It's all about the shoes...

After two weeks into the job, the most pressing matter on my mind was shoes. So much for not being a stereotype. But let me elaborate before you come to any harsh conclusions. After two weeks of wearing what were undoubtedly a rather chic pair of Sam Edelman pumps, I considered filing for disability insurance. On the way through the airport after week two of training, I was certain I would need wheel chair for assistance. It was not just the blisters. Those could be remedied with band-aids. It was the feeling that my entire bone structure had succumbed to the dark forces of my black, and rather stylish, pumps. I found myself not going to the bathroom as often to limit walking, sneaking behind corners to quickly switch from flip-flops to heels, and thinking about the pain rather than the task at hand. While during breaks co-workers were face-booking, I was searching online directories for podiatrists. I concluded that in a perfect world, women would always wear flats, or at least be allowed to expense a foot massage every so often…

But I like the height. After all, I am no giant, standing at a proud 5’4”. Call me stubborn, but the last thing I am ready to sacrifice is the extra umph I feel when wearing a pair of sexy heels. I feel more confident, more assertive, and safer, since under desperate circumstances a heel serve as a bludgeon or numb-chuck.

As you can imagine, I found myself in quite a fix.

That is until I met Cole Haan. I am certain he must be an incredible gentleman in person, because he won my feet over at first stride. As I limped through the mall last Saturday, I saw a sign in the distance that read “clearance” in the window of Mr. Haan’s store. I was drawn to it like a bee to honey. Before I knew it I had made best friends with the woman in the store, who had convinced me, vulnerable as I was, that a pair of Nike-Air pumps would change my life. Call me naive, but I believed her. My foot found herself in a pump of the finest smooth calfskin and beautifully concealed NIKE AIR technology for ultimate cushioning, fully leather lined, and with a front mini platform with softly buffed leather sole. These, were real shoes.

Since that day, I have reconsider my perceived disadvantage as an elevated woman. My shoes, need not be my enemy but my ally. Sure, the boys have loafers, but my dear friends, Mr. Haan is on our side, and thanks to him, we will not only do an exceptional job, but look exceptional doing it.