High heels are all good and well on a fine day, but when the wind is blowing and the rain pelting they can soon become a girl's worst enemy.
Stilettos aren't any fun when they're making the bolt to shelter twice as long.
So no surprises then that this winter, wedge heels
are taking over from sky-high stilettos.
These heroes of winter footwear really give the best of both worlds.
When wearing them you still get the illusion of longer legs and a more toned bottom than other heels give, but they take the wobble out of your walk.
At Kumfs they are seen as the safer option - no more teetering around at vertiginous heights without stability.
But Kumfs, known for making comfortable shoes, the belief is that all wedges are not created equal.
They advise looking at wedges to see how much curve the sole has.
"When you walk on it does it allow for the correct fall of the foot, not the slamming down or clumping that you see with some wedges," company spokes woman Jill Blomfield says.
You'll have no trouble finding wedge-heeled boots this winter and Mary Janes have also been paired with wedges for a look that's more business than cutesy.
But if you're looking for a shoe that will transfer into a springtime wardrobe then keep an eye out for peep-toe wedges - wear them with tights now and they'll still be the shoe of choice when the warmer weather arrives.
