Walking in Her Shoes

Walk a Mile in Her Shoes, The International Walk to End Violence Against Women.


Now in its 16th year, the YWCA sponsored event in San Jose raised over $180,000 tonight to combat domestic violence and sexual abuse. It’s a giddy silly high-energy event, with about 600 guys prancing around in heels that I couldn’t wear for a minute—thigh-high red leather disco boots, strappy sandals—pointy pointy terrible spiky shoes as far as they eye could see. A very lively New Orleans type street band amped up the action as the marchers wove through booths set up for a farmers’ market, strutted by open air cafes, and then triumphantly limped back home through the balloon arch in San Jose’s posh Santana Row shopping district. Sheriff’s deputies, techies, local sports teams, fathers, sons, husbands, brothers—the men wore signs dedicating their steps. The goal is more than just to provide a spectacle; the hope is to spark dialogue, raise awareness, and of course, raise money. My son is the featured guy here; he’s dressed as Clark Kent in case you’re not up on your comic references.  The Extra gives you an idea just how big those legs are: it takes both me and Mr S to lift one!