heelme

Thanks for the compliments everyone.

Shoeiee: The bike is a '97 SE that has 60K of 2 up riding/touring by my wife and I. Going out tomorrow as a matter fact. Love the bike. The cost of the boot "repair", which amounts to a nice thick leather sole and stacked leather heel, was, I hate to admit, pricey. When I took the boots in, he quoted prices of $200.00 to $300.00 for resoling what I had and $400.00 and up for thigh high new ones. In the end I paid $275.00. I've spent more on a pair of boots I don't wear because the heel is too high. These, while more than I wanted to spend, are actually comfortable on my feet. I have a tough time with off the rack shoes of any kind. That's why the boot looks a bit arched, he built it to fit my feet with the heel hitting as close to my center of balance as it could. Thinking of what kind of care went into them eases the pocket book a little.

dr1819: Thanks again for the tip. When I was shopping for these skirts, I look a Newport News and Jessica London. London had the items on sale and each was only an inch shorter than NN. I do like their current line though - maybe it's time to add

JimC:AHA! You're pics in thighboots in public were the inspiration for the ones I took. I sat on the bike for a spell, trying to figure how I could ride with comfort. If the bike had floorboards it would be easy. The peg is the problem. Still, I'm going to have to give it a go.

Dr. Shoe: Beige or tan thighboots are what I want next and yes, a nice stacked heel with the right tone would look fantanstic and very much like Zodiacs (my all-time favorites). In this guy's shop is a couple of fairly high flat-heeled boots he made for the civil war reenactment participants. I like the cut of leather and how they slouch juuuust right at the ankle.

There's been some interest to work with this guy, so here's the low down.

Renick's Western Boots

9243 Magnolia Ave.

Riverside, California 92503

(951) 688-1897

BUT, here's the rub. Don't be in a hurry! If I ordered a new pair from him today, I would not expect to see them until Christmas or longer. He's backed up AND very popular. I saw the cowboy boots he made for a player on the NY Yankees. The detail is awesome and all hand stitched and tooled. We got past the fact a man wanted high heeled boots right off the bat, but it didn't stop him from trying to make the heel to wide - more like a traditional western boot, or the one's from Rancher's. His concern is strong that the boot is right for the wearer's foot and it took a few tries to get the heel as narrow as it is now. I think it could go further though. He doesn't work with "sizes" because he makes a foot form of each customer's foot. That way, no matter where they live, they can just tell him what they want and it will fit well. I did get him to admit that he would allow a customer that could not come in to take their own measurements, but he followed that up right away that the best fit would be if he did the measurements. I told him about this forum (in general terms) and that I wasn't the only man interested in high heeled boots. I don't think he believed me, LOL. If any of you are interested, I'd urge you to at least call him and talk to him about what you want. If anything, he's a guy that enjoys a challenge. I'd like to hear how it went and would be happy to intermediate if need be.

heelme

You hit the nail on the head, dr1819. I was using that venue to "hide out" and that's part of the reason I felt so comfortable that night. I'll have the opportunity to visit there again and then I'll try some of the other spots. The entire street was nothing but nightclubs and bars. And, I'll still have a little "hiding out" due to being out of my home state Enjoy!

dr1819:: I appreciate that for a lot of people, having the heel all black is desirable. On the other hand, the heels were black before being honed down and I wanted the contrast of the leather sole and heel on the black boot. It was that look I was going after from the start, really. At least on this pair of boots. I really like the denim skrt, probably more than the leather one. Just wish it was a bit longer, but I guess they're not made for big guys like me anyway, right?

Hello again folks, it's been awhile since I was here. First and foremost, a huge thanks to all the people on this forum for the support, advice and inspiration. Before joining this forum, I had felt more an island than anything and never even considered wearing my heels out in public.

I started another thread with a few photos http://www.hhplace.org/hhboard/viewtopic.php?t=6742 and the jeans I'm wearing in the top pic are the ones I wore when I finally took the BIG step, so to speak, LOL.

The first outing was to take two packages to be shipped via UPS. I had two firsts that day, one to go out in public and the other to drive in high heeled boots. Other than the jeans are a might tight, driving was all in itself, a whole lot of fun and I acclamated quickly. Everything was great until I pulled into the UPS parking lot and parked. Nerves. Near the end of the day, the lot was fairly empty, so I figured at least I could minimize exposure standing in line and that made me feel better. Of course, while I was sitting there thinking about this, three other patrons parked and went in, LOL. Oh man, what was I thinking. I was wearing my new custom boots under long Wrangler bootcut jeans, purchased just for this purpose, to be long. A white long sleave T shirt and some nice filly stuff underneath to complete the feel. As I opened the car door and put a foot out, I immediately felt like every eye was on me. No such thing was the case of course, but tell my heart that! "One small step for heelme, one large leap for fashion freedom" came to mind as I exited the car and gathered my boxes from the trunk. All the sudden I felt clumsy walking and once I got from the lot to the sidewalk, stopped to reassess. "You're walking too fast and taking giant strides to get it over with, you idiot" I thought to myself and I was right. So, I mustered up all the courage and confidence I could and went inside. There were two people in line and I took my place behind them, right in front of a low desk where a security guard sat. He had a front row seat to my first boot street heeling and didn't even know it, or at least never indicated he noticed. Those jeans did cover most of the heel though. Once it was my turn, I strode up to the counter and lay the packages down. The man behind the counter said "You have too many labels on these" but what I heard was something like "Are you wearing high heeled boots?!?! YIKES! All I could say was "Sorry" as he covered the offending labels with blank ones. I had my first encounter in public with someone, fully expected to be busted down for my footwear, but didn't. I guess it's like telling a kid not to touch the stove because it's hot. Sometimes they need to touch it to really KNOW. I've read account after account of you all going about daily life in heels and no one really making any issue of it, but I had to "touch the stove" to be sure. Much, much calmer now and with heart beats actually separated by pauses, I turned and left. Back in the car I felt elation for having done that one tiny deed, wearing my boots. I headed back to the house and decided to fill up the tank on the way. I self serve and pay at the pump, so the only people that saw me were at the same pump island. The lady on the opposite side stood behind me at the payment kiosk and didn't seem to notice, but the guy that was gassing up in front of me did. When I stepped out and walked to the kiosk, his eyes were on my boots. The whole time I gassed up he was making furtive glances but said nothing. Back home, my wife saw me come in and commented on how the jeans looked with the boots. She smiled as she asked if everything went okay on my errands!! I had gone out thinking she was napping and would not know. She's cool with around the house heeling but balks at going out in public. Her reaction to my being out was very welcoming for me. I hope to convince her to go out some evening with me in my boots and this encounter gives that some hope.

The second outing....

I took my new boots, along with some other finery, on a businees trip to Plano, Texas. I had searched out clubs and bars that catered to alternative lifestyle, thinking I'd feel more comfortable. On the third night, I drove back into Dallas to a club now called S4, formerly Village Station. It's on a street that is apparently a mecca for nightlife activity. Parking was impossible, but lucked out after a few passes and got a spot near the club. S4 is a two story club with dancing on both levels, four bars, outside patio seating and a theater upstairs. It was a Thursday night and the only place it was packed was the theater/stage area. I enjoyed a couple of diet cokes (didn't want to get busted driving) and the people watching, taking speacial notice to see if other men were heeled, but the only heeled men were the female impersonators on stage. Too bad. The ladies at the table next to me were glancing at my boots, then chatting amongst themselves. Then one asked if those boots "had high heels" and I slid the pant leg up to show them. They all got a look and then wanted to know how hight the boots were. I told them they were thigh high and they commented on how cool it was to see a guy were them. They asked where I got them and I told them the story in short form. It was a good evening. I stayed for a bit longer then had to head back to the hotel.

This time I was much less intimidated when I set out for the evening and once I got there, kind of wish I'd been more obvious, maybe either a skirt or at least the boots over the jeans. It felt really good to be someplace, dressed like I wanted and even better that I got compliments. Until next time, keep heeling!

heelme

I can't even remember exactly when I took these boots in for "customization", but I know it was well before Thanksgiving last year. The guy I took them to specializes in cowboy boots, but is also well know for period boots like those you'd see at renaissance faires. These boots started out as the Pleasers 8898 (I think) and I cracked a heel at the tip taking out the trash one day. He said he could fix them, but what I really wanted was something more substantial in the heel and sole. I told him I wanted a stacked heel 4" high, narrowed down, somewhat like Zodiac used to make. We went back and forth about whether to do that to these boots or to start new. He convinced me to reuse these as it would not take as long and be somewhat cheaper. He's a stickler for how the boot would fit me and espeically the balance point, saying that at 4", it was not going to be easy with my high arch. Then he took an outline of both feet and several measurements. Since that time, I have been back once to have the measurements rechecked so he could finish his foot forms for me. About a month ago he called and said they were done. I wasn't happy when I saw them though. The heel was 4" exactly, but they were very thick and wide like an average cowboy boot, just taller....and heavy as hell! I agreed to take them home and wear them for a spell to get an imprint on the sole so when I did bring them back, he'd know if other adjustments needed to be made. After a few revisits, we arrived at what you see below. I'm happy with them except for him dying the sole and front of the heel black. Maybe some solvent will fix that.

I also used these boots for my very first and second out-of-the-house streetheeling, which I chose to describe under the "Thighboots In Public" thread rather than start one of my own. I did want to showcase these and started a Photobucket album just for my boots and heels to share. I plan to showcase more of my meager wardrobe next week when I have time.

This one is insprired by another here who's name escapes me at the moment. I'll have to try riding in boots at LEAST once.

This one shows the boots pretty well. I'll have to get some closer shots of the heel and construction next time. The whole photo album is found by the "WWW" link on my posts. Comments and criticisms cheerfully accepted.

heelme

Afterdarkfashions appears to be in Australia, but I could not find a physical address listed on the site at all. If you haven't searched there yet, it is worth a look. Mostly boots (some damn nice ones), but some shoes and if they ARE in country, no import tax.

http://www.afterdarkfashions.com.au/index.htm

Best of luck.

fogborkenvv: Love the sig pic, btw. Those yours and where'd you get them? I have no doubt that I would lose an acquaintance or two, but not friends. My definition of friendship may differ from others. I put weight to friendship. My friends know they can count on me and that I'd go the extra mile for them. They also know I have an open mind. I expect the no less. Otherwise, they were not really friends from the start. I won't miss them. I'm also pushing toward the half century mark and though I don't expect to expire anytime soon, I feel that being happy is increasingly important to me and heels are one form of happiness I expect to exploit for some time to come. Sometimes I think people worry too much about what others think. Since I have a relatively private form of expression or desire, I often wonder about what my friends or others might be into. Brings smiles.

Welcome to the HighHeel meeting place. So far, there has been some really insightful posts with solid advice. I read from your post that you're uncomfortable with not only his bent for boots, but his general admiration for leather from a fetish standpoint. His desires don't align with your own. He has made an attempt to change by throwing away his boots and as you found, it's a desire that is deep and, in my opinion, difficult if not impossible to overcome or be rid of. You are reaching out for help and trying to understand the "why" of it all. This forum is a good resource for that and relatively anonymous, as you stated you don't care to go to family, community or friends. From your post, it would appear both of you are trying to make your partnership work, or at least to have a better understanding of what is becoming a roadblock to your happiness together. He probably seems to be a different person to you now that you are aware of his particular desire. Maybe one that, if you had this knowledge beforehand, would have ended your relationship before a relationship could bloom. Is he really a different person or is your perception of him different? You married him for reasons only you know, are those reasons still valid? These questions deserve some thought. Chances are that his desires will not decrease and not to try to scare you, they will probably increase. He may be able to shed himself for a time, but if you listen to most psychologists, his feelings and urges will always be present. That said, you might ask yourself if you want him to be what he wants or essentially, live a lie. Disuading him from his desires may not have the long term effect that is desireable either. I'm sympathetic to your situation. Finding out something like this, contrary to your beliefs, AFTER you commit to a relationship is no picnic. What you both do about it from here on out is what is important. The past is history. Counseling can be helpful, if it's the right kind. If you're expecting a religious counsellor to have an unbiased view and opinion, you will be disappointed I fear. You want to achieve understanding, so find an avenue for that. You already know what a Christian counsellor will say, don't you? Whatever the outcome, I hope your time here has helped you to undersand a little more about why your husband is "into" leather and boots. I hope you two stay together and are able to work through your issues.

I really hope some more join if for this, cuz now I can't be there Just went through our first re-org of the year at work and I'm going to be out of town during our meet period!! Bummer. I appreciate stripperjohn and David trying to get this going. I guess the first one is the toughest? I don't want to see this not happen again either. Anyone want to offer up a future date and place/area?

How many times in my adult life did I toss out my feminine attire, including boots and shoes only to buy more a month later. My wife is very conservative in how she dresses and lives her life. And, I adore her for it. She had a real tough time coming to grips with my heel wearing and cross dressing. She felt as sscott272's wife, that I was becoming more a woman and less the man she married. She was afraid of what I might do or become. So much so, she left me for a short time. During that time, she finally spoke about her real feelings and how my actions were affecting her. As a result, we search out counseling and that became a turning point. The counselor was an older female and met with each of us independently, then together. During that time, she explained to my wife that the urges I have are not by choice, but almost inescapably ingrained. The long and short of it was my wife came away feeling allot more comfortable about my "kinks" and over several years has come to accept my dressing preferences and has even surprised me with special gifts she's picked up for me. All that said, she's still a conservative thinker and has to warm to new things over time. That's the point, over time. She has to warm to it. A prime example is that she accepts... and even comes to expect to see me in at least high heels around the house, but she is not so warm to the idea of going out in public yet. If there is anything I've learned over these years (married 26), it's to have patience with things like this. I've learned what kind of things she's likely to take some time with and EASE into discussions or requests. It's really tough for me sometimes, but she is soooo worth every effort. I can't imagine being without her. Mainly, communication is where partnerships fail. We both work at not letting that happen. I would agree also that each of us has their own "thing". We share here, in our common ground place, safe with like-minded people. Noone should do something, like street heeling, just to fit in to the group and I dare say, I have never sensed pressure to that affect in any post I've read here. However, from my perspective, this forum has opened my eyes! I feel bolstered by those that have already gone out in public wearing heels and more. I don't want to do that to be like them. I want to do it because I want to do it. This forum has shown me I'm not alone and that's a great thing!

Love to, David and Cathy, but here's the rub. My wonderful wife, while she is used to seeing me around the house in heels, has no clue that I want to extend my heel wearing out in public. I WANT to say "HELL YES", see you both there and looking forward to it. So, I'm going to try and make this happen. My plan has been to bring the idea to her slowly and assure her that it would be someplace away from our area. She is mortified of anyone finding out outside the two of us. What better place than SF? We both really love the City of San Francisco and enjoy each and every visit. Some day, I have to get up there for the Folsom Street Parade. So, I would vote for SF as that appears to be the popular choice so far. Vancouver, though I can't wait to go back, would be too difficult to do this year, but any of the other locations would work for me as well. This meeting proposal gives me a kind of goal - a challenge. It's the perfect "event" to start public heeling and by that time, finger's crossed, the THB I've had in the shop for three months should be back where they belong, on my legs!

Congratulations, sandalcrazy27! I get to live "the first time" through the enterprising people (and now you're added to the growing list) here until I get'r done myself I went to five local Payless stores expecting to find these beauties you showed us here, but alas, NONE of the stores even carried size 13 at all. Even the 12s were scant pickings. I ended up buying them through their website, really expecting to have to return them when I couldn't get my high arch into them, but like you, was VERY pleasantly surprised to find them a great fit for my foot. This style has been a long time favorite of mine and though they do not have an authentic wood sole, they look and feel terrific. Thanks for posting the find! Look forward to hearing more about your street heeling too. heelme

Footwear is the first thing I notice and join in eagerly with the higher the better crowd. Reading this thread made me stop and play back each special encounter I've had in that cozy video room in my head..... thanks, I needed that!

Happy Anniversary, JeffB! Yet to have that first time, I continue to enjoy the anticipation of the first time

Love all the photos on your image site as well as those among the threads. Keep them coming. It's good to step back now and then to appreciate where you are, what brought you there and the journey itself, good and bad. Imagine having that "first time" thrill each and every outing. HA, I guess you could end up a nervous wreck that way, come to think of it.

What will you do to celebrate the occasion?

6'3" barefooted

Been away and catching up. As usual, TBG's stories are inspiring, even the ones where there are no reactions at all, or that he is aware of. I like the dialog with the Doctor especially. Sorry about your thumb. @JeffB!! Congratulations! Reading of your nervousness in the Arby's lot is just the thing I'm expecting my first outing. I suppose it's a bit of a let down when it appears no one has noticed, but hope it didn't lessen too much of the thrill. Having worn traditional cowboy boots in the past, I noticed looks whenever I walked on a hard surface - tile, concrete, etc. Folks would look down to see and then look up at a guy 2 inches taller than his normal 6'3". Not that I minded, but that imagery comes to mind while contemplating going out for the first time in thigh high boots. I am evisioning you stepping into Arby's, for example, and the click of the boot heel on the tile floor. I'd think that alone would have been noticed. I'll be wearing loose fit black jeans with the boots under, when I finally get them back from the cobbler. But that day would mark my first foray. Your photo looks great, as do the rest of them, but I agree, a lighter shade of denim would contrast well with the boots. Looking foward to your Mall trip. Man, this forum is GREAT!

That's a good site, one I had not seen before. Thanks, flavio. It's really good to hear when a person's spouse is supportive of our shared habit. For you, it's even better as she not only accepts your preferences, but seems to be enjoying your heels almost as much as you do. I fall in the catagory of what I feel is more toleration than full open support for my heeling. My wife is still not as comfortable as I'd like, but she's getting there slowly. I emphasize "slowly" because after 26 years, I think I know her pretty well. She's slow and often resistant to change. That's not a bad thing, but something I need to remind myself when heeling around the house. She's warming up to it pretty well but I dare say it will be awhile before she and I go out together in heels someplace, which is my dream.

Indeed, Dawn HH, you certainly got my attention with that story. First and foremost, my hope is that you fully recover from the stroke and by the looks of your posts here, it appears you're on your way and doing pretty well for the circumstances. I suppose that's part of the thrill, as it's been put in this thread, the possibilty of someone discovering something not meant to be discovered. The difference is you lived through that and even took the time to remove your funwear. Not so much that anyone would have made an issue of it, but good to know Mickey was relieved of worry. Keep getting better.

First, I'd like to state that just two nominations are not enough!! LOL. I have not been here long, but there are at least SIX people on this forum I owe gratitude for either what they do or what they've written. Thighbootguy - Great stories, heels in public (probably) daily and stretches the limits. JeffB - Always great posts, helpful and encouraging. Heels at work, I WISH IT WAS ME. Doesn't look too damn bad in those boots either

Let's look at this from slightly different angle. When a woman wears a pair of men's levis, MOST don't do it for the feel of manliness, so to speak. Counting myself, I think MOST men who would wear a skirt do so for the feminine feel. I consider myself to be a crossdresser with a special bent for heels. My wardrobe is growing (two new skirts on their way!!) but most of my stuff is underwear and footwear, which I wear when I can with relish. I love the distraction of wearing hose, panties and other undergarments under my work clothes. It really brightens the work day, LOL.

Very nice sandals. I like the slides the best. You and I share the ankle starp problem I sure wish they'd make those straps just a few inches longer. I'd have to agree nylons would look great with those and they feel better than socks or bare feet, in my opinion. Congratulations!

@Dr. Shoe - I have seen two episodes of Little Britain on the BBC satellite channel, it's hilarious, though to me, Mony Python will never be out done. @ Thighbootguy - Another fine adventure! Thanks! I think the criticism tbg has received is good. That he takes it the way he does, with the intended meaning of helpfulness is excellent. It's what a forum like this is all about. What good would it be if all anyone every did was placate their fellow heelers? I also think TBG is an adventerous soul and looks to test the limits and that's good too. How else do we learn? He's stated before that maybe that particular outfit didn't do so well, but the important thing is, he keeps trying different things. Hell, I'm keeping notes on some of his ensembles for when I get the cajones to try what he and several others do daily.

That's a good question, JeffB. I ask it of myself every time I shop shoes and boots. What am I willing to pay.... for me it comes down to how bad a case of "I WANT" I get at the time. Not that long ago, just finding a size 13 or 14 US was hard enough and usually in some specialty shop so the pair of shoes have been marked up a few times, I'd imagine. The most I've paid is $400.00 for a 5" kid leather thigh boot from Custom Shoe in Canada. That was some time ago, when my size wasn't readily available. I try to keep under $100.00 but if I find that special shoe or boot, I might go as high as $300. I intend to wear select pairs in public someday soon, so I don't mind payng a bit more for a good fit.

Really encouraging to read stories like yours, Shafted. It helps all of us when coworkers like you have see you function without difficulty wearing heels, further breaking down stigmas. Thanks for your continued courage and posting for us to enjoy. Keep it up!!

Music is art for your ears. Like visual art, you won't please everyone every time. I like about any style of music to some extent or another. To me the "wrong" thing is to close your mind to something based on what it is, the type it is, rather than the content. On the topic Magickman brought us, I have concluded that females in general have fewer hangups than males. I'd wager there are probably men who have observed other men in heels and secretly desired to be doing the same or at least converse on the matter with the wearer. While women tend to be more outward with themselves and willing to walk up and talk to that same man in heels. High heels, shoes and boots are definitely a common thread with women while other men, though they may like the look, would not normally be so up front. Too bad, really.