On my trips to Europe in the 80s and 90s I would intentionally not take my running shoes/trainers. A pair of comfortable brown leather walking shoes would be shoe of choice. But, over the past few years it seems that a lot of folks are wearing running shoes/trainers - and it is not only the Americans. Nowadays, I do pack my running shoes, but they are only used for exercise. My walking shoes are now a pair of brown leather and black leather shoes!