Shoes to Meet the Standard

What is the most important accessory to wear at a cat show? While running back and forth to rings, just ask your feet! Better yet, listen to some of our renowned CFA judges who unlaced their cat show footwear secrets for us!

- Elizabeth Jennings

When judges get together after a show, one might think the first topic of conversation is the quality of the cats. Maybe so, but the condition of their collective feet is often in the number two spot! Regret may be expressed over a choice of shoes, discomfort from a hard, cement floor may be shared—or you might hear comments like those that follow.

Decisions, Decisions

Variety coupled with comfort works best for Teresa Sweeney, Grove City, OH. “You can call me the shoe lady,” said Sweeney. “With well over 150 pairs, I think that name fits me! When I first started judging, of course I wanted to be cool and look pretty with notso-sensible shoes,” she added. “I learned really quickly that being not so sensible caused me immense amounts of pain. So I hunted for expensive loafer-type shoes, the prettiest I could find. That seemed to work for a while.”

Sweeney noted that the more she judged, the more she realized that the condition of her feet should be favored over style. “Comfort is key,” she decided. “A sensible pair of black loafers typically works. Not my normal style, but practical.”

Sweeney added that she keeps a suitcase just for shoes to wear during judging. “I typically keep various colors and styles and choose on the day which pair wins!” she explained. “I start out the day as stylish as I can. Typically, I make several shoe changes throughout the day — varying heel heights and show styles seems to work best.” Sweeney recalled one time she forgot her prized shoe suitcase and only had high-heeled boots. “I judged in black socks!”