If I gave into such folly, I'm certain the rough cobblestone streets would quickly cause the lowest of my extremities to resemble the hoof of an unshod horse. Not a pretty sight in either man or beast. I have several problems with shoes. You can't just have one pair. You have to have black to accent garments of black and grey, brown or beige for those colors, white for yacht wear, patent leather pumps for formal wear, loafers for casual wear and lace-ups for church and visiting your stock broker.
Sales persons are quick to point out the dire consequences for running in a walking shoe.
I've often suspect they were the frustrated sons and daughters of podiatrists. Women, given by both nature and custom to raiments of more vivid hues, are confronted with the fashion necessity of not only stocking their shoe closets with a rainbow of colors, but, as well, dealing with a dizzying array of heel heights. Consider the troubles that shoes caused poor Imelda Marcos. As the wife of the President of the Philippines, she was required to make numerous public appearances whether she liked it or not. Certainly no First Lady, especially one given to grand pretensions as was Ms. Marcos, would or could be seen in the same outfit or the same shoes.