Very high
open-toed
platform pump
with slender
heel
Pointy-toe
high stilett o
heel, no
platform
Extreme
platform high
heel with
open toe
Round-toe
high heel
platform
pump
Moderate
heel pump
with arch
support
Low kitt en
heel with arch
support
Ballerina fl at with
arch support
Supportive
walking
shoe
Ballerina fl at
with no arch
support
Flip-fl op
with no arch
support
Shearling
fl at boot
the ideal shoe
From a medical standpoint, it should have a sturdy heel no higher than an inch, a toe box that doesn’t
pinch, arch support and good fi t with no
rubbing, slipping or gripping.
look for these
Experts praise shoe brands such
as Taryn Rose, Mephisto, Clarks,
Merrell, Rockport, Dansko, Ecco and
Birkenstock.
Let’s face it: The perfect shoe—drop-dead sexy, healthy and comfortable—doesn’t exist. Most styles fi t somewhere on this spectrum. But designers are rising to the challenge, off ering options that, while not exactly Sex and the City, don’t scream “I have bunions!” either. Where do your favorites fall?
The Shoe Matrix
SEXY
NOT SO SEXY
HE
AL
TH
Y
UN
HE
AL
TH
Y
Strappy
platform sandal
on sturdy heel
Medium-high
platform
wedge sandal
Fun
sneaker
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