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I just want to get your opinions. I've opened up a challenge to a group on another message board (http://venus.beseen.com/boardroom/c/48760/). This particular group as with myself are avid platform thong sandal wearers. I'm trying to find a way to encourage the troops and get them out of the closet so to speak. Most have stated that they like wearing this style for reasons such as the so called "crushing" hobby, strange but true. Others make the attempt to wear them casually but only in the utmost secrecy such as a very late night stroll. When this fashion first hit the streets with women I would imagined that some were reluctant to give them a try in that they were at the time somewhat extreme! Now there are very common place. My thinking is with today's young fashions, baggy pants and big tennis shoes (sketchers) the platform sandal look and style shouldn't be too much of a departure from the norm. However I know that when it comes to men, they tend to focus on fashion not style, and that fashion is sometimes very drab. What type of trend or situation in your opinion would be necessary to entice manufactures like Nomad, Volatile, and Rocket Dog to add men to their sizing charts? What situation would make it worth their while? How does a trend get started?

This is for all of you guys who have so far dared to challenge the norm and push the outer edges of the men’s fashion envelope. I’ve noticed that in response to whether or not you wear your platform thongs as casual sandals or in public. Most responded that they only wear them for crushing various small objects and things, or very late at night for the evening stroll, very cool …. However the real test of your commitment to style is wearing them in ordinary casual situations. Will this fashion statement always be one that is forever hidden away, or will it some day soon be accepted into the mainstream? You choose, you be the judge. Therefore I’m making a challenge to all who are interested to find the courage one day, one evening, to step up, and step out. Let’s compare notes on the best and the worst of our experiences? I think in reality we’ll have more positive experiences than negative ones. How about it?

I'm wearing my Old Navy wide leg jeans and 3" platform thong sandals from Nomad. I'm not quite up to wearing platforms any place else other than the beach. Haven't got the nerve yet. By the way Payless, and Shoe Pavillion have a large selection of sizes up to a women's size 12 if anybody is looking for platform sandals. Volitile, and Rocket Dog also have larger sizes. Cheers

For the past few years there has been a growing obsession amongst fashion minded women towards wearing 2 and 3 inch platform thongs sandals during the summer months. The most popular bands include Steve Madden, Roxy, Volatile to name a few. Being in the summer mode I thought I would give them a try being that they looked quit comfortable. However for any man willing to chance wearing these high heel summer sandals finding a size that fits will be a problem if you wear something larger than a women’s size 11. I can say that I lucked out with women's size 10. Of course as with other similar high heel styles and interest there are the usual stares, and negative comments that come as part of the experience. I’ve been testing this personal fashion trend for the past 2 years now. What would it take to stir the interest of the fashion guru’s to promote this style of sandal for men? Would it be too radical a change from the typical men’s flat sandal? Would women see it as a patriarchal infringement on their fashion turf? Could they gain popularity amongst the teen crowd already into big shoes, and big jeans! Would it blur the line between the guys and gals fashion trends a too much?