On Sept. 18, I unlaced my shoes, set aside any notions of macho masculinity, and slipped into high heels for the YWCA's Walk a Mile in Her Shoes event.
Walk a Mile was created to raise awareness of domestic violence by putting men literally "in her shoes" so that they could feel figuratively "in her shoes" - that is, men taking the act of walking around in high-heeled shoes symbolizes that these men are also able to wear the metaphorical shoes of domestic violence and other women's problems.
I'm pretty sure that the intended purpose was not to get me thinking "if women can walk around in these shoes for hours without complaining, the things they are complaining about must be really important!" That thought did cross my mind a few times, though - I don't know how you do it, ladies.
In addition to the walk - which drew plenty of curious onlookers, as well as honks and comments from passing motorists - participants were asked to gather sponsors, with all proceeds going to the YWCA to fund domestic violence programs and to pay off their deficit.
Four walkers pulled off amazing numbers of over $1,000 each, but the clear winner was Leo Landers, who came in at well over $2,000, earning a plasma TV donated by Curves and Sears for his efforts. In total, nearly $25,000 was raised from over 60 participants - 54 of whom came out to walk. My own numbers were much more modest, but I'm blown away by the support I received from co-workers, friends, and family.
The weather was a little dreary that afternoon, with cool temperatures and a stiff breeze forcing everyone into coats and sweaters, but the rain was nice enough to hold off until later in the day, after the walk had been completed.
Walking in high heels was a new experience for me, aside from an earlier stop at the YWCA to make sure the shoes would fit, I'd never done it before - and I like to think I acquitted myself without too much awkwardness. I definitely didn't have the grace and poise that some walkers showed, and although we were constantly reminded that it was not a race, I'm somewhat proud that I only fell back a few places over the course of the walk.
I'm sure some (more like all) of the women reading this will laugh at me saying it was hard, but well, it was! I saw a replay of the walk on TV, and it confirmed what I thought - even those who seemed comfortable were walking relatively slowly. Normally I could power around the route (up Nickel Road and down Thompson Drive, using Quartz and Riverside as side streets) in about five minutes, but this felt like it took at least twice that. I even spent part of the walk going along the grass because it made for a softer (and thus easier) landing than the sidewalk!
All in all, Walk a Mile in Her Shoes was a fun afternoon, a tremendously successful fundraiser, and a great way for us men to remind ourselves of the challenges women face every day - and not just on their feet.
