Inappropriate shoes

My one respectable, professional pair of shoes died a noble death in my job interview last week, and when I went to work this morning, it was hard to choose which pair of inappropriate shoes I should wear. I had noticed in my interview that dress at my new workplace is on the casual side of business casual. I looked at my Keens, which are closed-toed, muted blue, lace-up shoes. I looked at my impractical little flip-floppy Argentinean shoes. I picked my Keens. I wore a button-down shirt and some nice pants, but I still picked my Keens.

I got the usual first-day run-around in the office, with introductions to absolutely everyone, and an avalanche of information. Normal for a first day, and far from the most intimidating first day I have ever had. But everyone seemed to think I might be intimidated. They kept asking if I was scared yet, and if I was planning to come back tomorrow. Until one fellow said "Nah, she's wearing hiking boots, I don't think she scares easy."

Hiking boots???? Did I commit a serious corporate style faux pas?

Tonight I am packing my bag for tomorrow's early wake up call, and wondering about which shoes to choose. Do I keep wearing the "hiking boots"? I never deal with clients, and the shoes are comfy. Or do I wear my ultra-girly Argentinean shoes with the embroidered flowers?

It's an office of engineers - I'm definitely in the female minority. Do I toe the girly style line? Or do I keep wearing my "tough" hiking shoes? I want to wear my "doesn't scare easy" boots. I'm not sure if that's rational. But I think it's what I'll do anyway.