Shopper

Turns Out the World Is Flat

The Mukluk-y Ugg boots of seasons past taught us nothing about style. So they shuffled off, but not before staking claim in a new territory: comfort. And as cute as your latest ballerina flats may be, boots will always be the cold-weather stalwarts, for the obvious meteorological reasons.

Sinewy boot shafts -- knee, calf and ankle heights -- with the pluck of a flat shoe are showing up on shelves en masse. A big trend for fall and winter fashion globally, the flat boot is particularly suited for regions like ours, where walking to work ought not to preclude a fashionable arrival, late or otherwise.

Flat boots are defined as those having a heel measuring 10 millimeters or less; yes, the industry actually measures such things. Beyond that, there's little similarity from look to look. Styles range from the rigidity of an equestrian riding boot to the hippie chic of a moccasin. But no matter if they are made from leather, suede or as with Gucci's $250 embossed gift to us all -- rubber -- pair them with the other look of the moment: opaque tights or leggings for that Factory Girl femininity. -- Karen Sommer Shalett

Photos by Julia Ewan -- The Washington Post