Summer is beginning to heat up, intensifying the desire to walk around barefoot, free of sweaty socks and shoes (not a recommended practice unless you’re safely on a beach). Luckily the technology to feel as if one is barefoot has improved, increasing the comfort level of shoes ranging from heels to flip flops.
This is no small development for the countless women who suffer from a well-known, well-publicized fact about high-heels: no matter how cute they are, heels hurt. Women wear heels to work because they are the final touches for a suit and can spice up any casual outfit. Many commuters usually put a pair of flip-flops on for the commute and seconds before entering the office building, kick off the flips and the wedge into stilettos. But now there is an easier, more comfortable way to travel to and from work and around the city.
Best Versatility - Grazia by Camileon Heels ($300-$400)
From the commute to work to the club, these shoes completely eliminate the worry of bringing an extra pair of flip-flops or flats. They can instantly go from fabulous flats to sky-high heels. Depending on the design, the flats measure anywhere from ¼ inch to 1 ½ inch, while the heels measure between 3 ½ inches to 4 inches. The insole in the shoe also supports and cushions the foot to alleviate back pain. These heels will give women more options for when they’re toting minimal carry-on luggage, facing a long commute from the office to subway, or switching from office-appropriate attire to a night on the town without going home to change first. The only other thing these shoes need to do is change colors.
Available at www.camileonheels.com.
Best Tourist Shoes - Tau Wedge by Asgi ($124-$150)
If there was one rule for being tourist it would be to always bring comfortable shoes—and these walking sandals certainly fit that bill. The Tau Wedge has a two-inch heel with a half-inch platform, and all designs offer three layers of foot support. The first layer is a cushioned footbed designed for comfort and stability; the second is more firm and provides support to the arch, cradling the heel while still being flexible; the third layer is a shock-absorbing outsole cushion that relieves the stress of everyday walking.
For more info, visit www.asgishoes.com.
Best Body-Slimming Footwear - Walkstar by FitFlop ($50 - $60)
The new craze is the “The flip-flop with the gym built-in!” Deemed the more stylish Croc, FitFlops are proven to alleviate back pain after a few days on wearing them. They are comfortable and “work out your legs while you walk.” The design is purportedly an improvement on walking barefoot, and the makers cite its employment of three different fibers: the first is the heel section that absorbs 35% of the shock, mid-section is a micro-wobbleboard, and last is a firmer fiber in the toe that maintains a faster walking speed. Even though the Walkstar FitFlop is cute, it leaves much to be desired in the style department. The regular version pairs well with casual jeans, but stick to newer styles such as the sequins-spangled Fringe to show off a dressier flair.
Available at www.thefitflop.com.
