Should Wearing High-Heeled Shoes Be Mandatory?

[jim360]

I mean... really?

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-london-36264229

[jim360]

It's a bit of a stretch to say that men aren't vain. Just in a different way. Although it varies from person to person, of course. My normal clothes are so unvaried that it was a massive family event earlier this year when I bought a shirt...

[Prudie]

I'm not doing loads of C&P but what a lot of massive assumptions (mainly from men) that heels are uncomfortable. I wear heels all day quite happily, I've not damaged my feet or legs and there is no comparison with a tie that gets tighter as the day wears on.
Flats give off an air of casualness, couldn't care less. That's the way it is.

[mikey4444]

Jim....lol....but did anyone notice ?

A small addendum to my recent wedding post. As well as some loosening of neckwear, there was a bit of loosening of trouser tops, after the marvelous lunch !

[DTCwordfan]

Actually, this girl was a bit naive - if she had argued that she needed to wear a flat or 1 inch heel for medical purposes, she would have had a strong case.

Flats in the office such as a sandal, say no more - even 'ballet' look a little messy with the way they crimp - a bit like we men wearing sandals or those pissh-catchers....and don't get me going about mean wearing brown shoes with black or blue suits - "Ghaaaastly, Dear" as that Strictly judge, Craig Teflon-Bones, or whatever his name is, would say.

The point is that most offices have an internal dress culture or expectation for both men and women, some more liberated than others - and the advice of dress like your client and who you are visiting is most apropros - just takes a call to the secretary or even the receptionist to find out.....

[mikey4444]

Prudie....if heels are so comfortable, why do most, if not all women, change into something flat and comfortable when they get home ?

[jim360]

It's not really an assumption, Prudie, for various reasons. Firstly, believe it or not, I know some women in my life, so I can just as easily ask them. Secondly, it's not like the effect of heel-wearing has never been studied, or surveyed before, and the verdict comes firmly against (see eg Ellipsis' link). Oh, and, thirdly, I've worn heels myself before, so I know what they feel like to walk in etc. (although not nearly as often as most women would).

Actually they did, mikey. Fairly sure there was some bewilderment and/ or concern.

[237SJ]

I think the story has been twisted a little bit. Just because she has been told that she has to wear heels, it doesn`t mean she has to wear uncomfortable 4" spikes. Smart, low heeled shoes would be acceptable. From this article http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-3584619/Temp-receptionist-sent-home-accountancy-firm-refused-wear-high-heels.html it looks like she turned up in ballet pumps so I`m not surprised she was told to wear something else - she might as well have turned up in trainers.

[retrocop]

Horses for courses. My wife,a nurse for 40 yrs, and her colleagues would find high heels most impractical on wards but saying that she doesn't recall that she had to wear flat shoes.

[Bazile]

This is interesting , while wer'e on the subject

http://www.huffingtonpost.co.uk/entry/waitress-bloody-feet-high-heels_uk_57331300e4b0ade291a2bece

[Prudie]

Mikey i don't wear any shoes in the house, they are banned. Yes high-heels will have a negative effect on some and zero effect on others. Do you really think I'd wear heels everyday if they were uncomfortable?
And as for vanity, those who think that's the reason women wear heels must logically therefore think they look better.

[wolf63]

I hope that nobody has already posted this link

https://petition.parliament.uk/petitions/129823

[jno]

they've withdrawn the policy

http://www.standard.co.uk/news/london/nicola-thorp-firm-in-high-heels-sexism-row-scraps-policy-after-public-backlash-a3246036.html

[jno]

incidentally, it seems power flats are all the rage

http://www.standard.co.uk/fashion/trends/power-flats-and-leather-the-new-workwear-rules-a3245751.html

[Mamyalynne]

Common sense prevails - job done.


My daughter worked for PwC quite some years ago, loved it there. Can't recall what she wore shoe wise though.

[-Talbot-]

jno
they've withdrawn the policy



That's outed her bonfire but I bet that doesn't stop her coming to a television near you soon.

[Mamyalynne]

Indeed, she'll be on one of those morning show things or Loose Women - is that still going?

[-Talbot-]

Dunno, Mamya ... It has been a long, long time since I had anything to do with loose women.

[Mamyalynne]

Go on , I'll believe you.

[mikey4444]

High heels row: Firm accused of sexism changes policy

A victory for common sense, gender equality, and women's health !

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-london-36272893

[Cloverjo]

Female cabin crew wear their high heels for greeting and disembarking passengers. They change into flats for during the flight. Perhaps the woman in the OP could have worn smart heels for greeting and escorting clients and changed into her ballet pumps while back in the office.