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What are the most comfortable and stylish walking shoes? This is the question I posed to travel and fashion writers and bloggers. The answer? Unexpected, at least for me. Their top picks are in the photo gallery.

Fashion bloggers  weighed in the most with (surprise!)  sneakers, albeit the “couture” variety popularized by Karl Lagerfeld of Chanel who showed his tweedy version with a matching dress and handbag. Specific models, sneakers and others,  that got a shout out as they say in social media were Jimmy Choo World’s sneakers , Hogan’s with Swarovski crystal, Reebok Pumps (Annie Vazquez, The Fashion Poet) , Donald Pliner , hot Pink Nikes (Hadley Henriette, editor of Haute Living Miami). Elysze Held ,a stylist, personal shopper and image consultant opts for Givenchy’s skate shoes which come in some nifty patterns (striped here, floral and others) .Their being fashionistas, in one case style totally trumped comfort with  Acquazzura heels (I guess they’re comfortable compared with others but for walking how long?).

Travel bloggers’ answer leaned greatly toward the “comfortable” part. The most votes from this group went to Skechers, especially their shapeup sandals. Why?

Shara Johnson of SkjTraveler: “Skechers! With the memory foam foot pad, sooo comfy. And they’re so lightweight. They’re clog-style which I really like b/c otherwise I often get blisters on my heels. It’s the most money I’ve ever spent on a pair of shoes and totally worth it.”

Toccara Maytrott Best of ForgetSomeDay: My Shape-Up Skechers sandals are the MOST comfortable shoes ever! I took them all over Europe two summers ago; pretty much wore them everyday. I still wear them quite frequently and they are just as comfortable!”

Travel writer Billie Frank of Santa Fe Travelers raved about”San Miguel Shoes”.About seven years ago, I found these amazing elastic shoes in a Santa Fe shoe store. I loved them so much I went back and got a second pair in another color. Luckily, it’s a shoe that they always carry and I buy a new  pair every spring. They’re cool looking and very comfortable for pounding the pavement. An added benefit: the elastic at the ankles has been effective in keeping my ankles from swelling when I fly. I knew that they were made in Mexico and that they were substantially less expensive there, but didn’t know where. Just before we headed to San Miguel de Allende last fall I found out they are made there and actually called “San Miguel Shoes.”

Another vote in this group went to Ecco from blogger and public relations exec Peggy Bendel.” I’m a fan of Ecco’s varied styles, from casual to less so: I have sandals of varying wedge heights and colors, as well as flats. They have good arch support, and flexible, easy soles, perfect for dashing to your gate when you have a tight connection.”

Ones that I put on the list are French brand Arche which makes a handsome suede like ballerina in neutrals and rich colors. They have terrific sales twice a year, a good time to stock up. And then there’s Geox, stylish models for men too (high end designers have also come out with couture sneakers for men). Finally, a good friend swears by English brand Fly of London, the model pictured here. They also have  some cool boots.

The bottom line to all of this, shoe designers take note. There’s still a way to go to come up with new alternatives for comfort and style in walking shoes.