I am constantly amazed at the shoes I see women wear in China. Truly amazed. On so many levels.
First of all, they seem so dangerous. I personally have fallen down multiple times in China just walking down the very poorly constructed or maintained sidewalks. It’s not uncommon for there to be huge holes, loose tiles, and various rubbish in your path. To even consider walking on these treacherous sidewalks in any shoe with a heel, causes me to shudder.
Secondly, they look so uncomfortable. People in China walk a lot! Even to take a bus somewhere you still have to walk to the bus stop and then to your final destination. Don’t their feet hurt after wearing those shoes all day? (Actually I know they do! I’ve seen women with their shoe straps pulled down below a bright red heel. Or as soon as they sit down, their feet come out of their shoes for a few minutes of respite.)
Sometimes China seems like the Leave it to Beaver life of the American 50′s when women wore stockings, pumps, and a dress to shop for groceries. I see ladies in the supermarket wearing dresses that we’d wear only to a wedding or other fancy dinner party. They are too dressy even for church — dresses with layers of chiffon over the skirt or pearl embellishments on the bodice. It makes me feel quite slouchy in my denim capris, Chaco sandals and a t-shirt.
And then thirdly there’s just the whole fashion thing. Now, this, certainly, is a matter of taste and opinion. I’m sure these ladies in shorts, ankle high pantyhose and high heel pumps feel stylish. But to me it, even after six years, it just looks odd.
For me, I’ll stick with flats — sturdy, well constructed flats that keep me walking without blisters.
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