There is no denying the long-time fascination and complete admiration most women hold for the infamous high-heeled shoe.

Blogs, books, songs, even whole closets have been dedicated to this extremely versatile and massed produced inanimate object of many a women's desire.

Ironically, from it's earliest beginnings, high-heel shoes were worn by both men and women alike. Today, its appeal and fascination is commonly held by the female gender.

With the glamorization of the high-heeled shoe however, the notion or ideal that it's counterpart - the flat shoe - is inferior, dowdy, and unattractive, has steadily risen.

The phrase, "flat shoes are ugly," has been heard on countless occasions in shoe stores around the globe, giving this style of footwear such a bad reputation.

I for one, empathize with this style of footwear. Although partial to its high-heeled counterpart, I have been a loyal wearer of flat footwear all of my life.

It's not that I don't like high-heeled shoes, it simply came down to comfort and agility.

Unlike the majority of my female counterparts, I have never been blessed with great balance, or feet that could withstand the discomfort that often comes along with wearing a pair of high-heeled shoes for an extended period of time.

I'm fully aware however, of what wearing a high-heeled shoe does for a woman (especially one of my height and build).

The book, Professional Shoe Fitting, by William A. Rossi and Ross Tennant, listed three prime reasons for the heels on shoes: ‘(1) “status,” such as adding to one’s height, (2) cosmetic purposes—an added design or style feature on the shoe, and (3) enhanced appearance—such as women’s high heels giving more contour to the legs [defined calf muscles anyone?].’

For many women like myself however, flat shoes are the way to go. And fortunately for us, the flat styles of today are a far cry from the often orthopedic, boring, unattractive styles of the past.

Today's market is chock full of attractive flats.

In addition to bow and knot flats; ruffle and peep-toe flats; mary-jane and glimmer-glitter flats; from dress to casual, there are a bevy of choices available for the woman looking for a flat that is both attractive and comfortable all at the same time.

Every fashion retail shoe-store has jumped on the bandwagon. From Payless Shoe Source (which happens to be one of my favorite shoe stores) to Aldo shoes, you can find attractive flats just about anywhere now.

In addition to adorning your feet, studies have shown that unlike the different stresses high-heels can impose on the females' body, flatter shoes tend to be much safer and much more lenient and forgiving on the foot, back, and legs.

It's for this very reason that the book, Professional Shoe Fitting, stated that all women should be particularly aware of the heel pitch - which determines where the line of the body weight passes through the heel.

In the event that line is at the rear or front edge of the heel, this can lead to the buckling of the heel thereby causing the wearer to take a nasty spill.

In general, the experts feel that high-heels shouldn't be higher than one and a half inches; shouldn't be worn over an extended period of time; and should provide a good broad base on which to stand. In addition; although attractive; "spike" heels are not conducive to good posture or good foot care - Sorry ladies.

Therefore ladies, since your shoes can mean so much to your general comfort and health, don't rule out the high-heeled shoes' humble counterpart - the flat shoe.

With all the varieties available now, it's easy to see why flat shoes are pretty too!