Europe is a huge place with a lot to see and do. Whether you’re planning to visit one of the many stunning cities or take a tour of the countryside, it’s important to have a comfortable pair of shoes that will make your trip go smoothly.
It’s no secret that sneakers are incredibly popular across the world right now. In fact, research has shown that the sneaker industry is predicted to be worth $55 billion in just five years!
Adidas Stan Smith
According to Palmer James Designs, when it comes to fashion sneakers, the Adidas Stan Smith is a true icon. It’s a style that has transcended time and culture and is arguably one of the most popular sneakers on the planet.
While it started as a tennis shoe in the ’60s, it quickly became a fashion staple thanks to a simple design that works perfectly with every wardrobe. It’s a classic sneaker that works well for casual and business wear, and there are many different styles to choose from.
The OG Adidas Stan Smith has a simple leather upper that’s available in white, grass-green, or blue. It has a thin tongue, a sketched portrait of tennis player Stan Smith, a back part that features the Adidas trefoil logo, a printed pattern with his signature, and an unlined inner sole.
It also has a foam-padding tongue and heel, adding to the shoe’s minimalist feel. The only pop of color is the stripes, which are perforated instead of being painted or printed with a logo.
This minimal look has led to a number of collaborations with designers like Stella McCartney, Raf Simons, and Gucci that have given the style a fresh spin. These shoes are perfect for minimalist outfits, including monochrome or selvage denim and logo tees.
As a bonus, it’s also an environmentally friendly shoe. The company has committed to phasing out the use of virgin plastic by 2024, which means that the Stan Smith is now crafted from recycled materials.
Since its re-release in 2013, the Adidas Stan Smith has become a huge hit with trendsetters and celebrities, who have embraced it as a staple piece of their personal style. The brand even sent personalized pairs of Stan Smiths to stars like Pharrell and Ellen DeGeneres, and even Gisele Bundchen wore them on the cover of Vogue Paris.
But the sneaker’s popularity grew even more after Adidas strategically stopped producing it in 2011. During this time, sales dipped a bit, but the hype on the resale market was so high that Adidas re-released the shoe in 2014 to capitalize on it.
Clarks Taylor Shine
When it comes to footwear, Clarks is one of the most iconic brands in the industry. The company’s long history has seen it collaborate with countless retailers, celebrities, and brands. This has resulted in a strong and die-hard fan base, which makes their shoes a must-have in any fashion lover’s closet.
Among the most popular styles from the brand is Desert Boot. It’s a staple in any shoe collection for its unique two-piece suede upper and lace-up aesthetic and the brand’s signature crepe sole that offers a softer grip than traditional rubber outsoles.
Another iconic Clarks shoe is the Wallabee. Introduced in the ’60s, this chukka-style moccasin shoe is instantly recognizable with its premium design and classic crepe sole. Available in more colors and variations than ever, this iconic style is a must-have for anyone who enjoys incorporating elevated footwear into their year-round style rotation.
To add a touch of modern sophistication to your outfit, pair the Clarks Wallabee with a pair of shorts for an easy and chic summertime look. Whether you prefer denim, linen, or chinos, this combination is sure to impress.
If you want to get the most out of your walking boots, the best option is a pair with a chunky heel. These heels are a good choice for navigating European streets as they have great cushioning under the foot and are unlikely to slip on slick cobblestones.
A more traditional option is the Taylor Shine, an elegant black ankle boot with a timeless silhouette and double elastic gussets that will make it easy for you to pull on and off. This easy-to-wear Chelsea boot also boasts a Cushion Soft foam layer underfoot to provide unbeatable comfort and support throughout the day. This stylish and practical option will become a regular addition to your footwear rotation this season.
Nisolo Everyday Sneakers
A trip to Europe presents a challenge for anyone looking for stylish shoes that can stand up to days of walking on hard sidewalks and cobblestones. Finding the right shoe is a delicate balance between comfort and fashion, but luckily for travelers, several styles have it all.
Nisolo is a Nashville, Tennessee-based company that makes “intentionally designed, ethically made [and] fairly priced” shoes for men and women. The brand is certified by B Corp, which means it meets rigorous social and environmental performance standards, accountability, and transparency.
The company is committed to creating and selling ethically sourced shoes, and it has a transparent supply chain that includes a detailed look at the wages and conditions of workers in their factories in Trujillo, Peru, and Leon, Mexico. All of their products are sourced sustainably, and they pay 100% living wages, which helps the environment by reducing carbon emissions.
They also have an Ethical Marketplace section on their site where you can find shoes from other sustainable brands. Many of these are made from reclaimed, repurposed, or recycled leather.
Unlike many shoes on the market, Nisolo’s shoes are handmade in their own factory in Trujillo, Peru. It’s a unique approach, but it helps keep their production costs down while keeping the quality of their work high.
The Emma d’Orsay Oxford is one of Nisolo’s most popular shoes, combining classic style with a sleek design. Available in bone, almond, and brandy for women, this chukka-style boot is made with supple, soft leather that’s designed to mold to your foot over time.
While they’re a bit on the pricey side, these boots are a great way to get a pair of ethically made leather shoes that will last for years to come. They start off narrow, but they break in fairly quickly, and you can adjust the fit as your feet shape over time.
These shoes have a lot of fans on their website, and they’re a good choice if you want to buy a pair of ethically sourced leather boots. They’re comfortable, waterproof, and have a solid reputation for customer satisfaction.
Rockport Avya Washable
One of the most popular styles in Europe is a dressy pair of loafers, and the Rockport Avya Washable has you covered. It is a well-crafted, high-quality leather shoe that boasts a sleek modern silhouette that looks right at home with your best suit.
The sneaker is not just for schmoozes; it also boasts a patented Ortholite footbed that promises to provide lasting comfort with every step you take.
The best part is you don’t have to worry about staining your new shoe, as it is machine washable. The name of the manufacturer is also printed on the inside of each shoe, which is a must-have in any shoe aficionado’s wardrobe.
The Avya is available for the discerning shoe shopper in sizes ranging from men’s 5.5 to women’s 9.5 and in color options ranging from black to tan.
