What kind of comfortable walking shoes do I get for Paris?

Question

I keep reading no white sneakers - are brown or beige okay? What do French women wear when they want to be comfortable while taking long walks?? Also, what type of shoes do men wear? Any brand names/style names would be SO helpful! We're going for the first time in June:-) Thanks so much.

Answer 1

You often hear "Don't ever wear jeans or sneakers!" As of last fall, however, Paris seems to be more relaxed (at least for men). Dark jeans are common, as are sneakers (although white ones are mainly worn by children).

The best tip I can offer when choosing a shoe is consider weight AND cushioning. The first time I went to Paris I took a pair of shoes (Eccos, I think) whose main feature is that they are super light weight. These kind of shoes are great if you're walking on even pavement all day.

In Europe, you're going to be walking over a lot of cobbled streets, gravel paths and up uneven staircases. A day at Versailles in my Eccos and my feet felt like I had been walking on glass.

There is a company called Keen that makes really comfortable, kinda ugly walking/hiking shoes. I have a pair that are all black and look like a cross between a mid-top sneaker and a hiking boot. They are great on rough surfaces, look all right with jeans or Khakis and, after four trips to Paris, I haven't heard anyone laughing at them.

For dinner and more formal times, I wear black leather Rockports. They look like dress shoes on top, but have cushioned rubber soles.

Finally, if you're really worried about what's in and what's not, do a Google search for Paris webcams, or a photo search on a site like Flickr.com (where people post their vacation photos, etc.). It'll be like you're there.

Bon voyage.

Answer 2

No white sneakers?????

I never heard of that, I only wear sneakers, White(dirty) in the day, and black at night if I go out.
For walking around in paris you can wear anything you want. Maybe there are cathedrals or something that have rules but I didn't find any problem with sneakers in Spain.

Maybe you should recheck your sources. I sure wouldn't want to spend a day walking along the Seine admiring art and bookstalls in uncomfortable dress shoes.

Maybe if challanged , just say, Je ne parle pas le Francais.

Answer 3

I suggest any good pair of walking shoes with water repellent leather tops, heavy crepe soles and good arch support. Ecco and Rockport are two brands that come to mind. I have Ecco's myself.

Paris is a city for doing a LOT of walking and the side streets often have less than even surfaces. You don't want hiking boots, they will be more rugged than you need but you don't want just ordinary sneakers because the streets will tear them up.

Answer 4

I lived in Paris for three months. I suggest waiting until you get there to buy the shoes you like. That way, you can see the latest fashions. Also, you can find some very good deals on shoes there.

Answer 5

I had 'good' walking shoes and ended up with blisters, I bought a pair of Woz clog type shoes Crocs is another brand and my feet haven't been happier. I got my shoes in Rome, and I could walk everywhere, but I'm sure they are available elsewhere, they are available in Australia.