Fall in Love With Comfy Shoes

Southern Living, Sep 2008 by Sellers, Bridget

There's no need to sacrifice style to treat your tootsies right. Use these tips to choose high-fashion shoes that are good for you.

Stylish women everywhere can cheer! Now we can look fantastic and still have happy feet. When it's time to dress - up for work or something special, we have the shoes for you. Shoe stores all over the South are now offering modern styles that-surprise-are amazingly comfortable.

Mainstream manufacturers and high-end designers alike have recognized the need for sensibility and are providing sophisticated looks that are healthful too. It's easier than ever to combine fashion and function if you know a few basics.

Finding a Good Fit Dr. Judith F. Baumhauer, a spokesperson for the American Orthopaedic Foot &. Ankle Society and an orthopedic surgeon specializing in foot and ankle care, says there are certain qualities that make a shoe great for you. "Getting a good shoe is tricky because the fit completely depends on your foot," she explains, "but it's easier when you know some specifics to look for."

Here are Dr. Baumhauer's shopping tips for finding smart shoes.

* The shoe's sole should be made of a shock-absorbing material such as rubber or cork.

* The upper portion should be made of expanding materials such as soft leather.

* The widest portion of the sole should match the width of the ball of your foot.

* Your heel should fit snugly into the back of the shoe.

* Get both feet measured-the size and shape of each foot changes with age. Buy for the larger foot, if needed.

* Shop at the end of the day when your feet have expanded.

* Go where a reputable salesperson is available for sizing.

Great Brands for Feel-Good Footwear

Want comfortable options that fit your taste? Here are our top picks for brands with taste and the right technology for a good fit. We've grouped these based on cost from high to low. Don't be afraid to indulge though. We found that extra cash means extra comfort in most cases.

* It's an investment: Jeanne Jarvaise, Taryn Rose

* Pricey but worth every penny: Cole Haan, Cordani, Gentle Souls by Kenneth Cole

* Comfort within reach: Aravon, Born, Clarks, Me Too

* A steal of a deal: Aerosoles, Dr. Scholl's, Easy Spirit

* Sting-back

COMFORT KEY: The sling-back heel is sleek and elegant-a classic choice for an evening out. Look for one that uses a wide strap to increase stability, a wide toe box to prevent cramping from strap pressure, and shock absorption to pad the ball of the foot. Editor's pick: The "Claudia" style from Taryn Rose, orthopedic surgeon-turned-shoe designer.

* Ballet Flat

COMFORT KEY: This sweet and versatile slipper is stylish enough for work yet goes great with your favorite jeans. Its trademark is a Light-looking sole, but shop for a pair with extra padding to cushion the foot and a functional strap for a snug fit. Editor's pick: The "Gabby" shoe by Gentle Souls. The deerskin lining in this shoe feels like a soft glove.

* Classic Flat

COMFORT KEY: A multipurpose flat is every woman's best friend on those days when outfit assembly needs to be easy. Look for a shockabsorbing sole and extra-soft lining. Editor's pick: The rightfully named "Carefree" style by Aerosoles. This shoe is a great value.

* Platform

COMFORT KEY: The platform pump is fun and adventurous and can be surprisingly comfortable if you look for a few difference-makers-a wide upper-foot strap for extra support, shock absorption for padding, and an angled platform under the ball of the foot to reduce lower back pain. Editor's Pick: The "Heather" heel from Jeanne Jarvalse. This shoe's a shocker! It feels so soft on the ball of the foot.

* Rounded-Toe Pump

COMFORT KEY: The rounded-toe pump is all things feminine and a timeless staple for dressing up on any occasion. Look for a deep toe box to prevent jamming into the front of the shoe, memory foam for extra cushioning, and built-in arch support. Editor's pick: The "Calgary" style by Cordani. This shoe wins top pick for its ultra-stylish look, great fit, and pretty affordable price.

* Casual Slip-on

COMFORT KEY: Busy days call for shoes that slip right on and keep up with fast-moving feet. Look for an ultra-soft footbed, extra padding in the ball of the foot, and a flexible rubber sole. Editor's pick: The "Saba" patent leather flat by Me Too.

* Mary Jane

COMFORT KEY: The youthful Mary Jane pairs especially well with ankle-cropped pants when you want to look cute but feel comfortable. Look for straps made of extra-soft leather to prevent blistering, cushioned footbeds for extra padding, and built-in arch support. Editor's pick: The "HayLey" shoe by Aravon.

* Wedge

COMFORT KEY: The wedge is a smart option when you need a heavier shoe that still looks sophisticated. But walking on a wedge can feel trickier than tightrope walking. Shop for a medium-to-low heel to reduce forefoot pressure and back pain. Editor's pick: The 1-inch "Air Linden Ballet" wedge from Cole Haan. Shock absorptionis always a plus, and this style has a high-tech Nike Air sole.