sister|brother: THESE BOOTS WERE ACTUALLY MADE FOR WALKING...

PRAISE THE SHOE GODS!

LADY GAGA-INSPIRED TORTURE SHOES, ALL THE RAGE IN JAPAN.

One of our readers, Adrienne, sent us a note, desperately seeking a comfortable boot. Note to Adrienne: The above boot is not one of them. Adrienne's a teacher who wants to look good, but doesn't want to hate herself at the end of the day for choosing her Louboutin kitten hills over well, her Uggs. She, like so many of us, just wants practical to meet impractical. The key to a comfortable, but stylish daytime-wear boot is to buy one that is either flat or with a low, chunky heel and typically a rounded toe. Pointy toes and/or oval toes will eventually squeeze your toes into a sausage oblivion come day's end. You don't have to limit yourself to a flat boot, however. You can try a wedged heel and one that has a platform at the sole underneath the toe. This adds a bit more comfort and you're still in a heel. I also suggest (do not laugh) wearing a fleece-lined slipper sock under all boots. I know, I know, sounds ridiculous, but it works and it helps keep your feet extra warm during these colder months. The padding also helps to prevent your feet from, well, total and utter discomfort. I've got many a fashion trick up my sleeve, people. You'll thank me later. Trust me.

BORN BYRNE BOOTS, $210 BUY AT ZAPPOS

SLIPPER SOCKS, BUY HERE

The next step then, and one that is JUST as important, is the design. You want the boot to be current and stylish and last a while. This means, limiting the detail (ie. no rhinestones, crazy straps, hardware). A nice leather or suede and preferably from an established shoe designer. That way, you can guarantee they will last. Quality boots ain't cheap, sweetie, so definitely shop around and try them on, walk around, etc. to get a really good feel for them. If you're spending a lot, you want them to last through several seasons. Most boots are intended to have a more classic, timeless look to them, making their reappearance every winter season a-okay.