…So ponders our commenter Susan two posts ago. Jitterbugbaby has already addressed some cute choices, and here I am to confirm that yes, the kind of shoes that Susan craves are my kind of shoes–cute, comfy, with some arch support (perhaps a little wedge). And yes, they do exist, amid the sea of flat-as-a-pancake or steep-as-the-Himalayas choices out there.

Apart from brands like Taryn Rose, Anyi Lu, and Cole Haan, which immediately spring to mind, I would recommend also Thierry Rabotin, Arche, Aquatalia, Icon, Paul Green, Sesto Meucci, Donald Pliner (to a limited extend, though!) and Cordani. The Cordani Linea Blu is especially affordable and has plenty of arch support (very comfy in my experience)–check out the Minna model, now 50% off ($112):

I have a pair of black Linea Blue ankle boots, sort of basic, with a 1-inch wedge, and I swear, they’ve been my most practical, comfortable, go-to shoes all winter.

And if you can afford the price tag ($300+), you can’t go wrong with a pair of Thierry Rabotin shoes. They are definitely the most comfortable shoes I own–lightweight, great arch support, great fit overall. While they are not the most stylish, they are definitely classy, elegant, and extremely well made. The Thierry Rabotin Gina is handsome and heavenly comfy ($410 at Arthur Beren Shoes):

Another pleasant surprise I’ve had lately was a pair of Loeffler Randall nude twist-knot peep-toe, which come with a sliver of a wedge–great fit, super-comfortable. I got mine on sale a few months ago, but I think they use the same last for a bunch of their models–like this one, whimsically titled “Celery” ($395 at Plaza Too):

The picture doesn’t really show the wedge, but trust me, it’s there.

One of my favorite luxury brands that does comfort well without compromising on style is Robert Clergerie (and its lower-end sister brand, Espace). I’m currently coveting these gorgeous wedges ($554 at Zappos):

If you need a pair of stylish yet comfortable shoes and don’t know where to start, try looking for one of the brands Jitterbugbaby or I recommended. Try to get shoes with some cushioning and a hint of a (chunky) heel or wedge. A little bit of platform goes a long way, too! Then pay attention to the inside of the shoe: is it flat-as-a-pancake, or is it molded to support your arch (like the Cordani Minna model, the first shoe in this post)? That detail can make all the difference sometimes. Also, go for a comfortable width for the shape of your feet–I take a B (Medium), but some people need A, or AAA, or C. Width is also crucial in the fit of your shoes and is often neglected, as most manufacturers assume that all feet are a medium width. Um….not true.

Susan, your shoes are out there. Good luck finding your perfect fit!