The worst part about doing the 'Europe thing' is shoes. Most of us lovely office-bodies and car-lords only use our feet occasionally, usually around the house or standing at a bar. Even the more exercise-conscious can only spend an hour or so working out and, in that case, don't really mind if they look stupid in any piece of clothing that relies on 'new technology.' But Europe equals fashion AND walking: a paradox that seems to crush the mind of every young, semi-hip lady.
SO does a comfortable but stylish shoe really exist? Really? Well... sort of. If you have a nice pair of shoes you have broken in oh, for the last two years, they would be suitable. But for most of us, we need new shoes for our new euro-trip. Shoes that are designed to be comfortable
This form/function reality relies on compromise. If you are not going all out on comfort and buying some ugly arch-supported mom-shoe monstrosity (or, god forbid, crocs) your semi-fashion/semi-comfy shoes will give you a bit of foot pain. To this I say ladies (and gents): you just walked nine hours straight on cobblestones, thou tooties will tire. Therefore every ounce of comfort you give up, you gain an ounce of fashion (and vice versa). The trick is to find some level of compromise you are satisfied with and then build tolerance. No matter what you choose, even if god himself comes down and crafts you sandals out of angel hair and baby farts, break in your shoes before you leave. Break them in, break them in, break them in x 300000.
What to look for: Thick(er) sole. There is something called ‘museum feet‘ which attacks everyone about 45 minutes into their visit to the Louvre (Ufitzi, Tate, Rijksmuseum etc). Basically walking on a stone floors kills and the thicker your sole, the better. It also makes you really tired/yawny for some reason. Another thing I look for is a little bit of a heel. Personally, I look stupid when I walk on flat feet. A bit of a heel gives me a little height and ‘dresses’ up the shoe so it works with skirts. Please note the pair of Royal Elastics I just bought for my trip. They have the tinest of heels but it makes me feel so much better.
If you are a heel nut, you can try a higher lift (with a wedge) such as the Ecco model number 83603 (sexy name). If you hate any sense of foot-altitude, go for flats. But for most a little rise works wonders in fashionability. We're luckily that the ballet flat/MJ running shoe look is huge so flat-ladies (hehe): you have a lot of choice. Unfortunately wearing socks with these shoes can look odd, especially with skirts/dresses. Make sure that the liner is cloth or your shoes will reek. My favourite (if ridiculously expensive) is the Built-by-Wendy perfect flat: basically a thicker sole/little heel with air vents flat.
In the summer, look for shoes that breathe. Peep-toe shoes work (Ecco model number 85753If) but if you are opting for sandals, make sure its in a style you are comfortable with. Dear Hollie hates thongs. If you are not use to pieces of plastic/leather between your toes, you probably don't have the callus for it. Bring special blister band aids (yes its ridiculous that a band aid can cost $5 AND does not come with Spongebob decorations but you will thank me so hard later). Also insoles (I can't believe I'm going to say this but 'Are you gell'n?! I'm gell'n!") will also help create pillow shoes.
If you are going for Crocs (sigh) please try the ‘prima’ ballet croc. It really looks so unassuming I almost bought it (but ironically, found it uncomfortable for my foot shape). Lots of companies do (try) to put comfort first so check out Clarks, Ecco, Royal Elastic, Keds (apparently the Eleanor Grosch pinches something fierce so beware wide feet), Mephisto etc. Looking for companies based in Europe is also a good lead on appropriate comfortable shoes that do not light up or turn into roller skates.
Finally, our lovely euro cousins have great shoes. They skip around Rome in Italian stilettos without breaking a sweat. Their trick? Not visiting five museums and ten churches in a row. So take breaks! Try that little cafe or sit out in the sun in a lovely park and people watch. Enjoy your vacation and your semi-fashionable feet will thank you for it.
Beat the length of that post, Lydia.
P.S Oh and email us if you find a great pair of shoes... Hollie is still looking.
For those terrible mornings when the snow is everywhere and the sun is shining, but you're simply exhausted and can't bear to face the world.
