Whether I’m hosting visiting friends or photographing visiting clients in NYC, there’s always a point in our conversation where they grab my shoulder and tell me how insane it is they’ve walked 20,000 steps in one day. I look right back at them and pretend to be surprised (I should win the everyday-on-the-streets-Oscar for this reaction) and applaud them for their long treks. If only they knew….

They don’t know they’re talking to a woman who 1) walks her dog every morning 2) walks all over the city from photo session to photo session, and 3) walks long evening sunset walks in Riverside Park. 15,000-30,000 steps is a normal day for some of us in this city.

And because we walk so so much, we’ve got a pulse on what shoes do and don’t work for long walking days. I’ve put together a shortlist for you of shoes I think you should invest in if you’re planning on walking a lot on your trip.

On a physical note, don’t forget that when you visit NYC or any other major walking cities, it’s always smart to stretch everyday and to pack a purse or backpack as light as you can— your back will thank you later (the amount of times my clients show up to their sessions with the HEAVIEST backpack— no wonder they don’t love walking here)..

Here’s my shortlist of cutest, comfiest, and bestest shoes to wear:

The shoe of the summer for me is Sorrel’s high heel. I could walk hours in this shoe. Pair it with a sheer sock for a younger look or wear it with dresses or jeans for an upscale look. These shoes will make you look fancy and won’t kill your feet. I’ve walked miles and miles in them. I can’t wait to buy more Sorel shoes this year. I’ve got my eye on these and these . In the winter you can add a thick sock and rock these with a Swedish look.

The other shoe of the summer (that I will also wear into Fall) is the Birkenstock. Most New Yorkers don’t let their toes show, but I’m convinced Birks are great for people who like their feet to breathe while they’re walking. I’ve walked 9 miles in my Birks. A neutral color goes with almost every outfit I own. I do tend to wash my feet when I get home after wearing my Birkenstocks as they don’t protect my feet from city street grime.

For days you know you’ll be walking hills or steps, I’d recommend a pair of Dr. Schols. Dr. Schols has really come a long way in the styles they offer (I no longer associate them as a Mom shoe). I got these at Nordstrom Rack for about half price and they go with every outfit. If you’re a millennial and you’re still struggling to embrace a tennis shoe with fancy outfits, I suggest a neutral pair like these to start with. We walked miles in Paris this winter and these shoes never made my feet hurt and kept my feet warm.

For a dressed up ballet flat, I recomend Rothy’s ballet flat. I like that the strap across keeps them on my feet unlike other flats that tend to pop off when I’m walking quickly (and I walk quickly when I’m in a hurry to get somewhere). These are washable so I don’t feel bad wearing them in this dirty city. These shoes are surprisingly wonderful, comfortable and can take you pretty far. I don’t recommend wearing them if you are carrying a heavy bag all day, but I do recommend wearing them if you know you need to look dressed up on a travel day that also includes lots of walking.

Do you have a shoe that keeps your feet comfortable for miles on end and also keeps your back pain free? Tell me about it!

Happy Travels,
Stacie