OK, watch out, I'm going to state an unpopular opinion. I wish that heels were not so dominant in magazines and advertising. This is one of those places where I believe function should trump fashion. Permanently injuring your feet or not being able to walk is not worth it. High heels are inherently unnatural things, even though we're all so used to them we don't think about it that way. It changes how you walk and shortens your stride. Most of us lead fairly sedentary lives so it doesn't matter that much, but over time it can affect you seriously.

I do occasionally wear heels, I'm not saying I don't, but it's maybe 1 or 2 days in a week, and they are not super-high. I am including as flats things that may have a slight elevation but a flat base of the shoe, and thinking of heels as the kind of thing with a classic heel like a court shoe.

I know it's easier for me, because my lifestyle and surroundings are casual, and I don't *have* to dress up that often. I think that flats look most appropriate with casual/smart casual outfits and in fact don't really like the look of jeans and heels because I think it's jarring. If you worked at a place that was business suits only, I think it would be a lot more difficult to fight the environmental norm of wearing heels.

I have been converted to flats recently and think they can look very stylish. It all depends on the quality of the shoe and how they are worn. I dont think they suit any particular body type. I find it harder to wear trousers with flats and usually wear skirts and dresses with my flats. I think as someone said, flats convey a different look from heels. I like the simple modesty of a flat shoe. when I want height and authority, I like to wear a heel.

-Do you believe, 100% sincerely, that flats can be just as stylish as heels?

It really depends on the situation, but overall, a pair of smart flats can be as stylish as heels.

-Are heels always better in terms of style (disregarding appropriateness)? Is there ever a time when flats look better than heels, or are heels always preferable regardless of the outfit?

It depends on the outfit. There are some outfits which do look better with heels, but in a casual or smart-casual settings, flats sometimes look more stylish than heels. Just think about women wearing heels at a sports event or amusement park.

-Do you see any purpose to flats other than just being comfortable or better for your lifestyle?

I think they add a gamine appeal to certain outfits. They can also be used to make an outfit look more casual.

-If you could wear heels comfortably for all of your day to day activities, would you have any use for flats? Would you miss them?

Flats fit into my personal style so I would keep wearing them even if I found heels 100% comfortable.

-Do you appreciate outfits with flats on other women even if you don't on yourself, or do you think all women would look better in heels?

I can appreciate outfits with flats on other women, and I think flats sometimes help to bring an outfit back from over-the-top or too sexy back towards gamine and playful. However there are some outfits which do look better with heels but also do look good with dressy flats.

-What kind of body types, if any, look better in flats? Are there any body types that look better in flats than in heels?

I think petite girls look great in flats. I never really go above 3 inches for my heels as it throws my legs out of proportion to the rest of my body.

Flats can be every bit as stylish as heels and even better in some situations. Think of a shorter skirt, there's no way I'd wear one with heels but with tights, flats and a turtleneck it suddenly looks mod. Capris look best with flats in my opinion. I also love flat riding boots, they have an elegance that's hard to duplicate with a heeled boot. And I live in ballet flats in warm weather, I'd never trade them for heels, they're just a part of my style.

I have to have about 2 inch of lift, or I look like I'm sinking into the ground. So, I don't like flats and nothing more then 3 inch.
And I believe that shoes are the foundation of every outfit, flat or heels, it's very personal and it's ALL OK!

I do tend to like a bit of a heel even for my casual outfits. My legs are disproportionately short so a little heel makes the proportion better...and it also feels better. But some outfits look better to me with flats (riding boots, gladiator sandals.) It's a funkier look that cannot be achieved with heels. My heel max is 2 1/2 ", maybe 3". Otherwise I have trouble walking normally and I hate that look of a fab outfit, but not being able to walk naturally because my heels are so high.