I have been to New York, Rome, Paris and Venice, each for about 4 or 5 days, and before each visit I bought a pair of flattish black shoes from Clarkes. Each one was a different style, but they all did the job, being sturdy and comfortable enough to walk round all day (and evening) in them, but also being smart enough that I didn't feel silly in them. My main criteria for this sort of shoe buying is that they feel soooo comfortable when you put them on you've just got to have them. After my little trips I ended up wearing each pair to work (I stand on my feet all day), so I've definitely got my money out of them!