Oh, for Feet’s Sake!
I spent most of my time walking around while I was in Arizona. Actually, I walked around a whole heck of a lot. Because that’s what you do when you’re stuck on a military base without a car while your husband is in training all day. Yeah, we didn’t really think that part through all the way. I thought I would hang out at a cute coffee shop and do some work while he trained. Instead, I worked out and strolled around base in my flip-flops.
Using flip-flops as my primary, go-to shoe isn’t new for me; I usually only wear “real” shoes if it’s raining outside or if I’m working out. But lately, my feet have been aching all the time, despite the shoes I wore, and that scared me. Italy is such a walk-friendly country that the mere thought of wearing my flimsy flip-flops out there made my feet curl in agony. I needed a shoe that would take me places without aches and pains. I wanteda shoe that wouldn’t slow me down on European streets.
So with my feet hurting and the thought of spending another day cooped up in a hotel room (without internet, I should add), I did what any girl in my situation would do: I rented a car and drove to the nearest Dillard’s to go shoe shopping.
When I got there I did something that may make you cringe: I asked the salesperson to show me the most comfortable walking sandal. Please notice that I didn’t not ask for the cutest, stylish, or trendiest shoe on the market. Nope, I officially chose comfort over chic and I don’t regret it one single bit.
This is, hands down (feet down?), the most comfortable shoe I’ve ever slipped my feet into. They’re called the Ecco Yucatan and I immediately took them on a test-walk by hiking around Red Rock in Sedona, Arizona (pictures to come soon), and they passed with flying colors. I love wearing them so much that my feet actually feel better when these sandals are nestled around them.
Spending a lot of money on shoes isn’t exactly in my cheap nature, but I’m finally at a point in my life where I’d rather pay for a great pair of quality-made shoes that will last me for several years and keep my feet healthy. I’m actually going to look into buying a pair of closed-toed Ecco shoes so I can have something just as amazingly comfortable to wear when it’s raining outside.
Have you ever sacrificed style for comfort? It feels good, doesn’t it?!
*Ecco has absolutely no idea who I am, and did not pay me or give me anything in return to write this post. With that said, Ecco, if you’re reading this, I’m completely smitten with your shoes and would be more than happy to review more pairs for you!
Years and years in really high heels have done a number on my feet. Now they're most comfortable in my running shoes or 2 inch heels. I feel like a tool wearing my running shoes with jeans most days, but it's so nice to not be in pain!
You're a girl after my own heart. This SoCal girl practically LIVES in sandals! I heart my Rainbow sandals; made super cost effective by the fact that their Factory Store in San Clemente was absolutely driving distance. They're not really practical for hiking, but I'm not kidding .. I wear them almost everywhere. I've had them since freshman year of college in 2004, and I still wear them all the time.
I have a pair of Columbia sandals that are identical to these and I have had them for years. They are still as comfy today as they were brand new. I'm also not afraid to admit that I have a pair of Dr. Scholl's clogs that are heavenly on the feet. Luckily they're not totally ugly though.
I have a pair of Keen flip flops that I bought after walking around Budapest in uncomfortable sandals. That was enough for me to splurge on the pricey Keen's. They are the most comfortable flip flops I've ever worn!
Hi! I'm Katie, semi-new reader and finally coming out of the woodwork for my first time commenting. 😉
I second the Keen and I'd also throw Chaco into the mix. I lived in Bosnia for two months this past summer and walked EVERYWHERE. I lived in the Chacos on sunny days (great support and don't look hideous with a skirt) and wore the Keens every other day or when I wore pants. Both are great "all-weather, all-terrain" shoes (i.e. I wore them when we went white-water rafting in Mostar). I got mine at REI but I'm sure other places have them as well. Well worth the expense!
I bought Ecco Sandals (same as yours but different color) a few years ago and I have worn them ALL over Europe and they've held up great and my feet NEVER got sore! I was a little hesitant to spend $120 on a pair of sandals but I'm glad I did!
That was the first thing my friend said to do when she made a list for me when she found out I was coming to Italy. I am glad you found some that worked for you, btw my friend has a pair of those Ecco's and those toe shoes and swears by them…maybe the toe shoes for a rainy day?
BTW I hope you went to Arrowhead and not Desert Sky Mall. I should have warned you that uh there wasn't very much within walking distance at Luke.
I just bought a pair of Ecco flats at TJ Maxx, they are super comfy and cute! You should also check out Tom, they are definitely not that cute, but they are like walking on clouds! I love them!!
Comfy shoes FTW. I just recently ordered some Oulukai sandals and soem other brand. They are both supposed to be all supporitive and awesome. There were a few other brands I read reviews on but none of them would ship to apo. =( soo yeah.
By they way have you should totally make a list of any special footware/clothing/bras/panties that sord of thing you want before you move here … i would say anyone not a size 10 and below or with a shoe size less than an 8 ..will have a hard time finding nice shoes/clothing oh yeah and if you have bigger than a c cup you can forget getting a bra on base or on the economy over here. i have to order everything.
ok sorry I just thought of this when I read your shoe post.
I have a pair of Keen's and while I didn't think they were the cutest looking things, they have grown on me! I trekked through the hills of Thailand in sun and thundershowers and they never failed me. 🙂
There is nothing like a comfortable, not-so-cute pair of walking sandals!
Still can't believe I bought the same shoes without even knowing. And they are AMAZING!