My Top Tried-and-Tested Shoes for Work and Play

Madden Girl Women's Ranitaa Ankle Boot

These are the boots that will carry you from work to a party. I found them at a DSW and bough them almost on a whim as my first pair of ankle boots, and now I can't get enough of them! Fantastic under a short skirt, they elongate your legs but call attention to themselves with their bold black and folded top for a very stylish combination. The high heels are hot, but padding and a bit of hidden platform under the front of the foot make them still comfortable for walking. I actually flew across country in these shoes (to save room in my suitcase, since they were my bulkiest pair) and I was fine walking around the airport for an hour or so. They slip on, no zippers or laces, and I never had to worry about blisters.

The folded-over top make these boots exciting, but they're not as flashy as ankle boots with big zippers or buckles, which I like. I didn't consider them work shoes at first, but then I realized under bell bottom jeans or black slacks, they actually work very well! The black patent leather and hint of platform classes up any dark pants.

BCBGMAXAZRIA Women's Eliana Sandal

These are incredibly comfortable sandals, with wide, stretchy straps, and a small heel (much lower than this picture makes it look) so you can feel a wee bit taller while not straining your calf muscles. The straps move with your foot as you walk, and the back of the heel doesn't rub. I wouldn't wear them for hiking, but I have gone on several mile walks on them and they've held up fine- and of course, for a day strolling around the office cubicles, they're terrific. The straps add a bit of gladiator intrigue to a conservative and business-like shoe.

My one complaint might be that the sole of the shoe is a bit narrow, and maybe the straps aren't quite tight enough on the sides, so that my foot starts to slide off sometimes when I walk fast. However, the heel's low so there's no danger of ankle-twisting, and their overall comfort makes up for this tiny lapse.