Hunting for Comfortable Women's Shoes? Try on My Reasons for Going Crackers for Crocs

I admit it: I've given my feet a hard-knocks life. I'm one of those people who stubs her toe on a bedpost, tends to buy shoes because they're cute rather than comfortable, and heads out for long walks on an impulse without shifting to appropriate shoe wear.

In the past year or so, however, my feet have been talking back to me. Blisters, calluses, and even (ugh) an attack of gout have made it painfully clear that it's time for me to provide some TLC to my toes.

I persuaded a sensibly shod girlfriend who head out for some shoe-shopping with me.

End of the Day Shoe Shopping

I wanted to go before noon - but Janie instructed me to wait until late afternoon. The reason? Your feet gradually swell during the day, which means that those shoes that fit you so perfectly at 9 am will feel like the glass slippers that fit only Cinderella by 5 pm. Ouch.

"Oh, look at these cute little red shoes that get narrow at the top," I said to Janie. My friend shook her head. When I tried them on, I understood her veto: those "cute" shoes cramped my toes, making me feel as if I'd develop blisters if I walked more than five steps in them.

I tried on soft brown shoes that reminded me of moccasins - and tough tan shoes that would probably withstand the bite of a moccasin snake. Boots, sandals, walking shoes, running shoes, dancing shoes: I was overwhelmed with the variety but unimpressed with the comfort level.

As we wandered around the store, I noticed a cute pair of women's flats in a cheerful blue. The toes were rounded, making it appear that they would fit the "comfort factor" for which I'd been seeking, and the perky straps and style satisfied my desire for something chic. When I tried them on, Janie informed me that she could tell by my face just how delighted I felt. The shoes turned out to be Crocs brand. I purchased my shoes, headed home, and did some research. It turns out that the company is one of the leaders in the category of "casual footwear," and makes a wide assortment of styles for women, men, and even kids. The plus factor that all of us in these budget-crunching times will love: they're reasonably priced (my shoes were less than $40).