By John Parry

NEW YORK, March 22 (Reuters) - U.S. shoe retailer Walking Co Holdings Inc (WALK.PK) said on Monday 22 March it is ready to emerge from bankruptcy protection as soon as April.

Photo: www.thewalkingcompany.com

The company, which filed for bankruptcy protection in December facing high rents and a difficult retail environment, said it has submitted a reorganization plan that will keep 207 of its 214 current store locations open and pay off all of its debts and future obligations to trade creditors.

The company had earlier sought to close about half of its stores, but was able to work out deals with its landlords, banks, and vendors to restructure its balance sheet and long-term financial obligations during the bankruptcy, it said.

The court is expected to hold a hearing on the company's Chapter 11 bankruptcy reorganization plan on April 23, the company said in a press release.

The company said it would be ready to exit Chapter 11 early in the week of April 26. (Reporting by John Parry; Editing by Gerald E. McCormick)