In war, superior weapons, strong tactical command and battlefield experience are all crucial factors for victory - as is suitable footwear.
These female North Korean soldiers clearly place fashion above practicalities in a potential conflict zone as they strut around in fetching olive green fatigues.
They don't look very happy though.
Patrolling along the banks of Yalu River, near the North Korean town of Sinuiju
Perhaps it's the toll of living in one of the most deprived countries in the world.
Perhaps it's the effect of living under a succession of increasingly pugnacious dictators who put acquiring nuclear weapons above feeding their people.
Perhaps it's the imminent threat of fighting a nuclear war as the West's military might makes a huge show of might just over the border.
Or, perhaps their feet just hurt.