Dear Budget Fashionista,

Here is my dilemma: I love flats, they are so cute and versatile, but it is so hard for me to find a style and brand that does not torture my feet. Almost all of the flats that I’ve tried rub my ankle raw or dig into the top of my toes. I’ve tried the more expensive brands, but they were not any better than some of the cheaper brands. Are there any solutions to this problem?

Answer: There’s a couple of things you can try to make your flats more comfortable. If you have a high foot arch (which might be the reason the shoes are rubbing on your feet), you may want to try inserts that add a bit more cushion and support for your arch. In order to stop the rubbing on ankles, head to Target or Payless and purchase a pair of heel pads and stick them in the inside heel of the shoes.  You can also have a cobbler/shoe repair person stretch the front part of the shoe (called the shoe box) to make a little more room for your feet. Unfortunately, this tip only works with leather and suede.

It may also be an issue of support- many flat shoes (including the more expensive brands) are extremely flat, hard, and offer no insoles what so ever. Before purchasing a pair of flat, feel the inside of the shoe o make sure the footbed has padding. Also check to make sure the shoe has arch support (it will be a little “bump” of padded where the instep of your foot will be).