Let’s face it, how often do designers actually send a comfortable pair of shoes down the runway?  How often have we seen models end up carrying their shoes by the end of the runway, or even worse – literally falling out of them?

Linda Grant is taking a closer look at flats – and how they fit into the wardrobes of fashionable women.

I don’t think that flats need to be relegated to being stuck under desks or slipped into after the big meeting.  Check out some of these stylish shoes and see if you agree with me…

And besides – who decided that flats can’t be sexy?!

Show a little toe with these suede peep-toe flats from Sigerson Morrison.

Leopard-print adds some pizazz to Fendi’s pony ballerina flats.

And it’s not just high heels that can have fun with studded details – these flats from Christian Louboutin have plenty of sex appeal with metal studs and zipper accents.

images: Neiman Marcus

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Do Real Women Wear Flat Shoes?

Although he has carved quite a name for himself with sexy over-the-knee boots and killer studded flat boots and chunky heels, I am beyond impressed that his more subdued collection – which include flats and ballet slippers – is just as quietly note-worthy, if not more. And I was thrilled to see that he did wonders with my latest fall obsession — the classic oxford shoe.

Jeffrey Campbell 'Class' Oxford

A lowstacked heel and geometric cut-out detailing — imagine how adorable these would be paired with brown tights and a teeny, flowy, feminine dress:

Jeffrey Campbell Cutout Oxford

Flirty 3-inch heel in a hue that goes with everything:

Jeffrey Campbell Jane in Natural

Simple, direct and classic:

Jeffrey Campbell 'Uniform' Oxford

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Jeffrey Campbell’s Outstanding Oxfords

Patagonia makes a line of Earth-friendly shoes using recycled materials in the soles and low-chemical tanning methods for the uppers.  They also ensure that the companies that create the materials for their shoes are eco-friendly as well.

With all that attention to environmental friendliness, what do the shoes end up looking like?

Pretty darn cute!

The “Gilia” is a simple flat shoe, perfect for walking around the city, hanging out with friends or “casual Fridays”.  They also come in several colors including the pink “Poppy Fields”:

And the soft “Retro Khaki”:

images: Zappos

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Eco Friendly Flats from Patagonia

image source: eLuxury

But that leather is so spectacular that I’m willing to try them out!

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do you prefer your toes to stay together in a shoe?