But when you buy a new pair of boots because you’re taken by the way they look, how much attention do you pay to what’s between your foot and the carpet? To often you’re trying on boots in a store – carpeted flooring, or at home – ditto, because you don’t want to get any wear on the sole just in case you change your mind.
So joy in the fact that there are well established brands who put comfort and style as dual priorities. My favourites are Geox, Gabor and, if a splurge is called for, US brand Stuart Weitzman. They know that not all of us can or want to walk for miles in footwear that’s not comfortable. I’m always amazed at the heels some apparently wear all day, and can’t believe that they don’t end up with sore feet or a sore back.
The most comfortable footwear has padding to the insole and a rubber outsole. The best rubber outsoles don’t make a noise when you’re walking on a hard surface.
As more brands realise that we value comfort as much as style, there’ll be more to offer. Find Stuart Weitzman at Net-a-Porter and Forzieri, although the latter is just about sold out. Find Gabor at John Lewis and House of Fraser, and Geox at their own Geox website and John Lewis.