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Funny thing is some people, especially those on the left of the political spectrum, automatically assume Trump and Republicans are anti LGBTQ, but the only place I received a worrying reaction from someone for wearing heels was thoroughly liberal Portland Oregon, and that was from a couple of bearded plaid-wearing hipster dudes. No issues in the UK, many different places in Georgia and Florida and even Kansas City and surrounding areas, which is pretty rural bible-belt. Although I was cautioned against wearing heels outside in Paris (France) some years ago. Never was able to go to the Netherlands, so no idea what kind of reaction it would get out there. I guess my point is that the resident of whatever seat of national power (The White House, 10 Downing Street, etc.) only really matters to a small section of society, usually the most vocal, but everyone else just gets on with living their lives how best suits them. Politicians come, politicians go, life goes on regardless.

This is part of a pet peeve of mine... Not so much now, but I have worked in many an office where the men's dress code was business formal (jacket, tie, dress shirt and trousers, closed shoes) and the woman's was basically "not naked." Then in the summer these barely dressed women would bitch and moan all day about being cold in the air conditioning while the men were sweating like pigs, and in the winter were insisting on the heat being set to 30C so they weren't cold, while the men sat and sweated. Really wanted to break out a summer dress and sandals in the summer, or heck, even a formal dress kilt, but that wouldn't have been acceptable.

I've been looking for a new pair of tall boots that don't look like the typical stripper fare for the last couple of years. I was just about giving up when I found these at Lane Bryant...

They're black suede and in a wide 12 they fit me perfectly. Even better, they were $249, with 50% off in store. 

I was out shopping last week, and my coat (calf length black velvet with leopard print lining) got more comments and compliments than my shoes, and I wasn't exactly trying to hide my peep-toe shoes and red toenails. I find it's a rarity that I get shoe comments any more (although I got one this morning!) and even when wearing something really girly (my favorite outfit now is a really long leopard print layered skirt, chocolate brown top, paired with my impractically high black peep toe shoes and velvet coat when necessary) I've only had one person comment, and it was a positive comment too, although I get some wide eyed stares at times.

I stopped by my favorite Payless a couple of times in the last few days.

On Sunday, I was out running a few errands and though I'd stop by and see what's new. I was wearing a black shirt, blue jeans and red suede platform heels. The store was mostly empty, and the local security guard was hanging out in there. He greeted me as I came in and went to the womens 12 & 13 racks. I didn't see anything to grab my attention and the clerk said come back on Tuesday when their next shipment is coming in. As I was leaving, the guard called out to me "were you wearing them when you came in," pointing to my heels. The clerk came to me defense and answered in the affirmative, and i left. 

Then yesterday I stopped by to see what was new. As I went in there was another guy trying on heels in the size 10/11 racks, which back onto the 12/13 in this store. The clerk (a different woman than on Sunday) asked me what i was looking for and showed me some of the new arrivals. The other guy just put his guy shoes back on and rushed out, head bowed like he was embarrased to be caught, even though I was trying on heels too. The clerk commented on it, and we then had a short conversation about guys buying heels and she said she gets a lot of men in there since this store has the largest selection of 11+ in the city. In the end the shoes in store - Brash Kailey sandals - weren't a good fit but I ordered as 13W in store and got an extra $4 discount on top of the discounted price. I did try the Fioni Jinx sandals in size 12, which fit just fine, but I'm not really a gold or silver glitter kind of guy or girl. It was surprising just how smaller a size 12 looks from above compared to a 13. Doesn't sound like a big change, but it makes a difference.

I finally did think to get my feet measured. Turns out I'm a size 12.5, but wider than normal but not really a full wide size. Payless had a gauge, but it was kept behind the counter and i had to ask to use it.

I'm going to sing the praises of Torrid and Payless too. Never had an issue in either. Last time I was in a Torrid store the staff were wonderful and helpful, brought different sizes to the changing room when the one I'd selected was waay too big. 

I always think stores are safe places to go. Most staff aren't going to have a bad attitude because a sale is a sale, whether it's to a man or woman. 

Check out Twitter. People are making fun of him there.

Yeah, but that's what you get when you give people a cloak to hide behind. Haters gonna hate, as they say, and they're way more likely to do it when you can't see their faces. 

I went out wearing a long skirt and heels a while back. In person I got minimal comments, just a few double takes and a couple of young kids pointed and stared. Found out later that my description made it onto Yik Yak (anonymous geo-located social network, for those who didn't know) where the derogatory remarks came in full force.  

I saw Eddie Izzard in Oklahoma City a year or so ago. Fantastic show. Wish I'd been able to make it to Kansas City the day before because the Westboro Baptist Church were out in full hate-fest protesting the theater. Would have loved to walk past them in a mini dress and heels with a mile of leg showing... :-)

"Oh wow! They are the coolest shoes in the history of shoes!" Said by a Starbucks barista yesterday after she caught sight of my red suede pumps. 

I had been pretty selective who knows I wear heels, but lately I've pretty much quit worrying who knows. A couple of male friends kinda rolled their eyes and made a snarky comment when they found out, but only the once and our relationships are the same now as they were before. Female friends were all positive all the time. I figured that true friends aren't going to have a problem, and people who aren't in my circle of friends or family don't really matter. I just try to have a generally well thought out appearance, whether I'm in traditional mens shoes or heels of some kind. 

I do tend to be careful where I wear heels and other female fashion out and about though. I live in a rural location, so I typically go to the nearest larger town when I'm heeling. I figure that I'm more anonymous over there than in my current home town. A while ago I was over there wearing an ankle-length animal print skirt and nude pumps in otherwise male guise, and no-one looked twice at me.

It's not so much "no more heels, period" as "no more heels outside the house," except for Rocky Horror nights. She's been cool with it for the 15 years we've been married, knew well before we even got engaged, and goes out with me wearing heels before; she finds it somewhat amusing that she's the one in comfortable flat shoes and I'm in heels.

I can live with her request, but a little part of me is wondering what else she's going to want me to give up in life for her happiness. It's been quite a laundry list of hobbies, passtimes and friends. I know I probably sound bitter, but i'm not really.

Ugh... best not think about it, or I'll get depressed. Think I'll go out and chop some firewood. And that's actual firewood, not an euphemism for sex... 

Positive interactions are good. Still get a few odd stares though.

Not sure how many more times I'll get to wear heels out though. Mrs Geo doesn't want me to get a reputation around town as "that guy in heels."  I pointed out that it could be a lot worse... I could be "that drunk guy," or "that meth head guy," or even "that guy who beats his family," but she's not convinced. Guess I'll see how this development pans out.

Running errands again today, and got another complement. As I was leaving the bank, a woman coming in complemented me on my shoes... "that looks good, but I couldn't do it."  The ol' ego needs a massage from time to time. So that's two complements and zero (spoken) disapprovals this year. Funny thing is, my black "Brash" pumps get all the notice. Red "Brash" and nude "Highest Heel" pumps, not so much.

We're going out of state this weekend to see Eddie Izzard. Think I should dress appropriately...

Don't want to be a "me too" here, but me too. Although I've narrowed it down purely a posture issue. If I think about my posture and stand tall (head up, shoulders back) instead of my usual tendency to slouch forward, I have less back pain. Wearing heels seems to make me stand tall as soon as I put them on, but in flats I tend to forget and start to slouch then my back starts to hurt.

Jeez... getting old really sucks sometimes... 

I dont get it. Why payless. buy good shoes your feet will thank you.

I'd happily eschew Payless in favor of better brands of shoes, if only they'd make at least some of the fashionable styles in a 12w or 13. Until such time, it's either Payless and other cheap Chinese knock-offs or fetish styles. Even Pleaser and Ellie don't make a lot of their shoes in the largest sizes

But then again, I know i'm an outlier when it comes to shoes so I take whatever I can. Not always what I'd want, but I make the most of it. I just hope i can locate some more Brash or similar platform pumps before I wear these ones out... Should have bought some more pairs when I had the chance.

It seems as the local inventory check is more accurate now. I looked at a few pairs in person today (didn't see anything that I *just had* to have though) and the site shows they are available, where before it was hit or miss.

I had a pair of the "patent" PU Domina 2020's in size 13. It took a few wearings for the toe box to mold to my foot, then comfort wasn't a real problem; I often wore then for 5-6 hours of mixed sit/stand/walk at time with minimal discomfort. I had two slight issues - I have a high instep so the lacing tended to be wider just below the ankle and wasn't even up the shaft, and they were somewhat "tippy"... it would have been very easy to tip forward when standing still. Having said that, I pretty spent so much time in tham I wore through the sole, but they still looked good. Having had a couple of pairs of Domina heels, in a size 13 they come out at about 5.75"; not quite the fully advertised 6", but in someways better than Ellie's "six inch" coming in at an almost impossible (and not suitable for public wear) 7".

The bottom line... I'm saving up for a pair of Leather Domina 2020's now.

Had another quick outing today, to a different store. No attention... no comments... business as usual. I guess black heels, black pants and a dress shirt aren't wild enough for Kansas any more. Works for me...

Stoped by the grocery store on my way to work to pick up a couple items, wearing my black suede Brash platforms. Did my thing and went to the first cashier and she asked me what the occasion was. When I didn't know what she meant, she looked down at my shoes. "Oh, just because" was all I could think of by way of an answer; couldn't think of a witty reply about clothing rights or freestyle fashion. Paid for my stuff and add I was leaving she thought I moved very well in them. Nice to get a positive interaction, although most people don't seem (or want) to notice.

I  was lusting after some nude pumps a while back and bought these but wasn't able to get pictures until now... I got them from sexyshoes.com, style 7397. They seem fairly comfortable so far for such high heels, and I think I may get some of the other colors available; spring is coming and the seafoam and coral pumps are quite appealing, although I quite like these black pumps... feisty!

These days I'd say I'm pretty much at #5, with a little #4 on the side. Pretty much what other people think is irrelevant to me, since I wear what I wear for myself and the only approval I need is from friends and family. I used to be a resolute #2, but one day realised that the opinions of people I don't know just doesn't really matter.

Yeah, cool boots. But I think that @9inchheel has got the best ones, which are in his avatar. I've never seen such ones in any store

Yeah, they're pretty awesome. I'm not done with skyscraper heels, but my ankles aren't getting any younger... 

I found the buckles on my new boots jingle slightly when I walk. Mrs. GeoT likes them so I'm happy and I can live with a little jingle in my life.  

I bought a pair of slouchy "suede" (really microfiber) boots from Torrid. These aren't my usual towering stilettos but have a really comfortable 3.5" heel. They're a wide size 13, and are really comfortable even if the shaft is a but wider than I'd have liked, but they'll go over slim jeans without looking too tight.

Thanks for all the feedback folks. Got back a bit after midnight this morning. 2400 miles... drive, sleep, work, repeat. No time for any fun this time despite it ending up a solo trip. Blah.

Looks like I'm going to have a wing man on the Des Moines and Dearborn parts of the job, and since I try to keep my personal and work lives separate I'll only have the opportunity the first night in Indy, and that's going to depend how I feel after over 700 miles on the road. Eh, it was a nice thought though. Going to have to take a road trip for fun sometime soon...

ilikekicks: Going to be in the general vicinity of (but not at) the Ford proving grounds. Is that a particularly bad neighborhood?

Alexis: True that. A gay couple I know well commented that I'm taking more of a chance than they do, since they tend to blend in (guys dressed like guys) more than I do...

@steve63130: Only passing through northern Ohio on I-90 on my way to Dearborn, sorry.

it looks like I'm going to have a "quick" 2500+ mile road trip in the next few days, visiting Des Moines, Indianapolis and Dearborn. I'm going to have one night in each city, none of which I've visited before. For anyone living out there, what are the odds a guy in heels will get harassed in any of these cities? I'm not into cross-dressing (built like a rugby player ) so I just freestyle it - jeans, shirt, heels, etc. I'd have no hesitation wearing heels in Tampa, Miami, Atlanta or London, but I've never visited the more northern states yet. I consulted the internet, but most information relates to the LGBT communities, and I don't really fit into those descriptions. Short version - wear heels in Des Moines, Indianapolis or Dearborn - yea or nay?

Nice setup ilikekicks. Nice heels too... :-) Why Mac's instead of PC's - better tools? I wouldn't say that music and heels particularly go together for me, except I'm often in heels when listening to music. But that music covers just about all bases, from Mozart and Bach, through classic and modern rock, old school R&B and rap, past pop and disco right into dirty aggressive dubstep. Sometimes the apparent over processing of some music gets to me, then I break out something acoustic (kinda like the Cowboy Junkies Trinity Sessions album) and I just get lost in the performance.