Shyheels

That’s a lovely environment - this casual and conversational acceptance. You’re very fortunate

It’s nice to have company in your misadventures. And very nice to have someone to chat with who shares your tastes and fashions

I wouldn't describe it as an angel on the shoulder but rather an Inner Jailer, instilling fear of rejection and isolation and a neediness to conform and belong to the herd. I would say the percentage of men who would like to wear heels - or at least have the freedom to do so - is considerably larger than 5 per cent. It is not just about a footwear style choice, but about overall liberation of thought and identity and expression. I think there is a great latent longing to be freer than we are.

Yes! Intensely frustrating. Even worse, in a way, than the more usual problem of seeing a pair one really likes only to find they make them in a small range of women’s sizes. There is such a huge difference between good quality leather boots and those made of cheap synthetic. The others feel like I’m wearing a costume.

The white boots sound great. I’d love a pair like that. I did find a pair of cream OTK boots with three-inch heels, and bought them. And while they fit well and I really like the styling, the faux leather fabric of which they are made feels so cheap and flimsy I’m going to get rid of them. All my other boots are of really nice leather and the comparison is just odious

I have several pair of knee boots with Vibram or rubber soles for just those sorts of days, or where I am working in treacherous conditions

For me heels are an accessory - some I like, some I don’t. In terms of observing those around me, I’m much more likely to notice faces, the colours people wear, their overall look and style, with a preference for the bohemian over the classic and formal. I could as easily fall for someone in hiking boots as I could in OTK boots with four inch heels

Not a favourite of mine either, but as you say quite popular

Yes, I believe you would - and do. Indeed it was your comment about noticing a couple of guys in heels at the hospital that prompted my thought. I tend to notice these sorts of things too, but how many other heel wearers are wrapped in their bubbles, so preoccupied with looking at the eyes of others that they noticing nothing else about the people around them?

An excellent point. I have noticed the same thing. And yes, it is a shame that the forum has grown so quiet of late. There’s no need. The interest is out there.

People’s tastes may well lean towards heels along with a secret wishing that it were possible to wear them without such a big deal being made of it, but while there is this pervasive fear of stepping out of line, it won’t happen

Wouldn’t it be funny if, as we talk about so few people noticing our heels, we ourselves fail to notice anybody else’s ?

Good call, I’d say. There’s a time and a place. One does not live in a vacuum

Same here. Not long ago I did spot a guy in chunky heeled ankle boots with about a 2.5 inch heel. It’s quite rare, no matter what trendy fashion writers like to suggest, or what online retailers like Asos might offer on their sites.

Yes, it pays to be familiar with your environments. I don't think I'd care to try wearing heels in, say, Dubai, for example, even on a layover en route from London to Australia. Especially stilettos. There is leeway with chunky heels, but none with stilettos. I would risk it with the OTK boots I've been wearing around lately though as they come across as bohemian rather an outright challenge to gender norms. I should add that I do not wear these as a form of compromise, but because I genuinely like the style. After the initial rush of blood in trying heels for the first time, when five-inch stilettos thrilled with their novelty and athletic challenge, I've settled into my own style - which is chunky heeled boots of some description; clean, classic lines and almond toes, worn with jeans. And because this is my style, and I feel so comfortable with it, that in itself makes me blend into the scenery. There's nothing contrived here, no sense of provocation.

Sounds like another good reason to avoid McDonalds! I think you can find trouble anywhere, and no matter what style of footwear you are wearing. But for the most part people go around in their own bubbles and they’re fairly harmless anyway

Yes I love my suede boots but wearing them in England can be quite chancy and problematic!

I work in the other direction. It has to be pretty warm for me to forgo boots.

I just spent a week travelling around by Britain, mainly by rail, and nearly every day wearing a pair of brown suede OTK boots over skinny jeans. They were standard heels admittedly, not high heels, but still very definitely OTK boots, with ornamental lacing down the sides and straps and buckles over the instep - styling that would very definitely be regarded as feminine by society at large. Over the course of the week I passed through several big cities, several main train stations and had meals in working class pubs - some of which were busy, others of which were quiet and where patrons were more likely to notice newcomers. And not once did my choice of footwear evoke so much as a second glance. No compliments, but no censorious looks either. In fact, my footwear choice did not seem to register with anybody at all, not the lest little bit, which is just as it should be. I'm not out trying to attract attention or push an agenda but simply wearing a style of boot I liked, which looked nice and was suitable for where I was going and what I was doing. I make the point not for the regular posters here, to whom this would be preaching to the choir, but for those hesitating on the sidelines, wondering what the reactions might be if oe steps out in more theatrical footwear. The answer: none.

I'm not fond of pointed toes myself, but I do like the lines of those ankle boots. They're very nice.

I like my garlic. I don’t think I’ll ever need fear vampires!

I'm a bit the same way, something I attribute to many years of running or cycling. The circulation in my legs is very good. I seldom feel the cold in my legs, although since I've taken to wearing tall boots the extra warmth around my ankles is noticed and appreciated.

So true. I hate that stereotype

Yes! Happy Birthday!

Yes, nice boots!