It’s interesting that some women are more comfortable in heels than flats, feeling that flats are unflattering and don’t provide the support of a heel. Feeling awkward in flat shoes usually makes fashion sneakers a no-no, but with heeled fashion sneakers coming back, they might be an option after all.

I’m personally sticking to flat All Star Converse, but if you like the idea of an uber-casual heeled shoe, the wedged sneaker trend is for you. You won’t look odd wearing this heel to a sporting event.

I had a pair of athletic inspired wedges in the ‘90’s, but they weren’t as sleek as the styles that have surfaced this season. I’ve tried on the silver pair on the right and they are very comfortable.

I’m always on the hunt for comfortable shoes that look fab and I recently scored another pair. They’re dressy Anne Klein snip-toe ballet flats with an ultra soft flexible sole that cushions the foot beautifully. Shoes with decorative buckles on their vamps often cut into your skin as you walk because the buckles spill over the edge of the shoe. But these buckles don’t because they’re positioned away from the edge. They’re also cut low enough so that none of the bones on my feet chaff against the sides of the shoe. My hopes are high that this ped will make the “8-hour” mark.

I ordered these shoes because the Zappos reviews were very encouraging. I can’t tell whether they offer enough arch support because I don’t seem to have a problem with the arches of my feet; but they’re soft and a lot more substantial than many of the flats around. You might need to go up half size if your feet are a little wider because the toe box is snug. Roll on Spring, I can’t wait to break in my new skimmers.

These flats are available in patent and leather in a variety of colours.

Footwear designers Antonio Berardi and Marc Jacobs are selling these soaring “heel-less heels” in their prêt-a porter collections. These styles weren’t just created for catwalk appeal; they’re actually selling them at a retail level. Apparently fashionistas are champing at the bit to buy them. I’m not one of those fashionistas and I can think of a million other ways to spend $3700. I can’t imagine what it’s like walking in these ridiculous shoes. Much like tiptoeing on stilts perhaps. They’re bad for your feet, back and posture and they don’t even look nice. Am I alone?

Heel-less heels from Marc Jacobs.

I learned about an interesting new online shoe store in the youlookfab forum: 6pm.com. It’s well worth a look because the selection is good and the prices are sensational. Most of the styles are between 45% and 70% off. I’m not sure if this is a blowout end of season sale, or whether they always sell the previous season’s shoes. Of course, there is nothing wrong with buying season old shoes and there are plenty of superb choices on this site.

The search facility works quite well, but you can’t narrow down your search as effectively as you can on Zappos. I haven’t ordered anything yet so I’m unsure of their service. I have noticed that you pay for shipping (about $7 each way) which means that you are out of pocket $14 if the shoes don’t work. This is something you’ll need to factor into the total price of your purchases.

I am still an absolute Zappos fan. If you order in the morning, your shoes on your doorstep the next day. And the shipping is free. But their prices aren’t nearly as good as those on 6pm.com, which means that I will be browsing both sites when next I’m looking for shoes online.

I’m impressed with 6pm.com’s footwear selection. It’s definitely different to Zappos, Endless and Piperlime. Thank you Mayapple for sharing your finds with us.

First it was the ankle bootie, then the Oxford bootie, and now a peep-toe version of these styles is Spring 2008’s trendiest new shoe. This trend sends the same mixed message as sleeveless woolly turtlenecks and short-sleeved coats (Winter items with impractical Summer styling). But peep-toes are super for Spring and this shoe is essentially a peep-toed pump with a little more foot coverage.

The ped is being paired with ankle length skinnies, walk shorts, skirts and dresses. It’s an eccentric look that’s definitely not mainstream. I can appreciate the fresh idea, but I can’t see myself wearing them. Can you?

Hot off the press: peep-toe Oxfords and peep-toe booties from Nordstrom. Heel heights are once again absurd. I quite like the streamlined look of the style without laces.

I’ve experimented with all sorts of slippers and the ones that I found under my Christmas tree a few weeks ago are the best yet. They’re made by a German slipper company called Haflinger who take pride in marketing their product as “the world’s most comfortable slipper”. I would have to agree.

Their slippers offer arch support, cozy interiors, a double felt non-skid sole and of course, they look nice. They’re made of breathable boiled wool and are completely machine washable. They set you back a pretty penny ($50 - $65), but you’ll find them on sale on sites like Footsmart and Onlineshoes.

I’ve tried everything from $8 styles (Target) to the kind that mould to the shape of your feet (Brookstone). They either stretch out, lack support, tear, make my feet perspire or feel slippery. Haflinger has found the formula that is perfect for me. Here’s to fabulously happy feet at home.

I’m particularly partial to the cream ones with the lamb appliqué (left). They’re on my feet right now.

A pair of casual knee- or calf-length weatherproof boots are a must if your Winters are cold and wet. They’re usually best worn over straight or skinny jeans, but under a casual dress or skirt with tights is also an option.

Causal tall boot selections are abundant this season.Take your pick of the following styles:

• Wellies are ideal for muddy playgrounds, farm settings and walks with the dogs. You might need to try on a few before you decide on a pair because rubber can be a little stiff around the ankle. I’ve found that wellies are most flattering when they are knee-length instead of calf-length, so be sure to try both looks.
• Lace-ups are rugged and sporty and a particularly good choice for those with narrow calves.
• Fleece-lined boots are cozy and toe toasting. Select a style with rubber heels and soles to keep the warmth in and the damp out.
• Faux fur styles are adorable and perfect for snowy après ski settings.
• Urban looks with rubber soles are versatile, utilitarian and the perfect Winter walking shoe.

Your look comes together quickly with a pair of great casual boots because they do all the talking. Add a flattering piece of knitwear, a casual parka or coat and a tote or sling bag and that’s it. Your outfit is functional, comfortable and stylish. Easy!

Lace-ups	Fleece-lined	Faux Fur

Faux Fur	Urban	Urban

Wrapping paper, or gift wrap, is usually wrapped around a long cylindrical roll of cardboard. Save these rolls and cut them in half because they make superb long boot shapers. If you don’t have proper boot shapers, try this cheap trick instead (rolled up magazines are another cheap, but effective, option).

I stumbled across the new approach yesterday as I was wrapping Christmas presents. I had a new pair of boots that were in desperate need of shapers, so I temporarily used the wrapping paper roll to keep them upright and neat. That did the job perfectly and the rolls are now there to stay.

Unfortunately I cannot appreciate the elevation of these shoes, but platforms are the height of party fashion this season. They’ll look festive and mod with cocktail dresses, jeans, flirty skirts and satin skinnies (either bare-legged, or with hose). Pop in foot petals to prevent your feet from sliding and add an insole for cushioning comfort. Statement peds like these are sure to kick your outfit up a notch if you feel stable in 4-5 inch heels. They’re like sculptured works of art on your feet. I’ll admire them from a distance because I draw the line at 3 inches and “2 hours” for party shoes and that scenario needs to include a lot of sitting.

Pretty party platforms with either skinny or chunky soaring heel heights are a must if you like the look and your feet can stand it. It’s a skill that you can add to your resume if you can walk and dance the night away in these. I don’t know how Beyonce does it.

Above-the-knee shift, sheath and tunic dresses are extremely popular this season, and if I’m not mistaken this trend will continue into Spring. Wearing the correct type of heel with a raised hemline is imperative if you’re to keep your look hip and chic. It’s best to wear chunkier heels or a shoe with a little more foot coverage when sporting a mini dress or skirt. A skimpy dress paired with a skinny heeled shoe gives the illusion that you’re going to topple over, but a chunky heel somehow balances out the look.

The exception: skinny-heeled, knee-length boots with raised hemlines somehow works. The extra coverage that you get from the boots achieves a striking balance.

The haute couture illustrations are a little over the top, but they do perfectly illustrate the mini dress with chunky shoe look.