by Elizabeth Crane

Created on: August 29, 2009   Last Updated: August 31, 2009

Shoe queen here! Shoes serve many purposes besides protecting our feet. They are a fashion statement, they complete an outfit, they project what type of person we are and they even make us feel fantastic.

My shoe collection consists mainly of stylish heels that are at least four inches high. I buy for style and comfort. My consideration of a new purchase starts first with style. I don't look for a shoe saying, hmmm, that shoe looks comfortable. Of course I reflect on what is most visually appealing to me. When the anxious salesmen brings out my shoes to try on he inevitably informs me that they do not have my size in one of the shoes and he has brought out a size up or down. Of course, I try them all on but more often than not the alternative size is not comfortable. I have learned the hard way and do not buy the unfitting shoe (no matter how gorgeous it might be). Cinderella's wicked stepsisters might have had them rung up but I am not in that club.

Young and old alike appreciate a new pair of shoes. Even when my kids were young and got a new pair of shoes they would place them on their nightstand at bedtime so they could see them first thing when they woke up. This was not a gender specific phenomenon. I have three boys and a girl and they all displayed their new shoes proudly for some morning gratification. Comfort was essential in my purchasing shoes for my offspring but I was always conscious of what they liked and it was generally the latest (and usually most expensive) style.

You do not have to sacrifice style for comfort. You do not have to buy the low heeled, frumpy monstrosity of a shoe to satisfy your comfort needs. So you say you can't walk in a pair of high heels? I don't think so! Practice, practice, practice. Buy a pair and wear them at home. Strut your stuff in every room and be sure to walk by a mirror and notice just how magnificent you look in them. Yes, it's true, your legs have lengthened and become shapelier.

Comfort often depends on the quality of a shoe. It is worth the money spent for a well-made pair of shoes. You can get a quality pair of shoes for a decent price if you look for bargains. Try some of the discount shoe stores like DSW. There are some incredible deals to be had on top quality, name-brand shoes. You will be surprised at the difference in comfort level between a well made shoe and a cheaper version. Look for a leather upper with a leather lining. A fine, luxurious leather will bathe your foot in soothing splendor.

Who said you can't have it all? Go for the glory and get that sexy, stylish (and comfortable) shoe that makes you feel like a queen. You won't be sorry.

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