Over 200 men in La Crosse will soon know what it feels like to walk in a woman's shoes... literally.

They're trading in their tennis shoes for a pair of bright red high heels.  Each step they take is in the direction of stopping domestic violence in La Crosse.

Many participants are the present and former Riverfest commodores.  They took a stride of pride in bright red women's high heels in the middle of crowded Riverside park on the fest's opening day... just to practice.

"They say there's a little pain but I disagree.  I think there's a lot of pain walking in high heels. I'll end up probably with a broken ankle!"  said 2010 commodore Mark Schneider.

They're practicing their steps for Thursday's "Walk a mile in her shoes" event.  The 200 registered participants have sponsors and each dollar raised supports the YWCA programs for domestic violence victims and Gundersen Lutheran's Carilee fund.  The fund was created in memory of a Gundersen Lutheran employee's mother who lost her life due to domestic violence.

Mary Kay Wolf is the executive director of the YWCA.  "One of the symbols of women is the dreaded high heel. And by putting men in high heels... it creates some empathy. It allows them to feel uncomfortable and experience some pain.  During the walk they can relate, even if it's just an ounce.  It gives the guys a chance to take a stand, and speak about an issue they don't get to speak about very often."

The walk steps off in Riverside park on Thursday, July 1 at 5:00 pm.  You can register in the park prior to the event, or just come and cheer on the men.