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It’s official the stiletto heel is no longer in vogue. Yes, women are still wearing them but not like they have in the recent past. It wasn’t that long ago that heels seemed to be getting higher and higher. And just when you thought you couldn’t get them any higher designers added a platform which seemed to heighten with every season. Enter the sneaker and creeper fad. Suddenly a more practical shoe was the “in” thing. How did that happen? Like everything, what goes up must come down. Remember the low-slung bumpster pants that were cut so low that revealing the plumber’s crack was a thing too? Thankfully, we can sit with dignity with a higher waisted trouser.

The same reversal of fortune has been bestowed upon us when it comes to shoes. Finding a comfortable flat that did not make our feet look like loaves of bread was almost impossible and heels as gorgeous as they are had us hobbling around in pain. It was Christian Louboutin who famously said, “ I would hate for someone to look at my shoes and say, Oh my god, that looks so comfortable!” Women have spoken—we want a good-looking comfortable flat and non-stiletto heels that caress our arches and cushions our soles.

There are so many shoes on the market that are not made well. Pay attention to the details of the shoes. You want them to last and you want them ethically made. Here are a few of my favorite styles that are all of that!

M.Gemi offers some wonderful styles. Their website is easy to navigate and informs the shopper of how the shoe fits. For example they offer this tip on their Cerchio, “Fit Tip: Runs a little wide. If you have narrow feet, we suggest going down a half size for the best fit.”

If you are in the market for a casual shoe the Cerchio is a very stylish creeper and available in 10 colors. The sole is thick and the design of the handwoven new buck upper gives it that little extra polish. They are made in Italy and well-priced at $228.

The Stellato Sacchetto is the perfect shoe for just about all your daytime romps. This style is made in suede and provides a roomy fit in the middle of the foot. It is available in 5 colors.

If you are not a fan of suede and prefer calf M.Gemi has that as well. Have a look at their Stellato. It is available in 2 colors

The oxford is another great look for your everyday needs. This one by Varda is a classic! The construction is superb. How do I know? I own a pair that I have had forever. Varda focuses on classic styles in basic colors. A problem some women have (me) is their feet get cold (me) and like to wear a sock but a sock doesn’t always look well with styles like ballet flats. That is not the case with this shoe. Made in Italy. It is only available in black and retails for $595.

Stack heels have become uber popular so there are plenty on the market. They are not technically considered flats but if you find the right pair they can be  as comfortable. The Heel by Margaux comes in 7 colors and has a rounded toe. They are made in Spain and are $245.

The Laree Grand Pump by Cole Haan comes in 5 colors and has a molded padded sock lining. These shoes unfortunately have a leather sole and leather soles, as good as they look, do not add comfort. My advice would be to take them to your local shoe repair store and have rubber soles added. The Laree Grand is available in four colors.

The Day Heel by Everlane is also a good choice. It is available in both leather and suede and comes in 10 colors.

If you are looking for something with a little more edge have a look at the shoes by Frida Salvador. Their quality is exceptional! These shoes are designed in Sausalito and made in Spain. My favorite are the Sling Mid Heel.

Whatever you choose make sure they are right for your feet no matter how attractive the price or fabulousness. And most importantly if the shoe pinches your feet at all try a different style!

Eat well, laugh a lot, and be chic!