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When it comes to traveling, comfort is key. After all, you don’t want to be hobbling around your destination with sore feet. Talk about a ruined trip. When I took my trip to Europe this fall, I wanted to make sure I had the perfect comfortable shoes – without sacrificing style. Impossible? Nope! After research and trial and error, I found pairs that were not only stylish but also provided much-needed comfort. In this post, I’m going to share my favorite finds as I explored the city streets and charming cafes of Europe.
Why I Invested in New Shoes
I’ve been to Europe several times before, so why the need to get new shoes? Well, during pregnancy, my feet got bigger with each kid, and then just stayed that way. Yes, crazy! This meant that almost every pair of shoes I had was a full size too small. For years, I wore what I had as I slowly swapped out and made it work, but I was tired of my feet hurting due to improperly fitted shoes.
As you know, when you’re investing in your wardrobe, it takes time. Not only that, but sometimes your favorite brands/pieces are out of stock or out of business and you have to start from scratch to find new brands and styles. (I know a thing or two about starting a wardrobe from scratch so I created a resource for you that will help you do exactly that!)
With my upcoming trip to Europe, I thought it would be the perfect time to complete my new shoe collection in a size that didn’t pinch my toes. Because, hello, I had croissants to eat, and blistered feet was not something I had time for!
This is what I was looking for:
- Chic enough to be worn in Paris
- Versatile enough to be worn when I got back home
- Comfortable to wear for a long period of time
Finding the perfect pair of comfortable and chic shoes for my trip to Europe was no easy task. I spent countless hours researching different brands and reading reviews, trying to find a pair that would meet all my needs.
I wanted something that would be comfortable enough to wear while exploring the city streets, yet still stylish enough to elevate my outfits. I also wanted them to be versatile, so I could easily transition from day to night, and that they would look as good in Iowa as they do in Paris.
After narrowing down my options, I finally found the perfect pairs! They checked all the boxes – comfortable, chic, and versatile.
Starting from the left, let’s dig into them.
1. Oxford Shoes
I had been searching for a pair of oxford shoes for a while. They’re fun, they’re different, and they’re a popular shoe style in Paris. I bought and returned a few different pairs that just didn’t feel comfortable, so imagine my surprise when the most comfortable pairs were under $45 from Amazon!
I didn’t have high expectations, but when I slipped them on, they felt like cushioned tennis shoes and they kept my feet supported for sightseeing. Plus, patent leather is very on-trend, winning even more points on the style side.
Oxford shoes are known for their lace-up design, which allows for a customized fit. This means you can adjust them to ensure optimal comfort throughout the day. They also typically feature a low heel or no heel at all, which means you won’t have to worry about much discomfort or soreness, even after hours of walking. Of course, when you’re walking all day some soreness is expected no matter what, even with the “best” shoes.
Keeping that in mind, all in all, these timeless shoes effortlessly blend comfort and elegance, making them a perfect companion for city walking. For me, they fit true to size. And it’s worth noting that they are on the chunky side, so if you don’t like that look then they may not be for you. But I’ve got big feet and I still wear chunky shoes – it doesn’t bother me!
2. Veja Sneakers
My Veja sneakers weren’t bought specifically for this trip. In fact, after I was in Paris last year, I saw everyone wearing these sneakers and I’ll admit, I was influenced! After buying a pair myself, they quickly became my go-to pair for the past year plus. When it comes to comfortable shoes for Europe, sneakers are top of the list, so of course I had to include them in this roundup.
Veja sneakers are currently trending, but they’re a quality, eco-friendly option when it comes to comfortable shoes for Europe. These sneakers are not only stylish but also very comfortable, making them the perfect choice for long days of sightseeing and exploring.
One of the standout features of Veja sneakers is their commitment to sustainability. These shoes are made using organic and recycled materials, making them a great choice for environmentally-conscious travelers.
Whether you’re strolling through the city streets or visiting a museum, Veja sneakers will keep your feet feeling comfortable and looking stylish. And the best part? They are a true Parisian favorite, meaning you’ll fit in with arguably some of the most stylish people in the world!
Related: My Experience Shopping With a French Personal Stylist in Paris
3. Margaux Ballet Flats
Ballet flats are the epitome of elegance, making them an ideal choice for your visit to a chic European city (or really just your daily life). And though there are a lot of ballet flats out there, if you’re looking for the classic French style as well as comfort, Margaux reigns supreme.
These ballet flats were designed with both style and comfort in mind, providing a chic and feminine look that is perfect for exploring and looking chic while doing so. What sets Margaux apart is their exceptional craftsmanship and attention to detail. Made from high-quality materials, these flats offer a soft and supple feel, ensuring all-day comfort. The cushioned insole provides excellent support for your feet, allowing you to walk for hours.
Not only are they comfortable, but they also exude a timeless elegance. With their sleek silhouette and delicate design, these flats effortlessly elevate any outfit, from casual to dressy. Whether you pair them with jeans and a cozy sweater or a flowy summer dress, Margaux flats will add a touch of sophistication to your look.
What’s more, they are incredibly versatile. They are the perfect companion for both day and night, allowing you to transition seamlessly from exploring the city to enjoying a romantic dinner. With their classic design, these flats will never go out of style, making them a worthy investment for your European travels.
These shoes are handmade so I’ll admit that the sizing can be a little tricky. I had to do a few exchanges to get the right size, but I’m normally a size 10 and I ended up with a US 9.5-10 with a wide width.
4. Birdies Flats
When it comes to adding a touch of fun and flair to your comfortable shoe collection, look no further than Birdies leopard print flats! These flats are not only incredibly comfortable but also boast a stylish and on-trend leopard print design. The fact that they look like a million bucks is just a bonus.
What sets these flats apart is their luxurious feel. The soft and plush materials used in their construction make every step feel like you’re wearing slippers. Yet, the cushioned insole provides support as well as comfort, ensuring that your feet stay happy all day long.
One reviewer asks, “Why Did I Wait So Long?!?”, and I’ve got to echo that. The cost for “just” a pair of flats is enough to make you sit on your purchase (and that’s not a bad thing), but these ended up being one of my most worn shoes since I wore them traveling as well.
With their combination of comfort and style, these are a must-have for your European adventures. Trust me, these shoes will not only make you feel comfortable, but stylish as well!
5. Everlane The Glove Boot
We’ve got to round out this list with a French girl favorite – the ankle boot. When it comes to finding a stylish non-hiking boot that’s the perfect blend of comfort and style, the Everlane glove boot is a game-changer.
These boots combine the sleekness of a boot with the comfort of a sock. The stretchy knit material wraps around your foot like a glove, providing a snug and supportive fit. The cushioned sole makes long walks through a city doable.
Now when I say these are comfortable, I mean it, but keep in mind that they do have a heel, so they’re not as comfortable as say, Veja sneakers or Birdies flats. They are comfortable for ankle boots.
But they are also effortlessly stylish! The minimalist design makes them versatile enough to pair with any outfit. Whether you’re rocking a dress or jeans, they add a touch of sophistication to your look.
Comfy yet Stylish Shoes Are Worth It
After exploring the city streets and charming cafes of Europe with my comfortable and chic shoes, I can confidently say that they were a game-changer for my trip. These shoes not only provided all-day comfort but also elevated my outfits to another level.
Whether it was the timeless appeal of oxford shoes, the trendy and sustainable Veja sneakers, the elegant and feminine Margaux ballet flats, the playful Birdies leopard print flats, or the sleek and stylish Everlane glove boots, each pair had its own unique features that made them perfect for my trip.
I would highly recommend investing in a pair of comfortable and chic shoes for your European adventures. Not only will they keep your feet happy, but they will also add a touch of style to your outfits. Trust me, your feet will thank you for it! So, next time you’re planning a trip, don’t forget to pack your go-to comfortable shoes for Europe. Your feet deserve it.
Want to catch up on the European trends? I’ve got a full list for you to dive into: 21 Fall/Winter Trends Spotted on the Streets of Paris (That You Can Easily Wear)
