This whole shoe business reminds me that I haven't yet commented on your More Fishes post. All I know is that when I wear my flesh, nude colored heels, and even when I am on my very best behavior, properly sober and all people's gazes invariably go down to my feet, I think to check that I haven't shown up barefoot. The flesh colored shoes become "the trickster" or better yet, a means to hide my feet, my tracks when I'm up to something devious, sneaky or maybe even rash. So, I'm wondering if the woman's feet in your work are attached to a woman who is reveling in being devious, sneaky or rash? The color of the shoe is obviously very important, think what deep oxblood red might mean in terms of her intent or personality.
Your work is priceless, I can't wait to see the finished work.