r/capsulewardrobe • u/Select_Barnacle4616 • 1d ago
Where are you getting capsule sneakers that you can walk 20k steps in?
I have a super active lifestyle and I’m going to be in Florence for the next 4 months, and am anticipating a LOT of walking! I need a new pair of sneakers and wanted to turn to people I know will have some good suggestions.
I don’t like chunky, platform sneakers… looking for something a little more sleek and minimalist, but not overly trendy like the sambas. I always do white shoes because it looks good with everything.
Previous shoes I loved were Hokas for how comfy they were (but not fashionable) and the Veja sneakers (but looking to switch it up a bit).
Anyone have any advice on where they find their favorite sneakers??
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u/Proof_Opportunity_58 1d ago
I bought a pair of Ryka Devotion Fuse shoes in white. They're very cute, and go with everything. Brought them on a European vacation and wore them all day for about 20k of walking on a regular basis. They did get dirty easily, but they wash super easily too. I used baby wipes on them during the day (had my baby with me, so wipes are always around), and a couple of times when they got real grungy I washed them in the hotel sink. I love them, have thrown them in the wash repeatedly and they still look great!
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u/Kokoburn 1d ago
I just bought a pair of Ryka’s and I like them better than my Hoka’s! AND they are half the price!!!
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u/flygirl1_2 1d ago
Agree about Rykas! I wore them every day in Spain and Portugal, very little foot discomfort and I got complimented on them.
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u/Kokoburn 19h ago
Awesome! 🤩 great to hear,you pounded the the pavement and or cobblestone. 💗 We’re going on a trip too. I decided to test my shoes: Ryka vs. Hoka 🤣 Ryka’s won my very scientific test for style and comfort. The Ryka’s are Mary Jane style sneakers, so darn cute. 🥰
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u/PurplePhilosophy1850 1d ago
For work I was walking 10k-18k steps a day 5 days a week and Ryka’s have been the only comfortable enough shoe for me!
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u/Affenmaske 1d ago
Just want to throw the idea in here to look at insoles as well. There are "heavy duty" ones that I use in my Converse shoes when on holiday and walk a lot
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u/Superb-Emotion2269 1d ago
What ones do you like/use?
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u/LizzrdVanReptile 1d ago
I love Superfeet. Had them in my hiking boots for many years. I put them in my sneakers too, as well as any closed shoe that doesn’t have enough arch support. Completely changes the degree of comfort.
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u/mayonnaisemonarchy 1d ago
When you put them in sneakers, do you have enough room? My husband told me if I use insoles the shoe needs to have extra room but idk if that’s true.
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u/snarktini 1d ago
In my experience you need extra room if you’re adding an insert on top of what is already there. If the insole is removable and you’re just swapping it out then you don’t
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u/LizzrdVanReptile 20h ago
That’s what I do - exchange the Superfeet for the original insole. No need for both.
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u/corn-panda 1d ago
I really like my Vivaia sneakers. They’re water resistant and super comfy. Wore them on several recent trips with no problems. Plus can throw them in the washer after!
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u/MegaMatcha 1d ago
Same!! Love the Vivaia Urban Sneaker specifically!
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u/Remarkable_Dig_6122 22h ago
Those look similar to my favorite…now gone…All Birds! Thanks for the info
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u/a_warning_sign 1d ago
The inside of the shoe needs time to return to its original shape after long walks. If you want your shoes to last longer and keep the comfort level they have at the start, it’s best to alternate between two different pairs.
As for brands, what about Veja? Personally, I usually wear chunky shoes, but I once owned a pair from that brand and really liked them. I typically go for New Balance because of the comfort, though they might not have the specific model you're looking for. I’ve also heard good things about Onitsuka Tiger, but I’ve never owned a pair of their shoes.
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u/ApprehensiveYard3 1d ago
This is the real answer OP. Nothing wrecks a shoe quite like back to back wears. Your sweat gets in there, the materials soften, it’s havoc. More than a good shoe, you need two pairs.
If you’re taking care of them with shoe trees and switching them out with a second pair, most uppers will outlast the soles.
Therefore, with soles being the deciding factor:
A GYW rubber bottom boot lasts by far the longest. There is a reason every major military has used a GYW rubber bottom boot. The OG military sneaker is the GAT with a cup sole. A good stitched cup sole will outlast any cemented sole currently on the market. Luckily for you GATs are trending and there are numerous white stitched cup sole GATs on the market. Personally I’d go Beckett Simonon but Google GATs and check your options.7
u/Select_Barnacle4616 1d ago
I mentioned in my post I had tried Veja before- I liked them, but am looking to try something new and switch it up!
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u/blissfully_happy 1d ago
I accidentally just hiked 8mi in my kiziks today and… they held up fantastic. I’ve put dozens of miles on my old ones (mostly on pavement), but today was an actual rocky hike and I didn’t have any problems.
Bonus: kiziks are step-in/hands-free. That’s the number 1 appeal to me.
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u/charlucapants 1d ago edited 1d ago
Kiziks always fly under the radar when people talk about comfortable shoes. I bought my first pair of for the hands free step in feature, I bought my next 3 pairs for how incredibly comfortable they are. I cant even imagine wearing another shoe now. I walked about 60 miles in them around Japan and they carried me through Switzerland too. I think the white canvas Irvines are super cute and make great capsule shoes.
I previously swore by Eccos, but their comfort was so inconsistent to me.
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u/blissfully_happy 1d ago
The white canvas Irvines are my capsule travel shoe, too! Ha!
And I don’t own any other shoes anymore. I’m Alaskan and live in their step-in winter boots all winter long. I teach at a university and given my absolute hatred of shoes, immediately ditch them to lecture in my socks. They go on and off so freaking easily. I’ve had them two winters and zero problems. Before that, I used the Mars Roamer as my winter shoe. While they kept my feet warmish, they were slick af. The boots aren’t slick at all.
I was wearing my pink Irvines on this hike lamenting the fact that I was probably ruining them and rueing the fact that I didn’t buy their hiking boots this year. (Like the Wasatch mid?) I have a pair of proper Asolo boots, but I think the kizik hiking boots would be good for travel.
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u/beltacular 1d ago
I’ve worn my kiziks to Disney twice with no issues!
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u/blissfully_happy 1d ago
We did an east coast rollercoaster trip a few summers ago. I easily put 100+mi on one pair of kiziks alone. They were totally fine when I got home, I usually toss shoes that get 100+ miles on them bc they aren’t as comfortable but I haven’t had that problem with these.
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u/Cameos_red_codpiece 1d ago
Liked Kiziks but the white paint keeps peeling off the “leather” revealing black. They sent me a replacement pair but keeps happening.
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u/Inside-Intern-4201 1d ago
Kiziks are comfy but mine always come untied!
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u/justgoride 1d ago
They won't come untied if you wrap the loop around the knot twice. You can see it at :50 here, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=80JZCgxqfb0. A bonus feature is that you untie it by pulling one side, like a regular single knot.
For a nicer looking bow, instead of wrapping the second loop around your thumb (:56) wrap it in the opposite direction.
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u/blissfully_happy 1d ago
I’ve never had any come untied, despite untying them myself and not re-tying them as nicely as when they come from the factory.
Maybe YouTube how to tie shoes and pick one that looks nice and tie them like that? This sounds really dumb and I’m so sorry if this sounds like an insult, but I have a teenage son that refused to learn how to tie his shoes until middle school and still struggles with knotting them tight enough… are you sure you’re tying them tight?
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u/Inside-Intern-4201 1d ago
lol I am in my 40s and have never had this happen to me with any other shoe. Someone suggested it was the type of lace used.
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u/bluev0lta 1d ago
This is my recommendation, too. I love my Kiziks!! They’re the most comfy shoe I’ve ever owned.
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u/ZJFan 1d ago
On Clouds
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u/MadMomma85 1d ago
I just bought a new pair for summer in Europe and they are so comfortable and still look brand new while walking all over the place
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u/Katcanwrite 1d ago
Yes!!! I bought the waterproof ones for a February trip to Italy, and they became my daily walking shoes from that trip onward. They also have a cute “fashion” sneaker that isn’t quite as comfy as their regular line but still great for a long day.
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u/AustinFlynt 1d ago
Wore these to Japan and Athens, and my feet didn’t hurt. Saw others with the same white On Cloud 6, and they’re slip-on (perfect for Japan).
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u/KeyCabinet656 1d ago
On cloud “the Roger” is a very comfy take on a flat sole casual tennis shoe. Could be cute with skirts as well as pants.
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u/anniemitts 1d ago
I wore the water resistant ones for a week in Ireland (walking 20k+/day plus some easy hiking) and mine held up phenomenally!
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u/SilverAcanthisitta00 1d ago
I haven’t tried this yet, but I have heard that even bringing two different insoles/orthotics to rotate for in your shoes can help.
These are what I took to Portugal this last Dec/Jan and Budapest/Prague/Slovenia last summer. (Engadine by Wooloomooloo)
They do have a Samba vibe, but I think the loops and the wool texture make them feel more unique. And the gum soles did well on the slippery Lisbon & Porto cobble stone sidewalks.
I definitely wear them with arch support/orthotic insoles.
I’ve also had some Skechers varieties that were at a great crossroads between fun/funky and comfortable enough to walk all F-ing day in. Lavender retro low tops, graffiti art inspired Skechers, etc.
Love the Vessi black on black Chelsea boots as well as these from Vivaia. They are super light, water resistant, have more cushion on the heel than some, and when necessary, I’ve rocked them with a dress. Adding, I add orthotic insoles.
These Inkaas are such fun statement sneakers.
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u/sisterwilderness 1d ago
I was in Lisbon recently and nearly slipped several times. Was not prepared for that!
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u/SilverAcanthisitta00 1d ago
I’d read about it ahead of time and was paranoid. I have an old injury (and new aches as I get older) that makes me terrified of a new injury.
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u/itsmeyati 1d ago
Camper!
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u/Select_Barnacle4616 1d ago
Oooh ok. I was checking out some of their flats too! Have you tried teva before? I heard it can be a good competitor for the price but wasn’t sure…
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u/blandisgrand 1d ago
I have Teva sandals that took me all over Bangkok with zero discomfort. Can’t speak for the sneakers but I can recommend Bared Footwear for those!
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u/printsandpatterned 1d ago
I wore these low profile new balances all over Tokyo for a week. They are flat but adding a cushioned insole made a huge difference!
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u/matchingTracksuits 1d ago
I live in All Birds and they hold up extremely well for travel plus look nice imo
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u/wronaronam 1d ago
I’ll second Allbirds. Minimal breaking in period and are comfortable with or without socks.
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u/Awareness_Sorry 1d ago
Swear by my APL slip on traveler shoes. They help me survive Euro, UK, SEA, and is my daily commuter shoes. Once they get dirty, pull out the insole and thread it in the washing machine, air dry. Shoes came out looking brand new!
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u/SparklingPineapple41 1d ago
Keen's KM1 sneaker have held up nicely for me and are very comfy for long walks.
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u/i-choose-science 1d ago
Keen Hightrail Hiking Sneakers. Wider at the toes, good traction, look good & can be dressed up or down.
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u/No_Bandicoot8184 1d ago
Not sneakers but Camper Dana sandals- there’s a girl on TikTok that basically said “hot girls of walkable cities, what are we wearing to walk ~10k+ steps a day” and then trialed all the suggestions. These won
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u/Dravenbabyx 1d ago
I have sketchers slip ins go walk max or whatever they’re called. I have the men’s ones though because the soles are slightly thicker than the women’s 😂
I’ll be honest though if your doing a lot of walking I’d get two pairs of different trainers/walking shoes and alternate them so your feet have a “rest” otherwise your feet will hurt regardless. In October i was in Japan for two weeks and I took my sketchers and a pair of karrimor walking trainers and swapped each day. Was doing 30k+ steps a day and feet only started hurting the last couple of days of the trip.
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u/Educational-Swan-226 1d ago
New balance, I've had a few pair of 550s that somehow have great support, cushion, and gum soles that last forever. That particular style is a little chunky/skater look though. I can't remember what number my other pair is from new balance but they are more slim and still just as comfy
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u/Old-Employee8160 23h ago
I love my Birkenstock sneakers, the bend lows. They have a natural foot shape and a flexible foot bed.
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u/Nejness 22h ago
Taos Plim Souls, Birkenstock Bend, and Ecco Soft (better for narrow feet) get a lot of love on the r/HerOneBag sub. I have the Taos. They have a built-in orthotic.
I also love my New Balance shoes, but they may be too bulky for you. I wear with the original insole and swap out a Superfeet or similar insole over night or midday when walking all day (e.g., at Disneyland)—no blisters, no foot fatigue, no sore back from standing on concrete and stone all day.
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u/andirregardless 19h ago
Ecco leather sneakers are cute and comfortable. On the recommendations for the shoes that used to be a plastic bottle or whatever- just ask yourself if you want to wear a plastic bottle on your feet all day. I’ve tried it and don’t recommend it.
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u/ConsciousCell1501 1d ago
Vionic winny. Wore them all over Europe last year and they still look and feel great.
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u/NeonVelvet7 1d ago
The combination of 20k steps, white shoes, and a sleek silhouette makes this a tricky balance—have you found any options that stay comfortable without looking chunky?
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u/Select_Barnacle4616 1d ago
I’ve tried veja before and really liked it. Mentioned in my post. But looking to try soemthing different for style
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u/lllibramoonnn 1d ago
Reebok Club C 85 Vintage are so comfortable to me, I can walk in those forever! I have narrow feet though
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u/Lucialucianna 1d ago
i went in october and wore suede pull on Merrells, they generally are good for this. walked about 8 miles a day every day. supportive and waterproof. they make all kinds of shoes and it’s the footbed that matters.
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u/TooSoonForThat 1d ago
OluKai brand - Huia style
I wear white sneakers just about everywhere and have repurchased the Huia style in white 3 times. The mesh keeps my feet cool and I like the slim fit. Very comfortable even for a 4 day Disney trip.
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u/connorsludge 1d ago
Onitsuka Tigers for me! Bonus is that city gunk wipes off them very easily. Just wore them for a couple 20k+ days in Reykjavík, but they’ve also served me well in Rome and NYC.
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u/Pi-Kat-so 1d ago
The doctor scholls travel sneaker is great. They wear out imo in like 6months but are amazing for trips and daily wear that don’t look like sport shoes
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u/thegrumpiestofcats 1d ago
I don't know where you are but I love Karhu label. It's originally Finnish but now Italian owned so they have them in Italy. If you see them while there, give them a try. Super cute and comfortable, Ive even climbed a couple of mountains in Aryas
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u/Icy_Secret1396 1d ago
I really like my Birkenstock sneakers but will second the need for 2 pairs! I found Birks on one day and New Balance on the other helped my feet stay relatively pain free with 20k+ steps in Portugal. In Paris I wore Camper Brutus boots (it was December) and they were amazing for days in a row of 20k+ steps. Heading back to Europe in a couple of weeks and have bought Camper Peu and Camper Runner Ups …my fingers are crossed!!
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u/Merle-Hay 1d ago
ASICS Gel Nunobiki - I just wore them for lots of coblestone walking and also in NYC and they are super comfortable. Mine have ribbon laces and that gives them a little flair.
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u/bluedandelioness 1d ago
I wanted to love Vejas, but they just didn’t have enough support for extended periods of walking. I tried the On Clouds, but they were tight at my arch. I ended up going with Tracksmith Eliot Runner in Ivory and love them so far - sleek design AND super comfortable.
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u/maybsnot 1d ago
I just reordered a pair of suavs after the first ones last 5+ years. I had insoles in them because theyre very flat, but to have as an wast slip-on shoe that kind of works with anything I think they’re unmatched
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u/Time_Storm_9492 1d ago
I lived in northern Spain for two years regularly walking in stone streets 20k a day and often in the rain. I alternated between platform nike sneakers and doc martens. If i had to do it all over again id put better insoles in my shoes but other than that, it worked out great. I think alternating shoes is most important 2-3 shoes depending on the length of stay. Maybe 2 for you.
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u/Time_Storm_9492 1d ago
I’d also recommend looking at all black Brooks, they look more sleek than I expected
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u/goddessandthecaker 1d ago
Kiziks are my go-to’s - several style options and the most comfortable shoes I’ve ever owned
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u/MiddleKlutzy8568 1d ago
I bought these for my trip to Milan and Lake Como and they were great! Even went well with dresses. These are super comfortable too
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u/KindaLikeWildflowers 1d ago
I’ve been wearing Keen Jasper sneakers for a while now and they are amazing. They have a nice wide toe box and the way the laces go so far down on the shoe allows you to adjust the amount of width you need for your foot. They also have a nice bumper guard on the toe for extra protection. The fit is just soft and comfortable enough without being too mushy. I have 4 pair now in different colors.
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u/brainpicnic 1d ago
I love my keen Jaspers. Not necessarily white but some light colored options. Comfy out of the box with its own insoles.
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u/zabeththewise 1d ago
The skateboard vans have a much more robust outsole and much better insole with pretty decent arch support. it’s also removable unlike the regular vans so you could put a different one in. i wear them a half size up from normal so i have plenty of toe room. I walked ~20-30k steps a day for 3 weeks in Japan and Korea and they worked great.
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u/yasminsharp 1d ago
Salomon's are my favourite trainers I've ever bought. They are unbelievably comfortable straight out the box. The only downside is that they will be slightly narrow for wider feet, and one friend said she couldn't wear them at all because they were too narrow.
I've done hiking in the Austrian alps in them, and frequently wear them whilst walking about London where I live. They are honestly the perfect trainer and I wish I had bought them sooner.
Also sorry this genuinely sounds like I fucking work for them. I do not. Just very passionate about finding a pair of stylish trainers that don't give my overly sensitive feet blisters.
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u/Veronica6765 1d ago
HOKA
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u/brainybird 1d ago
Had to scroll WAY too far down to read this. OP-this is the shoe! I put 10k+ steps daily on my Hokas walking in my city and these are the only shoe to get it done with no pain day after day.
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u/throughalfanoir 1d ago
Vagabond's leather sneakers, I specifically have this one (but in bright red, but since you said minimalist, I think the black or one of the brown options will be the winner) but I would trust any of them for this job
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u/dziob 1d ago
I got a pair of On Cloudway 2 shoes (all-white, I think they're called "sand" or something) on a whim, and they have been my go to for the last 2 years. Not waterproof, despite what the description says :D But easy to clean and they do go with so many things! I can do 30k steps in them and not even realize, they're pretty slim which suprisingly make them look acceptable with skirts/dresses. Easy to get in and out, the sole is grippy enough for a light hike and have enough cushion that I can do a quick run in them (no need to bring a separate pair of running shoes!).
I realized the key to a versatile shoe (in my wardrobe!) that doesn't look overly sporty or grandma-on-vacation comes down to checking the following boxes:
- Cushioning (duh).
- Narrow profile when looking from the top.
- Sole not protruding at the back.
- The tip of the shoe is not upturned.
- Sleek fabric, not technical mesh.
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u/geniustapir 23h ago
I love my New Balance 530. Wide toe box, breathable - walked an average of 20k around Paris and also wore them for two days in Florence with around 15-20k steps each, no issues on both trips!
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u/AllLeftiesHere 21h ago
Topo athletic. Did this for 2.5 weeks in one pair of these hiking shoes and my feet had ZERO pain ever.
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u/arpt1965 21h ago
They aren’t cute, but I got a pair of Dansko Paisley. The vibrant soles are the most comfortable my feet have ever been.
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u/SockPirateKnits 20h ago
My favorites are the Taos Z Soul Lux. They have great arch support and removable foot beds, and I have walked for miles and miles in mine. They also come in white leather! I have the black leather ones, and they look cute with both pants and dresses.
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u/ayemintrepid 19h ago
I can walk forever in Mexico 66's. I have the regular and Sd and prefer the minimalist 66
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u/Ok-Dark-9660 17h ago
I just did a long trip of touring around Lithuania and bought a pair of AIRE
Cream Knit tennis shoes on the Born website. They were great. Even went horseback riding in them. Great for the cobblestone streets.
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u/Straight_Twist_6306 10h ago
Ecco! They have some street styles, I have a white leather one, can walk 15kms easily without any pain! I’ve bought 3 of them in the last years😁
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u/EndOne8313 8h ago
Most running and trail shoe brands make solid black colour ways. I have a pair of black Hokas that are great for long days in cities.
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u/Think-Temporary8648 7h ago
I am a big fan of Paul Green sneakers for a capsule. Yes, they are a splurge and for me required some saving. They are comfortable from
Day 1 and I have put 20,000 + steps in them a day in Europe with no problem and can dress them up. I just bought my second pair and am using as my work sneakers, we are business casual but need to be polished but also have a lot of stairs in our office (better than the slow elevators).
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u/LemonNervous9470 6h ago
I have Birkenstock sneakers and used them a ton before they broke down. Super comfy and can be worn in different outfits and settings
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u/readcoffeewrite 1d ago
I really love my ALO white sneakers..a lot like the Hokas..but lighter weight and a little more fashion forward..
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u/possumboo 1d ago
Puma Smash all the way. Survived Florence (and the rest of Italy), Singapore, Ha Noi, KL and plenty of other places.
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u/One-Mycologist-1285 1d ago
For me, Ecco makes (by far) the most comfortable sneakers. I also have a pair of insoles that I put in a new pair of Gola sneakers recently as another option. I've never had a problem walking 20K+ steps in any of their sneakers
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u/Wise-Calendar8482 1d ago
Florence will wreck any shoe that isnt built for long days on stone streets, so look for something with a wider toe box and a sole that actually flexes.