Flats, please! Image: Thinkstock.
I’m all for fashion, but I’ll take a t-shirt, worn-in blue jeans, and a pair of flats any day.
Maybe it’s my Tennessee upbringing, my tomboyish tendencies, or because I spend my days on my feet as a pediatric dentist, but I have always been a fan of flat shoes. Whether it's ballet flats, loafers, sneakers, or even strappy sandals, I prefer to keep my feet on the ground.
To those who worship at the altar of Christian Louboutin or Jimmy Choo, this may sound like trend-phobic blasphemy.
But hear me out.
Once I started my professional life, I soon realized that stilettos and pumps had no place in the office.
Instead, ballerina flats, loafers, and sneakers became my shoes of choice. I can dress them up or down, and at the end of a long day, my feet are still happy and energized.
Shockingly, I have even found that many men I have dated appreciate my wearing comfortable shoes.
On one particular date, I was asked if I wanted to go to the driving range and hit some golf balls after dinner.
My date stopped himself and said, “Oh wait, you probably won’t be comfortable in your shoes, will you?” Then he peeped a look at the cute pair of flats I had on — and off we went to hit some golf balls!
Yes, I easily and seamlessly transitioned from an elegant dinner to hitting golf balls at the local driving range, thanks to my cute flats.
This is definitely not a new style for me. Growing up in the South and spending a lot of my time outdoors meant that I was always searching for a comfortable pair of shoes.
I recall going to a local football game as a high school senior and noticing that a few of my friends were having a hard time walking because their heels sunk into the grass as they made their way down the field!
Who wants that?
It’s not just because of the comfort (although that’s a big part of it!) but also because of the wide range of flats that some of my favorite designers are now including in their footwear collections.
At 30, I would like to think that my shoe choice doesn’t play a big role in attractiveness or sex appeal, but either way, I would rather be comfortable. Kicked-back easygoing style is my choice 99% of the time.
We’ve all seen those women. You know the ones: They go grocery shopping or to their children’s social events in the latest high-heeled monstrosities to emerge from fashion week. You look at them walk, taking each step with painful deliberation, slightly hunched over. You think, Girl, why? Is it that serious?
I’m all for fashion, but I’ll take a t-shirt, worn-in blue jeans, and a pair of flats any day.
It’s not just because of the comfort (although that’s a big part of it!) but also because of the wide range of flats that some of my favorite designers are now including in their footwear collections.
Whether you're dressing it up or keeping it casually elegant, you will certainly be able to find a pair of flats that fit the occasion.
My personal favorite is Steve Madden. He has really upped his game with his women’s flats collection: Strappy flats, printed shoes, loafers, ballet flats, moccasins... Oh my! It’s all there, and it won’t break the bank.
Now, don’t get me wrong: High heels will always be a staple piece.
But with more designers adding embellishments and different fabrics to their flats and flip flops, and with sneaker companies such as Nike adding bling to their sneakers, I don’t need to keep my precious ankles at a continuous 60-degree angle, and neither do you.
Whether you're dressing it up or keeping it casually elegant, you will certainly be able to find a pair of flats that fit the occasion.
If you’re still not sold on the merits of flats and you’re a diehard heels girl, do what I do on the rare occasions that I go for 3” or higher: Tuck a nice pair of flats into your purse.
Your feet will thank you.
