WOMEN KICKING OFF SPIKE HEELS FOR COMFORTABLE FITS

Comfort, stylish women's shoes are "in" for the workplace while uncomfortable high heels take second place. Front row from left, a brown sandal "Linda" by Connie; a pink "Bayleaf" casual by "Bayleaf"; and the "Gina" by Jasmine. Back row, The "viper" by Soho; "Thelma" by Jasmin; a red "Agnes" by Jasmin; and the New York Transit pink patent leather "Pride."

What woman would want to play basketball in a pair of high-heeled shoes? Not many women enjoy wearing them for eight hours or more a day, let alone play basketball in a pair.

But that didn't stop a nationally known shoe company from advertising that its shoes were comfortable enough to wear both on and off the basketball court.

Can women's shoes really be THAT comfortable? During the last year or so, shoe manufacturers have created more practical, comfortable shoes for women.

Sales clerks at area shoe stores say their female customers are buying fashion and comfort in a new pair of shoes.

But some of the old favorites -- like the traditional, skinny heel and the wedge heel -- will always be around, they add. Yet, most women continue to keep up with the latest trends.

"Someone decided that a woman's shape was more attractive in those shoes, and women agree to a certain degree," said Dr. Zenon Duda of the Cape Foot Clinic.

Despite the availability of old standbys, women's shoes change with the season while men's shoe styles remain about the same every year.

"It depends on the age group, whether they want comfort or fashion," said Tonja Pfieffer, store manager at Famous Footwear in the West Park Mall.

Now fashion calls for clunky boots or shoes with big, wide heels, especially if they are patent leather. Trendy colors and the pearlized look are making a comeback, too, said Rebecca Mitchell, senior shoe supervisor at JCPenney.

Women's shoe fashion has changed dramatically from the days of stiletto and spike heels. Now women can find fashion without sacrificing comfort, said Ina Tidwell who was shopping for a new pair of shoes last week.

"I'm looking for something dressy but with a lower heel," she said, adding that the right pair of shoes can make or break a woman's outfit.

Occasionally a customer will forego comfort for a stylish look, Mitchell said, adding that many times customers are looking for a shoe to match a dress they have or just bought.

"It's OK for a one-time special occasion," she said, "but comfort is one of the biggest things they look for. If it's not comfortable, they won't wear it."

So, just what will women in Southeast Missouri be wearing on their feet this spring? The new styles won't hit Cape Girardeau until next month at the earliest.

New spring fashions call for strappy, wide-heeled and patent leather, especially shoes with color or pastel pink.

Patent leather is popular because you can wear it year-round, said Laure Kline, a shoe sales clerk at Famous-Barr. Other popular sellers at the store should be T-straps, Mary Janes and Spectator styles.

The new shoe trends actually are good for the feet, Duda said.

"The more popular styles that are more flat or have wider heels, give a more stable platform," he said, adding that thicker, wider-cut soles absorb shock and protect the foot.