Leaderboard

Hi Prima, First welcome. Cookie Monster isn't here all the time, so there might be some time between you posting and him see's it. I happened to me in the beginning. I think I might have seen the photo, but I really don't remember for sure. Now back to boots. I love boots and wear them often. Just yesterday I wore my knee high suede Jessica Simpson's stilettos to work. Wore them for 10 hours straight. You wont like them because they have 1" platforms (5" heels), but I love them. I have knee highs both with and without platforms in stiletto, near stiletto, and block heel styles. Always on the look out for more. Like you, I want my boots to have a full zipper. I have a thick toe box, so the zipper is important for fit. I have a few pointed toe heels, but I can only last 8 hours in them so they are only a tiny portion of my heels. And I love wearing my ankle boots as well. You need variety in your wardrobe. Again, welcome.

Went to get a mani/ pedi the other day for the 4th of July holiday. I got my usual clear/pink gel on my fingers with an American Flag on my right pinkie and a firecracker on my left. What I was wearing to the salon brought out some attention as I passed a neighboring boutique on my way out. I was wearing an American Flag skort, white women's top and my red sandals with double bands and 3-1/2" stacked heels. The owner of the boutique and a customer were standing in the doorway, when I walked by. Both of them nodded approval on what I was wearing. The customer said I looked fab. Which I replied, " thanks for the compliment". I know the owner of the boutique as I have made purchases from her shop before. I remember one in particular was a pair of leggings that was on a manequin in the window, that I liked. I bought them that day and I came back to show her how they looked on me, another time, so you can see that I am feminizing the male wardrobe! Happy Heeling, bluejay

I too have been harassed by teenagers, though not for a long time. What I find it that when you engage them in a friendly way, they tend to melt pretty quickly. It's also nice to know that people actually pay attention to outfits you have gone to a great deal of trouble to create.

Hi! Haven't been here in ages. Been busy, and in general been pushing myself to wear heels more and more, but a lot of anxiety has gone away and have been enjoying a lot of my outings. My outings tend to be about once a week, sometimes more, sometimes less. Usually to a nearby caffee shop, restaurant, or mall. I try to wear heels whenever I possibly can, but family cannot know, so it takes planning. A few years ago I tried mini-skirts, and now have quite the collection of minis and (ladies)kilts, all of which I love. But it was minis only. One or the other, either a mini, or heels, not comfortable with both. Recently though, for whatever reason, I bought a maxi skirt, down to my ankles, a nice flowy-one, nothing tight. Went outside in it and just loved how the wind picked it up and fluttered it around my legs, and I didn't worry about it blowing up and showing something I didn't want shown. And it was cool, meaning in the hot weather! That outing, in a maxi flowy skirt made me realize I have been missing out and given the length, I would actually be comfortable wearing these with heels! So I did. The day in question, I ended up wearing an ankle-length maxi skirt, black, with some buttons on it. I also wore a 4" pair of leather pumps (oh so comfortable!) and a nice white t-shirt. It looked good! I loved it! So, I enter the mall, not anxious but a bit reserved as this is new territory for me. Went to a store, browsed around looking at skirts, trying on a few things. It was fun. Then I decided to go the other end of the mall, grab a coffee and do some work. As I'm walking along, I notice a loud group of teenage girls in a store, and as I walk beyond them, one yells out "Love the heels, girl!". I didn't know what to make of the "girl" part (as I have stubble on my face, and am clearly a guy). Smiled at them and kept walking, walked right into a washroom (nature called). Did my thing, and as I am starting to exit, I see the same teenage girl pop her head in (into the male washroom!), and go away giggling. Her friends were yelling at her that it's the male washroom. I didn't feel comfortable, so stalled a bit, and then exited, hearing that they went into the female washroom. Then I made my way to my destination, (on purpose) walking by some security guards, just in case. Did not feel comfortable at all, and was questioning my choices. It has never actually happened to me, and I have worn heels to these types of places now countless of times. So am somewhat at this point. I bought coffee, sat down in the food-court, pulled my laptop and went to work for an hour or so. People came and went, I'm pretty sure some people looked, intensely, but whatever. After I was done, I started to head back through the mall to my car, and popped into a store that I frequent, because I love the stuff they have (sort of gothy, a bit on the fringe of fashion). Was checking the sales, specifically hoping a skirt I have been eyeing has gone on sale (unfortunately not), when one of the sales-ladies walks up to me and starts talking: Her: "Excuse me, but every time you come into the store..." Me thinking: oh oh, what did I do to deserve scolding? Her: "the sales-people are always very curious what sort of heels you're wearing, and checking them out." Instead of talking about with the other sales-people, she told me. "You always seem to be gliding around the store in heels" I thanked her, took that as a massive compliment, especially while wearing a maxi skirt and heels for the first time. Before I could follow up, she was interrupted by another customer, and went away. I browsed around a bit more, and had to leave. So... Good and bad experience. I'll chalk up the bad experience to teenagers trying to show off to one another and sometimes behaving shamefully especially when in a group. On the other hand, seems like people do notice, and remember... Thanks for reading!

I had my regular mani/pedi on Sunday. Wore my new 3" shorts, size 8. I've been trying to get down to 163 lb/74 kg. Almost there.

Hello and welcome. I do not believe you have been unfairly treated. If memory serves, nobody is allowed to post pictures until they have been a member for a while and made a number of posts.

Mlroseplant Fascinating and I believe I have an idea what initiated his question after all these years. Faced with increased age, mid 50’s I believe based on your age, and his current health issues his curiosity about your heels got the better of him and he reached out albeit without customary greetings. I believe he has always wanted to wear them and is clinging to his distant connection to you. It could’ve been been far more personal and fun to meet in person. He could’ve met you for coffee and seen you in heels and his questions would’ve been answered. His approach doomed it to failure. Honestly I’m surprised it hasn’t happened more often given how visible you’ve been in your small Des Moines suburb. Btw that outfit of red jeans, pink shirt, and red pumps looked spectacular. HinH

Yeah, that's the thing, we're not pretenders here. When we wear heels, we actually wear heels. I cannot and will not claim to wear 12 cm "all the time," because that would be a lie. However, I do feel comfortable in 10 cm (4 inch) pretty much indefinitely. I haven't had the opportunity for a heeling marathon for quite a while, but I'm pretty confident in that assertion.

I like wearing skorts with my heels especially in the summer time.I like the short versions of the skorts that show off my legs and I've had compliments over the years from mostly women but an occasional one, from a guy. I don't like maxi or midi skirts. Just my opinion. Happy Heeling, bluejay

Sounds like an interesting outing to say the least. I was never interested in skirts in the least, but a woman I know who’s into heels, and knows I like them too, convinced me to give one a try, suggesting I go for a pencil skirt - her own particular favourite. I really don’t care for mini skirts so that was never going to be an option, but I have always liked the look of longer skirts. I bought a midi pencil skirt and loved it. I was really surprised at how natural and comfortable it felt. i wore it while doing some landscape photography very early one morning a few weeks ago and encountered a woman photographer. She came up and started chatting, very naturally, and never mention the skirt or gave any sort of double take. We chatted for about twenty minutes about photography and the light - it was a great morning to be out there - and she went on her way. Completely natural encounter. There’s no way she couldn’t have noticed I was wearing a skirt. She was clearly open minded about such things, while I felt comfortable wearing the midi skirt and knew - or felt - I didn’t look bad in it.

I wouldn’t say you love of high heeled boots is unique - plenty of people like stiletto boots. I’m glad to hear you are giving them another shot and by the sounds of things, enjoying it. I am quite fond of high heeled boots myself, although my collection is fairly modest - about seven pair or so, but very nice ones. At any rate, welcome to the forum

YIPES!!

Oh I’ve descended quickly in the past - my record being 57mph down a steep pass in the Vosges. And that on a loaded touring bike. But I’m not a fan of such descents

First I have had my heel (either foot bed) break twice. Once I just had to take them off and go barefoot. Shyheels where's you need for speed? I had several trilling down hill rides, several where you had to get into the fast lane to exit, and you have a car on your tail, at about 45 mph. Forgot: on sew up bike tires, my 15 speed touring bike.

That would not be much fun at all. One of the reasons I am hesitant about going out in stilettos is the fear of just such a thing happening. The heels look so precarious - so easy to imagine breakage and the aforementioned barefoot walk home. That's one of the drawbacks to being a creative - a vivid imagination. It's why I am not a great downhiller on my bicycle. I can envision all too easily the consequences of missing my line or a loose piece of gravel

I've had it happen to me twice where I basically didn't have any choice but to walk home barefoot. It's funny you should mention being more mature and not caring what others think, but carrying a pair of heels while walking barefoot adds a whole new layer of self-consciousness for some reason. I felt like I wanted to hang a big flashing sign around my neck that said, "MY HEEL BROKE."

Teenage girls are the worst, especially to one another! Just the nature of their age and competitiveness. My worst experience was going up an escalator at a mall with teenage girls behind me, they were all giggling. "Never let em see you sweat". Like MLP says, engaging young girls usually disarms them pretty quickly, making it obvious you are not intimidated. For me, one geniune compliment usually cancels ten unpleasant encounters. I have reached the age where I don't care much about what others think, I like the way I look in boots, even if I am older. That being said, I do enjoy and appreciate compliments, it is nice to have my choices in boots validated. The only other lousy situation I had was when the heel gave out on my Zodiac boots! I had to walk back to the hotel dragging one foot to keep the heel/sole from flopping around!

Please don't give it a second thought, we all have "our own slant" on styles we prefer for sure! I, like yourself, prefer regular boots with no platforms, but that is just me. I really like many different styles, but am extremely particular at the same time! We all "love what we love"! Great way to relax for sure, great boots, some wine and a smoke.. All the best Don

Hi pebblesf. I envy folks as yourself that can still enjoy aging better rather than aging older 😪. Thank you for such a pleasant greeting. My sincerest apologies if my view on ankle boots came off as a bit harsh. Sometimes my self-imposed OCD'ish fever for my unique love of stiletto boots gets the better of me and sets my tone. So please allow me to explain my rare form of retardation in detail 😜 I am petite with really skinny legs, short shins, and long slender coconut tree climbing feet due to my Pacific Islander genetics. And so as a young girly-girl in the '80s loooooong before the joy of customized online purchases came about, I was limited to choosing whatever was on the shelves at the local boutiques and malls. Unfortunately, it was standard sizing for boots everywhere, even in Chinatown. Long feet = big feet = wider diameters @ ankles and calves which made me look like I was receiving poorly fitted hand-me-downs from a portly aunt 😭. My young ungrateful mind was screaming, "Why oh why was I born with mutant feet and legs?" I quickly developed a frustrating habit of avoiding skirts which was weird for a girly-girl, and found myself preferring to wear pants tucked into boots since there was a whole lot of room for tucking + the thrill I get when hearing that unmistakable sound from the long slowly zippery ziiiiiiiiiip when securing the shafts. Overtime, I fell in love with that particular style thanks to Penelope Pitstop and Chrissy Snow. Mmmmmm.... Just seeing these again puts me into a state of dopamine 🥰. Sooooooo whenever I see a pair of beautiful stiletto ankle boots, I immediately ask myself, "Where's the rest of the boots? Where did the zippered shafts go?" Then came the '90s with everything flats 😡. But we'll save that story for another thread. In all honesty, I often wonder why I make things so difficult for myself with all these hang ups that prevent me from having simple pleasures? But the crazy truth is, I've grown to love what I love, and it kinda makes me feel special. Even if it's specially retarded ( <-- Yup, I still use this classic term if I am only referring to myself) 😊 I do enjoy watching others having a good time with expressing themselves through wardrobe regardless of similar preferences or not. It's the art of the delivery/presentation and passion that matters most 👍 Thanks for taking me on a thrilling adventure back in time pebblesf. I'm gonna relish this moment with a smoke and a glass of wine now ✌️ 'Sweetest regards, Prima

Hi mlroseplant. I wish your belief were true, but I clearly remember posting my greeting pic and refreshed the page to see how it appeared, and it looked sooooo good that I also remember being excited in anticipation of receiving feedback from my new found friends. Instead, I received a nasty warning hours later from Cookie Monster claiming that I posted something that promoted fetishism and sexual content and smugly advised me to review the rules. But I totally get how some men are conditioned to dominate over women's liberties with their assumptions without really considering the big picture. It is obvious that non-sexual pleasures such as ASMR and visual dopamine are foreign concepts to them and that Pretty = Sex. Both Sad and disappointing at the same time if you ask me 😪. But anyhooooo, thank YOU for welcoming 'lil ole me to the scene mlroseplant. I appreciate it ✌️ Prima

Au contraire mon frère 🙃 Hi Shyheels. Thank you for the warm greeting. Sorry, I initially didn't have the time to elaborate on my very unique preferences concerning my love of stiletto heeled boots. But yes, unique unlike anyone else that I've ever encountered. I swear it has developed into an incurable self-imposed condition. But as Diana Ross sang, "If there's a cure for this, I don't want it' I don't need it." I prefer style over fashion, as style is timeless and can create expressions of unconventional individuality whereas fashion has an expiry date and is often dictated by marketing fashists ( <-- I coined this one) that capitalize solely on popularity. Listed below are just a few style preferences that I obsess over: Platforms with Stiletto heels: I never liked them. It's like attaching a block of concrete to a Ferrari. Why compromise the femininity and sleekness of the stiletto? But I get that not everyone can put in the effort of conditioning their feet and ankles and opt for shortcuts and illusions which are apparently fashionable 😜. Chunky heels are a better match for platforms which look great on Gene Simmons, Rick James, Elton John, and Ziggy Stardust. Actually because of his feminine features, Bowie would have been awesome in single-sole stilettos if Ziggy came out 10 years later; Just ask Gary ✌️ Long Pointed Toes: A designer friend of mine explained that long pointed toes make your legs appear longer. Agreed, if we were nothing more than a front facing fashion sketch. But sooo very Broomhilda for any person at a side angle. WannaBe High Heel Boots: lacking any visible toebox trim, lacking any visible heel counter trim, heel breast colour does not match the sole, salvaged high heel shoes with shafts so obviously stitched on to pass for a pair of boots, one shared knee-boot zipper length between OTK and thigh-boots, only 2 pieces of leather to make each boot, unimpressive arches, pencil heels, metal spike heels... 'Pretty much a combination of designer fails and cutting costs. Stiletto Ankle Boots: What is the point? Full Length Lace-Ups: I never liked them. Am I wearing ice-skates? How far back in ye olden tymes do we want to go? Give me the sound of a full length zip-up any day to complete the proper stiletto boot ASMR experience 👍 Accessories: Every lady (and a few effeminate males) knows that a gorgeous pair of stiletto boots are nothing without the correct accessories to compliment their boost in confidence and feminine appeal. Knee-boots paired with elbow length gloves / Thigh-boots paired with opera length gloves / Any high-waisted bottoms with a belt and choker ( <-- As a lady, I have an issue with this naming convention; count on me to coin another ♀️💪) that matches the colour of the boots. Like many OG lovers of high heels, I too spent many decades and $$$$ at the fotomat in adoring my high heels (specifically single-sole stiletto boots) but got bored of posing and strutting around doing the same things that are limited to the reality of physics and social norms. I also grew weary of all the negative stigmas from the short-sighted majority that cannot keep up with those that live on the bleeding edge of imagination when they see a pair of anything higher than 5 inch stilettos (Especially stiletto boots; Pretty Woman and Kinky Boots are partially to blame). It was terribly frustrating to have always been very selective with where and with whom I chose to wear my boots with. I was raised and still live in the large city = increased encounters with idiots, but fortunately I discovered a new revolutionary way to enjoy my stiletto booted outfits in private as I grow older; Mostly in bed on plain white sheets while critiquing action and horror movies. Mmmmm, nothing else can deliver me that ASMR nostalgic youthful tingly sensation behind my belly button like my own personalized bootiful escapes 🥰. I'm not sure where the fellas feel it, but hopefully you know what I mean. I'm glad to have shared my personal insight with you and hope to contribute a fresh perspective with this community which is in dire need of some defibrillation from the ladies. However, I don't think this forum's administrator is keen on separating himself from his biased assumptions which prompted him to delete my 1st photo posting of my boot collection showcasing my fully clothed accessorized styles. I found his actions to be downright judgmental, insulting, and offensive as a woman just wanting to be pretty; Like Dolly Parton or Marie Osmond. 'Heaven forbid they were championship figure skaters, right? Anyhow, part of me accepts the probability that this response to you may also be deleted by Cookie Monster, which will prove my theories correct. But if you get a chance to read my response before it is Reaganized again, you'll sense my appreciation to your warm welcome through my lengthy efforts to detail a response worth giving. Thank you again Shyheels. I'm glad that you also have a bootiful heart 💝 'Sweetest regards Prima

I haven't seen shoes like that in years. I didn't find them particularly attractive in the 1990s, but I was rather impressed that girls wore them literally everywhere. Even to work in the grocery store, or for an entire shift as a waitress. Of course now, it doesn't seem nearly that impressive, but at the time. . .

Who won?

Sorry, I saw them recently on line but don't remember where. Sometimes you have act fast before they are gone, and sometimes you need to buy more than one.

Bringing heels in a bag to put them on for a photo shot is not really wearing heels. I stay around 4 inch. I put them on at 6:45 am and go to work, and only take them off when I get home -anywhere from 3:30 to 7:30 pm. I might take a stiletto off to drive, but that's because they tend to wear a hole in the car mat

@bluejay, I seem to recall some stories about how you have been harassed about your fashion choices in the past. Perhaps recounting one of those would be helpful in this situation. I don't think you're the type of person to put up with it much.

They are still wearing this type of heels. And so am I.

I would suspect the latter. See and be seen, and change into something manageable

Let me get this straight: Heels "help you stride through the world," but at the same time "the risk of falling is not far away." And 12 cm? Never actually seen them in real life (I mean, besides me). Even on social media, there are precious few who can actually walk well in them. Many try, few succeed. At the moment, I include myself in the many. I hate to beat up on the new guy, but I going to--most of the above post, while admittedly rather charming, is nonsense. In my personal experience, there are very few women who wear (or used to wear) heels as a way to attract attention. Not zero, but approaching zero. I personally wear them because I like them, nothing more, nothing less. I can remember a conversation I had with a young college boy, who was with his girlfriend at the time. The kid stopped me on the street and earnestly asked about my footwear. He wasn't being mean, I believe he was genuinely curious. At one point he asked me, "Do you wear heels to get attention?" I replied, perhaps somewhat rudely, "No. Actually, I rather wish people would leave me the hell alone." Even then, he didn't get the hint. I have no idea what the girl was thinking, she didn't say a word the whole time. If I wanted attention, I don't think I'd want it from a socially awkward kid.

Sorry, but you are projecting to much here. I don't wear heels to attract attention. I do get attention simply because I wear fabulous heels and boots all the time. But I get so much hip pain relief that I will wear them for the rest of my life. I was at a conference and walked in to a breakout session. A woman sitting in the back told me I walked like a man in my heels. So after putting some materials down in a chair, I walked back to where the two women were sitting and ask "Do you want me to walk this way?" and I walked back to my seat while over rotating my hips. "Damn" was their only comment.

For years, I've been on a mission: to find a truly extreme high heel that combines height with elegance. The kind of shoe that commands attention and still adheres to most dress codes. My search for anything above 80mm that was also a closed-toe design proved surprisingly difficult, until I discovered the custom design process at ExtremeHighHeels.net. This is where "Miss Arches" was born. My vision was clear: a sky-high stiletto with an incredible arch, but without a clunky platform. Platforms, while adding height, often detract from the sleek, classic lines I was after. I wanted that dramatic, almost gravity-defying curve that only a true no-platform heel can deliver. Crafting the Dream: Design & Engineering The team at ExtremeHighHeels.net helped bring my ambitious design to life. The goal was to maximize the arch, creating that stunning visual, while also ensuring as much wearability and durability as possible for such an extreme heel. We opted for premium leather for both the upper and the sole, ensuring a luxurious feel and classic aesthetic that meets most formal dress codes. Beneath the surface, these shoes are built to last. They're constructed on a lasting board with triple reinforcement and a steel shank, providing crucial stability and support for such a daring height. In principle, this makes them incredibly durable. The "V" and the Walls: Form Meets Function One of the key design elements we incorporated was the V-shaped opening and slightly higher side walls. My thinking here was all about support. With a heel this extreme, every bit of added stability helps. The V-shape offers a sophisticated aesthetic while gently cradling the foot, and the higher side walls aim to provide a more secure fit, reducing the chance of the foot slipping laterally. It's a subtle but significant detail that I believe enhances both the look and the wearability. "Miss Arches" isn't just a shoe; it's a statement. It's the culmination of a quest for the ultimate in height and class, a design that truly makes the arch pop and the wearer stand tall.

I have definitely eased up on my shoes over the years as far as the wear. I don't necessarily break fewer shoes than I did before, but the heel tips do not wear out nearly as fast as they used to. It's not that I walk timidly, I just walk more gently, as you suggest. Specifically, I don't do a hard heel strike anymore, and a lot of that has to do with ankle flexibility that I've developed over the last decade. Nevertheless, I basically have only one pair of stilettos that I wear for occasional walking, and I have posted a picture here. They actually measure 120 mm high, but are the most walkable shoes I have at that height. I use them as practice shoes to help me walk better in my higher shoes. I also wore them to church last week in deference to Pride Month. Unfortunately, the sanctuary was decorated weirdly for vacation bible school, and nobody could see my feet. Anyhow, I got 9 miles out of the stock heel tips, and over 16 out of the replacements. I'm on 30 miles total for those shoes. To put that in perspective, that's twice the mileage I used to get out of stiletto heel tips, and I don't think the quality of the product has changed significantly in the last 10 years. My non-stiletto heel caps have experienced the same relative increase in service life. I like the self checkout at the grocery store (because I can bag my groceries my way in my own cloth bags), but I hate self checkout anyplace else. Actually, if they'd do like they do in most of Minnesota, and have a regular checkout but self-bag, I'd prefer that. On edit: It occurred to me that in small file size, it may not be obvious that my mules, though predominately black, are rainbow colored.

Had to convert the 12cm to inches so I could get a better understanding of the heel height. Somewhere around 4.75". Usually, my limit is right around 4" for reasonable comfort and good walking ability in my stiletto boots. Sure, I can "walk" in higher heels, but not very well, or for very long, without discomfort. So much depends on the design/engineering of the heel/boot/sole. I am so thrilled to have found some nine west stiletto ankle boots with heels somewhere between the 4.75-5" range that are relatively comfortable. More importantly, I can walk in them fairly confidently with minimal discomfort. Your boots look great, and I surely understand how great it feels to be able to wear/walk confidently in them! Wearing them to work on a day when you would be alone in the office was a smart plan indeed. I find that much of my "timidness" in my various stiletto booties/boots is caused by being concerned about wrecking the heels prematurely while out and about. I have spoiled a few heels on my favorite pairs which was very upsetting. So, I think I tend to "walk gently" in my boots, without even thinking about it, in an attempt to avoid ruining them. I'm thinking this works against progress in the long run though. On a positive note, was wearing my 3.5" block heeled ankle boots in Home Depot yesterday, these boots are great for everyday chores, shopping, etc. Super easy to walk in, without the worry of damaging stiletto heels. Was trying to navigate the damn self check out, god forbid you try to pay with cash! A very nice younger attendant came by to help then complimented my boots. I spent a minute or so chatting with him and thanking him for taking the time to compliment me.

Cali and I agree very strongly that there isn't a reason to wear heels that don't feel good. Having said that, I have two different types of shoes in my collection these days. I have my walking shoes, and I have my church shoes. The walking shoes basically have no time limit. The church shoes, depending on several factors, might only be good for several hours, especially the 12 cm variety. But none of them actually hurt my feet.

Thanks for the shout-out! I also find that height to be challenging, so your story and experience has inspired me to get my act together, so to speak. In a perfect world, I would wear 12 cm stilettos everywhere, but as we are well aware, it is not a perfect world.