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I agree that the "no sneakers" thing is more about fashion/not standing out as a tourist rather than comfort.
I would focus on comfort and support rather than the style although that doesn't mean you can't find non-sneakers that offer that comfort and support.
My other recommendation is to not have one pair of shoes, but find two that fit the bill. You'll be more comfortable switching off each day, especially if you vary the heel heights a bit, and it's better for the shoes. And you can get something slightly dressier for the second pair so you can wear those if you are going out for a nicer meal or something. So maybe one pair of more sneaker-ish, and one pair that are leather, maybe comfortable wedge booties.
Can anyone recommend a extremely comfortable and supportive shoe for 10 miles plus walking a day? I have been told NOT to wear sneakers or athletic shoes by multiple people. I tend to have back and knee issues due to poor shoes.
Fashion be damned. Wear whatever shoes you have now that are super comfortable on your feet, and that allow you to walk for miles. You're not going to enjoy your European trip much if your feet and back are so sore they prevent you from walking around and actually seeing things!
(And the worst time to buy brand new walking shoes is right before a big trip. If you truly need new shoes, buy them far enough in advance of the trip that you can properly break them in.)
Clark's and Ecco both make really good walking shoes. I got a pair of Ecco's, they look like hip sneakers, but have a lot more support than regular sneakers. They were great for Europe.
Edited to add: Keen's sandals are also super comfortable for lots of walking, but definitely on the uglier side, if you care! But might be good to have them to switch to when it's hot or if it's raining.
I find it curious that multiple people told you not to wear sneakers/athletic shoes. My physical therapist who I saw after a back injury told me to wear good running shoes even though I'm not a runner. The injury was 2 and a half years ago, but my mid back still locks up sometimes. It is MUCH better when I wear those running shoes.
Spend the money and get good ones.
I did walking tours in three cities in Europe in late 2015, and I had plantar fascitis the whole time. I just ignored it as best I could and kept walking. I had hiking-boot-type shoes.
The plantar fascitis went away after I fell down the stairs and hurt my back on January 2, 2016 and couldn't walk for three weeks.
Just curious why so many people think you need to “break shoes in?” If shoes are not comfortable when you buy them, no amount of wearing is going to change that.
Also agree with alternating between two pairs of shoes as suggested by another poster. This allows each pair to fully dry and air out every day.
They have a stretchy "sweater" like upper and a VERY comfortable sole. I wore these to Europe a few months ago, walking 30,000+ steps a day every day for 2 weeks. So, so comfortable. No rubbing, no blisters, no tender spots.
I find it curious that multiple people told you not to wear sneakers/athletic shoes. My physical therapist who I saw after a back injury told me to wear good running shoes even though I'm not a runner. The injury was 2 and a half years ago, but my mid back still locks up sometimes. It is MUCH better when I wear those running shoes.
Spend the money and get good ones.
I did walking tours in three cities in Europe in late 2015, and I had plantar fascitis the whole time. I just ignored it as best I could and kept walking. I had hiking-boot-type shoes.
The plantar fascitis went away after I fell down the stairs and hurt my back on January 2, 2016 and couldn't walk for three weeks.
Perfect example to be careful what you might wish for.....
Clerks are a good supportive shoe
If you had plantar fasciitis you likely didn't have enough arch support in your shoes
I have very difficult time getting any shoe with enough arch support
Clark's and Ecco both make really good walking shoes. I got a pair of Ecco's, they look like hip sneakers, but have a lot more support than regular sneakers. They were great for Europe.
Edited to add: Keen's sandals are also super comfortable for lots of walking, but definitely on the uglier side, if you care! But might be good to have them to switch to when it's hot or if it's raining.
Agree with those three
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