Looking for shoes that feel good and are stylish

It’s official: The shoe with superior intelligence is finally here. That’s right, ladies and… It’s official: The shoe with superior intelligence is finally here. That’s right, ladies and gentleman, no more shoes that cause pain and grief; Adidas has created a shoe that adjusts its level of cushioning according to the weather, ground conditions and ability of the wearer.

Complete with a motor and microprocessor that changes compression, Adidas 1 is the first shoe that can “think” its way out of any troubled situation.

Sound like the ideal shoe you’ve been wanting for years?

Well, don’t get too excited. This intelligent shoe isn’t your average casual shoe, it’s an athletic shoe designed to enhance an athlete’s running experience.

It seems as if shoe manufacturers are more concerned with enhancing shoes for athletes than for average shoe-wearers.

Sure, the intelligent shoe is great for runners and all those inclined to have a superior workout, but what about us normal wearers who enjoy comfort, too?

I’m no athlete, but I wouldn’t mind having a shoe that changed in mid-air so that every time my foot hit the ground it felt like a different shoe.

Of course, we non-athletic people could purchase the $250 sneakers and parade around with gold-and-white “boats” on our feet — did I mention they’re monstrosities? — but what’s stylish about that?

Is it absurd to want cute, leather heels to have the same features as advanced, high-tech sneakers? I mean, can I get a Nine West shoe with a sensor that can give instant bounce when my legs and feet are tired?

In all honestly, you would think shoe manufacturers would have thought of a “high-tech heel” already — something that would be fashionable while having the same comfort as an ordinary sneaker.

Why is it that cute, comfortable shoes just aren’t in stores? I can’t begin to tell you how many times I’ve glared at a Dr. Scholl’s shoe — happy for the comfort, disappointed in the style.

And what about working women who commute to work? They would be happy to spend beaucoup bucks for a motor-driven cable system that would provide correct cushioning throughout their long walk to work. Heck, I’d even wear a “high-tech heel” walking around campus — that hill to the Pete is a killer.

Anyway, the bottom line is that we ordinary people want shoes with special features, too — shoes that understand whether the cushioning level is too soft or too firm, shoes that serve a purpose. But instead we get fashionable shoes that not only hurt our feet but also cause bunions and corns. Ewwww!

So, this season, let us figure out what’s more important: fashionable shoes that hurt or intelligent, comfortable shoes that can predict the next bump in the road? You be the judge.