elcato, the chiropodist did give guidelines as to what I should look out for. He said the style of shoe didn't matter as long as it met those requirements. I do realise that sales people are not chiropodists and wouldn't expect them to be. I do, however, expect them to know about the shoes they sell. Example: in Clark's on O'Connell Street I asked a young woman about boat shoes. She just shrugged her shoulders and asked: What are they? I'll try the shop you recommended. I actually prefer shops without all the glitz and bright lights.