Comfort Shoes Never Looked This Good

Women have been fighting the war between fashion and comfort since the beginning of time (or at least, since heels were invented). We want to look smashing, but feel like a goddess. As much as we covet those 4 inch stiletto sandals, sometimes nature doesn't agree. Thank god footwear companies are standing up and taking notice (or taking pity). With so many brands out there that cater to the woman who wants amazing style AND unbelievable comfort, the selection is better than ever. After perusing the 3,500 styles of women's comfort shoes(!) at Shoebuy.com, I've picked out a couple that really gave me what I need. Hopefully you will feel the same too! Naturalizer Mally Proving that platforms don’t necessarily mean pain, the Mally by Naturalizer is the perfect mix of daintiness and brawn. It’s simple enough to pull off every day, yet (thanks to the return of the platform sandal in mainstream fashion) incredibly stylish. The slight, round toe platform outsole and broad toe straps provide security while the adjustable ankle strap allows for flexible comfort. The footbed is padded for the utmost in comfort. I love the fact that it has a thicker platform heel, which makes it ideal for walking on uneven sidewalks or cobblestones. Women everywhere have been swearing by Naturalizer shoes, claiming that nothing is sexier than feeling good and looking better! Available in Saddle Tan Soft Stone Oiled Leather, Black Soft Stone Oiled Leather or Brown Soft Stone Oiled Leather in sizes 6-10. Aerosoles Open Pose Calling upon the sophistication and glamour of yesteryear, the Open Pose by Aerosoles is a dream come true for fashionistas that love the vintage look but prefer modern day comfort. The slightly rounded toe box provides wiggle room for your toes, while the cross over straps in front form an embellished peep toe to show off that fabulous pedicure. The contrast piping and flower accents add a little flair, while the ¼-inch platform combined with a 3-inch stacked heel keep you grounded and stable. Made of an ultra-soft calf leather upper, faux suede lining (which keeps your feet from slipping around inside), manmade sole and self-wrapped heel. Available in black leather in sizes 5-12. Life Stride Skimmer Soft insoles, smooth linings and easy-flexing soles are all the signature features that make Life Stride a premier comfort brand. This basic slingback dress mule is one of those shoes you can see yourself grabbing almost every day. It’s streamlined, simple and unbelievably comfortable…all the things that working women need. The Skimmer features a dress mule style upper, a slightly tapered toe, fully lined interior, an instep elastic strap and a slingback elastic strap for a perfect flexible fit. Most importantly, it has a cushioned comfort footbed with a traction outsole. Pair these with suits, pants, skirts or dresses; they go with everything and transition flawlessly from day to evening. Available in Black Smooth or Sandy Pearlized Kid in sizes 5.5-11 (narrow, regular and wide width). Oh! Shoes Jenny Does this look like a shoe with an orthotic footbed? I didn’t think so. Oh! Shoes has given way to a new brand of women’s footwear that seamlessly combines comfort and sexiness. These fabulous reptile print wedge sandals are a perfect example. From its printed calfskin upper to its uber-trendy cork covered wedge heel, the Jenny by Oh! Shoes gives you a look that screams style but doesn’t necessarily make you scream. The unique ankle strap and multiple strap upper flatters the foot, while the wedge heel gives you a lift. Available in Camel Croco Print or White/Silver Croco print in sizes 6-10. Spring Step Bahama Spring Step is a brand I can personally vouch for; the entire collection is nothing short of foot bliss. The Bahama by Spring Step combines a summer staple, the thong, with a comfort cushioned footbed that’s great for all day wear. The pebble grain leather thong flatters the foot, especially with its buckle detail. The footbed is wrapped in soft suede that feels wonderful to the touch, while the flexible, one-piece polyurethane sole makes this sandal last through the summer. Durable, comfortable and undeniably “summery”, the Bahama definitely gets a big “thumbs up” from me! Available in Green Leather, Black Leather, Beige Leather, Ice Leather and Navy Leather in sizes 5-11.5. Rieker-Antistress Lucy 48 If you love the neo-Bohemian, ethnic thongs that are all the rage this summer, but also need sandals that are comfortable enough for your sensitive feet, the Lucy is the shoe for you! Reiker shoes are known for the lightweight anti-stress soles, the flexible and cushioned footbeds with massage bumps, and roomier bodies. These fantastic features, combined with a beautiful bead and rhinestone upper, make a thong sandal that is sure to make you one happy camper. Also features a ridged Riricon outsole for traction on any surface. Available in black in sizes 5.5-10. Softspots Clarice No wardrobe is complete without a versatile dress flat like the Clarice. From the Softspots City Collection, the Clarice features a flower-accented round toe box, revolutionary Energy Core construction, an anatomically shaped PU footbed with latex cushioning, hand burnished, two-tone lightweight PU unit for flexibility, soft leather uppers and leather lining. Like all Softspots shoes, the Clarice is incredibly durable (which means you can easily wear it year round), comfortable and have great shock absorbing pads inside to keep you on your feet. Available in Black, Chino and Humper in sizes 6-12 (regular, wide and extra wide width). Sofft Venice If you love European fashion, this versatile dress flat by Sofft is the style du jour. The Venice is a vamp-cut Italian leather Mary Jane that is sophisticated, tailored and most importantly, comfortable. The upper has a unique Mary Jane style made with premium leathers, copper grommet detailing, complementary-hued piping and a hint of a heel. I personally love it in Berry; it’s feminine, light and looks fantastic with a cute skirt or pants. Also has a matching floral outsole pattern. Available in Berry Suede, Black Leather, Black Suede and Bronze Leather in sizes 6-9.5. Hush Puppies Fragrant With comfort on everyone’s mind these days, it’s no wonder that espadrilles are at the top of every fashionista’s list of must-haves. Women can’t get enough of them and stores keep running out of them. If you love the quirky, casual stylings of espadrilles but crave the comfort and stability of a flat sandal, Hush Puppies has what you need. The Fragrant features a traditional jute-wrapped 3-inch wedge heel with a Nappa or full grain leather upper. The smooth leather sock liner comes with a latex foam insert, while the non-slip TPR outsole provides traction on any surface. Available in Black Leather and Saddle Leather in sizes 5.5-11. Rockport Peru It may be summer outside, but office dress codes still require closed toe shoes. If penny loafers aren’t really your thing, try a backless mule with a heel. The Peru by comfort experts Rockport gives you the streamlined look of a tapered dress pump in front with a warm weather-style backless cut. The calfskin upper is soft and pliable, making the break in period almost non-existent; the soft leather is also very comfortable in the summer, when your foot tends to expand with the heat. Rockport’s Sole Innovation provides an extra deep heel cushion and a very flexible forefoot for long-term walking comfort. The polyurethane footbed provides durable cushioning to help prevent foot fatigue. The rubber outsole provides durable traction. Available in Tan Calf, Black Calf, White/Tan Calf and Stripe Print/Tan Linen/Calf in sizes 5-11. Dr. Scholl's Embrace Any collection of great looking comfort shoes would be incomplete without mentioning Dr. Scholl’s. The granddaddy of comfort, Dr. Scholl’s is widely known for providing insoles and other shoe inserts designed to make any shoe comfortable; you can imagine what the shoes they make feel like. The Embrace is one of my favorites from the spring/summer collection. I prefer it in Gold Leather; it has a metallic finish that’s clean, not garish. The upper consists of multiple straps that come together in a pretty tear drop cut-out on top. The wedge heel gives you a boost without the ankle-breaking pain of high heels, while the area under the ball of the foot (where most pain associated with high heels is centered) is extra padded so you can wear these all day long without feeling them. Features an adjustable ankle strap for a perfect fit. Smooth lining, with a cushioned footbed. Available in Gold Leather and White Leather in sizes 6-10. Check out the entire selection of women's comfort shoes at Shoebuy.com.