oh my god - forgot all about this discussion - LOL
http://www.madridman.com/cgi-bin/ubbcgi/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic&f=6&t=000079&p=

Think it was visions of numrerous board members in speedos let alone the some of the other comments -

And, please do leave white socks - and any socks with sandals - at home .....

There are quite a number of nice "good value" brands popping up everywhere. One of my favorite is Massimo Dutti. You can also find some cheap buys at Springfield, and if you have a chance to visit the suburbs, you'll find that there are a number of brand outlets becoming popular too.

If you plan on walking in Sevilla, try to find a pair of lightweight cork-soled sandals (w/thick cork soles). They could save you from getting the soles of your feet burned: the pavement gets very hot!

I was in Madrid during April, and most guys I saw wore black or tan pants with button down shirts. Because it was unusually cold, they wore jackets as well, but you shouldn't have that problem...When I was in southern Spain last summer, I didn't notice many shorts or tank tops on guys. Usually khaki pants with dressy t-shirts. Have fun!

I just came back from 9 days in Spain. My first and foremost advice would have to do with shoes. If you are planning to walk a lot (which I think is the best way to get to know any place you to go) make sure to wear solid shoes with a good, thick sole. This is important because you will be walking on lots and lots of cobblestones of various sizes in most of the older neighborhoods and tourist attractions outside madrid. After 4 days of walking on cobblestones with my sandles I was starting to curse at them - they really wear down the bottom of your feet.

Yaron

Just stay away from any store that says "Todo por 0,99 euros" or anything similar on the outside.

Years ago I like Cortefiel, but frankly I don't even know if they're still as big [or even in business!] as they used to be.

Regarding shoes, do they still sell "Paredes" there? I remember all the little Hessian kids getting them. They must've made a mint in Barakaldo alone.