Heel-Lover

Hi all, I wear heels in snow every winter. I don't change the way I dress just because a cold front brings some snow down on the city. In fresh snow I've found my heels work fine, I figure they'd be likely less slippery than larger soled footwear because the stiletto heel always gets direct contact with the footpath. The real danger is when I get inside a building foyer which is usually tiled/ polished concrete etc and my shoes are super slippery until I can make sure any built up snow on the toe area is off. Scuffing my feet on the mats usually works fine, but there is that extra risk of skidding when first entering a building. I have damaged the leather on my heels from getting them soaked as a result of snow, so I wear older pumps that already have suffered some pavement damage on the heels. Cheers Heel-Lover

Hi Barefoot, as others have said its about confidence. I've never worn thighboots because I'm not comfortable with how I could work them in an outfit. Thats just a personal thing and until I sort that for myself I wouldn't wear them. Knee boots on the other hand yes, and pumps are my staple go to shoe of choice. If you (the wearer) believe you look good, and have that confidence that goes with that, then thats the battle won, and you can head off and enjoy a public mall scenario. Just watch the slippy floors!!! Have fun! Heel-Lover

Hi, I voted 18-21 because I think the question was referring to MY own high heels? I bought my first heels in my last year at school. The funny thing being that I was always wearing my mothers and grandmothers high heels from a very young age - approx 5 or 6yrs. They obviously didn't fit but I was always wearing them. Cheers Heel-Lover

Hi All, I get snapped a lot on phones and the like, its especially obvious at night. Last night I went on a bus trip around 4 bars from 6pm arriving back at my local bar at 11pm. During the night there was a lot of flashing cell phones with some blatant attempts to get a shot. I'm not bothered about the exposure but it is a little annoying because I'd rather people be up front about what they're doing. Regards Heel-Lover

I don't think she will go any higher then this new pair. But she did say her feet felt great in them. Maybe a 41/2 inch heel next time..

Hi barefoot,

those heels are truely a beautiful shoe. You girlfriend will enjoy wearing them, and she has no doubt said so. As an experienced full-time wearer of such heels I offer you this advice in both her and your interests. The chosen shoe is a good height, and if shes not fully used to a 3inch it will take considerable time to become fully used to a 4inch heel. The 1 inch height difference is very significant. You really need to wear these heels to truely understand. That skinny heel will also make life a little tricker when dialling up the height at the same time. Be mindful that that shoe has a pointy toe and the higher up you go the more you slide forward or down the heel so if pointies are new for her then as her feet swell during the day they may become uncomfortable late in the day. I'm sure she'll conquer them because she'll want to - they will look sexy as on her legs, and she will enjoy the attention.

You mentioned maybe 4 and a half inches next - 4 inch to 4.5inches will be many times harder than the current transition from 3 to 4inch heels. Don't expect instantaneous results because it could take the fun out of it for both of you.

The way to check physicaly ability to walk properly in a high heel shoe - is the put the desired high heels on and stand with both feet flat on the floor. Next stand up on tip toes inside your heels - you should be able to arch your foot out of your heel, or lift the heel of your shoe well off the ground. You sould be able to lift approx 1 inch to 1.5inches. If you can't then the heel is too high for your current flexibility/ strength and you won't be able to manage it gracefully in many every day situations.

Lastly the best way to get good at wearing heels is by long term exposure to heels - wearing, wearing and wearing. Sitting down wearing does not count at all, wearing at home also does not count as its too easy on your feet/ legs. Literally walking to work, walking around the city during lunch, wearing heels in the weekend when out an about etc...The foot stretching is needed to ensure you don't get stuck being dependent on wearing heels all the time, otherwise you can't wear flat shoes anymore.

Wearing heels around home and seated etc helps soften the shoe and break them in to your feet - it does not help the wearer become a confident wearer.

Good luck and have fun

Heel-Lover

Hi Jeff, Really well done on the 150th Jaunt! Its astounding how what you have evolved into wearing is so so similar to what I'm up to here in NZ. I am wearing dresses now - as well as skirts, and I too have a shift-dress or sheath-dress as you refer to it. That outfit works really well for you, the pearls look sharp, and compliment it really well. Perfect shoes. Congratulations! A short blazer was suggested which would work, can I suggest a bolero? I would have 10 or so now - because they are so practical. I've picked most of my boleros from thrift stores, and they comein a vast array of cuts and colours and fabrics. I could find and post a photo if it would help. Cheers Heel-Lover

I always have a painted nails. Despite it heading into the colder months here and my sandals aren't likely to be worn again until October I will still keep my nails painted. If I have to remove my pumps for any reason I would want my toes looking presentable! If I was wearing peep-toes then a pedicure is compulsory. Painted toenails suits my style - which is quite fem. Cheers Heel-Lover

Hi Jeff, Fair call. I've pondered that myself. I think its because I don't know what I would wear them with, and I imagine it would be a mini skirt and thigh boots.... which in my mind is an image for the 'red light district' .... yet I don't think that a mini skirt and pumps has the same stigma attached to it... sure its a flirty look especially if the pumps are very high but its just not as extreme as thigh boots. I only ever wear my knee boots with trousers/jeans where as my skirts/dresses are worn with shoes/sandals only. I don't see myself wearing jeans/pants with them. Thats just my 'image compass' if you will, others may disagree. Fundamentally my biggest problem is that I don't own a pair of thigh boots! Cheers Heel-Lover

How lucky to spend 18months wearing only very high heels. What were you doing?

Hi Cuban Nicky,

well I was going through the phase of enjoying my heels, getting bolder and more confident, and I chose to wear heels all the time. I kept wearing skinnier and higher and higher heels as I became more and more used to them. Now I appreciate the true variety of heels and styles and vary my footwear. I always have openly worn high heels, it was in the earlier days of wearing heels that I got a bit carried away (I still wear heels for work/ play wherever possible, and have for approx 10 years now)

Cheers

Heel-Lover

Hi, I voted other - but it would have to be a peep-toe. cheers Heel-Lover

Hi, I proudly wear heels, I even flaunt them at times... I don't find women disapprove, only a very few do, I get lots of compliments on my legs/heels from many women and some men. Those that disapprove keep it pretty quiet but I can still tell. The few times I have been dissapproved of by a woman I have played to the gallery so to speak. I think its fair to say that in these cases I have always out-heeled the disapprover, so I'll cross her/their path deliberately, sit opposite, cross my legs in their direction, demonstrate my unconditional comfort and ability in the clothes I choose to wear. This way they know that I don't recognise any of their disapproval. I have never had any women openly speaking out-loud to the room/ yelling abuse etc.. I think that older women (10-15yrs older than me) are most likely to disapprove, younger are more open minded. Cheers Heel-Lover

Hi, everywhere. I go to work in heels when the mood takes me, although I drop an inch in heel height for work. I prefer heels on my feet so its starting to be almost all the time! The only time I don't wear heels is if the ground isn't compatible with my current shoes - eg stilettos with mud/grass/shingle , or if the activity is not at all high heel-compatible such as mountain biking/climbing/ladders/gardening/running/carrying a tv set.... Basically I choose my shoe style to cover what I am likely to need to do each day and I carry flats on my person always... just in case... Cheers Heel-Lover

Hi, Can those with first hand experience advise me what is it like wearing ballet heels? I get around mainly in stilettos, and am comfortable with very high heels all day so I am curious about ballet heeled pumps. Are they wearable - I suspect not? Are they much harder to wear than very high stilettos? - I am guessing not much harder? Will my toes be pointed towards the ground when standing in ballet heels, rather than flat as in nomral pumps - if so wouldn't that hurt? Do people wear ballet heels in normal situations? Cheers Heel-Lover

Hi, I had to google utilikilt to see what they're like (not aware of them down in this little part of the planet..) Anyhow they look quite versatile - very much like an A-line skirt - so... firstly I think the wearers legs need consideration.... smooth legs... Try a wedged pump (stacked wooden wedge looks casual) maybe a dark grey patent or a dark brown upper and a round closed toe shape. If your comfortable with it I think a round toe high heel pump is also workable but avoid dressier styles in full patent, and pointy toes. If you want to have a high heel silhouette (ie not a wedge) then don't wear a stiletto heel (regardless of heel height) if you haven't got skinny calves and ankles and instead go for a chunkier heel style. If you have skinny legs then a stiletto pump will look good as long as your top half is fitted and not bulky/baggy, thereby balancing your legs. hairy legs... I think I would wear knee boots, low heel say 2-3 inches but not stiletto. I'm sorry but I struggle to see other options with pumps ... hope this helps cheers Heel-Lover

Hi shinysoles, I think you are referring to the toe area because you mention a tread pattern? High heels can be slippery. It really depends on what you're walking on. My leather soled means dress shoes are pretty slippery on hard floors as well. Most mens shoes have a gripper type sole, womens shoe soles are harder compounds so have less grip. My high heels are almost all leather soles and I find once they are worn they offer good grip in the toe area. The real danger comes from my heel, the degree of slide risk depending mainly on the floor surface - smooth marble mall floors being the worst. Sliding in heels goes with the territory. If you wear heels you need to think about where you're wearing them and what you will have to negotiate and your confidence/ ability. In 10 years of heeling I still get skids in malls from stilettos but I never loose overall control or fall on my bum. Cheers Heel-Lover

I actually have to navagate a narrow and steep staircase to the projection room at the theatre, sometimes with a box of film weighting up to 100 pounds and I do it in heels.

Well done!

I find carring heavy objects in my higher heels hard, and as for stair cases in such footwear while carrying.. wow - that is a very respectable effort!!

(I wear heels 80% of the time and wouldn't do that...I have once or twice been in such a situation, but I find it too hard, so I would change to flats/ go barefoot for safety or get someone to carry it for me...he he)

Cheers

Heel-Lover

Heelguy, well done. A great look that suits your figure. I dress similarly and its neat for me to see someone else shares a similar style. It suits you - nicely coordinated clean-lines. Love those pumps. regards Heel-Lover

Hi, I definitely have more womens styled shoes than mens. I would estimate (conservatively) 30 womens : 1 mens (and I have quite a lot of mens shoes!) cheers Heel-Lover

Hi, I too think that wearing high heels is unrelated to being straight or gay. Most people I meet think I am gay. Its just an assumption they make because of the extravagant way I tend to dress. I think it may be quite the opposite, I have some gay friends who are not at all interested in high heels or dresses/skirts or accessories. I have had a lot of straight guys I meet at bars/ cafes etc talk to me about my wearing high heels and how they would like to try heels but could never muster the courage. Cheers Heel-Lover

Hi rartist, I started with high heels and my wardrobe has evolved from there. Over the years as I have developed my own style and my confidence grown I too have evolved into more feminine attire and accessories. Similar to what you say I have beem slowly evolving over 6-7 years and I find I just keep trying more and more stuff. I tried knee length skirts. I really enjoyed that look with little reaction out there. Before I knew it I had skirt suits as well as mens suits Lots of skirts and tops were in the wardrobe. Hosiery came next. Salon leg waxing for 5 years now Then mini skirts resulted from better legs! I do wear some lingerie. Thong briefs and italian bikini to avoid panty lines and half slips for unlined skirts. I occasionally wear suspended stockings so I'll wear a suspender belt. Pedicures for at least 2 years now Wearing ankle jewellery and a toe ring. Handbags 3 or 4 years back and I have many styles. Recently I have worn a few dress styles which I was nervous about as it was a boundary in my mind but I really enjoyed it. I wore my first mini-dress on St Patricks Day! I have some necklaces and bracelets. what next.... I am currently considering getting both an inside ankle tattoo and a foot tattoo - like the hollywood celebs. I am also considering getting my ears pierced. Cheers Heel-Lover

Hi, I voted NO because no one should intervene and shorten their tendons. Your tendons and soft-tissue will naturally accomodate to your lifestyle. I learnt this first hand after spending 18months wearing only very high heels. Sounded like a great idea at the time, hand sure I can handle very high heels quite well, but in hindsight I would not recommend any attempts to shorten tendons. The more you wear high heels the more you will stimulate your tendons to shorten. Cheers Heel-Lover

Good advice. I do the same depending on the depth of the stair treads. It helps avoid catching a heel on the steps. Cheers Heel-Lover

Shinysoles, Give it a go. I wear 'sexy' heels openly and I don't hide them. I wear skirts because I prefer the look of legs and heels -even on myself. I recently wore a minidress and very high red stilettos with no negativity. Bewildermint is abound - but nothing negative. Its all about my confidence. I enjoy the attention - but anyone who wears heels like mine is going to get attention. I also do this as a guy - I am not into false parts/ wigs/ make up etc... soI'm a bit of a mix-up but thats my choice. I like feminine clothing because all my experiments with heels and guys clothes look bulky and unfitted in my mind - and if I want to show some ankle or lower leg then everything just doesn't work for me unless I wear more fitted and traditionally feminine top half styling as well. Cheers Heel-Lover

Hi again, well - last night was St Patricks Day/evening here in NZ so it was a big night of celebration and fun. I haven't had any bad reactions for ages - but I got one chap last night who couldn't get me out of his mind, and he got a bit vocal, and I must admit I wound him up a little as well. Cutting a long story short he was quite rude, but his friends quickly got rid of him and apologised. I'm quite sad for him being so narrow minded - I was also a bit out there with my outfit which won't have helped (mind you I won best dressed! - and fashion freedom rules supreme!) Cheers Heel-Lover

JKrenzer, I didn't think I said anything about being in a car? And re-reading my message it doesn't make things clear. I was walking home and got stopped. After some questioning etc...I was then offered a lift home. Cheers Heel-Lover