Thanks to pop culture, we now equate the idea of a working woman who can storm a boardroom in five-inch stilettos with ultimate power.

Shows like Sex And The City and Gossip Girl, and reality-TV series like Running In Heels and Pregnant In Heels have only served to reinforce that image.

No wonder the modern young female executive has to shuttle between attending meetings and running errands in nothing less than four-inch stems.

The trouble with that, of course, is that you run into problems like blistered or aching feet.

Fortunately, more brands are gearing their products to tackle this problem, with the introduction of "smart" shoes - heels that incorporate podiatric technology - to help reduce and prevent a broad spectrum of foot problems.

These brands are also looking to combine comfort and style, so that women can look good and feel great. The concept is nothing new to brands like Ecco, Clarks and Geox.

And, as this trend catches on among more women, smaller boutiques offering smart shoes have seen a surge in sales recently.

American label Naturalizer - which has three outlets in Singapore - saw a 35 per cent increase in sales in the last financial year.

The brand offers a range of bright strappy heels, pumps and peep-toe heels, each with Naturalizer's signature N5 technology - five design features that ensure comfort and help prevent sweaty feet.

These features include extra cushioning, breathable lining, having a balanced heel to toe, flexible soles and the use of lightweight materials.

Ms Helen Crawford, podiatrist and director at The Osteopathy and Podiatry Centre in Orchard Road, said one must always pay attention to the fit of a shoe. Not doing so can result in many short- and long-term problems.

"(Ill-fitting) heels can cause corns, blisters, hammer toes, ankle sprains, lower-back and knee pain, and calf-tightness leading to Achilles tendonopathy," she said.

A recent survey by Ecco showed that 57 per cent of 2,500 women polled avoided wearing high heels because they would get sore feet, while 63 per cent of women would wear high heels more often if they could wear them without any pain.

Ms Crawford, who is also co-founder of local shoe boutique Arch Angel, ensures that each pair meets the standard requirements of foot comfort. Of course, the shoes are fashionable to boot.

But there's one drawback: Smart shoes usually cost more than the average heels.

Ms Vanessa Lin, 26, a marketing executive and an avid fan of smart shoes, believes that they are a necessary investment.

"I am usually very sceptical when buying shoes because it is very difficult to know for sure if they are comfortable. Smart shoes may be a little more expensive but they're well worth it, and I find that they last longer, too," she said.

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