In honor of Halloween, I would like to address something that scares me. It’s the stuff of ‘90’s nightmares, but unfortunately it lives on today. It’s the white sneaker phenomenon. Not white sneakers at the gym or with yoga pants where they belong, but instead white sneakers paired with dress pants, skirts, or any other ensemble they simply don't belong with. I shiver just thinking about it.

Believe me, I know why women wear them. I’m a commuter, a train commuter to be exact. I have been since I moved into New York City 3 years ago, and I still am even now that I’m living in Connecticut. The move to suburban CT and the acquisition of a car gave me the option of driving, but ridiculous traffic, high gas prices, and a certain tendency towards what you might refer to as “road rage” make it more economical and probably better for my sanity (and health) to take the train.

You may not realize it until you have to walk this much each day, but this situation presents daily difficulty when it comes to choosing shoes. Two pairs are required: the ones for at work, and the ones for walking.

The latter must be comfortable and usually flat, (which means those long, chic pants are out). Believe me, in an effort to carry less and retain the look I assembled at home, I’ve attempted the trip in heels (low, comfortable ones of course), but even those are just not meant for lugging a purse and briefcase up and down sidewalks and over paved roads. Come to think of it, my feet just aren't meant for that either.

But white sneakers are not our only options when faced with this conundrum ladies! I won’t hold it against those of you who may not have known any better, but now allow me to educate you. Plenty of options exist that are adorable, affordable, and that don't require any sacrifice of comfort. And just so we're clear…I'm also directing this at those of you who may not have a commute, but who wear those white abominations with a cute outfit for a trip into the city just because you know you’ll be walking all day. There are simply no more excuses.

The following four categories will give you plenty of options when it comes to style, and most are by brands that feature comfort elements:

(Acceptable) Sneakers
Yes, the transition out of those comfy running shoes might seem too much to give up at first, but luckily brands like Puma and Merrell, among many others, make shoes that are great options. A sophisticated evolution of the athletic shoe, they retain the comfort and support you're used to but are stylish enough to wear with a suit. The following are styles I recommend:

Loafers

These are oldies but goodies and there's no reason that this staple of a woman’s wardrobe needs to be stuffy looking. The tailored look is prevalent this season as it was in seasons past, so with the plethora of colors and textures you should have no trouble finding a pair that will fit your style whether you’re more comfortable in something with contemporary flair or an understated classic. Look specifically for driving mocs because they're flexible and built for comfort.

Ballet Flats

They're feminine and can be ultra-comfortable if you find the right style. They look nice with skirts and pants alike and will be favorites for weekend attire, too. When choosing a pair, just make sure the shoe is flexible and has some comfort features built in. If the sole is too stiff and the leather's not malleable, it could be a recipe for blisters with your feet being the unfortunate recipients. Try one of the following looks:

Boots

Winter is fast approaching and so are lower temperatures, so a nice pair of boots makes a lot of sense right now if you're rationalizing making a new purchase. Lucky for us, flat boots are currently on the top of the style food-chain which means there are tons of looks to choose from. My pick would be a pair of knee-high riding inspired boots which are a trendy option for weekend wear, too.