Washington, D.C. - January 20, 2006

Flat Feet

Matiko Flats

If your shoes could talk, they’d be making some pretty bold statements — from “Eat my dust, sucker” (Nikes) to “Don’t mess with me, peon” (Gucci stilettos).

Every once in awhile it would be nice if they just said, “Hey, what’s up?”

Matiko Shoes would probably say just that. The charming new line of flats comes in styles that are wearable and appealing — but without making every ensemble all about them. The white leather, open-toe design with stitching is unusual but not over the top; the red leather shoe with white piping is just the right kind of girly. And the canvas numbers (one with leather applique leaves, the other with a bow) are playful — without being insanely flamboyant.

So you can be sure your feet will say something nice about you.

But still let you do the talking.

Available at Shoe Hive, 115 South Royal Street (703-548-7105).