Avid hiker Erin Ton has climbed at least 24 Colorado 14ers in high heels. Why? Because she wants to, and unlike most people, she can. Ton is an accomplished mountain runner who knows what she’s doing, so who are we to question her footwear choices? Many people do, though, saying there’s no reason to take this “risk” other than seeking attention.
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Ton doesn’t see it as an added risk, though. In a comment reply on a recent Instagram Reel showing her scaling peaks in heels, she wrote: “Personally, when I’m hiking in heels I don’t [think] the risk is any greater than when I am running or climbing them normally.”
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Even though this footwear choice would be a risk for me, because I am not very comfortable walking in heels, what can we do other than take Ton’s word for it and cheer her on? Many people in her online community do cheer her on, passing along their respect. And it seems that now that summer is here, Ton is ready for some more 14ers in heels—whether the internet supports her or not.
“Hiking heel season is almost here. Which ones should I climb next?” Ton asked in her Instagram post sharing footage of past high-heel hikes. (In many cases, she’s also wearing a dress.)
Meet the high-heels hiker here:
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