Four stops ago, in Green Valley, AZ, I smashed my toe while attempting to exit a walk-in closet. It was a humbling act of extraordinary klutziness, so I kept it on the DL.

I swallowed my pride (along with numerous Ibuprofen) and kept going like nothing had happened. I walked miles of trail, went skiing and then went skiing again before finally admitting defeat (ha). But I still felt like a wuss.

A few days ago, my cousin Jeff took us for a hike through the dramatic slot canyons and geologic formations of Tent Rocks National Monument. While I was gamely ignoring distress signals from the far reaches of my hiking boot, a trio of athletic young women in sneakers and demurely patterned long dresses approached. They didn't appear to break a sweat as they picked their way along the rocky trail, passing me with a quick smile.

Not quite as sprightly, but equally daring in her fashion choices, was the (apparent) Japanese visitor in a nicely fitted black blazer and slacks combo—made "sporty" by the addition of smart black ballet flats. Although she had to stop to retrieve a shoe from the soft snow every so often and the bottoms of her skinny-leg stretch pants were speckled with silt, she too was kicking my ass.

Today I am sitting in a patch of sun with my foot up, willing my recalcitrant baby-toe to heal faster. Wish me luck.

Stay + Play: Ojo Caliente Mineral Springs Resort & Spa is believed to be one of the oldest developed hot springs in North America. The resort offers a variety of lodging and soaking options. We stayed in the (unremarkable) campground and spent a full day moving between hot pools, steam, sauna and sun. According to the resort, the minerals in the Soda pool are beneficial for arthritis. Not sure about broken toes.

Gear: According to the website, the model for OTZShoes dates back to 3300B.C. and was made by an iceman. They have a ton of toe room and a comfy cork footbed. I stumbled across a pair on a clearance rack in Los Alamos. If you have a broken toe, these are the shoes for you.