The Problem: Narrow Size-7AA Feet
Mission: Find comfortable, day-to-night work-appropriate shoes.
Location: Christian Louboutin, 59 Horatio St., at Greenwich St.; 212-255-1910.
Salesperson: Michael Nitis.
Experience: “Michael steered me away from open-toed shoes that wouldn’t provide enough grip. I went with a pair of black patent-leather flats that had an extremely tapered toe and high-cut front that held my feet firmly in place.”
Number of pairs tried: Six.
WINNER: Venise flats, $510
The Problem: Wide Size-10 Feet With Bunions
Mission: Find a pretty, comfortable all-day sandal.
Location: Fourth-floor shoe salon, Barneys New York, 660 Madison Ave., nr. 61st St.; 212-826-8900.
Salesperson:Andres Dominguez.
Experience: “Don’t be afraid of strappy styles,” said Dominguez. “You can move straps around so they’re comfortable, and they actually disguise the bunion. A high vamp and a peep toe elongate your foot, too.”
Number of pairs tried: Ten.
WINNER: Prada 8706, $495
The Problem: Flat Size-10 Feet
Mission: Find fashionable heels that can be worn all day and into the evening.
Location: Manolo Blahnik, 31 W. 54th St., nr. Fifth Ave.; 212-582-3007.
Salesperson: Marci Dixon.
Experience: “Marci assured me that I just have a medium-width foot; since I’m flat-footed, they appear wider than they really are. A peep-toe pump contained my foot and gave it support. The shape is good for day, the bronze snakeskin right for evening.”
Number of pairs tried: Four.
WINNER: Puspa, $795
The Problem: Small 6 1/2-Size Flat Feet
Mission: Find a pair of comfortable, elegant evening shoes.
Location: Fourth-floor shoe salon, Saks Fifth Avenue, 611 Fifth Ave., nr. 50th St.; 212-753-4000.
Salesperson: Bill Bonilla.
Experience: “Flat feet need more control, which means some heel is actually good; the arch gives more support. I liked the Chanel d’Orsay pumps, but the Stuart Weitzman’s were almost as snug as sneakers and more affordable.”
Number of pairs tried: Five.
WINNER: Stuart Weitzman Lazo, $265