can someone please explain to me why almost every boot considered to be flat has at least a 1/2in. heel, in some rear cases 1/4in. maybe it’s just me but that’s not flat.

Ankle fusion surgery fuses the tibia with the talus. Much of the up-and-down motion of the back of the foot will be lost; however, the side-to-side rocking motion that comes from the subtalar joint will remain. - Ankle Fusion Surgery by Georgetown University Hospital, Foot and Ankle Center

long story short: wearing a shoe with even the smallest of heels isn’t comfortable and in some cases impossible.

[sigh] the search continues…