DebbiNC

I'd have to say heels, too. Heel taps really go fast on city sidewalks and sidewalk grates are murder on heels! I try to avoid them or else walk tiptoe over them. But heels are where I experience the most damage.

I simply love everything about new shoes, the excitement of lifting them from the box, the smell, the weight and balance, the quality of craftsmanship and material not to mention slipping them on as you described.

I agree! There is really something sublime about opening a box containing new shoes ...folding back the tissue, unstuffing the toe and smell of new leather! It's not a stretch to call it a "sensual experience"!

I have really become a fan of going bare. While I will wear pantyhose or tights in the winter, I have found it is far more comfortable wearing heels without hosiery since my foot tends to stay in place instead of sliding down into the toebox. While I agree with Killer Heels that the feel of hosiery while wearing shoes is a bit more erotic, I've grown more accustomed to be a little more sure-footed while going bare.

Probably the most bizarre thing that has happened to me was on a "girls night out" and we were sitting around a table enjoying each others company (and some juicy gossip) when a man walked up to our table and asked me about my shoes and where I got them. I was wearing a classic black pump, but he was obviously smitten with my shoes. I told him, of course, and as quickly as he appeared, he was gone! We all got a good laugh out of the whole experience...but it was a little strange!

Might be just the aswer to my concerns about business trips up north

during winter. They claim that it is somewhat non-slip, and the

modest platform is good for keeping my foot dry when walking in

puddles.

E

http://shop.nordstro...?origin=leftnav

Oh, I like these! Cole Haan makes some wonderful shoes! Go for it!

I prefer stiletto heels with no platform. I like elegant shoes with nice simple lines.

While I like a variety of styles, if I had to choose my favorite, it would be the plain pump with a pointed toe and stiletto heel. The trend to "almond toe" pumps of the past couple of years isn't bad either, it's just a little less pointed...and they are easy to wear!

I have to agree with "threecar" too! It's amazing how different you get treated when wearing a pair of killer heels. I find that men are far more solicitous and give you more of those "furtive" glances when wearing heels. It's kinda fun and an affirmation of my femininity...which, in a round about way, is a turn on!

High heels out number wedges in my closet by a wide margin. But depending on the outfit, wedges can look just as sleek as a traditional pump (and in a number of cases are easier to walk in). A number of my wedges are without a platform, but as I write this, I am wearing a pair of cork wedges with a 5 inch heel and 1.5 inch platform and they are easy to walk in and awesomely comfy! Nonetheless, my heart belongs to heels!

I have probably shopped at Zappos more than any place else online. I like their free shipping and returns if the shoes don't fit. Have also purchased a number of pairs of shoes from Classic Pumps (classicpumps.com) and Nordstrom and have found them both to be very good as well.

For me, wearing heels is a combination of both for the looks and confidence. I love the way heels elongate my legs and I enjoy the "sense of purpose" they bring to my stride when I wear them. Both are supreme confidence builders for me! I typically wear 3.5 - 3.75 inch heels on a regular basis, but casual Friday is they day I break out the flats!

I really like Kate's style in most everything she wears...and the photo above is no exception!

The only shoes that are not welcomed in my office are flip flops (or sandals that are essentially leather flip flops). When I am meeting with clients or senior staff, I always wear closed toe shoes in a 3 - 3.5 inch heel height. On other days I can be more adventurous with peep toes, heeled sandals and office appropriate platforms.

First, I'm attracted to the style of the shoe. Then comes the fit which ultimately equates to comfort. If a shoe is stylish (and I want it bad enough) and perhaps a little uncomfortable, I'll likely buy it. Sometimes minor discomfort can be fixed with extra padding or working through the "break in" period. But, if it's unbearably uncomfortable or ill-fitting, no amount of padding or breaking in will ever be enough! Those stay in the store!

Megan, I think you raise some good points in your post. The term "nude" is a bit misleading since there are a plethora of shades that classify themselves as nude. To find a good match is merely trial and error. I'm still looking for the right shade for me...most are too dark or grayish to work with my skin tone which is reasonably fair. So, for now, I'm still wearing black shoes with my LBD! But the hunt continues!!

I have to agree that I think nude shoes are here to stay. When the shade of the shoe matches the skin tone, there are few things any prettier. However, shoes that are too light or too dark in relation to the skin tone destroy the effect and the wearer would be better off wearing a black shoe (in my opinion)!

Depending on one's point of view, I suppose it could be considered a fetish site. But, for me, I simply love shoes and purses...and always have! I like shopping for them and talking about them. Truly, I think we are a group of people with a similar interest and the internet provides us the opportunity to come together and discuss our passions.

I will oftentimes wear heels at home to break in a new pair before taking them outside. That way, when they start to hurt, I can slip into something more comfortable without it being a big deal or having to carry a pair of flats in my purse!

For those who notice things, I'd say absolutely! I have to agree with Amanda, that 80% probably do, perhaps more depending on the situation.

OMG!! I thought my heart had stopped for a minute! All those shoes...and having some specially made by Christian Louboutin! Wow!!

You go girl! I'll bet that "ol' bitty" was jealous! Wear what makes you feel good.

For fear of redundancy, I have avoided chiming in on this subject. That aside, I usually get positive remarks over my choice of footwear which always is a four-inch stiletto, but only one with my crutches. And this is usually from older women who think that it is absolutely stupid that I indulge in my passion for heels allthough it is no problem for me at all.

This recently happened in an elevator my friend said that she thought that the old "bitty" was jealous. Definitely an ego booster for me.

E

I think what is going on regarding a "bias" against heels is indicative of what's going on in the way people dress. Many women go to the mall, grocery store or even to work in clothing that I'd wear to work in the yard! The sense of pride in one's appearance seems to be that of a bygone era. I get accused of over dressing more and more these days, but, to me, presenting an image of classiness (with or without heels) is a part of who I am. Classic clothing with good looking shoes and accessories is my style. If you like it, great. If not, that's your problem!

I voted "steep hills and ramps". Steps, grates and broken pavement are everyday hazards that I can negotiate without looking too weird. But going down steep ramps and hills kill me when wearing anything over a three inch heel. Higher than three inches and I can only imagine what I look like walking!! My solution: take the steps (if available)!

I like pointed toes, but not in the extreme. Recently, I have purchased a number of "almond toe" pumps and have found them to be really comfy!

Depending on the weather (bitter cold vs. cool) I'll either wear sensible socks to keep my feet warm or I'll slip on a pair of trouser socks to wear with my boots (and sometimes they can be cute!).

My guy loves heels. I sometimes ask his opinion of what would look good with a particular outfit. He has a great eye for fashion and this way he gets to have a little input, although I have overruled him a few times! I have some friends who go out of their way to wear something their husbands or BFs hate and I've never understood it. Wearing a pair of heels (when and where appropriate) is a small investment that oftentimes yields some wonderful returns. (like buying more shoes!)