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My heater is not working at the moment (I suspect and air lock in the pipes somewhere), and I’m reluctant to start burning coal again so I am rugged up in heavy fleeces and by heavy suede OTK boots with 8cm heels. I’ve somebody coming around this evening to check out the system

Sorry folks, I have been slacking for the last several days. Yesterday, I eased back into it with some 9 cm. No sense in trying to push it and getting myself hurt, eh? I actually have both Saturday and Sunday off this weekend (sort of), so maybe I can get some training in soon.

Oh, I think you can ABSOLUTELY assume that the quality of direct Chinese shoe imports is going to be low, because that assumption is usually correct. If it turns out to be incorrect, that's a pleasant surprise and a bonus! Here is one example of such a surprise below, and I can also catch up on church outfits at the same time, as I'm a couple of weeks behind. I had forgotten that I have actually had one good experience with stuff ordered directly from China, and that is my Onlymaker platform sandals. At least I think they're Onlymaker--the shoes themselves are unlabeled and unbranded, except for the size. The only reason I got them is because I thought they would be steep. I was promised a 15 cm heel with a 3 cm platform. Cool! 12 cm! At least they'd be good for practice. When the shoes arrived in a rather miniature shoebox, they looked pretty much like the picture, but had 3.5 cm platforms, so the total steepness is a mere 11.5 cm. I already have plenty of shoes with that gradient. Oh, well. However, despite being on the clunky looking side, I've become a little obsessed with these shoes lately, and I've worn them out several times. They are very shiny. Pictured here is from October 12th. The second photo is from last Sunday the 19th, featuring my BCBGenerations neutral colored strappy sandals. One thing about the Aiming High challenge is that these thin heeled but not quite stiletto sandals are a doddle to walk in, with their steepness being barely over 10 cm. I shall be interested to try my steeper pumps soon (up to now they have been put away for the summer), just to see if I have in fact made any progress.

Agreed - but one cannot assume that a copy Hot Chick (or any other footwear) is of 'poor quality fit, manufacture and materials' without actually inspecting and trying it. If there was universal condemnation (at least in the UK/US) of Chinese footwear imports, it is most unlikely that they would still be actively marketed there, which is clearly not the case although of course there are both good and bad reviews.

I'm so glad to hear that.

Yes, they're not easy and comfortable to wear. But that is simply due to the heel height and shape of the toe box. They're very well built and therefor I don't consider them "unsafe" because they offer good stability. I didn't know that they're still made as a special order, that's cool! I looked up the price and apparently it's about double of what I paid for them back in the days... Oh, what a pity...but I certainly can't complain about you guys 🙂

Guys are not allowed to post in the girls forum, but there is no rule against girls posting in the guys forum, and there never has been. There is no rule because such a rule is not necessary--women evidently know how to behave themselves better than men do. I am done buying shoes that are shipped directly from China. I've had a 0% success rate with them. @Jkrenzer swore by Hey Si Mey brand, which is shipped directly from China, but is not super cheap. However, both of the pairs I bought have a toe-length-to-foot-length ratio that does not match my feet. If a Steve Madden or an Aldo or a Nine West would make a 130 mm shoe, I would buy it. Or heck, if they'd even make a true 120 mm shoe, I'd buy it.

I’ll defer to an expert who actually wears Louboutin Hot Chicks that the added height of a 13cm heel is challenging enough without adding poor quality fit, manufacture and materials into the mix.

It was not clear from mlr's comment if he was referring specifically to 13cm Hot Chicks, but there are Chinese clones of these available too, along with many other styles of 13cm (and higher) heels. And it is purely speculative to say that wearing any of them must be dangerous, although no doubt some are poorly made or poorly fitting and pose a hazard - but only someone who has tried a particular pair could comment on that. And, as I understand the many online comments by genuine Hot Chick owners, the real thing is not easy to wear, comfortably and safely, either. I have also read that, although they are discontinued, Louboutin will still make the 13cm Hot Chick as a 'special order' - at a hefty price, of course.

The same goes for me. I've wanted to wear the Hot Chicks or generally my higher heels more, but the conversation with you was the kick-off for actually getting into it.

I know people here have certainly influenced me - I doubt if I'd be diligently practicing in my 12cm heels were it not you two, and having the inspiration and virtual company has made all the difference.

Thanks, good to know 🙂

I don’t think it’s a problem you’re posting here. We’re a small and pretty egalitarian group and while none of us would post in the girls forum, your certainly welcome e in this one. We’re having a nice discussion about heels and your input is welcome - aside from which the three of us are all supporting each other in our high heels challenge! It is a shame that there are such slim pickings when it comes to well made high heels - and as you say, that Louboutin has ceased to manufacture the true Hot Chicks. The difference between well made heels and nasty knock offs is vast

Absolutely! I thought the same of my encounter with my neighbour. And you seem to be known all around town for your high heels, so you definitely have an influence already 🙂

I see that this topic is in the "for the guys" forum, I'm sneaking in because I got marked by @Shyheels I hope it's OK for you all if I post here? The availability of good quality heels with a 11+ cm heel at a reasonable price is very bad in my opinion. Every pair of this height I own is more on the expensive side. It's really sad. I don't want expensive designer brands for everyone of my pairs, anything with a good quality is fine for me, but this only really exists in the mid-heels range. It's also sad that even Louboutin doesn't make the Hot Chick 130 anymore. I definitely wouldn't go for a cheap knock-off one. The 13 cm heel itself is enough of a challenge, I wouldn't wanna have an extra struggle with bad quality 😉

Nobody ever judges those contests. They just peter out without a winner

I drive in heels and barefoot all the time (but not at the same time). I wears heels, I get in the car and drive. Only heels I not fond of driving in are stilettos, because my heel tip digs into the mat.

THANK YOU for the compliment! If we have a best dressed 2025 we will need to jump on it fast,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,, 2026 is a commin"!!

CAT, your outfits never disappoint! That electric blue dress matches some platform sandals I got last year from funkypair. I think that blue could be visible at 200 yards away. If you did enter the best dressed contest next year it would be hard to beat. I’m willing though to compete for sassiest heels though. HinH

Agree with Mlroseplant and others. Was a frequent Aldo customer and made a friend who worked there 6 years. Around 2011 Aldo included half sizes and that brought about a closer correlation to other retailers and their sizes. Typically they would stock only to US11/EU42. Bigger sizes needed to be ordered online or in store. Lots of great styles and most made in China. Some styles have been produced in Brazil recently. My best advice is you should try on the heels you want in person to be satisfied. Buying a brand you have no experience with can prove a fool’s errand as sizing can vary by brand, style of vamp /toe box, and country of manufacture. Aldo is headquartered in Montreal and I’ve been in that store when visiting family members in Quebec. Keep searching and don’t give up. HinH

I don't drive in heels for any kind of thrill. But If I am wearing an outfit that includes heels, I drive in them. It is a little different the way your feet hit the pedals, but I have no trouble doing it. And I don't feel the need to bring other flat shoes just to drive in them.

I’m sure there are plenty of knock offs but this one misses the boat a little because the original Hot Chicks had 13cm heels - that extra centimetre makes a world of difference as @higherheels can tell you! And I somehow suspect that wearing a cheap knock off of Hot Chicks with a 13cm heel (if such a thing is available) would be a great way to end up in A&E with a twisted ankle and a dumb backstory

I claim no expertise in identifying Louboutin copies, but it took me just two minutes to find this offering on AliExpress, which appears to mimic Hot Chick (12cm heel) closely - in appearance, if probably not in quality. All for £30 and in big sizes too. And there are many others similar.

Interesting! I’m guessing the comment was more observational and curious. If it was meant to be derisive, her reply - oh yes, that’s my friend - would have put him back in his box

I found a clip that didn't have absolutely terrible music. I still recommend turning the sound down.