Paul Mayer/Attitudes Good Flat

As much as I love the spring trend of neutral platforms, heels aren’t always right for every occasion. Not to mention, sometimes you just want to give your feet a break. As for you, if you haven’t made it to the salon for your pedi yet, don’t even think about putting those neutral sandals on yet. Seriously. Opt instead for a nice pair of flats that will give your feet a break, and spare the rest of us any sandpaper heels or chipped polish toes. I know I harp on that, but come on. How can some people walk out of the house showing their feet when those feet look like they’re shedding skin faster than a snake does? Ew. And can you imagine someone walking around your house leaving their skin flakes all over your floor? Hold on…give me a minute…I just threw up in my mouth a little. So yeah, before you go leaving bits of yourself everywhere you walk, get a pedi. And if you haven’t done it yet, cover your feet. One good way to do that is with the Paul Mayer/Attitudes Good Flat.

First off, I have to say I’m not crazy about the sole and heel of this shoe. I think it would’ve been much cuter with a traditional ballet sole, or even a short stacked heel. But the way it reminds me of a Chanel ballet flat—without the Chanel price tag—I’m willing to forgive a slightly clunky looking sole. Besides, it’s rubber, so there’s less chance of slipping and twisting an ankle. I twisted an ankle about a month ago, and it STILL hurts. So maybe right now I’m attracted to the safety features more than the look. Nah, it’s still the look. The Good flat (Is that like subliminal marketing there, or what?) has a great quilted pattern sewn into the leather. This platino color has a bit of a pearly sheen to it, especially in the smooth, patent toe cap. The lip is covered with grosgrain, and the dainty bow ends in slender, gold tone metal caps. The other good thing about the sole, despite its look, is that it’s flexible, so it’ll be comfortable to walk in. It also comes in a beige with black toe cap, or all black option. The Good flat was $245.95, but now is on sale for $224.95 at Endless.com.

Budget Saving Alternative 1

We’re just all about the oh-so-clever shoe names today. Check out this Fitzwell Dyan flat. Do you think it fits well? It better with a name like that. Actually, all kidding aside, one nice thing about this shoe is it comes in different widths. Sure, designer shoes come in different sizes, but designers seem to employ a one width fits all mentality. For some shoes that have a little give, it’s ok. But for others, you practically need a crow bar to get in and out of them if your feet aren’t narrow little rectangles the way designers seem to think women’s feet are. Anyway, the Dyan is made from genuine leather—suede, in this camel kid color. It features pleats and a feminine knot at the vamp. The inside is just as nice as the outside. First, it has a leather sock liner, which is comfortable and wicks away moisture to keep your feet dry if you wear it bare. It also has a gel insole at the heel for cushioning. Add the durable, flexible rubber heel, and the Dyan is as comfortable as it is pretty. Oh, and it comes in several other colors and varieties: black kid suede, black kid leather, and bronze, pewter, or pink foil leather. Yes, pink foil. I haven’t made my mind up about that one yet. For now, let’s stick with the spring neutral. The Dyan is just $69 at Zappos.com.

Budget Saving Alternative 2

Now, I would never think to strap a big, thick buckle onto a ballet flat. Usually, I go for ballet flats that are feminine, with dainty details and pretty adornments. This Fossil Maddox flat is kind of in-your-face with the big buckled strap over the vamp—but I like it. It’s eye-catching, if nothing else, even though the buckle is in a muted silver tone metal. The Maddox also features contrast stitch detailing, and tiny silver tone studs at the heel lip. It has the kind of sole I really like to see on a flat, but it’s still flexible. The footbed is also cushioned for comfort, and the interior is lined with leather. The Maddox is available in several color combinations aside from this sand/tan: coral, olive, and red, all with dark brown contrast; all brown, and all black. Get a couple of them for just $68 at Zappos.com