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It has been a long while since I've shared any outfits, and today is barely an exception. One of my friends sent me a screenshot of the church livestream, and I thought, "At least my posture is fairly decent." The photo is of course, super low-res, but then again, the livestream sound, to my ear, is super low-fi to match the picture.

I took the day off so I could take care of some things. While I was in the grocery store, I saw an older lady (by older, I mean at least as old as me) wearing OTK snakeskin boots with 3 1/2" block heels and a demin miniskirt. I have no idea who she is, but I have this feeling I've seen her before. I was in no mood for unnecessary interaction on that occasion, so I passed up the opportunity to learn more, despite the fact that I was wearing heels myself.

I just returned from our spring state-wide convention in a swanky hotel in southern California. One night, last time we where down here, there was a special Bogadi park zone outside that hotel where the convention was held. And there were several cars parked in it. This Friday I saw 50 to 60 4" stilettoes, at least 30 4" block heels, many many tall wedges. Late teens to old ladies. High heels are not dead in this area. Many more high heels at the convention than in past years. More in Cali World later.

Hola Amigos! To borrow a line from my favorite columnist Jim Anchower (Author of "The Cruise" and at the time of his last article was en route to jail), "I know it's been a long time since I rapped with you..." but honestly, I have not had much to say. Recently, however, I have been experiencing an unusual phenomenon which is that although I know I am wearing heels it does not feel like it whatsoever. Given that by 9:00am on days I am at the office I have finished by third cup of coffee (reminder to self...switch to caffeinated) about an hour later, it is break time which usually necessitates a trip to the washroom. What I have noticed is that when I am wearing a pair of heels, regardless of the height of such, I do not even seem to realize that I am wearing a pair of heels. I can hear and feel the heel striking the ground followed by the footbed, but yet, it does not feel as if I am wearing heels. I suppose it might be that my stride and cadence has become so smooth from wearing heels just about every day, that this is a reflection of how it has evolved, or just my confidence in doing so. Yesterday, for example, I was wearing a pair of delightfully beautiful 4" (~10cm) Noe (Brand) ankle boots and as I was walking around my office building, one of the members of my fan base said, "I love your heels..." I had to look down at my feet to confirm I was, in fact, wearing heels. I cannot quite explain why such is the case, but in a minor and weird way, being so comfortable in heels to the point where I do not even notice such takes the enjoyment out of wearing them. Perhaps I should start wearing flats more often to appreciate wearing heels. Uh...no, that will not happen.

Hi all, After a long time of meaning to post but never executing, I thought I'd just start a new threat to document my adventures in heels. Nothing complicated, so dont expect wonders, but just sharing pictures and this and that. Our neighborhood is pretty progressive, and over the years, they've gotten to know me in heels. This past week, we had some cooler weather at first, so my wife and I were at the local brewery in booties: That said, boot season is pretty much over in this part of Texas, and towards the middle of the week it was already sandals weather again, so we wore these beauties from Jessica Simpson. Clearly, I need to work on a better angle, but I don't like making a scene taking pictures, so under the table / bar snapshots are mostly what happens... Case in point, this was yesterday's choice.

I don't know if this counts as a "practical use," but the other night when I was at choir rehearsal, we did a complete run-through of the piece we had been rehearsing piecemeal, and we stood to do so. It is a very uptempo, high energy piece, and the choir director instructed us to imagine that we were standing on the balls of our feet. Without hesitation I said, "I don't really have a choice." Those within earshot laughed more heartily than I would have guessed, and those who didn't hear me were wondering what was so funny.

I was browsing some online buy and sells, and I came across an ad for someone selling 4 pairs of this brand. They were all the same shoe, but just in diffent colors and patterns. I immediately fell in love with them. And this is exactly what I think of when someone says high heels.They have that "classic" stilleto look. And they are what I would call one sexy shoe! I did some research and realized they are sold on Amazon. They run around 60 to 80 dollars canadian money, which seems reasonable depending on the quality. They say they have a near 5 inch heel. And they come in a variety of colors and patterns. Here is a few pictures of the ones from the ad I saw. And also a link to them on Amazon. I especially like the purple snakeskin ones she was selling. So does anyone have experience with this brand? [url]https://www.amazon.ca/Elisabet-Tang-Women-Pointed-Stiletto/dp/B0BLMPLRYP/ref=sr_1_4?crid=136PDBFSAV037&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.CrDKc-ZnmbZ6qS6dJqUSK_Ugc1REV3PiyFIXPWkv-a8u6Jop6UAKGFX6jKp2bqp1SRZ8SBe-cGZwd3mDkR7WQD4KeLyCkZH9uOqdLaKKbVU6JI5ydmQGGt77rNRwzhou3gk-l0qEBtLGYgRCmlfL5OhvHLQgwR5PruycTgQdke7U8x7r7cj1GsCg-BChqeGhE_HALrHZu7HIlhP4iXC-0AO3J3bMf-Ec9SWTjCqnCm61TQ9aB4s79EGtcuYaThbwHAwCi4cpaBD8q6dzORQGUAO1Nw_AcdOXACujcALQk60.Pzbwfo7ML4RFRzXPhluIFRCcAamZxyxPfaugtVz--rE&dib_tag=se&keywords=elisabet+tang+high+heels&qid=1746841257&sprefix=elizabet+tang+high+heels%2Caps%2C159&sr=8-4[/url]

As it so happens, I believe I can help you out on this. I too heard the siren song of Elisabet Tang, and they are not bad shoes for the money. Naturally, or un-naturally, as the case may be, in that price range they are plastic shoes. I also imagine that they are twice the price now for me (but not for you). I'll leave that right there. Here are two things to know: 1) Whoever makes/markets these also sell the same exact shoe under the name Gen Shuo. And I mean the same exact shoe, right down to the detailing on the sole. 2) They run slightly small, and it seems to be consistent with this particular model. 98% of the time, I take a USW size 9, and I can barely get these on in size 9. I bought the cheapest used pair I could find in size 10 just to check sizing, and I discovered that size 10 is not really a good fit, either. 9 1/2 might be the ticket, if I could find them in 9 1/2. When I looked before, they only came in whole sizes. I see in the link you sent that you can get 8 1/2 and 9 1/2, but no other half sizes. This makes me suspicious, because in the feedback section of some website I visited trying to figure out what was going on with the sizing, the company evidently knows about the problem, and said they would take steps to correct it. This seems just like Aldo from 15+ years ago. Remember how Aldos always ran really small, and then they "corrected" the problem? This has been a lot of words to say yes, Elisabet Tang/Gen Shuo are probably worth buying if you like that style, but be aware of the sizing issues if buying sight unseen. As an afterthought, yes the heels on size 9 are every bit of 120 mm, probably more like 122.

So, last week my wife and I spent a few days in France (5 full days in Tours in the Loire Valley, 1.5 days in Paris) before we departed ways to return to our places of residence. I was excited to see what the pulse of fashion was in France and wondered if I would see anyone dressed (in) Houte Couture that included towering heels or other gorgeous footwear. Much to my surprise, the answer was nope, nada, zilch, zero! Although I noticed a few individuals dressed in high style but when such was observed, sadly, it was at restaurants, cafes, or the like. I expected to see a cavalcade of over-the-top fashion, but such was not the case - not even close. In fact, I can only recall two instances of observing individuals with "outrageous" style. Although I did notice quite a few women wearing heels, for the most part, casual comfort was the norm. It was interesting to observe that even though there was a casual vibe about the aforementioned named places, most "everyone" seemed "put together." By this, I mean that it was evident that there was some effort in putting together an outfit and what was worn fit the individual rather well. As we did a great deal of walking or made use of public transportation during our journey (which we both enjoy) only once was I in heels (mid-heel knee boots) during our adventure. This was for a "fancy" dinner near Le Tour Eiffel and a stroll afterwards to a nearby park to catch the light show at 2200. Not all was bad/disappointing as I returned home with a long-awaited, custom pair of black, leather knee boots from Noe of Antwerp. I had ordered the boots in January and knew that I was going to have to wait for 10-11 weeks before they were shipped to me here in middle America. The problem was that shipping for such an item takes about three weeks and thus, it was quite possible they would arrive at my place when I was overseas. Given that, most of the time, I have to sign for packages that originated overseas upon delivery, it was quite possible that they would be returned to the sender if delivery could not be made within a few days after the first attempt to delivery them. That being the case, I had them rerouted to my wife in The Netherlands who brought them with her when we finally met each other at Gard du Nord. In all, I waited four months to finally put my feet in my new boots. Needless to say, the boots are beautiful beyond words and fit like a glove. I love Noe of Antwerp and in time, they will be sole supplier of heeled footwear! I wore these boots for the first time today and what bothered me the most about them was that I had to take them off at the end of my day. So worth the wait and cost to get them!

Well, I would like to think that I "finally came out OK". Unfortunately, I wasted so many of my younger years with self loathing/doubt/insecurity. One of the only advantages of advanced age is that I finally "don't give a crap" about what others think, for the most part. I think I look good in my boots, which is the most important thing....

From my perspective, you did it right. Get that stuff out of the way when it doesn't count for much. You see, I was a good kid. Not perfect, but never caused any trouble. As a result, I didn't start doing stupid stuff until I was in my 40s. Not a great way to do things.

Good for you! Yes, I remember hearing a few school age girls giggling while riding the escalator behind me as well. I try to remember that most negative reactions come from guys who are secretly frustrated, fearful of exploring a hidden fascination with heels. I had to remember the old saying "never let them see you sweat" in order to get through some unpleasant encounters. I just try to remember all the positive comments I have received over the years, oftentimes from guys.

Does this mean we are officially in a recession?

That’s so cool to hear how heels helped with your drumming. I noticed something kind of similar when I used to rehearse for performances.

I have been seeing more and more heels at work. Mostly 3+inch block heels, but heels none the less.

I too am a size 11 in heels but I have some knee boots that are size 12 because the brand in a size 11 is just too tight on my feet, however I have a couple pairs of size 10 heels that fit me perfectly. Figure that out! Happy Heeling, bluejay

time to come to ChiTown!!!!!!!!!!!

OK - you win on this one! I could do 5" (6" w/a platform) but the reason I do not is simply that I have nowhere to wear such towering heels. I have a few 12cm heels that I would love to wear out but I'd have to be in ChiTown for that. Around here, there just is not a place to do so.

I’m in an 11 in heels. Wish it was a comfortable 10 as so many shoes only go to a 10. Prob better for me. Less money spent !

I like the single soles, 5" for my norm, I do have some 3 and 4" that work out good. My 6" are still doable! I do have my Steve Madden Dejvue's with the hidden platform are my all time favorite!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I also have noticed this phenomenon. For me personally, the height at which heels begin to feel like heels is somewhere around 3 1/2". At 4 - 4 1/4", they definitely feel like heels, but they seem very natural. By 4 1/2", I'm really at my limit, and on some days beyond it. I do not take wearing 4 1/2" heels lightly, especially if I'm going to be on camera. But yeah, I get it. We have trained ourselves to the point where the unnatural feels natural. To be sure, there are some times when you had better notice that you're wearing heels, so's you don't do something silly like step onto some grating as if you were wearing flats.

I hear you for sure! I know I am feeling totally comfortable/confident when I "almost forget" I am wearing boots

1995, bought a pair of heels on a whim - and never looked back. Wifey thought I was nuts. sf

For me it was never so much the bell but the overall feminine styling. I never fancied cowboy boots, or cowgirl boots either for that matter. For me it started with go-go boots, which really don’t have much of a heel at all, and then sorta evolved. The heels became a part of it, since many feminine boot styles also have heels. In terms of personal style and preference I like block heeled boots. They feel more “me”. I’m ambivalent about stilettos. I love the lines - especially 120mm stilettos - but I’m not sure they are really me. And I’m not sure if that’s residual self consciousness or a sense that they don’t - quite - fit my style. i own two pair of Italian Heels stiletto knee boots - same style (Tina), one with 10cm heels the other with 12cm. I like them both very much and would never get rid of them. But I feel much more at ease in 7-9cm block heeled boots (ankle, knee and OTK)

For sure! For me, it was a gradual process I guess. Always loved cowboy boots, then progressed to higher heeled cowboy boots. Then I looked for higher heeled "cowgirl" boots. I'm trying to remember the first time I actually ordered boots with stiletto style heels, I think they were Pleasers. The progression to wearing high heel boots in public was a slow gradual process as well. So much regret wasting so many years of enjoyment due to self doubt, and lack of confidence...

Congratulations! I have fond recollections of the moment that I decided at long last to buy myself some high heeled boots - in the event, a pair of very nice (expensive) black suede OTK boots with four inch slender (not quite stiletto) heels. I decided to treat it as a bucket list thing and although expensive as boots go, vastly cheaper than the exotic travels that usually feature on bucket lists. That initial purchase has led to my buying several more pair, although nothing like your numbers. I love wearing them though and regret the years I needlessly went without

Usually I forget about the significance of this day until it is past, but for some reason I remembered it this year. Perhaps it is because I didn't realize what was happening at the time, and what significance it would ultimately have in my life. Thirteen years ago this evening, I stepped out for the first time in public wearing obviously elevated heels. In a way, it seems like much longer. In this regard, time has not flown by. It is difficult for me to remember a time when I didn't wear heels, even though that was more than 75% of my life. I'm trying to remember what I did wear on a daily basis. I remember at one time I went through a hiking boot phase. When I played with a country band, I wore cowboy boots pretty much everywhere for a couple of years. I must have worn tennis shoes for a good portion of my pre-heeled life. I really don't remember much about my footwear before 2012. I still keep the Söfft clogs I wore for my maiden outing, but I never wear them anymore. Even though they are leather on the outside, the non-leather liner makes my feet sweat something terrible. According to my records, I have not walked very many miles in these shoes, but I sure remember the first mile. I thought it would never end. Even after thirteen years, I will not pretend to be 100% comfortable in my skin. At times I still feel self conscious, especially when I have chosen very loud shoes without thinking about it, only to end up in a place where it's very noticeable. But still, it hasn't been a bad trip so far, and it doesn't really show any signs of ending.

I finally got around to taking some pictures this week. Because the leaves are back on the trees, I now have a built-in place where the sun won't wash out the pictures, so maybe this will happen more often. I have said before that I am not the type of person to walk through the neighborhood with my tripod (or a companion), looking for the perfect photo op. Having said that, I don't usually photo-bomb like I'm going to today, but somehow or other, I managed to take the perfect set. Usually when I do these things, I take at least half a dozen pictures to get one decent one. This time, I didn't delete any of them. They all came out pretty well. Therefore, y'all have to suffer as a result. Today's shoe selection marks the beginning of sandal season, and I took some new sandals for their first public outing, those being Nine West Wilia3. I have no idea what Wilia1 and 2 might be, but evidently, these are Wilia the third. It's not truly their first public outing, because I actually vetted these with a one mile walk a couple of weeks ago, just to see what category they might fit into in my shoe collection, but this is the first time that others could really see them. They were all right for a few hours, and they're all right to walk a mile. They are not uncomfortable, but neither are they a pleasure to wear. They're kind of just there. Nine West is slipping. These are disposable shoes at a disposable price. They are not leather, they are not supple, and they don't appear to be particularly durable. However, they look kind of cool. On edit: Yeah, posting five small photos instead of two medium sized ones is unsatisfactory. I will not do it again, except in special circumstances.

I just ordered these Freebird Detroit in Red Croc. I had hoped to get a size 11, BUT I waited too long, so hopefully a size 10 works. A 40% off Mother's Day sale was my incentive, $275 otherwise.

Me either. I discovered this by accident. But now that I have, it is virtually impossible to go back to playing without heels.

Wearing a slight heel actually made standing for long periods more comfortable for me, especially during mic practice when I had to stay fixed in one spot. My weight would distribute better, and I didn’t get that annoying calf fatigue as quickly. Never thought about how the foot angle changes movement on something like drum pedals though — really makes sense. On a different note, I’ve been into styling more with classic pieces lately, especially for work events. I’ve been looking at Hermès pre-loved bags as an option since they mix well with both casual and formal outfits. Found some helpful info on them here: https://coach-bags.co.uk/8-best-new-hermes-handbags-for-2025-reviewed/ – good if you're curious about timeless accessories.

The French have plenty of style whether they are wearing heels or not! Id never heard of Noe of Antwerp. That looks like a very nice pair of boots! I love block heeled boots especially with rounded/almond toes.

Sounds like an interesting person! I like her sense of style

You and me both!

Yes, I'm sure immature teen age boys will always be an issue. What an awful age... Wish I could repeat my teenage years, and do it right...

It's funny how everybody's experience is a little different. I have never had any trouble with teenaged girls, at least in this decade. It's the boys who tend to make rude comments, often behind my back, evidently. The girls all coo over my shoes.

Nice!!!

Several (4) more tall stilettos at a meeting today, one with spikes. Only 30 people at the meeting. Been seeing at least 2 tall stilettos every day this week.

Still very few along the towpath, although I’m in a town now - about 15,000 population - so perhaps …

Just purchased these for an insanely low price, £1.75 brand new. Was such an amazing bargain, would have been crazy not to. Theyre the Stessy from Aldo. Im just not sure what to wear with them 🤔 🤣

There may be something to that, and let's hope there is!

I too have read that about balance and so, yes, it would follow from there that wearing heels would have a benefit.

A practical use to high heels might just be in fighting dementia! It has been said that if you want to fight dementia to always put your socks on while standing up. The coordination that such a feat takes naturally fights off dementia as it uses so many different aspects of your brain. Well it would seem to me that if balancing to put on your socks would do that for a few minutes each day, walking in high heels would REALLY stimulate the brain and fight dementia? Thoughts?

For sure, you definitely get some extra height. I sometimes like to work standing up and if I am in high heels that can be awkward because then I’m too tall for working on the counter and it’s an awkward resch

What about changing light bulbs in your home? I have 9 foot ceilings in mine, and while I can reach up and just touch the lightbulb, I have to stand on my tippy-toes to do so. With high heels on it is possible the last part of that would be negated?

It doesn't take much in this day and age for someone to ask, "Why are you so dressed up?" We have always been headed toward the sloppy, but I think the pandemic accelerated the process. A button down shirt and pants that are not jeans will do the trick. The bar is pretty low. Of course, because I habitually wear heels, I'll always be singled out. I just feel like I can't wear heels, no matter how casual, and otherwise dress like I just got ripping down a plaster ceiling. So maybe the whole thing does keep me better than I really am. Pivoting back to the true original subject, I can't really come up with more things that are easier to do in heels, but I can come up with one thing that I thought should be way easier in heels, and it just isn't so. With the prevalence of online shopping, I'm sure most if not all of you have run into those plastic air pillows they often use to pack items for shipping. I think it's a great invention, WAY better than styrofoam packing peanuts, but you have to pop all of those bags in order to dispose of them in a reasonable volume of space. I figured stiletto heels would be the perfect tool for this. Uh, no. Does not work at all. If the pillows were blown up really hard, they might work, but blown up as intended, stilettos do not cover enough area to actually burst the bags. Perhaps if you put some sort of sharp object on the end of the heel it might just pierce the plastic, but then you'd lose the satisfying BAM! It's an idea that should work, but doesn't work all that well.

I think both @mlroseplant and @Shyheels bring up what probably is the most important aspect of wearing high heels, and that is, the importance and long-term positive effects of wearing high heels; its about how they make you feel. We live in such a negative downtrodden world where people dress how they feel. What so few people realize is that studies have shown numerous times that dressing up can help lift your mood and improve your self-assurance. My wife and I almost always dress well, whether going out to eat, going to church, or even to work. Surprisingly it is other women that give my wife a hard time; the hairy eyeball, snide comments said in the bathroom so she can just overhear it, and downright vile words spoken to her, all because she dresses well and takes care of herself. For me, I don't hear those same things from other men, but am sure a lot of people think we dress up so that we feel we are "better than them". We don't. We just like to dress well because of how it makes us feel about ourselves. But it is hard to quantify that. It is much easier to state that rolling dough in high heels is easier on my wife's back then to state how wearing high heels and making her feel more elegant produces a more self-esteem within her. But at times there can. Despite working as a blue collar worker in a powerplant, two days after deciding to dress well before going in and out of the plant and dressing into work clothes in the locker room, I was approached by management and asked to be the Safety Coordinator when the outgoing one retired. TWO DAYS! So if it makes you feel good, whether wearing heels is something almost nobody sees or everyone does, it is going to give you better self-esteem and that will transpire into better overall health and well-being.

In a similar vein I feel more creative in heels, my writing and editing flows better. I think because I’ve liberated myself from those restricting conformist views that prevented visual self expression. As well, the pleasurable feeling of wearing heels inspires me to get up at regular intervals and walk around - instead of sitting g blued to my desk and computer. It’s a healthy side benefit

I was trying to think of anything that I can do more easily in heels besides knead bread dough, which these days I rarely do anyhow. Do I sing better in heels? I think I do, but it's probably all illusion, and there's no real way to test it. I can't think of another thing that is actually easier to do in heels. I'm trying to think through my everyday routine, and if I'm honest, there's nothing that heels don't make harder, if only incrementally. Then it hit me. It's not something one would normally think of as being a practical use, but if I didn't have heels, I probably would not exercise nearly as much as I do. Y'all know that I like to pound the pavement in heels on the regular, and I have just thought to myself that I would probably be more tempted to sit here in front of this computer and talk about heels, rather than going out and walking in them. As an ancillary to that, I no doubt take way better care of my feet and ankles than I would if I didn't wear heels.

I can clean the top of my refrigerator and reach the items in the back of my tallest shelf in my kitchen.