Whether you’re rushing down escalator stairs to catch a train, or scurrying 10 blocks to your next meeting, there comes a time when the dreaded “commuter shoes” are a necessary evil.

When I first moved to D.C., I would shudder when I saw women out and about in suits with their tootsies clad in big ‘ole white tennis shoes–ugh, gross. Could dress shoes really be that painful? I just didn’t get it.

Next thing you know, I started my new job complete with a six block hike to the metro, several escalators, and some killer marble stairs. Needless to say, I was eating my words on “commuter shoes” as fast as the sidewalks were eating my Jimmy Choos.  Was I destined to a life of bulky tennies? After doing some research on the metro (I find metro rides a good time to check out shoes, because there’s seriously no where to look but down),  I noticed that not everyone had bad commuter shoes: some were actually really cute. From ballet flats to flip flops to Ugg boots–a girl does have options!   

Five years and three jobs later, I find I rarely leave home without my commuter shoes. And for the record, it’s not a comfort issue, it’s for the sake of your soles!