Recently, I decided to put away my heavy, ponderous walking shoes in favor of pretty little sandals that remind me of the delicate girl I never was. Lots of my friends wear these kinds of shoes every day and make it look so easy -- they don't complain about discomfort, and they don't walk funny or trip over things. So when my natural grace didn't shine through as I walked around in my new sandals the other day, I wondered, what's the matter with me that I can't wear cute shoes without feeling like a man in drag?

After talking with some of my Sarah Jessica Parker-type friends, and, more importantly, stealthily examining their calloused and bruised toes, I have concluded that these women aren't necessarily blessed with ideal feet for designer shoes. They just happen to be truly and unbelievably stoic. Yeah, they smile as they're walking down the street, all shoe-smug and springtime fresh, but really their feet are hurting bad.

Or, maybe they've got foot petals in their shoes. These are little pads you put in your shoes to keep your feet from sliding in them and to cushion straps and hard heels so they don't cause blisters. They come in cute shapes and colors, but when you're wearing your shoes, the pads discreetly remain hidden so that no one but you knows they're there. Until I discovered these, my usual solution for uncomfortable shoes was a combination of band-aids and pieces of moleskin (very ugly and not effective). Killer Kushionz line the whole bottom of the shoe, Tip Toes cushion the ball of your feet, and Heavenly Heelz protect that area of your feet most vulnerable to blisters. And for anyone who can't resist those slingbacks that never seem to stay on your heels or that cut into you, there are skinny Strappy Strips. Foot petals start at $6.95 for a pair, and you can order them in gift sets (good stocking stuffers). They're also sold at Target and other stores -- see their store locator.