Last Sunday, more than a thousand men slipped into high heels to run, saunter, and stagger around Capitol Mall. In a once-a-year spectacle, boys and men took to the course—more or less gracefully—for Walk a Mile in Her Shoes.

The event is held in cities around the world in an aim to raise awareness around and combat sexual violence against women. In Sacramento, the nonprofit WEAVE—which stands for Women Escaping A Violent Environment—hosts and benefits from Walk a Mile in Her Shoes. WEAVE provides crisis intervention services for domestic violence and sexual assault in Sacramento County, with a focus on prevention and education.

Walk A Mile In Her Shoes consisted of two laps in heels around the center divide on Capitol Rd between 5th and 7th street. Sacramento, Ca. Photo Alejandro Montaño
Los Hombres of Chicas Latinas de Sacramento, along with other nonprofit organizations, helped raise funds for sexual assault and domestic violence services for the Walk A Mile In Her Shoes event hosted by WEAVE, inc. Sacramento, Ca. Photo Alejandro Montaño.
WBFF Pro Jason Salinas of S&B Elite Fitness wins best legs competition at Walk A Mile In Her Shoes hosted by WEAVE, inc. Sacramento, Ca. Photo Alejandro Montaño.
The shoe return box quickly became overwhelmed as marchers finished the Walk A Mile In Her Shoes hosted by WEAVE, inc. Sacramento, Ca. Photo Alejandro Montaño
A walker high fives a spectator on the course. Photo: Kate Gonzales
Zachary Pierce frantically races to the finish line after losing, and going back for, a shoe. Photo: Kate Gonzales
Brady Lininan, Sacramento, shares a moment with his niece, Kyhlie, during Walk a Mile in Her Shoes. Photo: Kate Gonzales
Contestants for best legs competition at Walk A Mile In Her Shoes hosted by WEAVE, inc. Sacramento, Ca. Photo Alejandro Montaño.
The shoe return box quickly became overwhelmed as marchers finished the Walk A Mile In Her Shoes hosted by WEAVE, inc. Sacramento, Ca. Photo Alejandro Montaño
This walker is having a fabulous time! Photo: Kate Gonzales
A group of walkers march toward the finish line. Photo: Kate Gonzales
Jerald Bolden of Sacramento Street Walkers and winner of the walk off competition at Walk A Mile In Her Shoes hosted by WEAVE, inc. Sacramento, Ca. Photo Alejandro Montaño

Next Saturday, WEAVE will host another midtown event to raise awareness and benefit the nonprofit. Dress Up Wine Down on Cap will be held at 6 p.m. Saturday, May 9, on Capitol Avenue between 18th and 19th streets. The free event will include wine tasting from Lodi wineries and a fashion show that starts at 6:30 p.m.

Visit WEAVE online at www.weaveinc.org.

Words by Kate Gonzales. Photos by Alejandro Montaño and Kate Gonzales.

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