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A number of years in my past, I used to chase wind turbines. It's not quite the challenge of climbing high voltage towers, but I did always prefer a boot with a distinct heel on it for climbing those ladders. On the flip side, I found out the hard way that logging boots are not really the best thing for working at any facility that has grated flooring. I can remember my first day out at the Cargill corn plant in the fermentation building. I wore logging boots, and I have no idea how I did not faceplant at some point in the day coming down the grated stairs, as the giant lugged soles would tend to catch on the grating.

High heels originated with Persian cavalrymen who used their heels to stabilise themselves in the stirrups when they stood to fire their bows at the gallop.

Yes, I’d love a pair of those boots too if they came in my size. Such a pity that the original company folded - and for such a silly self-inflicted reason - only to be replaced by something that from what you say is but a shadow of its former self. Seems to be the way with these things. I’ve liked the look of some of the boots now being offered but they are just too small. Whatever their sizing numbers my feet are simply longer than the 27.0cm they list as the length suitable for their largest size.

My wife has larger calves and had many a pair of Duo boots, the first coming in 2012. I can attest to the fact that any pair of boots from them are very well made with high quality materials and worth the price to get them. Duo used to have great models every season from flats/low heels to 4"/10cm heels in many wonderful styles. Some time ago, however, Duo, for completely inexplicable reasons, changed their name to "Ted and Muffy" after the owners of the company (as I understand it). This, seemingly, soured with customers and led to them just about going out of business. A buyer for the company was found and changed so much, and in my opinion, not for the better, upon taking receivership of the company. The name was changed back to Duo, and styles became more basic to the point of being almost "frumpy." Likewise, taller heels were gone, and varying calf sizes for each model were reduced. Boots became the sole focus as pumps and other styles were no longer offered. Yes, all stores across the UK were closed (and I think the one in Bath was one of the larger stores) and now, they are only an online retailer. Although the product lineup for the current season has some nice styles, they are nowhere near the jaw-dropping models they once offered. I have a pair of 4"/10cm ankle boots from them, and my wife may still have a pair or two of their boots and pumps. If Duo were to return to making the boot styles they did before the whole Ted and Muffy flop, I would be more than willing to sign over every other paycheck to them for new pairs every month. Yes, wasteful but worth it regardless of the price. FWIW, a retailer that I have come to love is Noe (there should be an umlaut, my favorite diacritical mark, over that "e" but my computer does not have a number pad...) in Antwerp. I just ordered a pair of custom knee high boots from them and should have them around the start of March. I currently have four pairs of ankle boots from them, and have two pair of pumps on order. Although they are not at all a fancy design, the color selection is amazing. The price of the boots I ordered was actually slightly less than those offered at Duo. If Duo ever started making this model again, I would be the first in line to get a pair!