Flat footed

As I ran out the door this morning, I paused, went back inside and swapped shoes. On the face of it, an innocuous female bout of indecision. That's what I thought too, until I gave it closer consideration en route to the tube (my Ipod was out of power so I had to think for a change).

In taking off my uncomfortable - to the point they make a dentist's drill orgasmic in comparison - heels and putting on flats, I was adjusting my behaviour in response to having lived in New York and London during terrorist attacks. Somewhere in the eternal sunshine of my far from spotless mind, I was preparing for the eventuality of another attack. In which case I wanted to be able to escape quickly and with ease. Hence, the relationship between terrorists and comfortable shoes.

I will refrain from any emotional homage to tomorrow's anniversary because I am still not psychologically able to deal with the first one. I realised this when I walked into the local Odeon last weekend to see United 93 and walked out 5 minutes later. It's definitely too early for a film like that.

What I have learned from both though is the importance of comfortable footwear when living in a City. This applies to commuters universal. Cyclists need clip on gadgets which would certainly scuff a pair of brogues. Have you ever tried to drive wearing stilettos? You can't. And we need not worry about walkers, they are typically sensible people to begin with. But for the majority of us Transport for London sufferers, no journey is predictable and that doesn't account for disasters where the City becomes stranded in unity.

Moreover, it is empowering to wear comfortable shoes. The day has so much more possibility in a 'get up and go' way, not in a look like a starlet way. As a woman you feel instantly less attractive and often invisible. Men must notice shoes more then they are conscious of. I suspect flats interfere with clear mating signals by transmitting 'today I can hunt and gather for myself, I am no longer weak and encumbered by sore feet.' I am surprised the feminist revolution didn't make more of this point.

So show your resolve, your defiance, and your courage tomorrow by going flat footed. Come Autumn it's back to Chinese foot binding.

Trend tip:
In a season of femininity, is it any wonder that the ballerina flat is one of the trendiest shoes going. But channelling your inner Audrey Hepburn can come with big price tags. As an alternative, you can find hundreds of real ballet flats at traditional ballet shoe suppliers like French Sole, www.frenchsole.com. Their store is at 6 Ellis Street, Sloane Square, Chelsea. Tel: 020 7730 3771. Or next day delivery from the web. Princess Diana loved these shoes.

Oh, and today's G2 section of the Guardian has an article from the author of the book about using animal techniques to train men. We talked about this last week. But it doesn't mention anything about male behaviour towards women in flat shoes. We discovered this today.