Also this issue: The Style Issue Philly Sole A New Sensation This just in: Stylish shoes don’t (always) have to hurt. -Helen i-lin Hwang Good Moves Get in shape for spring and summer shoes. -Debra Auspitz Plat Fall One writer’s tale of high-heeled woe. -Trish Boppert Foot for Thought -Meredith Broussard Henri David -D.A Too Pretty, Baby? Kids’ shoes are taking a sexy turn, and the results can be disturbing. -Trish Boppert Mason Warner -Debra Auspitz

April 17-23, 2003

cover story

Martha Chamberlain

Photo By: Michael T. Regan

Name:

Martha Chamberlain

Fame:

Principal dancer, Pennsylvania Ballet

Projects:Just wrapped up Company B series at the Merriam Theater. Currently rehearsing for Cinderella, which opens May 1 at The Academy of Music.

On-the-job shoes:

Freeds pointe shoes, specially made to fit her feet -- "which doesn’t always mean they’re comfortable."

Off-the-job shoes:

"I have a lot of Merrells in my collection. I have about five pairs -- two pairs of sneakers and they make a good slip-on. They’re just really comfortable shoes. Once I found them I stuck with them." After a pause, she says, laughing, "I wish they made a dress pump."

Fancy shoes:

"I actually do have a bunch of high heels that I never wear. I do most of my shopping in thrift stores, so I’ve got a great pair of Gucci dress pumps and a handmade Italian pair that I love. But I actually have bunion issues at the moment. I tried [a pair] on recently that I couldn’t get over my bunion."

High-heel dilemma:

"We have an auction coming up that’s black-tie that I’ll have to find something to wear to."

—Lori Hill