The New York transit strike of 1980 is credited with prompting several long-term changes in the city, including bus and bike lanes, and women wearing sports shoes to work.

Geri Demeo, for example, a tanned 66-year-old telephonist with golden heels, big ear-rings and spiked blonde hair, says she likes “to get dressed up to come to work”.

Women can don the slipper-like footwear to hike or drive to the office in comfort, then switch back to their high heels when they arrive at work.