Running on freezing concrete in the snow? Not to mention a lot of those heels are strappy and would take forever to take off...

I just could not rely on that.

A lot of them definitely do look like weapons though, but probably the best defense out there is the most innocuous: An ordinary set of house (or car) keys.

Nice read. Psychopaths and head patting had me in stitches.

happy feet + happy skin = happy Angie

My feet and and my skin are my fussy bits. No itchy wool or painful shoes. Ever. I haven't met anyone who can out walk me in flats or boots. Kyle says she'll give me a run for my money - so we'll see when we meet in April :). The race is on.

True about the keys Maya-- in most situations they do make good self protection devices. As for the shoes, all of us have different levels of toughness and live in different climates. I grew up in Colorado and will admit to having quite a bit of experience running barefoot on concrete or snow and ice, and I can't even blame it on being drunk : ) I also used to live in the hot desert southwest and went to a college where all the dooms and apartments were keyed with cards like a motel and many students didn't have car keys or didn't carry them unless they were leaving the campus. My campus was like the car-jacking capital of the state since we were just across the border from Mexico. So, the key thing wasn't really practical. Our self-defense professor on campus actually was a big fan of the heels for that reason and actually taught a one-session evening seminar for women and included techniques for using them.

I unfortunately got to practice my techniques. For me personally, my rather long car keys are too large to properly seat between my knuckles with my female hands. I injured myself, rather than my attacker. Smaller house keys might work better, but I am not petite by any means and struggle with this.

Clothes must be cat resistant. My darling Jett hates having her nails trimmed,so as a result I have several pairs of pants with snagged threads on my thighs (from lap sitting.) A sturdy weave for sitting in front of the computer works best.

One of my now-deceased cats used to like to drape herself around my neck as though she were a fur collar. Occasionally this was hard on sweaters, (snags) but it was especially hard on my bare neck the time she rolled in poison oak before climbing upon my shoulder.

Elly, just today I was wondering if there isn't some kind of a small alarm a woman could put in her pocket or even carry in her hand in a tense situation. I've read advice to keep your keys handy and press the alarm button if necessary, but what if you are far from your car? Fortunately I've never had to deal with either running or fighting off an attacker.

Survive the coming zombie apocalypse!

Pretty much everything I have I expect to be able to sit on the floor, walk at least a mile, kick butt, climb on stuff, be comfortable and look good--it's a pretty tall order. I also expect at least 50% to be good for riding a motorcycle.

Clothing and shoes must be comfortable first. No pulling or tugging or blisters or anything...I'm old enough to know that I don't have to put up with any of that to look good now. I like the term "effortless"...(Although a lot of effort goes into finding effortless clothing! LOL)

I don't wear shoes at home (or in anybody elses home) so all my shoes are mainly for walking. I walk a lot when I go out doing errands, shopping, etc. I work with small kids at home so my clothing must be comfy, modest, (when I crawl around on the floor) and machine washable, cause I get a lot of baby drool/food, grubby hugs and kisses on me! LOL

My weekend clothing can be a little more high maintenance, (since my own kids are too old to drool on me now) but I still like effortless and comfortable even if it's hand wash, etc.

My clothes must be able to stay where they belong without pulling or adjusting once they are on. They must feel invisible, that is no scratchy wool or linen. I prefer not to have to dry clean or iron, and most importantly they must be able to make me smile when I catch myself in a mirror.

Elly, I also carry bear spray - not in the city but on hiking trails for bears and weirdos. It's hot pepper and can deter an attacking bear but is also good for repelling human attackers.