Wanted: Two single, narrow and flat but cute feet ISO travel mates. Must be able to offer comfort and stability. You should possess a touch of stylishness for everything from walks on the beach and trail hikes to a night on the town. Into leather? Perfect.
In preparation for my trip to Sevilla toward the end of April for the Spring Fair, I’ve been in search of…yes, good shoes. Since zapatos are highly personal, let me explain what I’m after:
1. Comfort. I want to be able to walk around in these babies for many hours at a time, day after day, without pain or blisters
2. Support and stability. I sound old saying this, but I want good arch support and a sturdy sole for walking indoors as well as out, on both smooth and uneven surfaces
3. Appearances. I’d like to be able to wear the same pair with jeans or a skirt if when I go to Seville’s tapas bars so they shouldn’t be too clunky or otherwise atrocious-looking
4. Lightweight and small. I’m packing light, and I’m also staying in a tiny berth on friends’ sailboat.
I LOVE my two-year-old Merrell Chameleons–other than missing the mark on #3 above (they look and feel a bit clunky), they’d be perfect. I also LOVE–and no, Merrell didn’t send me any shoes to review–the Chameleon sandals I found for cheap from Sierra Trading Post about three years ago. But we’ll be walking around a crowded festival and I’d prefer a little more sturdy shoe in case a wayward Flamenco dancer, or tourist who’s had too much vino, were to accidentally step on my foot.
So I’ve tried a pair of Ahnu’s, ordered through Zappos (free shipping, even on returns, which is pretty sweet), but they were too wide. I looked at other Ahnu styles in person at REI, but they also looked wide, and the salesperson said they don’t come in narrower widths.
I like Keen’s “go ahead, I dare you, step on my toes” front rubber bumper, but they also kind of miss the #3 mark. And although I haven’t tried on a pair (yet), I’ve heard they also aren’t the best for narrow feet.
I’ve looked at Privo’s but the ones I’ve seen have no arch support. Deal-breaker.
My well-worn Dansko clogs are pretty heavy to pack. They’re also not the best for rocky ground. (I can be a klutz.)
My quest isn’t over yet… I did buy a pair of Cherries by Jambu, the shoe brand formerly known as J-41. They don’t have the best arch support, but there’s some, which I think (hope) will be enough. Although they have a front rubber bumper (smaller than Keens’ to my eye), the rest of the shoe is pretty open. This doesn’t thrill me, but they’re light as feathers–just seven ounces–and they’re cute. I may end up returning them if I find a better match, though. I’m not completely sold.
I fully realize there are way more important issues to occupy my–anyone’s–mind than choosing a pair of shoes, but…blisters (and backaches) suck when you’re away. What are your favorite travelin’ shoes?
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