Unless you’ve come to Paris to run the marathon, or you have an enduring and severe orthopedic condition, there’s NO reason to resort to this type of shoe for sightseeing. Remember that when you go somewhere to enjoy the people watching, you have an obligation to be “watchable” yourself!
Admittedly, these have NOTHING for support. But they’re certainly a step in the right direction.
And if you’re young enough (or hip enough) to pull these off, they’d be a great option.
Bottom line on Vivienne’s ongoing shoe rant: try to strike a balance between beauty and practicality. There are literally hundreds of thousands of shoe designs in the world; there is unquestionably something being manufactured (Cole Haan/Nike, Aerosoles, Clarks, Mephistos) that will do the trick. You’ll feel better, you’ll look better, Paris will look better!
On our trip last fall to Europe, my husband insisted that I wear my running shoes to sightsee. Luckily, I didn't bring a pair. But I did bring hiking shoes that aren't too ugly, to wear for, well, hiking. There was one day in Paris that I had to wear them – I had gotten a God awful blister on my heel from a pair of boots and it came down to choice between wearing my hiking shoes or staying in the hotel room all day…I went with the hiking shoes but felt extremely UNchic all day.
Next time I will bring more comfortable and chic choices – like the selections you featured.
I'm shopping for a pair of navy Chuck Taylor's or Ked's to wear on my European trip this Fall. I plan to insert my orthotics in the soles to ensure I have all the comfort of sports shoes without the hideousness style.