shoes for winter weather in Europe?

[germommah]

I just wanted to get some advice on buy shoes that are appropriate for the winter weather in Europe. I'm visiting Spain (all over), Paris, Rome, and Prague. I've purchased these shoes

www.trackandtrail.com/Catalog/buydetail.asp?rnd=729201&NavID=23WP&ProductID=8324&SizeTypeID=W&NavType=undefined

They are waterproof, but I'm worried that they might be too casual. They are slip ons with no shoe laces and they are very comfortable to walk in. Should I go with the more waterproof hiking boot or waterproof outdoor trail running shoes?

I'm buying wool socks with silk sock liners already.

Thank you!

[WillTravel]

I might not understand the question. Hiking boots and outdoor trail running shoes sound like they are more casual than those shoes.

The shoes in the picture would be fine for all but high-society events.

You do want to make sure your shoes are wide enough. It's typical for one's feet to swell on the plane, and then if you are walking dozens of miles, that will make them swell too. So even a well-fitting pair of shoes doesn't always hold up to that. I have a pair of Merrells that are quite similar to your picture, and I'm undecided about taking them due to this factor. But of course I have pretty wide feet.

[Nicstar]

Golly I LOVE those shoes! I wish I could find a pair of similar style to purchase for myself. That style/colouring is sooooooo me, and I really am not into the hiking boots and trainers and such (unless the trainers are fairly stylish themselves.) Thus I resent spending a lot of money on shoes I myself find to be ugly- well having said that, I can often see the same pair of shoes on someone else and they look fine but as soon as I put them on, well they just don't suit me and my colour choices! hehe.

Whereas those do... Damn I wish I could find a pair like that!

[Drollo]

In general, surely this is not a big problem as long as you choose something sensible and sturdy. I mean, unless you are going mountain climbing, although even then the Alps, say, are so well footpathed as for it not to be of major concern. I spent three winters in Germany, and many in England, and, unless you are going to be on farms and hiking, there are no special considerations.

Mind you, I have spent a lot of time in Canada, where the situation is slightly different(!), so maybe I'm judging based on that!

Drollo
travel-travel-travel-travel.blogspot.com

[germommah]

thanks for all the advice ! I'm sticking with the shoes I picked!