Men in High Heels Hit South Bay Streets

Walking a half mile in heels is no small feat.

Lots of brave men in the South Bay are going to have a few blisters to nurse by the time they hit the pillow Wednesday night. 

That's because they have committed to putting on women's shoes - including  stilettos, pumps, and platforms - and walk the streets of San Jose in hopes of raising awareness about the issue of sexual  violence.
   
The "Walk a Mile in Her Shoes" event is celebrating its ninth year and tries to take a light hearted approach to a very serious matter.

"We recognize that sexual assault is a community-wide issue, not  just for women," Kelly Ramirez, a chief development officer for the YWCA, said. "In order to address this issue and illuminate it  for the community, we have to engage men."

Hundreds of men have paid the minimum $100 registration fee which includes a pair of women's shoes. Organizers said flip flops will be an option for the men who are inexperienced in heels.

The half-mile walk starts at Cesar Chavez plaza outside the Fairmont and ends at the San Jose Repertory Theatre.

The money raised will benefit YWCA programs such as a 24-hour hotline,  counseling for victims and their families, and advocacy efforts.

Bay City News contributed to this report.

Contact Us