They say the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach. And throughout the years, many have modified this statement, saying the way to a woman’s heart is through her feet (or her ring finger—but stick with me people, we’re talking shoes here). But women aren’t the only ones who need shoes. Children, and yes, even men need something to put on their feet as well. And while some people can exist on just one or two pairs, others have perfected the art of owning shoes for every single occasion in their lives. The good news is whether your style is casual or dressy, loafers or heels, shoes for the entire family can be found without trekking to the mall or the City. Even better? Local shoe store owners do not want to sell you uncomfortable shoes.

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“Sometimes you can freshen up an old outfit with a great handbag and shoe,” Chou Chou owner Katherine Canzano advises. And who wouldn’t want to here? Tucked back a little from the Post Road, right next door to Borders, Chou Chou (it’s pronounced “shoe shoe”) offers a little something for everyone. While handbags and accessories line the walls, shoes are definitely the staple of the store. And this season, women all over will be happy to know that comfort is the new black (well, that and brown). “Comfort, comfort, comfort; women will not put up with uncomfortable shoes,” Katherine says. Wedges are the first step in the right direction. Rather than pushing your feet forward and putting pressure on one specific part, as heels do, wedges distribute your weight more evenly throughout your foot. They are a big trend this winter, and come in everything from clogs to boots.

“Styles that were once more youthful, edgy, are more wearable now…Things that were considered a little offbeat—metallics, wedges—are starting to come out more mainstream,” Katherine says. Metallics, for example, are less flashy this season, as the colors have shifted to a more muted palette. Instead of bright golds and silvers, look for softer shades of copper and pewter. “Soft, neutral metallics add interest to an outfit,” Katherine advises. And don’t be afraid to try something new and different here; Katherine’s customer service philosophy is simple: “Just try it—if it doesn’t work, I’ll take it back,” she says. “But, if it does work, you have to promise you’ll come back and let me know.”

Comfort also plays a big role across the street, at Aerosoles. Each shoe is made with Temperpedic material in the sole. This material makes even heels more comfortable. And while you won’t find a pair of four-inch stilettos in this store, these aren’t your grandmother’s shoes, either (although she probably could find a pair of tasteful flats). “We can suit anybody,” manager Jennifer McIntosh says. As a matter of fact, the “Sleigh Thread” style—a cute wedge with a peep-toe that comes in four colors—was the winner of Shop Etc. magazine’s “Best Buy in a Wedge,” and was featured on the Today Show, appealing to all different kinds of women. But wedges aren’t the only shoes out there. Stacked, chunkier heels and flats adorned with pretty, feminine embellishments such as small bows, flowers and rhinestones line the shelves, as well as boots and more conservative dress shoes. A lot of the styles for fall and winter are 1940s-inspired, with delicate details and either a round or peep-toe, which means that pointy-toe foes—as well as podiatrists—can now breathe a sigh of relief.

When it comes to boots, look no further than Ente’s Shoe Salon, which has been located in the same store on Black Rock Turnpike for almost 30 years. In addition to Frye boots, “riding boots are very big this year,” manager Drew Kaplan says. (Combine either with a pair of the now-popular skinny jeans for a hip, casual look). The store also carries western styles, as well as Aquatalia, a weatherproof boot that exudes more fashion than function. (Kiss those rubber galoshes goodbye!) And don’t forget about UGGs. This year Ente’s plans on carrying about 10 different styles of the comfortable sheepskin footwear that has swept the nation. Of course, there is more to Ente’s than just boots. Shoes ranging from the latest Stuart Weitzman evening style (adorned with Swarovski crystals) to Anne Klein pumps for the working woman can be found here as well. The Ente’s customer is anyone from “a seventeen year-old going to the prom, to an eighty year-old woman,” Drew explains, and the wide range of styles certainly reflects that. But no matter what the shoe, it seems the trend this year is all in the details: “There’s a lot of hardware out this year, a lot of detail,” Drew says. Aside from crystals, look for shoes and boots with embellishments such as studs, grommets and buckles.