Ladies how do you wear heels out on the sidewalks?

[Anonymous]

I have a pair of Jimmy Choos that I would like to maintain for a long time. I need to go to a meeting with the boss and can't do my usual flip flops/ballet flats/uggs switch to heels when in office routine. I see women wearing heels out during lunch all the time but I get nervous at the thought of the leather soles and heels being all scruffed up. Or getting the heel caught in a grate. How do you keep up graciously when walking with boss and crowd for five-six blocks downtown?

On a side note, is it okay to wear ballet flats or equivalent to an interview and switch shoes outside the building? Has anyone ever done that?

[Anonymous]

when I know I have to walk a ways to a meeting, I wear shoes that are good for walking. Not necessarily flats, but heels that are comfortable (not too high, not too spiky, good forefoot padding). And I just don't walk on grates in any shoes; they terrify me.

As for swapping out shoes before an interview, if your work bag is sized such that you can sneak a pair of shoes in there without them falling out when you pull out your writing samples, notes, whatever, I'm sure that's fine. Although I think women look less professional in shoes that they can't comfortably walk in for any distance. But that's me.

[Anonymous]

You can swap out as long as you're not wearing sneakers. Have a big professional bag and keep your other shoes there.

As for walking, it is as simple as avoiding the cracks and grates in sidewalks. Especially the grates - they are dangerous.

[Anonymous]

OP, do yourself a favor and don't try to walk any significant distance in heels. I love a nice pair of stilletos, but they are not meant for walking 10 blocks. Do your walking in flats and swap out before your meeting - take a professional-looking bag that will occomodate the shoes with you. Your colleagues will understand. Seriously.

[Anonymous]

I would be less embarassed to discreetly change my shoes then to walk out of my heels after getting one stuck in a grate or sidewalk seam!! Not to mention your shoe will be ruined...they never look the same after that.

[Anonymous]

Avoiding grates has become second nature to me by now. I've also mastered the art of gracefully walking on my tippy-toes when I'm walking over grass, mud, or some other less stable surface. It takes practice. If your not comfortable with all-terrain heel walking just yet, I wouldn't risk it with a meeting with the boss. Practice wearing heels to lunch for a while first.

[Anonymous]

Don't wear the Jimmy Choos for long walks! You'll be so sad when you see the scuffs on the heels. It's inevitabe. Just go to Nine West
and get a pair if you feel you must wear stilettos.

[Anonymous]

Frankly, I find it ridiculous to use different shoes in the office and outside. If you can't wear high heels confidently, it really shows and looks odd...As for ruining the shoes, it really depends on how well you walk.