I am 27 and stylish (or I like to think so) was a fan of Merrill slip ons. Those look okay in black with black pants but I would feel uncomfortable wearing them somewhere nice (restaurant). My newest discovery is a brand called Stonefly. I think they are Italian (explaining the non-sensical name). I bought a pair of sandals for the summer that were great and just bought a pair of black boots. They look like regular short black boots with a zipper on the side but rather than have a heel which starts to hurt, all the Stonefly shoes have a special sole. The sole looks normal from the top of the sides (just a black sole, kind of a funky wedge heel) but when you look at the bottom of the shoe, they have a special air system in them like a sneaker. Part of the sole is clear and it looks like the system on my running sneakers. I've seen them carried in a few places here in Boston and also in Philadelphia and New York. You could search on the web. www.pegasus.com is a site that has good shoes. I bought my merrills there (free shipping), not sure if they have the stone flys. Arche are good too but quite expensive ($200-300) for boots. My boots were around $100.

Found a great site for Arche shoes.<BR>http://www.fusaro.de/shop1/<BR><BR>In the US they are a bit out of my comfort zone price-wise, but this site has great deals if you don't mind the shipping charges.

I find that Dankso clogs (with a closed heel) are great. They're worn by chefs, healthcare professionals, and others who are on their feet all day. I've worn them in Europe and they're wonderful. They're not all that great-looking, but not bad, and they're just so comfortable. Merrills are great too.

Aerosoles are a good alternative that is less expensive.<BR>

to the top for comfortable shoes..

It's simple...ARCHE. They have saved my life. I have tons of problems with my feet..diabetic neuropathy, etc. Arche are both beautiful and functional. Styles can be from sporty to work to dressy. I've stopped buying any other brands.

I second the Arche recommendation- they look great and feel even better. Very expensive, but you can find them on sale (I know their stores in Boston and NY and Paris, don't know where else in US). Cheaper in France if you're going there. I also have these great platform Stuart Weitzman platform sandals I bought three years ago and still have. They're very stylish and don't look like they'd be great walking shoes, and I walked all over Paris in them and they felt great. They don't make this one any more, but I'd check the brand for good-looking shoes that might actually be comfortable.