stw8

Based on pictures that I've seen and seen live, for premier designers I like Manolo Blahnik, Jimmy Choo, Stuart Weitzman (specifically the Fever style and Bow Peep-Toe), and Christian Louboutin (I have my eyes right now on a pair I saw a couple of weeks ago. It's called Decoltissimo w/a 4" heel in navy patent - wow!) Aside from those, based on the ones I have, I've bought a few of Nine West, BP, BCBGirls, and Charles David.

It's style for me. It can be a 4" heel, but if it doesn't visually appeal to me, then I'm out.

I've always loved the look of the pointed toe slingback flat (these are actually the exact ones I have, but in black suede)

http://www.etsy.com/listing/60685671/vintage-1980s-pointy-toe-slingback-flats

Then there's a 2.5" strappy slide

http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/bp-butterfly-leather-slide/2852670

Of course, the 4" stiletto

http://naperville.bookoo.com/item19373544.html?itemId=19373544

So for me, regardless of heel height, if the shoe looks good to me, and it looks good on the foot, then I'm in.

When I was probably around 5 or 6. It had something to do with how feet looked in them with pantyhose (having grown up in the 80s and being exposed to pantyhose with heels - they go hand in hand for me). What I love doing is trying to imagine how women's feet look barefoot while they're in heels, and guesstimating what their size is.

My highest is 4"; lowest is 2.5"...well, if you don't count the 1pr of slingback flats. I'm comfortable around 3-3.5"

It depends on the store. I would try them on at DSW or Off Broadway, since the shoes are out there and you can pick your size. I don't have a problem cruising the aisles, but I'll wait til there's no one within direct sight of me. I was actually at a DSW last Friday and tried on the display shoe, since it was my size - all within the lunchtime rush.

http://www.ninewest.com/Booboo/4493624,default,pd.html?variantColor=BLACKLE&variantWidth=M&ep_tag=NWiprospect_GoogleProduct

Department stores, I'll ask for my size and buy it. If it doesn't fit, I'll exchange it...sometimes at a different location

That same day I was at DSW, I stopped by Neiman Marcus and I saw a Christian Louboutin pump displayed in my size that I really wanted to try on. But the sales people were too close. Up to that point I've only seen pics of Louboutins. Not only did I get to see one live, the color was a gorgeous Patent Navy. This one is definitely on my designer list to buy.

(the link is shown in black...couldn't find the Patent Navy)

http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/RQOmQrILMFsxrdlUYQuXdw

I like the fact that I'm within a fairly common size for women's shoes, though, for me, I'd like to be about one size bigger.

I've seen two men wearing heels...actually the last one I saw was trying on heels. The first time I saw a man wearing heels - I was at a Macys, ironically, looking at heels. Next thing I know I see a man in a suit. I just glanced over and had to double take but he was wearing heels and dark hosiery (not sure if it was dress socks). I wanted to ask him about wearing heels in public, but felt nervous to approach him. The second time was just last Friday. I started off at Saks Fifth Ave. This time I was out I was actually looking for pantyhose. Anyway, upon entering was the stairway down to the women's shoes. What a sight to see - Stuart Weitzman, Jimmy Choo, Christian Louboutin, Manolo Blahnik. I knew I couldn't afford to buy (at least right now), but it would've been nice to try. Just as I was looking I saw an older man in a suit trying on heels. I didn't get to see which ones he was trying, but it almost made me want to try them myself. Fast forward - I go to Neiman Marcus. I make my way to the women's shoes, and again the same man was there trying on shoes. While I was there I saw a gorgeous pair of Navy patent Christian Louboutin on display, which happened to be my size, and I wanted to try on. Alas, too many sales people were around where I was. I made my way to the hosiery section, and again, the man walked by there looking at pantyhose as well (I was talking to the sales lady), AND, he had in hand a bag of the heels he bought. I tried to look for him afterward to ask, but he was no where to be found. That was a very good day to go heel shopping.

Hello, I've been reading the messages here and there, and it's comforting to know there's those (especially males) that 'get it.' I've been into heels (and pantyhose - they go hand in hand for me) ever since I was a kid growing up in the 80s. The vision of that combination together was alluring. Even though the first pair of heels I tried was big, I was hooked. I am a straight male who enjoys the sight of a nice pair of heels on a woman. And now wearing heels and pantyhose myself, adds a whole new appreciation. I have amassed a collection over the last 10 years. Looking forward to sharing my experiences, as well as learning from the community here. - stw8