Baby boomer travelers, I’m sure you’ve heard this advice, “Don’t wear white tennis shoes in Europe. They make you look like a tourist.” So, what type of shoes should boomer women wear to stay comfortable while walking miles through Paris or Rome?
When Ahnu Footwear sent me a pair of Olivia shoes to review, I knew that this baby boomer had found her answer to comfortable yet stylish shoes for touring in Europe. I’ve been trying them out at home to the delight of my itchy travel feet. With 5mm of memory foam plus dual duometer EVA sockliner, the shoes are comfortable for long periods of time, even without socks. I also appreciate the stability the wedge-style heel provides, which will be helpful on the uneven pavement so prevalent in older European cities. When Alan and I travel through northern Italy later this year, I’ll be wearing my black Olivia shoes with gray jeans, black pants, or even a black skirt.
I’m also impressed with Ahnu Footwear’s commitment to helping the community, which the company calls Greater Good. Through a partnership with Plus 3 Network, a social networking website that pairs corporate sponsors with worthy, non-profit causes, Ahnu Footwear donates funds to the Conservation Alliance and Breast Cancer Fund. All you have to do is sign up with Plus 3 Network, designate Ahnu Footwear as your sponsor, and the company will donate 5 cents for every mile that you bike, walk, run or swim, as reported to Plus 3. Ahnu Footwear also participates in Soles4Souls, which donates shoes to those in need worldwide plus the company is the official footwear sponsor for Team Farsight, a hiking team that inspires the blind to new accomplishments.
But back to the shoes. Although I found Ahnu shoes at Amazon.com, I did not find the Olivia style. However, they are available at Zappos.com ($99.95) or search on the Ahnu website for a retailer near you. And here’s a tip: I have narrow feet and found that I needed to order the Olivia in a half-size smaller than my normal shoe size.
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Disclosure: Ahnu Footwear has provided a pair of Olivia shoes for our review. I have also included an Amazon link to Ahnu shoes for your convenience; however My Itchy Travel Feet does receive a small percentage for purchases made at Amazon.com.