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Welcome Goose! Great job chucking the sneaks, no turning back from that for sure. Sometimes we are way too tough on ourselves for sure. We assume the eyes of the world will be focused on us when we first venture out in the heels we are so eager to wear publicly. I think part of this assumption comes from the fact that most of us are keen on noticing the heels others are wearing, but we are certainly in the minority. Most folks are way too busy to notice our footwear, and most don't really care. Good for you buddy, we have all "been there" for sure. We are eager to here about your next adventures, each outing in heels gets a little easier. What did you do that was "stupid"??

Cool!

LOVE my new Hunter gloss black tall "refined boots"

Good points indeed Great comeback. Would love to hear your construction buddy's compliments! for sure!

Totally agree with your comment about the rounded toes! I remember my feet looking freakishly small wearing round toed high heel boots mostly covered by my jeans...

No one in school/friends said anything/made any dumb comments? I hear ya for sure. Back in the day, idiotic social norms had a strong hold on me for sure, preventing me from ever wearing the boots I loved publicly. I wasted so many years of my life away, with self loathing, insecurity, and wondering what the heck was wrong with me. I would feel great if I could help even one young man avoid wasting years of his life away like I did.

https://www.bloomingdales.com/shop/product/hunter-womens-original-refined-tall-gloss-rain-boots?ID=4320410&pla_country=US&cm_mmc=Remarketing-Criteo-_-CriteoRemarketing_2024_400770347_592803215_219989378&cto_pld=lxClVCwMAADVBj3NXDLNtQ&dclid=CNaFjdzkn4oDFT0KaAgdVLwAMw These are the Hunter boots that I recently bought. No heels, but nice tall/shiny shafts that fit perfectly over my snug levis. Got them from Bloomingdales also, but didn't wait long enough to get them at this price. Love wearing them and get at least one compliment on every outing. I like this nice simple styling also.

That was a good movie! This is a great topic, one that I wonder about all the time. I often wonder if my love of high heeled tall boots is something I was pre programmed with at birth, or something I "learned" early on in my life. My mother was not an influence, she wore regular/mild heels to work, but never boots. My initial fascination began with my sister's red go go boots. After that, it was my teacher and fellow student in the fourth grade that totally capture my "interest" in tall heeled boots.

I would agree that some of my stiletto boots are fairly easy to walk in. The issue for me is navigating rough city streets, sidewalks or slippery surfaces. Oftentimes I am overly cautious, in an effort to avoid wrecking more heels on some of my favorite boots. To be honest, I need to shed a few "dad bod pounds", to take some of the strain off the heels. I would say, my "heel wall" is about 4.5" as well. Sure, I can "walk" in taller heels, but not for any distances.

Great advice for sure: never shy away from others when they look at you. No matter what, "never let them see you sweat". I am so happy to be close to the "I don't give a f@@k" stage also. Keep in mind that the men and women that might criticize the loudest are usually the most frustrated because they don't have the guts or build to pull off great outfits like CAT does. CAT has gone to great lengths to take good care of himself, and grooms appropriately, so definitely deserves all the enjoyment of wearing those outfits publicly.... I hear ya for sure brother! I too wish that someone would offer me constructive criticism about the way I walk/carry myself in boots, but perhaps I don't want to know. Perhaps a video, so I could judge myself. Better yet, go to some sort of training course for walking in heels! I do know my limits though. I have chicken legs, so probably can not pull off hose or tights very well. But, I do like the way I look in snug levis/some womens' jeans with my boots. Just a plain older guy in great boots and jeans I guess. I was thrilled the other day while wearing my new "Hunter gloss black tall refined rain boots" over my levis while in the mall. A somewhat younger man who was running one of the concessions went out of his way to come out of his concession to compliment my Hunters and tell me I looked great. I thanked him profusely.

First may I say that Gige's quick progression amazes me, he has accomplished more in about a year than I have in ten years. And, like you both have said, making progress is a "vicious cycle" indeed. My Mom used to tell me: "you are your own worst enemy...." I think many of us are under the impression (false one) that the rest of the world is waiting outside our door for us to venture out in heels so they can point, laugh, criticize. While it is true people will notice, but no where to the extent we fear they will. Most are too busy to notice our footwear. And for the most part, those that notice will say nothing (another double edge sword for me anyway). I guess we make the false assumption that most others will notice our heels quickly only because we notice the shoes others are wearing. On the other hand, stumbling around in tall heels we can't handle will get us noticed. As Cali put it, you "have to read the room". Venturing out in a short skirt and fishnets will probably get you noticed also. Having negative experiences like this can be a big set back. This is why it is best to start with heels that are somewhat modest. We are nervous enough venturing out in the beginning, so this just increases the chances of stumbling or tripping, which why it is important to start out in heels that are not hard to walk in. Once comfortable/confident walking in modest heels publicly, then we can start to increase heel size and consider some slimmer heels. The only other idea I have is to venture out with a girl or guy pal that is supportive. "Confidence in numbers". I'm always looking for "heel buds" to hang out with. I would be lying if I claimed I never get nervous when out in public these days, but it is infrequent for sure.

Great topic indeed. Have always worn timberlands with taller shafts. I have always wanted a nice pair of "riding boots" also. My ultimate in "work boots" dream would be a pair of Wesco boss/big boss harness boots. Recently, I bought a pair of those gloss black "Hunter refined rain boots". Nice tall shafts, much simpler lines/design that the usual Hunter boots. Love how they fit nicely over my levis, I got three compliments while out doing chores yesterday. Sure, I realize these are not actual "work boots", but I will find any excuse to wear them, especially when dealing with the snow.

Same here!

Interesting boots for sure. Nice heels that look rugged enough for most terrain. And yes, I to was quick to ignore/dismiss the pain of getting started in tall heeled boots many years ago. To me, there is nothing more frustrating than have a great pair of boots that are near impossible to walk in for anything more than carpeted hotel rooms. As for your wife, she may not have liked your heel/style, but still gets my praise for "allowing/accepting" it to whatever degree she did. I have only recently "just left" a pair of my nice ankle boots laying on the back floor of the car clearly visible. The "boss" was quick to point them out wondering when I wore them. I admitted I wore them while out doing chores/shopping on my own. I purposely leave the boots right where they are now, instead of trying the hide them away in the trunk.

Hmmmm. I will need to read all these posts over again, slowly and much more carefully. Perhaps my situation is in the middle somewhere. In my case, my partner hates my love of heels and boots, which has caused some major issues in our relationship. There is no way I can ignore my love of heels and boots, no matter how hard I might try. My mistake was not being completely open and honest on our first date, letting him know that heels/boots were a part of me that is not going away for any relationship. I'm not expecting accolades, or compliments, just some acceptance would be great! I think he sees my heels/boots, as "the other guy", which is understandable... I have caused more issues in our relationship by being secretive and going outside the relationship to find acceptance, definitely not proud of that. But, he could have offered just the slightest bit of acceptance. As far as his outifts/footwear, there are definitely choices that do not appeal to me. I offer my opinions while shopping, but don't argue with his choices, or shower him with gifts that satisfy my preferences.

beautiful you look great, perfect for any occasion

So true

I remember my last pair of Zodiac boots that I really loved, well the heel and sole came loose from one of the boots when I was a few blocks away from the hotel. I couldn't pick my foot up off the ground or the heel/sole would just flop over to one side or the other. Had to more or less drag that foot while walking in an attempt to keep the heel in place. Pretty embarrassing for sure, attracted attention for all the wrong reasons. I recently got another pair of Zodiac boots, you can feel the heels/soles flex while walking in those as well. Will take shorter walks and be more careful.

Great outfits indeed

Good point

Dr Suess was a wise man indeed

Actually, you were wise to buy two pairs, especially a pair that you really like and wear frequently. There is nothing more frustrating than wearing out/wrecking a favorite pair and trying to replace them, only to learn they were long since discontinued.

Boy o boy, they look amazing with the jeans, so happy they fit OK and are comfortable... Great pair for almost any activity

Looking powerful and alluring Jim!

Gige- Your progress is amazing, took me so many years to accomplish what you have in months. And, your outfits are great as well. O'Hare is like a second home to me also.