Histiletto

Ole' for SARKANY! I hope this advertisement campaign is successful. It at least plants the seed encouraging the idea that men do wear high heels.

Many people develop their way of walking as toddlers by what feels comfortable to them and their feet adjust to the way they walk. People often buy the cheapest shoes just to get by and most of the time they wear shoes that offer very little support. In my younger years, I would wear those vinyl tennis shoes with the lousy arch support padding until they were almost ready to fall apart. I found that my feet were literally walking over the outer edge of the sole, because the sides didn't hold my feet on the sole properly, which caused the outer edge to wear more than the rest of the sole. These type of developments may prove to make the experience in learning to wear high heels harder, because of the habits or foot abnormalities they may have formed by walking on things like uneven eroded soles. The only way that I was able to somewhat correct this problem was to wear only very supportive, quality shoes which may be a bit more expensive, but the results will help the feet become comfortable walking more correctly, which in turn makes it easier to wear heels as the supports are more effectively applied by walking properly.

As also suggested, the idea to try different brands of the type of heels you prefer will eventually reveal the style and type of heels that will be the best for your comfort and pleasure. I still have a number of heels that will probably stay in their cardboard cases because my feet can't be comfortable when I wear them, even though they look spectacular. It also makes it harder to decide what I'm going to do with them, since I still want to wear them. I know life is hard, but some things are just unbearable (as I sit here with a smile).  

My first cognizance of Lauren Bacall was through a Warner Brothers parodied animation, where the sexy female character was walking out of the doorway and turned back reciting the subject line and then commenced to put her fingers up to her lips and began to whistle (blow) up a 5 to 6 second storm back at the Bogart character as only animated comedy can do. Then she turned away and walked out closing the door behind her.

As to the helping or hindering depends on your state of mind and/or situation, whether they are a crutch or a pedestal.

If wearing heels causes you to feel uncomfortable among other people and you aren't ready for public notice, then your back-ups will most likely be the male footwear you have been wearing.

If you are a stealth heeler (wearing blocks or wedges under extra long jeans), you're some what comfortable thinking that people can't see the height of your heels so they wouldn't really notice or care anyway, so a back-up pair is a bit unnecessary. However, if your heels are stilettos in the same mode, you may have some apprehensions should the heel become exposed due to the insufficient length of the jeans, therefore back-up male wear would be at hand.

If you are exposing the heels so that the height can be seen wearing blocks or wedges, the necessity for back-ups would depend on your trust in the quality of the footwear and your ability to go the distance. Stilettos, on the other hand, also depends on your confidence and comfort wearing them publicly and your willingness to deal with the social attitude. Usually the quality of most high heels is really good, except for the heel tips, especially spikes and stilettos. Having a pair of pliers and extra heel tips handy would be preferable over bringing along back-ups, unless you just want the change of height and/or footwear choices. By the remote chance the heels break, come unglued at the seams, or other malfunctions should happen, back-ups would be a welcomed aid.

I add my dittos to the "be honest" approach. Your interest in wearing heels will eventually become apparent either way. Trying to hide this will only diminish your own trustworthiness.

I'm sorry! I can't bear to watch anyone have such an embarrassing incident, whether they are runway models or people trying on heels for the first time. The prevalent attitude seems to be that since they have become expert in walking, a new adventure of wearing high heels shouldn't be hard at all. Society has the program to prepare girls to wear them by starting them out in lower heels and then gradually increasing the height as they mature. This same programing should be in place for guys who choose to walk in heels, but because they aren't expected to, most guys are left to their ignorance and the social stigma about high heeling to the point they fear trying them. If by chance they do venture to begin an experience in heels they probably haven't picked a pair that fit well enough and/or the heels are too high for their feet and ankle familiarity and strength to properly negotiate reasonable steps, their fears become more embedded and they kind of wimp out thinking they made an effort that didn't work for them. 

I realize some people just can't or won't wear the type of heels available at this time for whatever their reasoning and limitations. Maybe someday, high heeled footwear will be made that they can wear should they become inclined to do so. They will also have to realize there is some preparation and familiarization needed to the wearing of high heels. Some people can adjust to wearing them right away, while others will have to be patient and keep working at it.

It's not that I'm out to be noticed as a high heeled guy, I'm usually the only person wearing them. To me, at least in this area, it seems most people, haven't been wearing heels for their casual activities for the past 5 to 10 years, whether in shorts, jeans, or skirts/dresses. So heels look out of place in most public settings. Also, should you favor wearing stilettos like I do, one can't help feel a bit awkward wearing stilettos on a daily basis that most people tend to leave for more formal occasions, like church, live theater, dance halls, and et cetera.  Since being a bit fanatic about wearing stiletto heels, I have to expect the consequences. However, it is easier when there are other high heeled participants around.

The idea of putting open or peep toes, side cuts, sling backs, and/or sandaling in the concept of any type of boot seems ridiculous. Like others, I tend to think of wearing boots in cold, moist weather, so these fashioned cuts seem to negate the reasons I would want to wear them at all, since I prefer stiletto pumps anyway. Even the pumps with boot shaft-like attachments seem ridiculous.

Some people have the bone structure of their feet and ankles to take such a stride. I can keep up with a sidewalk crowd in a pair of my 4.5" rise stilettos, but some people that are wearing notably higher heels have still passed me.

During the span of his life, he gave us so much to ponder and muse. I have a few of his movies that are among my favorites. I even tried to make special efforts to watch when I learned me was going to appear on some television programs just to bask in his wit and humor. Even though I didn't know him personally, I feel a sense of lost. My Captain and child of Neverland has gone on to reside elsewhere. RIP Robin and may his loved ones find solace in the good he left to remember him by.

Hey mlroseplant,

I suspect you and your wife are like most people who enjoy wearing heels, they eventually have this craving to have another pair whether they need them or not. It's probably the reason you accumulated such a large volume for your collection. Maybe the both of you should discuss this potential inevitability.

Congratulations! TimAudra,

Those under the skin jitters weren't as successful after you decided that nothing was going to keep you from openly wearing your choice of footwear. I guess the sales clerks have become use to seeing men in heels or they have been instructed to just serve their customer's desires, leaving their issues for or against at home. Most of your high heeled outings will go pretty much the same way, only the jitters will dissipate as you gain experience and confidence, at least until you decide your preferred/favorite footwear are the only pairs you want to be seen wearing.  

There have been so many really gorgeous high heeled footwear styles that are only memories in some minds as individuals happen to see them on display. When was a teenager, my dad had some time to take a paid vacation from work and he chose to visit some relatives in another state. While we were there an occasion arose to venture into an established shoe shop where many heels were on display. I was particular fascinated over a pair of classic styled black patent pumps that had an interesting toe box treatment. They were pointed closed toes with 6 pleated folds (3 on each side of the toe box) radiating over the sides from the throat of the vamp cut. The craftsmanship and quality of these classic heels were "to die for" and if there had been a way for me to bring them back with me, I'd probably have them today. However, I was a long way from home, I had no funds, and my parents were totally against any of my high heel desires, so all I have are the memories of these gorgeous spike pumps. I have combed many of the appropriate magazines and other shoe fashion books from back then to some how find a picture and some information about them, but to no avail.

There has got to be a way to find such information about the types of footwear from the past and recreate them for marketing in today's fashion scene. The basic details of making them has already been done, so it is just the production and sales that need attending. 

Even in this forum of high heels for men, there are so many opinions as to what is the best style of high heeled footwear for men. Some here advocate the wearing of block and wedge type heels is more appropriate for men, because the wearing of the so-called feminine styles are making it harder for men in heels to be socially accepted. Others lean more to the options of the thinly styled spike and stiletto heels with the understanding that gender labels are man-made and therefore subject to a person's desire to choose. This is a natural right each individual has the stewardship to perform, due to the fact no one else, even society's elite, knows your personal desires as to what your preferences are concerning your adornment choices. The convenience store clerk had the perception that heels should be worn with dress styled designs and it is her right to advocate that opinion. This does not mean anyone can't wear heels with a shirt and jeans outfit and that others find the look very becoming. Most of the fashion ads for menswear show heels as part of the look. 

Most of our inhibitions about wearing heels are the results of the social attitude. It may be uncool for men to wear heels at this time, but it has never been a sin, no matter what your religious affiliations may cause you to think. I know people have riled against such adornment, due to their beliefs, but their claims don't hold much weight when they are matched with the total picture of life. Especially since the gender labels for attiring items are man-made and subject to the whims of fashion.

Some people can walk in 5"+ heels and make it seem as though they weren't wearing heels, while others struggle just to walk gracefully in 3" heels. Most of this has to do with the specific construction of our feet and ankles. With time and experience/familiarization in wearing the higher heels some of the physical limits or impairments can be exceeded, but you may still have to settle on wearing lower heels than desired for public appearances. I've always admired the people that can wear exceptionally high heels when they radiate the air of confidence along with an unencumbered stride. Of course, heels that tall are definitely for show and at their best during leisure strolls, rather than in hurried strides to reach a destination promptly (not that one can't walk somewhat hurriedly in them should the need arise). Even heels around 4" are a bit too high for hurried pacing, but since this height is the more commonly seen in the workplace and for the casual activities, they kind of set the standard graceful gait that people have grown to expect from those wearing high heels. 

Until I was in high school, the wearing of my choice of shoes was sporadic and very secretive, having to depend on the uncaring or unaware activities of others. As a teenager with a minimal income from a number of small jobs, I finally was able to assemble enough funds to purchase my own pair of 4" spike heel pumps. During the school year, I had a daily pre-dawn class that gave me the opportunity to wear my heels with the light of the street lamps, stars, and occasionally the moon in its different stages as it settled under the horizon while walking to the class. I would slip out the front door with my heels in hand and put them on before I walked out the chain linked, metal gate. From there I had to travel over some various terrains, most of which were not the best for heeling, but I managed it anyway. It was the most direct and free of human encountering way to go, at least till I got near the class location where I would switch back to wearing my slip-on loafers and hide my heels. As a side note, due to my not knowing the benefits of nylons nor were knee-hi nylons available then, I wore my heels without any type of stockings.

Each person has their own style or gait of walking. They just need to practice enough so that they feel comfortable with their stride and its initiation, just like they did as toddlers. Keep in mind high heels are not the same as flats, as if you didn't know, and the feet and ankles will continue to do their part once they are familiar and reach the right strength to deal with the differences in the process. Some people can do a runway type strut, while others will tend to look more bold legged. There really is no exact correctness that everyone will naturally imitate.  

Given the perimeter of her shoe choice being the main influence as to whether or not she will be ask for a date, is leaving too many steps out of the final equation. You may have honed in on her footwear, but during this quickie evaluation if you haven't examined the total package, the ornamentation of her wedding finger could be of some importance as to the results of your inquiry. She'd probably be flattered either way whether or not her assessment of your heels fits her criteria.  

I'm really proud of my children. They really have had some hurdles/stumbling blocks and some fairly successful ordeals to negotiate in the raising of their fairly young families. They know of my desire to wear heels, but under the conditions of their raising, they prefer to avoid the subject as something their father possibly does out of their sphere of existence. My position is to enjoy their company and help should the situation need me, but they are individuals with their own perspectives on living. I would only alienate them to bring up the subject. So as with my growing up, the significantly important people in my life will probably never really know me, which brings its moments of sorrow. I won't force my life or beliefs on them or anyone, just as I expect from everyone.

As my forum identity implies, spikes/stiletto pumps are the heels I prefer. Some of my 3.5 to 4.5 inch equivalent heels I have chosen to wear publicly. I have also worn 5 to 6" stiletto platform boots on occasion due to the freezing cold and I can put a couple of layers of thick socks on to help insulate my feet.

My sightings of men in heels has been of a few crossdressers at different times as I was on my way to other venues with very little possibility of ever seeing them again.   

What ever you say that directly deals with this is going to cause contention and issues on how it happened. They will blame you for succumbing to such enticements and then they will feel guilt and blame themselves for lacking the parenting skills to keep you from incurring such desires. To them, you were born with your sex and gender and their responsibility is to bring you up as they have been taught and understand life. You can't know all of their experiences in this area because they were probably private and singularly perceived. They might have even squelched any of these type of cognitions in order to return in compliance with their social/religious directives. If you could talk with them about their perceptions and how they arrived at their conclusions, may be this will help to open the dialogue you wish to discuss. Sometimes placing suggestions of your thoughts for them to ponder on at different times might be enough to set the atmosphere for such conversations. You'd have to play it by ear for the optimal opportunities to present your experiences concerning the desire you have to wear heels. They may never accept it, but the line of communication would still be intact. I wish you and anyone else success in wanting to show your parents the respect and love you have for them. 

I have tried this route with a number of custom shoemakers over the years with some success after having to make some concessions. Some of the best custom shoemakers have passed on or quit. So there are very few of them in business on their own any more. Even the so-called custom designed shoes businesses are dependent on their stock of inventory and in house patterns that tend to conform with the common styles of the day that are already made and available on the market. Your choices are between their available materials, colors, and strap placements possibly. Attachments and appliques, such as bows, rosettes, jeweled items (usually imitation), buckles, and etc. are sometimes available and usually can be added upon request (at extra costs, of course).

This idea opens the door to consider that turn-about is fair play. These menswear advertisements are great in finding outfits that anyone may select from. The fact that they often have high heels while modeling is another plus to get a better perspective as to how they will look as men in heels wear them. The same thing goes for choosing any outfit - you have to be comfortable in it and it has to look good on you. Like breaking in a new pair of heels, it is probably best to wear an outfit around the house before going out to fully appreciate its qualities and the way it fits.

I tend to look at platforms the same way mlroseplant stated when he wrote about the steepness of the footwear slope. I have tried to walk in 7" single soled stilettos, but the construction of my feet and ankles won't allow me to stand in them without leaning on something else. I have managed to walk, or for a better descriptive word, prance in 6" single soled stilettos and right now I'm wearing a pair of 5.5" singled soled spikes that I have some movement of gracefulness in my attempts to walk. As far as I'm concerned, platforms should only be used for heels heights that exceed a person's ability to walk in the usual high heel stroll or gait. Seeing platforms used for heels less than five inches is viewed as an unnecessary attachment. They may still look attractive and satisfy some desires, but they cheat the purpose of wearing high heels, which is neither good or bad. It has filled the needs of some personal preferences and made it easier to wear extremely high heels, if you can stand the blocking configurations under the toe boxes. I tend to despise "stripper" heels for their use of the platform for they are just plain not desirable to me generally speaking.