Packing for Paris and Provence: les chaussures
The topic of footwear in last week’s posts about packing for Paris, here and here, generated a lot of great discussion and suggestions. I’ll say again that shoes are probably the most important part of a travel wardrobe to get right, and sometimes the most difficult.
Before I wade further into this topic, allow me to stipulate to the following: whether at home or traveling, health always comes first. If you have foot or structural/medical conditions that require specific types of shoes or orthotics, follow your doctor’s/therapist’s orders and style be damned. Next across the finish line is comfort. No one looks chic if they’re hobbling or if their face is contorted in pain from blisters or aching feet. That doesn’t mean that one has to abandon all hope of style (ye who enter here), but in my own view, there’s a sliding scale with absolute comfort at one end, and OMG CUTE! at the other, and each of us has to find out own balance point along that continuum. Perhaps this is easier if your style aesthetic skews less in the direction of Choo’s with 5″ heels, but I do think one can find shoes that are both very comfortable and reasonably stylish. I’ll admit that my own taste in footwear can lean toward what I call “EuroFunky” which does make the “comfortable” part of the equation a bit more accessible. And when I say “comfortable,” that means walking-or-standing-for-several-hours-a-day comfort, not walking-three-blocks-to-the-bus-stop comfort.
I’ve found the best shoes or sandals for travel generally have these attributes:
- fit snugly, not too loose or tight. Too loose and your feet slide around inside the shoe; not only is this more unstable on uneven surfaces, but your feet and legs have to work harder and will tire more quickly. Too tight, and you risk hot spots and blisters. If your feet swell during the day, straps, laces, buckles that allow easy adjustments are optimum.
- a reasonably thick and cushioned sole with good traction, again for coping with a variety of surfaces
- some arch support.
- simple enough in style to dress up or down, and wear with most (if not all) ensembles you’ll be packing.
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| Naot “Modesto” |
1. Short Boots. I’ve been wearing these Naot’s (above) regularly for the last few weeks, and have given them the “all day on my feet” road test which they passed with flying colors. They look great with skirts and tights, over leggings and slim pants, and fit nicely under my bootcut jeans. These would be my “on the plane” shoes. (If weather forecasts as we get close to departure look more solidly warm and sunny, I’ll consider leaving these at home.)
2. My now-older-than-dirt ECCO Mary Janes. This is an old picture too, and they’ve actually been refurbished with new soles and a good conditioning and polish, so look better than the picture would indicate. I’ve worn these all over Paris on prior trips, so this choice was a no brainer. Plus, they work well with skirts and dresses, more so than loafers which would have been my other option.
A note on socks/hosiery: some people are perfectly comfortable slipping their bare feet into closed-toe shoes and running around all day. Une femme is not one of those people. Thus, if the weather turns too warm for tights or socks, I will be glad to have….
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| Dansko “Sandi” |
3. Sandals. Dansko’s tend to divide the masses, but I’m in the “Love ‘Em” camp. These are wear-all-day supportive and comfortable, and work with both skirts and pants. (They look better on than in the picture too.)
You may have noticed that all of these have a slight heel. I find a 1-2″ heel actually more comfortable and supportive than flats, possibly because of my high arch. If you need a lower heel, here are some other options:
Arche Sandals
ECCO “Flair” Mary Janes
Naot “Kumara” Sneakers
Arche “Lily” Ballerina
Gentle Souls “Soleful” Loafer
And a whole bunch from Zappos.
Brands Aerosoles, Arche, Beautifeel, Clarks, ECCO, Gentle Souls, Mephisto, Naot, Think! all offer shoes that combine style and comfort; it’s just a matter of finding what works for you.
And under the heading of Great Minds Think Alike, Duchesse today offers up some unique and stylish suggestions!
What are your favorite shoes for travel? Do you tend to stick to a single color, or mix it up a bit?
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Great selections for long walking days, Une Femme. I also aim for that midpoint between sneakers and off-the-pages-of-Vogue. I haven’t tried Naot yet, but I may, before the next NYC trip – they look sleek!
I did Not need to see those gorgeous Naot boots…gonna dream about the darned things now. Speaking from the (unspeakably) high arch camp, I agree with your list of brands entirely. I live in Paris, and my day-to-day running around shoes are actually walking shoes from SAS, because they come in plain black leather and they also accommodate orthotics. The French are leaning more and more toward American-style casual footwear, but you can never go wrong looking good here.
Every time you post a photo of those Mary Janes, I covet them. So perfect for Paris.
It is truly all about comfort when traveling! There are now so many “smart’ looking shoes now!! Thanks so much for your tips!
xoxo
Karena
Art by Karena
The 2012 Artist Series
Too funny! My march-to-Moscow summer sandals are Naot “Kayla”- fantastic. Though Arche are hard-wearing, they cannot be resoled, but mine last at least 3-4 years. Gentle Soles, A Kenneth Cole brand is really good too.
My husband and I have just spent 3 weeks in Paris. I was looking forward to fresh, chilly weather after leaving humid, wet Sydney, Australia. Well, we did have two chilly days but the rest have been sunny and very warm. Forget coats. I wasn’t going to pack my ancient mary-jane Eccos but am sooo glad I did. Enjoy your holiday. We leave Saturday to tour around France for another 6 weeks but I am sad to be leaving beautiful Paris. Although I am going to add for those “girls” of a certain age, such as myself, who are anxious when visiting Paris, NOT all the women are slim, beautiful and stylish. On the contrary. Wear neutrals, lots of scarves, perfume and a red lipstick. Off you go. Have fun. Deidre.
I too am taking my naot modesto boots to paris next week. Mine are a suede “shitake” color and fit right into my capsule. Thanks for turning me on to these great walking boots!
I am going to take your and some of your readers up on the NAOT suggestion. I tried a Dansko pair of sandals very similar to the Sandi’s on my trip to Paris last Summer and found them not quite stable enough. But I have ankle problems so that may have been the issue. I went down in heel height to about 1″ with a pair of Reicker sandals and that helped. Love your clothing suggestions, though I have have to get over this thing I have about taking my ‘good’ clothing traveling. I’m too afraid I’ll ruin items I really love in the unfamiliar washing machines.
NAOTs are sold in the nice boutiques of our mountain resort town. I’he heard they are comfortable long wearing shoes. Re your refurbished MJs, did you send to the guy in Chicago? I have to send him my 10 yr old Cole Hawks.
“Cole Haans” Hate the self correct on my Kindle.
Chaussures! My favorite subject!
Even this munchkin wouldn’t think of 5″ heels in Paris. (The cobblestone streets?? The metro? My sanity??) I do however make certain I have a few saucy stilettos that are comfy to walk in, more of the 4″ variety but only if not going far. Otherwise, a comfy and chic bootie (about a 2″ heel), and yes, even my sneaks… but black, to go with nicely fitted black pants or jeans.
In Paris, you should be able to walk and walk and walk to soak everything in… So even if one has trouble seeing yours truly over the comptoirs or caisses in Galeries Lafayette, but I’ll be à l’aise and not a geek!
I have Naot slip on’s that I really like. Funky and comfy. My favorite are Think!. Helle Comfort are also good. Finn Comfort are excellent shoes as well. They even make shoes for Diabetic’s who often have serious foot issues.
I agree that shoes/boots are the most important item when traveling. I am drawn to the boots. Very stylish!
Over the last two years, I have slowly replaced every one of my shoes with the Naot equivalent. They are the only brand that allows me all day comfort without my medical orthotics. Love, love, love them. Many styles are downright ugly, but if you scrutinize their various lines there are cute ones to be found.
I’ve been lusting after the Modesto boots, so I’m glad to hear you really like them.
You are going to look fabulous! Unfortunately, if I really want to enjoy myself on a trip…I have to wear athletic shoes now. During the day, I go athletic and try to look more fashionable in the evening. I had foot surgery a few year ago and my feet demand comfort if I am going to have a good time.
Those Naot boots are great looking. I have a pair of Steve Maddens that look similar and are very comfortable, but unfortunately, the lining has begun to tear, which makes them difficult to pull on and off. Maybe I’ll check out those boots.
I just took delivery of a pair of Clark’s sandals for my Venice trip, and as soon as our weather warms up, I’ll be test driving them.
Hooray! More shoes! My Beautifeels have served me SO WELL! I look forward to more options, especially for skirts and warm weather.
i am so with you on the couple of inch shoe – i love the 5 inchers but the older i get the harder they get and when travelling you have to have comfort – in fact lets face it – in life – comfort kind of counts – i just bought two pairs of salvatore ferragamos – a pump and a sandal – both are butter on feet – have to say for a 3 inch heel my pradas of today are really good too – enjoy your hol – lucky girl xx
Both the boots and sandals look like great possibilities–because of the clog-like sole. They’ll be comfy and keep the legs exercised!
When there is no weight on my foot, it looks like I have arches, but when I step down, my foot is completely flat. I find 1 to 1-1/2 inch heels seem to offer the best support. Lower means swollen ankles due to pronation, and higher means my foot will slide down so all my weight is on the ball of my foot. Agony! I love all your choices, and I agree on the brands as well. I have a new Footsmart catalog, lots of attractive choices, but they don’t offer free returns, so I tend to shop at Zappos.
My Merrell boots are the most comfortable, but they are not particularly flattering. I am always torn between feeling good and looking good, although I am getting less tolerant of pain as I age.
Haven’t read your earlier posts on this subject, so someone may have already mentioned this: http://www.barkingdogshoes.com/ I’ve found many many brands I’m eager to check out.
Your Mary Janes are perfect. LPC keeps mentioning Beautifeels — I need to check them out.
Every time you post a photo of those Mary Janes, I covet them. So perfect for Paris.