No longer do women have to submit their feet to the fabulous torture that are heels all day, everyday. Nor do they have to opt for a shoe that shouts, “I don’t care about how I look, I just want to be comfortable.”

Women of today proudly welcome the ballet flat as a beautiful shoe that is not only comfortable, but perfectly fashionable as well. Meghan Cleary, an internationally recognized expert on shoe trends, tricks, and tips, also realizes the immense value of the flat. Enjoy her expert opinion on what makes a good flat, a bad one and other insight on one of the greatest shoes ever made.

Vivanista (V): What elements makeup a good flat?

Meghan Cleary (MC): The quality of the shoe. It needs a really good sole and it can’t be too flimsy. The main thing that you want to check for is the twist test: hold the flat by the toe and heel and twist the shoe in opposite directions. If it twists really well, I wouldn’t recommend buying it unless you just want to wear it around the house. Also, look for a flat with really good heel support.

V: What flats do you wish would just disappear?

MC: Again, it’s all about the construction. People are convinced that because it’s a flat, it’s automatically going to be comfortable. I really wish that badly-made flats would just go away.

V: Is there a certain type of flats that women should wear more?

MC: Metallics! They are so great, easy, versatile and you can wear them with anything. They’re the new neutral.

V: So much emphasis is put on the high-heel “reshaping” a woman’s body and helping it look better. Can a flat do that?

MC: Women need to remember that flats just give you a different silhouette. They generally lend you an Audrey Hepburn look — the girl about town, a little more playful, girly look. Flats are not as sophisticated, but with the right outfit and attitude, they can even come across as a little bit edgy.

V: What is the best way to wear a flat?

MC: I think that ballet flats look really cute with little capris. It can catch the early ’60s, fun spirit. I also think they look good with skinny jeans.

V: Do sizes differ with flats versus other shoe types?

MC: Shoe sizes are not standard across the industry by any means. Every company has their own way of sizing. Be sure to stay focused on fit, not size.

V: Flats are comfortable, but don’t always support your arch, what’s your best recommendation to alleviate the problem?

MC: Dr. Scholl’s has a whole line of products for women called Dr. Scholl’s for Her. They have different insoles that can help add arch and heel support.

V: What do you suggest to do with flats that are too tight?

MC: Leather has a tendency to give over time, but you can always spray it down with a little bit of water and wear them around until they dry. That will help give them a little extra stretch.