HappyinHeels

My version of an ankle bracelet is a bright gold herring bone necklace wrapped around the ankle twice which, as it sets on my ankle, appears to be a normal ankle bracelet just a bit more noticeable. Goes well atop your hose, and worn with any shorter dresses, skirts, etc. and matches your other gold-tone jewelry like necklaces, dress watches and the like. HappyinHeels

bootylover, This is a wonderful example of just how far we humans can go when we accept each other "AS IS" and help each other thrive and survive. You have, at the tender age of 18, been able to tap a level of understanding and appreciation in a relationship that MANY MANY people aspire to. Do keep us posted as this relationship grows and thanks for sharing it with us!! HappyinHeels

RonC- Ok, thanksfor the location on the Shoe Department. You're right Ford City is not exactly on the "premium thoroughfare" as Carroll O'Connor once said but then again I don't look for questionable areas after dark either. It's just I seldom get down into the South Side/South Suburban areas. I also didn't know there was a DSW near Belmont and Clark, just down the street from Skyscraperheels. Learning something new from people here all the time. HappyinHeels

Hi Bootlovers,

Here I am posting about a new knee boot purchase which is a rarity since I only have two others! I got these at Macy's in Milwaukee two weeks ago and wore them with my jeans up to my land in far northern Wisconsin. Mine are not velvet finish but leather and have a 5" heel in size 11. Put on your kneehighs and slip into these and feel great!!

http://www1.macys.com/catalog/index.ognc?CategoryID=25122&PageID=107900460777271&CURRENT_PAGE=18

Sorry, I wasn't ale to download a photo of them for some reason so I included the link. Boots are definitely cool and we are now entering boot season even though cold weather has been slow to arrive her in Wisconsin but we all know the longest season is knocking on the door.

HappyinHeels

Like some have pointed out this appears to be a discussion with no real consensus. Manufacturers will glean no useful information from this poll but they will notice when WE FORUMERS contact these same manufacturers and/or the stores that sell their products and tell them of our desires for larger sizes and possible design choices. After all, 99% of all high heels are designed by men so why not focus less on what is a high heel for one and not for another and more on sizing and styles?? Direct feedback from us in numbers is what will have the greatest impact be it in email, telephonic, or direct conversations with shoe company reps or sales associates in the retail outlets. What we all want is the maximum number of styles in the widest array of sizes in the most countries possible. That will be HIGH HEEL HEAVEN!! HappyinHeels

ALL, SF's story about his shopping adventures with his wife in California should be a billboard to those contemplating wearing heels in public. He went where he wanted amid large crowds with no ill effects at all. Life is a one-way journey lasting around 75-80 years give or take The more time you spend dilly-dallying is less time spent enjoying what that journey has to offer...and the journey is a lot more enjoyable in a pair of your favorite heels! Heel up and live on!! HappyinHeels

ALL, My guess here is that the vast majority of us wear higher heels at home because wearing the higher heels we may not wear in public IS the relaxation we seek each week. I have said before that I sometimes clean the house in short-shorts and 7" wedges because it is relaxing and I'm getting work done. Other times I might put on skinny jeans and my VICTORIA pumps with the stiletto heels just to watch TV (or post on hhplace). HappyinHeels

RonC, Glad to see you shopped for the first time in heels. I'm curious which DSW you tried since the stores do vary in their layout. The one in Vernon Hills just south of Townline Rd. (IL60) is particularly deep and seems well-suited to going into (in your heels) and trying on the merchandise. And, you must always check the clearance rack!! By the way where was the Shoe Department store in Chicagoland??? Best wishes, HappyinHeels

heels4toni--- Like others have noted; 1-This is not a competition so there's no pressure on you EXCEPT perhaps what you heap upon yourself; 2-It is all about the CONFIDENCE you exude unto others; 3-Yes, what your loved ones think and how they react is important but it is even more important that the individual (YOU) is able to thrive and live the quality of life you seek. If more of the world accepted others AS IS then this would be a better world indeed. Could any significant other in your life articulate how the wearing of heels changes your soul??? If it's difficult to articulate then chances are it's even harder to defend such narrowmindedness. Once you show the confidence to go into a store and search for what you want, try it on, and stride up to the checkout you become an equal consumer--deserving of respect and dignity. I do believe Canada's Charter of Rights and Freedoms guarantees it but you must exercise it. I buy from stores such as Baker's, DSW, and Macy's and have never had anything except professional and efficient service. Go in, when a sales associate approaches you, tell her (or him) what you are looking for. Women especially already know if you are shopping for yourself by your demeanor. Act confidently and the world will respond positively 99.5% of the time. HappyinHeels:wavey:

When it comes to wearing high heels with class and with a certain comfort level one is wise to listen to the sage called roniheels...the one with the 6" stiletto heels!!! HappyinHeels:wave:

Hi Shoe and Boot Lovers, I bought my first shoe at Steve Madden yesterday, the CARYSSA, which is is a dead ringer for Bakers' VICTORIA, except I never got that one in a neutral blush color and, for some reason, Steve Madden's styles seem to run bigger than Bakers' do. I had a very nice conversation with the SA as I tried on these pumps which have a 5.6" heel like the VICTORIA does. One thing Steve Madden does differently is they have a list they can show you of what styles they carry (on hand) in size 11 which is great importance to forumers here. HappyinHeels:wavey:

I used to curse my height at 5' 8.5" (173cm) as I used to play football in high school, mostly free safety and quarterback, but now I have this shorter-than-average American stature to be a blessing since I have a great sense of balance and a six-inch heel only makes me 6' 2.5" (188cm) tall. So, it worked out in the end!! HappyinHeels

I have never worn short-shorts and heels out in public but have been rather partial to wearing my short-shorts cutoffs and my 7" cork wedges around the house with brightly-painted toes if I had cleaning to do or was just watching television. The only time I showed lots of leg was when I wore a gold metallic minidress with 8" platform sandals to a Halloween party. But then again it was a Halloween party so it was supposed to be attention-grabbing. HappyinHeels

Way to go heelman!! Like roniheels says, the desire to go do it again will only increase. And you started off with 5" heels no less!! I am curious if you wore them underneath boot cut jeans or just how much heel was exposed. There is a store in Dallas known for their selection of heels called electriqueboutique and it is very friendly towards male heelers. I think it is on either Northwest Highway or Belt Line Road. HappyinHeels

melbguy, I read your story and the following comments and will reprise something I've hammered home before; that the world works best when humans learn to accept and appreciate each other ***AS IS***. As pussyinboots so aptly stated you did not fall in love with your wife because she wore high heels. Why would your relationship now suddenly be diminished if she doesn't wear high heels?? I think her job and attire do probably acclimate her to see the world from a dressed down perspective so the wearing of heels just doesn't seem relevant. Besides that there is the forgotten dynamic of differences in people's arches and overall sense of balance. And, yes, many women wear stylish shoes and do so with painful feet because they want to look good. Then again I was born a guy and have a great sense of balance and can easily wear 6" and higher heels with no problem! Each case is differnt. HappyinHeels

I voted shoes as that's the majority of what I have although within the last year I have REALLY warmed up to ankle boots having added three pairs with 5-5.6" stiletto heels. I believe that the coolest of all boots though are the classic lace-up knee-high boots and perhaps a good skirt or dress to go with them. When it comes to boots I have started to drink the cool-aid. HappyinHeels or maybe it's Blissful in Boots

Other than my friend Gary who owns Skyscraperheels in CHicago, I don't have any friends that wear heels...that I know of. I have met MANY men through that store and one more recenty at Bakers that wear and love heels but they were not friends. I stopped into my friend's store yesterday as I had some business in Chicago and wore a pair black suede wedge ankle boots (5" heel) into the store. Everybody here would feel right at home there!! I suppose as hhplace forumers try to meet each other will drastically increase the number of "friends" we can say we know who wear heels. After all...we can't fully appreciate each other's tastes until we meet in person. Until then we have the Web and this forum to enrich our lives:wavey: HappyinHeels

Bubba136, I returned a few days later to the Gurnee Mills store and ordered the "Natalie" from the exact same associate for that very reason. I did talk with the guy trying on shoes so that he would not feel alone although he appeared used to having done this before. I mentioned that I also had one of the same pairs he was trying on (the blue suede VIctoria) and the benefits of having a Bakers discount card. He walked out with two pairs of heels. It's all about building relationships with those around you!

Jens, I, like many on this forum, have looked at the LaPiazza website many times but haven't bought from them though the consensus opinion seems to be they are quality-run company that accurately estimates processing time and costs and has a great reputation. It sems like they have an enormous male cleintele. Your boots re fabulous!! happyinHeels

Like "The Shark" I also like the platform pumps and have added more of that style in the last year than any other style of shoe. I also love platform sandals, wedge sandals, and ankle boots. Like roniheels though, my absolute favorite is the stiletto heel, at least 5.5" or more, I just don't think it gets any better than that!! Happyin(Stiletto)Heels

Hi Shoe Lovers!!

Last week I met a new sales associate at the Gurnee Mills Bakers store and she tried her best to make a sale bringing out two different boots and two different pumps. I left without buying as they didn't have this onein size 11 but returned a few days later and special ordered it. Tracking states it is Chicago and will arrive at my house tomorrow morning. Here's the link and attched photo. The bottom is just like "Victoria" but the heel is curved and uniquely sexy. I have nothing burgundy/wine color and fell in love with them. The heel is 5.6" (approx.). Of note is when I got here there was a guy trying on shoes, and for about 10 minutes or so, we were the only ones there. Also of note is that when women later entered the store and saw one or both of us trying on different pairs, there was no commotion nor did anyone make a U-turn and leave the store. Added incentive for those thinking about shopping for heels in-person. The in-person is far better than the online, take your chances experience. Get out there and stake your claim to the high heel market.

HappyinHeels

http://www.bakersshoes.com/product.aspx?c=731&p=175903

I watched the whole video, albeit without audio, and found the designs displayed definitely pushing the envelope as far as I've seen it in such venues. Some designs, like the guy in a jacket with his junk clearly evident under the exposed blue under wear, will never see the street. However, if even a fraction of these designs are widely worn then fashion freedom for men will have opened a new chapter. HappyinHeels

I wear knee-high or thigh-high pantyhose most days with ankle boots or pumps. Otherwise perhaps a trouser sock with knee-high boots and bare feet with most wedge-heel sandals. It is always a good idea to wear pantyhose when you're shopping for shoes...it's just more comfortable and you can try on many pairs quickly and easily. HappyinHeels

Ronheels, I was Up North over the weekend and just no got home and saw all the replies to your post. My answer to this is that if anyone (that is ANYONE) here has all the answers to all things relating to men wearing heels, women wearing combat boots, sexuality, etc...then they probably don't need to be on any type of forum because they KNOW IT ALL. No matter how thoughtful one expresses themself there will always be those waiting around for the next situation to profess their offense at some remark. I have always said the simplest approach is just accept people "AS IS" just like those thousands of cars I probably passed on my way home tonight as I crossed the great state of Wisconsin. In the final analysis, it's just a damn pair of shoes maybe worn with a skirt or maybe with a flannel shirt but all what most people on this bigblue planet want is mutual respect. HappyinHeels

luketheduke8---- Do what I do as well as many many girls and that's buy a pair of high heels shoes, be they pumps, platform sandals, or boots, that you fall in love with and match the outfit to the shoes. It is great fun and I think much easier as well. A pencil skirt would go well with pumps as would a minidress. A form-fitting longer dress should work well with most high heel sandals. To really get noticed you could wear a short skirt and thigh high boots and have the time of your life!! HappyinHeels