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We wouldn't usually associate a sporting event with a pair of Louboutins, but then in Paris, fashion is paramount.So why not combine athleticism with high heels... and how? Online shoe-sale site Sarenza.com came up with the answer.
On Friday, 96 shoe addicts took part in the National Stiletto Championship at an indoor track in Paris' old stock exchange building.
And there was only one rule – the runners must be sporting a minimum three inch heel.
Caroline Gentien, who works for Sarenza, spoke to the Independent before this year's event, saying: "The finalists are training very seriously. Walking on heels is no piece of cake.
"We came up with the idea just two years ago, and this year 400 candidates signed up for the regional races."
That's right, girls... these athletic fashionistas hail from all over France and have already competed in a series of regional races before taking their place in the prestigious final.
A total of 32 teams took part in the three-part relay race on Friday evening and the Red Cross were on hand in case of stiletto-related injury.
Marine Aubonnet, founder of the Talons Academy (a school for those looking to wear stilettos in safety), explained that the key to success was "mastering the half-turn.
"Turning is key, you have to get it right for each foot. Stilettos is all about technique."
It sounds bonkers, we'll grant you, but with a prize of €3,000 worth of shoes, that twisted ankle might just seem worth it in the end.
