STAR-BULLETIN Sigerson Morrison kitty heel shoes at Rafael, $270.

Kitty heels radiate sex appeal
without discomfort ...

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Ruby Mata-Viti
rmata-viti@starbulletin.com

Stiletto heels bring to mind such words as sexy, sinful, seductive.

And suffering. These narrow heels, at up to 4 inches high, are seen scattered in the pages of fashion magazines, on models doing little but standing or reclining. In the real world, those who vote for comfort over style would say who needs 'em. The word does mean dagger, after all.

Prepare to kick up your heels for designers who now offer the look without the pain. Seen in stores with new styles and colors geared for spring are shoes with the narrow point of the stiletto heel without the height.

The new, improved versions, an inch to 2 inches high, are called "kitty" heels because they are cute and small, according to Mari Stewart of Rafael, Ala Moana. Stewart, store owner and buyer, said the short, thin heel of the shoe starts at the center of the heel of the foot, allowing ample support.

"Many women who would never think of wearing stilettos are opting for the kitty heel because they get the look and comfort all at once," Stewart said. "These are shoes one can run around in all day." She should know because she puts in a full day treading on the store's stone floor.

Rafael offers Sigerson Morrison shoes that are made in Italy, retailing at $270 for sandals with a black crossed-strap with grommet details, to $375 for more dressy styles such as pointed, closed-toe shoes, and short boots.

Available at Macy's is Graphent's $225 "Rhinestone" with a heel comprising a 1/2-inch black sphere imbedded with rhinestones, giving it a total height of about an inch. A pair of Isaac Mizrahi's with names such as "Gaeity" and "Gaited," both $159, are about 1 1/2 inches high, as are a pair of DKNY's "Sashi," $179.

Nordstrom carries Lauren by Ralph Lauren's "Layla" with a 2-inch heel for about $79.

Yes, comfort and style come at a hefty price, so they're priced for fashionistas for now; look for clone models to hit the mainstream in months to come. At least you know what to ask for.

... but then again there's nothing flat about these flip flops

GEORGE F. LEE / GLEE@STARBULLETIN.COM Even the casual can by stylin'. Flip-flops, or slippers as we know and love them in Hawaii, have gone fashionable. With pairs likes these, when you leave an island-style party, you'll never again have to guess which pair belongs to you. At center, Girl Star's flowers with purple straps, $17 at Liquid Aloha, Ala Moana Center. Clockwise from top left, Sanük purple slippers from Liquid Aloha, $25; Girl Star rhinestone straps, wood heel at Liquid Aloha, $34; Flojos blue beaded straps, J.C. Penney, $18; Madras stripe, Old Navy, $14; Girl Star camouflage, rhinestones straps, at Liquid Aloha, $26; Roxy blue daisy, Liquid Aloha, $14; Scott Hawaii orange flowers, J.C. Penney, $14; Sanük bamboo, Liquid Aloha, $19; Flojo cherries, J.C. Penney, $24; baby blue aloha print straps with beach matt upper, Old Navy, $12,50.