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Original poster

City walking shoes

62 replies

butterfliesinmytummy · 30/04/2013 11:59

We're going to be quite a lot of trekking around cities in the uk this summer and I'm looking for a lace up shoe to go with crops etc. I dont want a trainer or a brogue (got some, love them but not sure I can walk more than a couple of hours in them as they are a bit narrow for me). Was looking at Clarks and Ecco

Are they ok or a bit mumsy? I'm heading for 40 but trying to resist Grin

OP posts:
Hopefully · 30/04/2013 12:15

They are exactly what they say on the tin - comfortable. they aren't going to set the style world on fire, but so little that is comfy is! How about something more shamelessly trainer-ey?

Gillybobs · 30/04/2013 12:19

I've just bought some leopard print Superga for a trip to NYC, I hate having sore feet so comfort is king for me too! Some nice styles on their website www.superga.co.uk/browse/Fashion2750_359_0_0_na_womens_12.html#pl27,ph70,sb0,pp1,pa0,sa

I'm trialling mine today btw and so far so good . Oh and I'm 40 next week....

Original poster
butterfliesinmytummy · 30/04/2013 12:29

I really like the trainers ones but already have very lightweight trainers for running (dont know if i can justify more trainery types) and am tempted by superga. Are they really comfortable / supportive enough for wandering for hours? I've had converse before but they were too flat and not supportive enough if that makes sense now I sound ancient. Are they similar to converse?

They do come in pretty colours ......Smile

OP posts:
Original poster
butterfliesinmytummy · 30/04/2013 12:31

Uh oh, just seen the red sequin supergas....

OP posts:
Lottapianos · 30/04/2013 12:33

Absolutely love both the Clarks and the Ecco pairs that you linked to Smile

Hopefully · 30/04/2013 12:34

I think supergas are similar to converse in terms of supportiveness.

dexter73 · 30/04/2013 12:41

I know you said a lace up but how about sandals?

Original poster
butterfliesinmytummy · 30/04/2013 12:45

I looked at Merrell sandals but I live in a hot country and get very cold in the uk in the summer so tend to wear closed toe shoes, socks, trousers, sweater and jacket when everyone else is taking off layers....

OP posts:
dexter73 · 30/04/2013 12:55

These Skechers are supposed to be very comfortable.

Original poster
butterfliesinmytummy · 30/04/2013 13:26

Not fond of the Skechers dexter and can't even tell you why, they just don't appeal.

Still tempted by Superga. What's the sizing like? I can't get them where I live so would have to place an international order. I take a 39 or 40 (about 6.5 UK size)

Thanks everyone for your help Thanks

OP posts:
Gillybobs · 30/04/2013 15:22

I think they are quite generous. I'm a 41 and ordered as such and they are roomy.

RemusLupinsBiggestGroupie · 30/04/2013 18:43

Sorry but those in the OP are beyond hideous. I'd rather have aching feet than wear either of those. Then again, I have as yet failed to find anything that will suit, and I also need something for a city break in which I will be walking a lot, but that won't necessarily be warm enough for sandals. Converse too flat and make me look idiotic.

zipzap · 30/04/2013 22:52

I have a pair of Clarks slip on shoes that are the slip on cousins of the lace up pair you linked to.

They are wonderfully comfortable - and I am rue-ing not buying a second identical pair on the sale when I saw them. I have had them for several years and they are by far and away my most comfortable shoes. I would love to get another pair but unfortunately they only do the lace ups at the moment when I really want a slip on pair.

It's taken several years of hard wear and abuse but they are finally beginning to wear through the soles on the bottom so I am going to have to find something to replace them with!

But I can highly recommend for comfort and hard wearing-ness!

I've also had very comfortable Ecco shoes and sandals in the past.

Rowlers · 30/04/2013 23:00

I've been looking at those too, OP.
I really love my years old wallabees and the ones you linked to are similar, but somehow not quite right.

I'd prob buy them though as I HATE uncomfortable shoes.
Would rather look like a granny.

FrugalFashionista · 01/05/2013 06:37

I see thousands of tourists every week:
Nearly all American women wear trainers with bootcuts.
Northern Europeans usually have a weird 'about to go trekking' look that involves capris (often in khaki), Merrells or other comfort shoes, anoraks and rucksacks.

The best tourist looks I've seen involve normal city clothes or those types of bright fashion trainers Hopefully linked to worn with chinos, good jeans and a blazer or some other slightly more stylish jacket/trench/mac.

FrugalFashionista · 01/05/2013 06:42

Oh and the Clarks and the Eccos on the first post both unfortunately have that cornish pasty look about them that seems to attract a lot of ridicule on MN. Both lines have plainer and simpler models, would any of those work?
If you don't want to make the shoes the focal point, choose plain colors such as black, brown, navy and gray. Much easier to blend them in.

Nehru · 01/05/2013 07:11

Super GA sizing is poor.

Plus they'd not be supportive

Nehru · 01/05/2013 07:14

I've just got some bright blue nikes. Obv not gym trainers.

bigTillyMint · 01/05/2013 07:16

No.

Don't do it.

Surely you can find some comfy but more-stylish-than-those-monstrosities-trainers?Grin

Nehru · 01/05/2013 07:17

Meh. I live in tourist central.
The Pretend Walky shoes offend me way more.
Plus crocs fit flops etc

Bunbaker · 01/05/2013 07:20

These are unbelievably comfortable. They seem to be flying out of the door at the moment as I tried to buy some yesterday and there weren't any left. They are available in a range of colours. The sizing comes up on the large size BTW.

bella65 · 01/05/2013 08:18

Sorry OP but the first links are really horrid :( Mumsy and old lady in the extreme.

Converse and Superga are okay-I iwear them- BUT you would need a sock liner- footsies- because without your feet get very sweaty in these types of shoes, and eventually you might get blisters.

I'd have thought you could find something nicer- have a look at Geox for loafer types shoes, or more casuals from Clarks.

Original poster
butterfliesinmytummy · 01/05/2013 08:26

Thanks all. I still don't like the sketchers, saw them in the shop this morning and they look very plasticky, like beach shoes and I wore something not a million miles away for PE when I was 6.....

Are trainers really what people wear in cities in summer? I was looking for something that can be worn with rolled up chinos or smart (blue, never khaki or beige), preferably waterproof and that I can walk in for a while. The Ecco ones are prettier in the flesh and super light weight. I have a royal blue pair of Nike free runs .... Maybe I should stick with these?

I can't find any loafers or less old lady type flat shoes on Clarks or geox

Won't get the "horrid" "hideous" "monstrosities"

OP posts: