Pumps

It wasn't really heels, but the kneehigh womens boots I normally wear to work. A woman complimented me on my boots, saying it wasn't everyday you saw men wear such boots. I told her they were very practical for walking around in the know. She said "Yeah and why do everything have to be so boring anyway?" . I guess she she was refferring to mens wardrobe in general. It sure made my day.

It is a shame this is not taking place now. Not been on a proper heel meet for a couple of years now.

Well that's not really true

http://www.hhplace.org/topic/17876-3rd-annual-north-america-heelboot-meet-march-2-3-2012/

I no longer live in London so it will be difficult for me...

I passionately LOVE that Mandela quote, especially this part, "

We ask ourselves, Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, fabulous? Actually, who are you not to be?"

Genetics

This is an interesting topic in my opinion.

My personal feeling is what makes women attracted to men are socially constructed stereotypes of masculinity, which involve deeply embedded symbols of masculinity like:

1. health

2. wealth

3. status

4. ability to protect.

However, when a woman learns that she can provide the above traits for herself without a man, she is more open to men in heels as a result. In my experiences, this is why girls that are economically self-sufficient are more open to the idea, because the "wealth" attraction trigger is already satisfied independent of a man. Therefore, some countries with good health care, like Benno's post alluded to, will have women that are more open to men in heels because that satisfies the "health" attraction trigger independent of a man.

My argument is that it's not so much the country that's the cause as it is the specific attraction triggers being satisfied independent of a man.

Just my opinion.

I must say I expereince just the opposite. The more successful and independent a woman becomes the more masculine and strong she wants her partner. Which would explain why a growing number of careerwomen give up finding a partner and ends up having kids by donor.

Reading Kneehighs' enthusiasm over the Swedish made me wonder why there are different reactions to freestyling in various places. On the surface it would be easy to conclude that the level of acceptance vary, but I have a feeling it has more to do with how outgoing the populations is and how normal it is for a people to react in public. This would explain why I've had so bad experience in London. Londoners interact more in public, saying "excuse me" and "Sorry" all of the time and if you step on people toes, like cutting in line or stand to the left on an escalator, you WILL get a comment, which is not likely in Denmark or Sweden. I've even worn a skirt in Italy and their reaction certainly supports my theory, being known are one of the most outgoing people. They certainly DID react. In the nordic countries danes have a reputation as being open and outgoing, even called the "scandinavian italians" but I'm not sure thats the case, as people from Scania is much more outgoing and friendly, so in my opinion they would deserve that title. It also explains why I have noticed a difference after moving back to the inhibited danes and it also explains why Kneehighs's experience of Swedish girls are so different than mine, as Stockholm is like a different country from Scania.

I think he's got the legs to pull it off

Back in February I ordered and received a pair of Aerosoles Born Free sandals in black.

http://www.aerosoles..._free/born-free

After I got them I wrote a review that I thought was very factual and detailed and would be helpful to others. I clearly noted that I was male. The review was posted just as I wrote it. I posted here on HHPlace about this purchase and the posted product review in one of the threads here.

Now it is five months later, the style is on sale, and I happened to look at it again. There are now 6 reviews. I was astonished to learn that my review (the one by "Aeroloyal") not only had the most "helpful" votes (13) but also by far the most "unhelpful" votes (6).

Well, I'm glad 13 people thought the review was helpful, and I hope some of them were fellow heelers from this forum, but I'm really perplexed at the 6 who thought the review was unhelpful. How could anyone think that the detail I provided is not helpful? Or were the votes from women who were really saying they thought the review was inappropriate because it was from a male, and men shouldn't be wearing women's shoes? None of the other 5 reviews had more than one "unhelpful" vote, and most had none,

What is your opinion?

Steve

My opinion is that 99.5% of women hate the idea of men wearing womens shoes and this is an obvious way of showing it. Not news to me.

My mom is ok with me wearing heels. Since I came out I've worn them on a couple of occasions with her.

I did go to check out Copenhagen Jazz festival in the attached outfit. Don't remember ever going out in without trouser socks, but today was the day and yet noone seemed to take any notice. Really weird.

http://hhplace.org/gallery/image/1675-/

Worst thing about Copenhagen is the Cobbles on the Stroget.

Yes, I've been there and you're right, but look at the great practice you get learning to master walking in heels there, and it's free, not counting transportation costs (to get there) and the great bakeries that lure you in! lol

Steve

It wasn't a big problem for me as the heels are a bit thick, but I was considering checking out the Jazz festival tomorrow in my Deichmann pumps with a higher and thinner heel, so I might be challenged. Did you guys have any problems in Copenhagen ?

I was very dissapointed. Many showstores, but nothing bigger than EU 42. Even my local Deichmann has more XXL models than the one opposite kadewe. There a store in Europa center that sells big sizes, but I was not impressed with their selection.

According to the article I'm supposed to wear "Boring shoes". I really don't think so.

Thanks for your support, Steve, I appreciate it.

I beg to differ. It doesn't take a lot of heel to get peoples attention. Remember the controversy over Sarcozy's alleged "high Heels" and they were mens shoes with 1" heels. I have had bad reactions with heels of that size before, so I don't think that was the issue, allthough I do agree that these heels would not get as much attention as my 4" snake print heels. These were round toe btw.

These are the ones I wore

http://hhplace.org/gallery/image/1637-/

I'm surprised If you have not noticed JeffB.

New York City a hick town?

Overall I like the first one the best. Love the splash of color in the teal top.

Pumps: Bravo, my friend! Your pics look great! The first one is my favorite! Good work all around!

Yes, #1 with the color is nice. But With the t-straps.

Thanks guys. I might give the first one a try in public.

There is a topic in the women's forum about nude shoes (sorry ladies but this one needs to be expanded). The question is: nude shoes, here to stay?

Sadly, I think the answer is yes. Might as well wear flip flops.

We all love feet in this group. Heels in general accent them so there is no doubt.

But, I for one think that the most attractive clothing, shoes or otherwise, leave a little question or wonder. Nude is almost never better than almost nude, as it lets the observer fill in the blanks which is usually better than reality. Any solid color with a touch of exposure wether it be open toes, low cut vamps (the best in my personal opinion), low sides, etc are almost always sexier than the bare foot.

Last time I went to a nude beach was just that, the last time.

Sorry but the pictures you've posted are not nude shoes, but transparent shoes. Nude look like this:

Crownprinsess Mary of Denmark wears nude shoes A LOT and I think it looks great.

Do not be offended but 2" is not really heels. Most people hear the heels but typically focus on the toe box. Were your low heels pointed or rounded? Rounded 2" heels would not really look uncommon to most people as they don't lift you very much or change your gait.

I beg to differ. It doesn't take a lot of heel to get peoples attention. Remember the controversy over Sarcozy's alleged "high Heels" and they were mens shoes with 1" heels. I have had bad reactions with heels of that size before, so I don't think that was the issue, allthough I do agree that these heels would not get as much attention as my 4" snake print heels. These were round toe btw.

If you are in a country run by radical religious fanatics, regardless of faith, you could be locked up at least, or get far worse for wearing the wrong gender's clothing.

I remember seeing an old Barney Miller once, where a guy was being arested for dressing up as a woman, so it's not THAT long ago.

We had a law until the 60's prohibiting men from crossdressing. I don't know if it was enforced.

Welcome to the real world my friend.

It's not that simple. It didn't use to be like this. I wonder what has changed.

Busy places like shopping centers are much better for heeling if you don't want to be seen. People are busy with their own lives and don't have time to do a lot of people watching. Just watch out for teenage girls who giggle a lot.

Steve

I know. Crowds are usually good in that sense, yet Oxford Street was a nightmare.

I think that would depend on the country (and state if in the us).

Went into Copenhagen today by bus/train in my black anklestrap pumps with about 2" heel. Did some shopping and had something to eat. Noone seemed to notice at all. Pretty shocked that I can walk around in the country's busiest shopping area in the tourist season in heels and noone gives a damn. Wow.