When you read a profile in the Washington Post, you might reasonably expect the piece to add in some colourful details. Perhaps something on the subject's quirky character traits. Maybe an inevitable mention of work-life balance. Certainly, this piece on the White house counsel Kathryn Ruemmler ticks all those boxes and then some. Just as you're learning about her work as a lead prosecutor in the Enron case however, the article veers off to give you the real scoop – the woman wears shoes.

Apparently, she's just famous for her shoes, isn't that delightful? She's a senior White House staffer, but don't feel too threatened people, the lady likes high heels. And it's not just the Post that noticed. The Wall Street Journal describes her 'stunning 4-inch bright pink stilettos,' and a legal blog named her the 'superstar litigatrix.' Did I mention Ruemmler went to Georgetown University?

As Slate points out in this piece about the journalistic obsession with women's attire, Ruemmler declined to speak to the Post for their profile, so perhaps she's too busy advising Obama on legislation. Or maybe she's just bored by the constant attempts to negate her power and intellect by mentioning something so irrelevant to her job. To learn more about said job, have a look at her predecessor Robert Bauer. Sadly I couldn't find any articles that mentioned his footwear. I can't think why. The media obsession with shoes is not just limited to America either. Theresa May's penchant for colourful kitten heels is still referred to endlessly. Even as Home Secretary, her leopard print courts will determinedly find a way into print.  

Shoes are fantastic. I have boxes of them. One day I envisage a shoe avalanche crashing down around me, trapping me with only some leather pumps for sustenance. But in the meantime, I would like to maintain a serious job, and be judged on those merits, secure in the knowledge that my footwear will only be endlessly remarked upon if I take up an apprenticeship with Nicholas Kirkwood. It shouldn't be overly optimistic to think that professional women like Ruemmler should be be scrutinised for their actions, rather than for their preference for spikes vs wedges. 

One article wryly notes that 'it may say more about Washington than White House counsel Kathryn Ruemmler that she’s known in the West Wing for her fabulous shoes.' After years of reading depressingly similar pieces, I think it actually says more about the media.