i mostly agree with you, even though i think a lot of heels are pretty and a lot of sneakers are ugly. fwiw, though, i can't wear most sneakers or flats without horrible knee pain. they may look comfy but most of them aren't actually supportive. wedges and heels for some reason are much better for my knee - somehow they keep me from overpronating, though heels will make my feet sore if i were them too long or walk too far. the only things i can wear with the assurance i'll be comfortable the whole time are my high-stability, ugly-ass running sneakers or my dansko clogs - of which only a few kinds (and not the prettiest) are available vegan.

which is not a defense of stilettos. but if i had to choose between flats and, say, 2-inch heels to wear all day, i would totally pick the heels bc otherwise i would set off knee pain that would last weeks, while my sore feet would be better in a day.