As far as shoes are concerend, this might be the most important purchase you make. If your feet are happy, you will be a happy missionary....if not, then it's misery all day long. I had the shin splints to prove the misery.
I don't know about certain brands because back in the day there were not really cute options, but now there are. So I'll just give some generaly guidelines that worked.....
1--Get shoes with good traction and soles. You will be walking a lot and on dirt, cobblestones and very uneven ground. A shoe with good support will serve you well.
2--All weather...something that can stand water, mud, dirt etc and will clean up easily or polish easily. There are great shoes in Bulgaria too, if your shoes give out, but if you can make what you bring last you will save money.
3--Something with good inner support. So if you need arch support, then go with that and so on....
4--Something that will match all of your clothes, so neutral colors like black, brown, camel etc will serve you well.
And by way of FYI...you can get great winter boots in Bulgaria. I did for a very good price. They went up to my knees and kept my legs warm and dry all winter. I saved my money for them, but it was sooo worth it!
Goo luck with finding shoes....
Brinton
95-96
