Do Comfortable, Professional, AND Fashionable Shoes Exist?? YES!

Comfortable high heels, unicorns, and mermaids are all beautiful mythical things.  Or are they??  You can find beautiful pumps, but they're never comfortable, you can find comfortable shoes- but maybe they're not professional.  Well, my goal is to debunk this myth.  Read on!  (I'll leave the rest of the myths to the National Inquirer.)

The following quote perfectly describes the dilemma at hand: "Lawyers stand in court all day, business executives race through airports, and real estate agents are going up and down stairs showing houses. When you consider that all of that activity often takes place in painfully uncomfortable shoes, it is no wonder so many women professionals are looking for new shoe solutions."  In fact, possible problems can include:  hammertoes, dislocation of joints in the feet, and even stress fractures in the metatarsal bones. Yikes!!

So, what's to be done?  I've rallied up a few solutions:

1)Flats!  If you will be standing for long periods of time or will be walking quite a bit, keep them handy to change into.  Most of the time flats can fit in a purse, briefcase, or backpack!  I even know several friends who keep an extra pair in their car, desk drawer, or gym locker.

2)Tennis shoes! For those who live in the city and have to walk longer distances, you need to protect your feet, and this might allow you to walk at a quicker speed. However, I've never been comfortable wearing tennis shoes with business attire, so I just stick with flats for walking. (Puma makes some comfort shoes that almost look like professional flats: http://www.shop.puma.com/Winning-Diva-Bling-Ballerina-Flats/pna304000,en_US,pd.html&cgid=13120#!i%3D0%26color%3D01)

3)Inserts!  Not my favorite option because sometimes the inserts move around and can irritate your foot.  However, Dr. Scholl's makes some great options!

4)Know good brands!  There are a number of brands that tote comfort and professionalism, and you might find a pair that suits your taste!  Note: they can be quite expensive, but a really good pair can last for a couple years.  Here are some of my favorites: 

-Geox: My absolute favorite. A European brand that is carried by Nordstrom and can be found on Amazon as well.  Known as "the shoes that breathe." (www.shopgeox.com)

-Cole Haan: Paired with Nike to use Nike Air Cushioning to make the heel more comfortable.  Check out this gorgeous number, but beware of the price!(http://www.colehaan.com/colehaan/catalog/product.jsp?catId=100&productId=135382&productGroup=135379)

-Sofft and Born: very similar brands with a similar look (and a nice sturdy heel!).  They take a while to break in, but they are SO comfortable after you get used to them! (www.sofftshoe.com and www.bornshoes.com)

-Naturalizer: Typically are really easy to walk in. (http://www.naturalizer.com)

5)Shape of the Shoe!  Ankle straps, wedges, and platforms offer the foot more support.  However, be careful that you keep these in the professional realm- typically pumps are more closely associated with professionalism.

As always: Be classy, be kind, and you'll earn the respect you deserve.