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Traders cut down to size
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July 28, 2000: 1:15 p.m. ET
Chicago Mercantile Exchange orders traders to take off platform shoes
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NEW YORK (CNNfn) - If David Bowie, members of the rock band Kiss or any other glam-rock icons ever decide to trade futures at the Chicago Mercantile Exchange, they'll have to take off their platform shoes and wear flat shoes like any other peon.
 On Thursday the exchange circulated a memo reminding traders of its dress code, which requires they wear safe shoes, and added this specific: shoes with heels higher than two inches are a no-no, starting Monday, July 31.
Male and female traders have taken to wearing platform shoes, in response to fashion trends and a need to tower over their competition on the hectic, crowded trading floor. Though the Chicago Mercantile Exchange (CME) couldn't confirm injuries, Reuters reported Thursday that some traders had suffered twisted ankles and foot injuries.
"It's the exchange's responsibility to maintain a safe trading environment," CME spokesman Bill Burks said. Though he acknowledged some traders might wear high shoes to try to stand above their fellow traders, he said CME wasn't trying to - literally - level the playing field with its new regulation. "Safety is our paramount concern," he said.
Burks said the exchange's security staff will be on the lookout for precarious shoes and have rulers at the ready to settle disputes. First-time violators of the rule will be required to change shoes. 
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