FEET FIRST

Born into an era when ’killer heels’ were obligatory to nail a fashion look, my slide into leisure shoes has been smooth, satisfactory – and totally painfree.

My shoe of choice has to be from Skechers, which has just opened a store in Sylvia Park managed by the delightful Dee Brennan, a woman with a skip in every step. She has worked in retail since leaving Howick College and clearly loves her job. Although she trained as a beauty therapist, Dee loves the challenge of the shop floor and enjoys a natural rapport with her customers. I’ve recently been overseas and couldn’t help but notice how many travellers at the airport were wearing Skechers –a fact confirmed by Dee. “I travelled all round Europe in mine as well as on trips to South East Asia, Fiji and yearly visits to Australia. “I’m currently obsessed with myYOU Skechers, they are super comfy. They have goga mats, made from yoga mats which spring your feet back up when you walk and I can last all day in them, 12 hours no problem! “If I go out, I switch to my Go-Steps boat shoes which look really cute with jeans. There are so many cool and fashionable styles, there’s something for everyone.”

When she’s not working you might think Dee would like to put her feet up, but you’d be wrong. Instead it’s on with her Skechers to walk her dog, Doberman Laker, near her rural home.

And even when she swaps the country for a night out with friends in the bars and restaurants of Ponsonby, you’ll find her in Skechers D’lites or Cali’s. Dee is looking forward to an extra-special family Christmas this year. “My sister Taryn will be there from her home in Ireland and I’m looking forward to meeting my six-month-old niece Millie for the first time. All I want for Christmas is to watch her and her little brother Marley opening their presents.”