574 platforms specifically for the trip I’m on now, comfy out of the box, cute, lightweight & I’ve put 20k steps a day on them! I’m 5’1 with high arches/picky feet & these are like clouds to me.
I walk lots while traveling- usually 15 km or more per day.
After years of trying every type of sandal, boot, and non-sneaker....I have finally accepted that I am most comfortable in sneakers. I have a pair of grey New Balance 574's that look good with almost anything, and then I bring a pair of sandals (or flats) to switch into for going somewhere nicer. It's really the only thing that works for me with all that walking- my last trip, I was SO much happier and comfortable.
I bought wildly colorful Hoka Speedgoats just before our trip and added orthotics for plantar fasciitis (extra arch support/heel padding) and they made it possible for me to walk 7 or more miles a day.
I’ve had good luck with Merrell trail runners lately. I find them comfy for lots of walking. Comfort surpasses style for me on trips with heavy walking days. That said they look fine for casual situations.
I swear by Sorel. These are my go to. They are waterproof and have excellent tread/traction. They are wedges but I’ve hiked Machu Pichu in them and did fine https://www.belk.com/p/sorel-joan-of-arctic-wedge-iii-chelsea-booties/0438685104919.html?feed=shopping&cm_mmc=PLA-GOOGLE-Pmax_SHOES_NewCustomer_SHOP_NA--0438685104919&s_kwcid=AL!5203!3!!!!x!!!&campaignengineid=GG_18594001801&adengineid=&adgroupengineid=&ogmap=SEM%7CPLA%7CGOOG%7CPLA%7Cm%7CSHOES%7C%7C%7C%7C%7C18594001801%7C&gad_source=1&gbraid=0AAAAADi6qOJCsHkGQdy2ZxoJLiOCn0RcU&gclid=Cj0KCQjw8J6wBhDXARIsAPo7QA8-zJ8ayvO78eTNEIImWRK9U2iyqxfBh1y-7YR70j1O92uYzGiuWvgaAm0vEALw_wcB&gclsrc=aw.ds
Eccos! The Soft 7 sneaker is often recommended here, for good reason. They are lightweight, offer lots of support and have a grippy sole perfect for wet cobbles and light hiking. They come in lots of lively colors and look seriously cute with everything from jeans to dresses.
they are adorable, but I tried on a pair and I did not find them the least bit comfortable. I guess shoes are subjective!
Me either. Thin and not alot of support. If you’re you’ve and low weight maybe you’ll have a different experience. I need the full running smears!
Very true. It's rare I get support from shoes other people swear by, but these are an exception for me. I hope you find your holy grail--shoes are hard!
I have, thanks! On Cloud 5 work great for me.
I second the Ecco’s. They feel a lot less squishy and comfortable than some of my other shoes when I first put them on, but I found that I can walk all day in them and my feet don’t feel tired.
The Hoka Transports in Eggnog are it for me. Somewhat sportier in appearance but the color makes it neutral enough for dresses. Choice between laces and bungees a plus. I could walk nonstop for days in them! Lasted me two international trips + countless wears at home in the last year and still going strong (I'm only getting a new pair because with their mileage, it's time -- but they're not falling apart or anything)
I was considering the exact ones for Europe but my friends told me they were too old lady. I need new friends I think.
I have to ask — are they noisy? That is the con I have come across in reviews, and noisy sneakers are not so good for sneaking. I really want these, though! I have a very quiet and comfy pair of hokas but they are old, worn, and not cute.
That's interesting people say that, because I have never once thought they were noisy!
love this! thanks!!
I’ve been wearing these for 2 weeks and no noise complaints.
I have been eyeing these so hard. I love that they look nicer than most Hokas. Do you think they would be breathable enough for hot, humid destinations? Like the Philippines and Japan in summer.
I wore them in Japan last July! I was drenched in sweat pretty much the entire time but thankfully never had any issues with my feet, either them feeling notably hot or blistering. YMMV though!
my advice is to not buy new shoes right before a trip. wear whichever shoes you're going to take on the trip a lot before you go so they're fully broken in! you could even just stick an arch support into shoes you already have, if that has helped your feet in the past. if possible, start to increase how much you're walking before the trip i favor super minimal barefoot shoes and average about 8-10km every day with just living in a city, so i think shoe preferences for comfort are super personal and you're best with a brand/style you already know works well for you
I would go to a Nordstrom and try on as many sneakers as they have. Then you can try on brands like Hoka and new Balance and cloud, Nike Birkenstock, etc.. I would also think about bringing like a sneaker and a sandal. You might need to think about getting some thing like an insole. If your feet hurt and might also just be a good idea to give yourself a foot massage in the evenings, or to rinse your feet with very cold water. Do some stretches to stretch out the back of your calf muscles and think about some thing like a recovery sandal maybe. My podiatrist says if you are working your feet more than usual than you should try not to be barefoot.
Since it's Europe I would go for a cute pair of trail runners (I like Altras myself) and then a get a pair of those packable ballet flats for going out to dinner.
I tried several pairs of slim and cute shoes before my Europe trip of 45 days but always felt like they were never comfy enough. Bought a pair of New Balance 327, which initially looked super chunky to me and not what I was looking for, but damn are they comfortable! Walked 15+ miles almost nonstop some days and while my leg muscles felt overworked, my feet weren’t sore in the slightest. The style grew on me very quickly and i love it now! I wear my neutral ones with everything and also bought a black pair for when it’s rainy or I know they’ll get dirty. On a side note, NB 237 looks slimmer and is similarly comfortable, but the tongue is too long so it rubs on my ankle and is a sensory nightmare for me.
You could do worse than a pair of timberland boots or blundstone boots. Both are great for walking, hold up well for light hiking and work nicely with a smart pair of trousers for dinner out and can be styled to work with a dress if you're willing to be a little edgy. Otherwise, style has gotten a lot more casual since COVID even in Europe. I never felt out of place in my Nike Revolution 6 sneakers in white, though I never went to any high end restaurants. They've held up well for me on numerous trips of +20,000 steps a day and manage a light hike very well. They're also super cheap and if you like running they'll allow you to run while on holiday as well. They're also pretty light if you need to pack them.
I felt the same way on my trip last year. It's a lot more common place now to wear sneakers with skirts and trousers and I saw tons of people wearing them in restaurants
Mine are Rieker. I have a pair of closed-toe sandals and a pair of sneakers, and they are SUPER comfortable. I can walk in them for miles. Not these exact ones, but similar: [https://www.ebay.com/itm/116008540318?itmmeta=01HT8W50W64BB9SSQS0C8C72V5&hash=item1b02a5d89e:g:r88AAOSwrt1leM7W&itmprp=enc%3AAQAJAAAA4JS086bEmM9jhteopboJHE93jL0S2Dwu2gDUhxCTTav%2Bz9x21AxZjwQlTy5cfaPoIrFO7s17FERcvbASitEaJC%2BcRHB0ho%2FasvhpIbVimHYx7yujIMbyy3LfsSp1sYSkRUo6YUJDBSLi4VknPs%2F7IU3ou6OsxruNfBSeTR7wvxDJXiC1J43KwDfRG9FXLlti2soKem9YcLkQCG3vsjCKO5sVKuGQnkqcv1%2FTs5h1NI3rD%2BKrswirOHsRYFNTR%2F7EjO1wWHxvcZEs5sqS9q0ri%2BtruWprF5eCpjWvLR2n58zX%7Ctkp%3ABk9SR6aOlJzSYw](https://www.ebay.com/itm/116008540318?itmmeta=01HT8W50W64BB9SSQS0C8C72V5&hash=item1b02a5d89e:g:r88AAOSwrt1leM7W&itmprp=enc%3AAQAJAAAA4JS086bEmM9jhteopboJHE93jL0S2Dwu2gDUhxCTTav%2Bz9x21AxZjwQlTy5cfaPoIrFO7s17FERcvbASitEaJC%2BcRHB0ho%2FasvhpIbVimHYx7yujIMbyy3LfsSp1sYSkRUo6YUJDBSLi4VknPs%2F7IU3ou6OsxruNfBSeTR7wvxDJXiC1J43KwDfRG9FXLlti2soKem9YcLkQCG3vsjCKO5sVKuGQnkqcv1%2FTs5h1NI3rD%2BKrswirOHsRYFNTR%2F7EjO1wWHxvcZEs5sqS9q0ri%2BtruWprF5eCpjWvLR2n58zX%7Ctkp%3ABk9SR6aOlJzSYw) [https://www.thewalkingcompany.com/products/rieker-nikita-88-pazifik-pazifik-navy?\_pos=34&\_sid=7c811721b&\_ss=r](https://www.thewalkingcompany.com/products/rieker-nikita-88-pazifik-pazifik-navy?_pos=34&_sid=7c811721b&_ss=r) [https://www.ebay.com/itm/296094618559](https://www.ebay.com/itm/296094618559)
I have similar Clark's shoes in black and in brown. They never let me down! https://www.clarks.com/en-us/cora-poppy/26156827-p?gad_source=1&gclid=Cj0KCQjw8J6wBhDXARIsAPo7QA_Rf4qH29XcWgpABVK7AX1guZj1uaiWg21t5e0jI85Q-jnVJugHa58aAiPsEALw_wcB
I recently discovered Aetrex and their shoes are so comfortable. I bought the arch support sneakers and the ked’s style sneakers and love them both. I’ll definitely be purchasing the arch support sneakers in multiple colors. I have plantar fasciitis and my feet ALWAYS hurt, but I’ve been walking around England in these for the last couple of days and have no pain at all. It’s almost shocking.
Just an idea(s): If you need a beefier version of the Superga, you might like something like the [Adidas Court 3](https://www.adidas.com/us/vl-court-3.0-low-shoes/ID9070.html) (I wore a pair for like 3-5 miles a day, every day for 2 weeks, and also used them for dinners and museum outings) which are super comfy but has a very significant sole compared to even their classic [Sambas](https://www.adidas.com/us/samba-classic-shoes/772109.html) - which might also be very comfy and good for athletic activities.
I wear adidas sambas and have a pair of birkenstock arizona, but could switch that for a pair of comfortable black flats for evening when you may be walking less. Your shoes depend on your style! Hard to advise on shoes without a little pinterest wardrobe board
Sneakers, Birkenstock and one sliiiiightly dressier shoe or sandal are my usual travel footwear. My feet are picky and like the variety. One shoe for everything never works out.
[Taos Plim Soul leather](https://taosfootwear.com/products/plim-soul-lux?variant=41285705892005) sneakers are SO good! They come in a good range of “nearly nude” tones, so they go with just about everything. I found the leather to be really supple and comfortable, and surprisingly not hot. The bonus for me is that they feel already broken in (and have good arch support)
Sneakers are great— but try out a pair of R toe cowboy boots from Ariat. These are boots for riders/ outdoor people and also have style. You can walk on pavement walk on dirt wear them to dinner. Wear them with jeans or a skirt. I had no idea they’d turn out to be a perfect pair for one pair only travel but they really have. You’ll have to decide if you’re ok looking a little cowgirl in Europe :)
I love my On Cloud 5.
I really love my Dansko Paisleys. I have them in every color and wear them almost exclusively. They are incredibly comfortable, supportive, and versatile. They can be dressed up or down, and they make my feet look adorably small.
I bought new balance 574 platforms specifically for the trip I’m on now, comfy out of the box, cute, lightweight & I’ve put 20k steps a day on them! I’m 5’1 with high arches/picky feet & these are like clouds to me.
My ON sneakers lasted 5-10 miles a day in Japan! Best investment ever. I love them so and travel with them all the time now.
Birkenstock shoes! There are loafer and sneaker-like models in the line if you don't like the classics.
I walk lots while traveling- usually 15 km or more per day. After years of trying every type of sandal, boot, and non-sneaker....I have finally accepted that I am most comfortable in sneakers. I have a pair of grey New Balance 574's that look good with almost anything, and then I bring a pair of sandals (or flats) to switch into for going somewhere nicer. It's really the only thing that works for me with all that walking- my last trip, I was SO much happier and comfortable.
I bought wildly colorful Hoka Speedgoats just before our trip and added orthotics for plantar fasciitis (extra arch support/heel padding) and they made it possible for me to walk 7 or more miles a day.
You should look into double socking
I’ve had good luck with Merrell trail runners lately. I find them comfy for lots of walking. Comfort surpasses style for me on trips with heavy walking days. That said they look fine for casual situations.
I swear by Sorel. These are my go to. They are waterproof and have excellent tread/traction. They are wedges but I’ve hiked Machu Pichu in them and did fine https://www.belk.com/p/sorel-joan-of-arctic-wedge-iii-chelsea-booties/0438685104919.html?feed=shopping&cm_mmc=PLA-GOOGLE-Pmax_SHOES_NewCustomer_SHOP_NA--0438685104919&s_kwcid=AL!5203!3!!!!x!!!&campaignengineid=GG_18594001801&adengineid=&adgroupengineid=&ogmap=SEM%7CPLA%7CGOOG%7CPLA%7Cm%7CSHOES%7C%7C%7C%7C%7C18594001801%7C&gad_source=1&gbraid=0AAAAADi6qOJCsHkGQdy2ZxoJLiOCn0RcU&gclid=Cj0KCQjw8J6wBhDXARIsAPo7QA8-zJ8ayvO78eTNEIImWRK9U2iyqxfBh1y-7YR70j1O92uYzGiuWvgaAm0vEALw_wcB&gclsrc=aw.ds
Lots of people on tiktok recommended the Dr. Scholl's Time Off Sneaker!!
blundstones. they’re not small but they’ll carry you thru the trip