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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 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.

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

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.

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.

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

Today I scored a thrift store nude two fer. The first pair is Aldo. The heel measures 4 and a 1/2 inches. They have some discoloration in spots, but still very usable. They have a finish on them that I haven't seen before. It is a combination of flat, suede, and patent all at the same time. And in certain lighting, they almost look like a two tone nude. The second pair is from Jessica Simpson. They are open toed with a bow like detailing across the toes. The heel measures 4 and a 1/2 inches.

I am so envious of your great relationship, it is great that the wife appreciates how nice you look in heels and you can enjoy them together in public!

Indeed, I feel truly blessed she likes wearing heels together. We often match and have many pairs in both sizes. We actually just moved back to Texas a couple of months ago and I forgot to update my profile. 😇 So, thanks for the reminder, Shyheels.

I wear skinny jeans because I like to wear my knee and OTK boots a lot and if you’re wearing boots over jeans, skinny is best. On the other hand on occasions I have to wear my hiking/mountaineering boots and with skinny jeans they make my feet look enormous

I cannot think of a reason why men shouldn’t wear them. And what would it matter, all forms of jewelry are bondage like. I mean necklaces are collar-like, bracelets resemble handcuffs, ankle bracelets are leg iron-like, etc. Its even been said wearing jewelry started out back when cave men chained his cave women to a cave wall so she would not run off as he went out and hunted down his wooly mammoth. Then one day he saw pretty shiny rocks in a stream, pounding the soft metal into a chain, and gave that to her instead so she had something shiny to wear instead of being chained to the cave wall. Other cave women saw her jewelry and wanted that from her special caveman. I have my doubts on if wearing jewelry started out that way or not, but it was what I was told. Myself I have never looked at a woman wearing an anklet as anything but wholesome, but I also grew up going to church and a lot of women wore them in the 1980’s, and now in a resurgence, are wearing them again. In looking around last year, I counted 7 women wearing anklets out of 350 church members. Its not like everyone is wearing them at church, but at the same time, not uncommon to see in a respectable setting. But I once saw a lady who did not think the same way as I do. We had just got out of church so my wife was dressed up in a dress, pantyhose, ankle bracelet and high heels, and needed to grab some things from a big box store that sells hardware. As we were grabbing some things for a home project a couple came in the same aisle, and she looked down at my wife’s ankle, then looked at me, then down, then at her husband, and from her raw inquisitive look you could just see that she had heard that ankle bracelets can mean sometimes open relationships. We do NOT do that, my wife just likes ankle bracelets, but you could see the woman was mortified.

For me, wearing heels evolved in different stages. From an early age (early teens) i was fascinated with heels, loved the shape and appearance. I cant remember when i tried on a pair of heels for the first time but the furtherest memory i have is in the early 90's, trying a pair of heels my friend (she) had lying about. I was lucky as i have small feet so the fit was almost right. I purchased my first pair in my late 20s (late 90's) when i lived on my own. I accumulated a small collection of heels and boots which i wore occasionally when opportunities arose. Leaping forward til about 6 years ago, wearing heels is basically a daily event for me. The styles have changed a lot over the years, and have a mixed array of styles and colours, but now comfort is the foundation of any pair i add to my collection.

This is an exercise for purely debate purposes as I do not know what to make of this situation - let me set the scene. Today's outfit consisted of a light plum colored short sleeved top, a black (almost) mini skirt, lightly patterned tights, and a pair of black Vince Camuto Gessyca pumps which have ~3" heel. I accented this with a black beret and 2cm black hoop earring. In all, a ridiculously cute outfit. After work and a stop at the local wine bar afterwards, I engaged in my favorite least desirable activity - grocery shopping. As I was doing so, I clearly heard an old cranky person (male) say "Only in America." I know it was directed at me as there were few other people within an ear shot of this person. I ignored it and went about my way as he headed over to the check-out lane. I was tempted to head over there and ask him what he meant by his remark but determined it was not worth my time. What is interesting or of concern it that this is not the first time I have encountered this person and his remark. A few weeks ago, the same set of details occurred and similar to today, I ignored it. I am not sure what to make of this and wonder if it is an insult or simple commentary. Thoughts?

I always say it depends upon your definition of "walk." I have a fairly narrow definition, and sometimes I cannot live up to my own definition, even in 3" heels.

4" is probably the upper limit of heel height that I really will not notice but above that, I do feel the height of the heel as I am walking. 4.5" is the maximum in which a can walk in "normal" stride. Above that, my steps and pace are much abbreviated.

I think we all experience this at some point, me included. There are definitely times when I forget that I am wearing heels until someone else mentions something to me.

While we are on the subject: How many optometrists does it take to change a light bulb? Answer: 'One or two? One or two?' Happy Easter to all!

It does. Love the ALDO pumps, Mr. X! Great find!

Maybe you did get the "wrong" lenses. I personally know four people who have gotten cataract surgery, and all of them have raved about how much better they can see afterwards. Jean in particular, looks weird without her glasses.

I too find that when wearing my chunky heeled boots I can completely forget I am in heels. Not so much with stilettos since I do not wear them so much, but with 3-4” block heeled boots I wear them without thinking. I'm nearly always in knee boots of some sort - either heeled or not heeled - and it has become my regular look in the eyes of my fellow boaters. The other day I was walking along the road, off to town to buy supplies, and unusually for me was wearing my hiking boots. One if my boating neighbours, who owns a van, stopped to give me a lift and said he almost didn’t recognise me without my tall boots.

I got my first readers about that age. I get a peripheral vision test every 6 months and optic nerve picture every year.

Glaucoma is a global term that refers to eye pressure only. There are many different types of glaucoma. I have the type of glaucoma where my lens covers the drain. It was diagnosis about 30 years ago. I have had 50 laser holes drilled in each eye, and several other things. The last thing they did was shot (laser) certain spots in one eye, and when your body goes to fix it, it also fixes the other eye. Next time they will laser the other eye. i have a pterygium on each eye. One started to grow over my cornea so they took it off by peeling off a layer of the surface of the eye and replace it with lab grown tissue. What a _____ operation. (I'll fill that in 2+ weeks.) And @Shyheels, welcome to the 'club'.

I hope all goes well. I just paid a long overdue visit to the optometrist myself - having always had razor sharp 20/10 vision I’ve been in denial for years that it just wasn’t so anymore. Finally I had to take the plunge and now I have reading glasses. Thankfully the eyes in general were in good nick.

Well folks, it's official. I'm going under the knife in two weeks. Actually, there will be no knives involved, just a laser. I went to an ophthalmologist yesterday to get my high eyeball pressure problem assessed. Evidently, they now have a way to treat this condition that is putatively permanent, without having to resort to daily eyedrops or periodic injections. Apparently, I am a good candidate for this procedure, and it's pretty quick--about 15 minutes per eyeball. Thankfully, I have not yet developed glaucoma, i.e., there is no functional damage to the inner workings of my eyes. I got two overt compliments on my Steve Madden blush colored pumps, one from one of the techs who administered the battery of tests I had to run through, and one from a fellow patient.

Nice that you and your wife and enjoy your heels together! Were you on holiday in Texas? I see your profile says you’re from Norway.

Having a backup pair of shoes is probably not a bad idea. I did this for years, and what I discovered is that I went to the backup shoes exactly once, and that was when a sole completely detached from one of my main pair of shoes. The backups, however, were never flats but rather lowish mid heels that I know will never bite me back. My test used to be could I work a farmer's market in a give pair of shoes, a venue in which I was required to stand pretty much continuously for five hours, and that's pretty much the maximum that I'm in heels at one shot these days. If I'm in any sort of pain, it will almost always be because of pinched toes, not because of the high heel position. That pretty much only happens with pumps, which I have to wear pretty tight, or I'll walk right out of them. I always wondered how women can slip their shoes off easily and yet still walk normally. That doesn't happen for me. The real secret to my success is how much I walk in heels. Almost every morning, I'm out there pounding the pavement in heels. I feel it really makes a difference. Standing in one spot is much harder than walking in heels (and I would argue in any sort of shoe), but walking gains you a lot of endurance as well as a sense of fluidity and grace if you give it long enough, and do it purposefully enough. Besides that, it's fun! To actually address the original question, I do not believe it's possible to "work through the pain" and gain much endurance doing incidental activities. Therefore, I don't hold it against anybody if they want to bring a pair of backup shoes just in case.

I didn't realise that 'white spirit' was not recognised by that name in the US. I believe you call it 'mineral spirits' (a name not used in the UK!) or turpentine substitute. Some cellulose paint thinners may work, but there are so many different blends and experimentation (and possible disappointment) should be allowed for. I wasn't originally advocating any alcohol (potable or not), as water is a component and tends not to mix with or dissolve anything oily. However, iso-propyl alcohol (propanol; US rubbing alcohol), as used for switch/contact cleaning (and, usefully, leather stretching!) would possibly work on small spots, although not too easy to buy here.

Metal has been used for adornment for thousands of years, since the dawn of the Bronze Age. You can read too much into it though. The simple fact is that if you are going to wear these sorts of adornments there are just so many possibilities in how you can do that. While you can pin a brooch onto a cloak, anything else has to be wrap-around - a ring, a bracelet, a crown, a necklace. Such things were worn mainly as symbols of rank or importance, displays of wealth, not enslavement. so called cave men never chained women to cave walls. For starters, they did not have metal. There’s a reason it is called the Stone Age. Nor is there much, if any, knowledge of social structures in Paleolithic, Mesolithic or Neolithic societies although advances in technology have been opening up archaeology is ways that would have been unthinkable a decade ago, especially with regards to the Neolithic. What evidence we do have suggests women could be in positions of power. Im surprised by the negativity about ankle chains. Certainly today. in Double Indemnity (1944) Phyllis, the femme fatale, wore one and while it caught the eye and interest of insurance salesman Walter Neff, there was nothing overt about it. Certainly it passed the Hays Production Code at the time.

Why should women only be allowed to wear anklets. I wear one often. My wife and I have matching anklets. Happy Heeling bluejay

When I was younger and my jeans started to tear, my mother would put a patch in them. When they go a big tear, they became shorts. Just wore my Skyscraper jeans for the first time last week. Got to wear them with high high heels.

Yeah, I don't get it either... I know I usually get rid of my jeans when they start to rip, very annoying.... This is just another fad that people pay alot for, that will fade with time..

I don’t understand the torn jeans thing. The holes in them would just annoy me constantly. Living in a canal boat one dresses more for practicality than style. There is also a very definite boho vibe among water dwellers, which suits me fine.

A very simple, but true story. Attending a conference with my coworkers, I wanted to make a statement with my professional attire. I decided to wear my prized Christian Louboutin Hot Wave heels, the iconic peep-toe Hot Chick. Knowing the allure these shoes hold, I aimed to turn heads. As I sat in the lobby of the Marriott Marquis, I dangled my foot, arching it just right to create an enticing display. Many men glanced my way (dozens), but one in particular stood out. In a rush, he excitedly pointed at my shoes and exclaimed, “I have them too!” He quickly flashed his own red-bottom dress shoes, also by Louboutin, before tripping over himself and hurrying off. Later that evening, during the inevitable happy hour, I was still rocking my 130mm Hot Waves. Seated at the bar, enjoying a bourbon, I crossed my legs to showcase the heels. Off to the side, a man was staring intently, clearly captivated. I continued to flaunt the shoes, emphasizing the arch and silhouette of the 130mm heel. He was so distracted that he barely paid attention to his colleagues. Before leaving with his group, he approached me and said, “Nice Hot Chicks.” Though he got the name slightly wrong, it was clear he was enamored with the shoes. Unfortunately, it was a missed connection. I never saw him again and have no idea who he might be. Yet, with his evident interest in these rare heels, I suspect he frequents the same communities and forums as I do (HHPlace, Reddit, etc.).

Having worn my skinny jeans with my JS knee yesterday and skyscraper jeans with mules today, yes, we should have the same freedom; and I'm taking it.

I will take a pair of running shoes on days that I wear a new pair. I start by buying heels that don't hurt to wear them. Then I will wear heels for 16 or 18+ hours without a backup plan. But you got to start with heels that don't fit correctly.

Thought I would share this post about a very old pair of Pleaser ankle strap pumps that I have finally decided must be put out to pasture. I couldn't say how many miles I've worn these amazingly comfortable 5 inch heels, talking Melroseplant level I'm guessing. I've re-heeled these at least 6 times. Finally blew out the sole and upper part of the vamps this last week. Surprisingly they are still easy to walk in and sturdy but still long past any visual appeal. I think these definitely paid themselves off many times.

I decided to pick up a pair of ILIAS LITTLE SHOE BOX ballet heels. They're incredibly stable. I love them. I do want to move onto a more of a stiletto at some point, with a similar toe box construction though. Any suggestions here?