authenticguccishoes

In more ways than one, they walk a mile in her shoes

Wiley Smith can now say he knows what it's like to walk in a woman's shoes.

The 38-year-old Reading man was among several men who donned high heels and marched with women and children down Penn Avenue in West Reading on Saturday to protest violence against women.

About 200 people, including Smith's wife, Milly, marched from Park Road to Fifth Avenue. Organized by Berks Women in Crisis, the march was part of a national initiative called Walk a Mile in Her Shoes.

The event coincided with West Reading's annual Art on the Avenue festival on Penn Avenue - a day filled with music, art and opportunities to showcase the businesses, artisans and residents of the borough.

During the march, men were encouraged to wear women's shoes and march side by side with women and children.

Wiley Smith said he felt it was important to take part because he was exposed to domestic violence as a child.

His wife said that it was impressive to see men wearing heels to show support for women on the issue.

"I was in an abusive relationship, so it means a lot for me," she said.