Steve63130

The extreme I think is the "well worn" ads when the shoes should go in the bin, yet some sad soul is desperate to buy them at stupid prices.

My hate is why do some sellers with larger sizes 8 + add on to the description "transvestite".

These I only hope, that all potential buyers ignore and don't give them their custom I know a couple of girls at work that are size 9 and 11 who believe this is an insult.

Al

Al,

I think the first is to appeal to those who have a fetish for old and worn shoes, or who are looking for shoes to destroy (another fetish). I don't have either of these fetishes, but I know they exist. I always buy shoes in new or nearly new condition.

The second issue, advertising "transvestite" or "crossdresser" in the title, is done in hope that those who really are transvestites/crossdressers are using those words as search words and will find the items for sale more easily that way. I just ignore it. If the shoe is of interest, I will bid on it. I don't let those two words bother me.

Steve

If you google "Pink Day" you will get lots of references to lots of different dates for lots of different causes. There are many different "Pink Days" so put them all on your calendar and you have many opportunities to wear pink heels. Don't just settle for one per year! LOL Steve

Roni, Great account of your day; thanks for sharing it and inspiring us all. Were you wearing nylon hose or trouser socks or were you bare legged? If wearing hose or socks, what color? And, if I may ask, are you fair skinned or dark? The reason I ask is that, as Thighbootguy has noted in the past, contrast gets attention. If a person's skin is light and he wears nude hose or no hose, the light color skin of the instep contrasts with the black shoes and makes it a lot more obvious from the front that they have a low throat and that they're women's shoes. Wearing black hose with black shoes makes them less noticeable as women's shoes (although a pointy toe or shiny patent surface would be a quick giveaway). Just wondering what color hose, if any, you wore. Steve

I've never bought shoes from a female friend, but I've been given shoes, and I made sure I properly thanked her. As to Ebay, I've bought dozens of shoes there, and I'd have to say that 80% or more of my purchases have worked out well. Sometime I get shoes that don't look like I expected, because of the perspective of the photo (too thick of a sole for instance), but usually I get what I expect. Over time I know that in a backless shoe, like a clog, mule, or sandal with a 3" or higher heel, I can usually fit in an 11M (US Women's size) and if the shoe has a back on it (pumps, boots, loafers, slingbacks, or sandals with a backstrap) I usually need a 12M. No, they don't always fit or feel right (arch in the wrong place, e.g.), but I never pay very much, so I don't have much invested and I turn around and re-sell them ("greater fool" theory). I usually seek out shoes that are close-outs and new, but I sometimes go for used shoes in excellent condition if I really like the style. I've never been cheated because the Ebay feedback system is very fair, and everyone wants to get good feedback and avoid bad feedback. I have nothing but good success overall with Ebay, and the real trick is to check it everyday for new styles, wait until the last minute to bid, and don't bid more than you want to spend. Many times I find items on which I'm the only bidder and I get it at the lowest price. Often I get beat by a higher bidder. Oh, well, can't win 'em all, and it's time to look for another. Ebay is great. Steve

I approached it from the position of wearing loafers with a block heel, but then switched to clogs, which I love, and which are a unisex shoe, at least in some cultures. I started with heavy, wood-sole Swedish ones with a 2 to 2.5" heel, then moved into Clark's and others (mostly from Ebay) in the 2-3" range and even some up to 4" and with thinner (but not stiletto) heels. My wife is ok with my choices and although I've pushed myself and pushed her envelope a bit, it has been in tiny increments. But it's resulted in my wearing shoes that I like and that she is ok with, so it's a win-win situation as far as I'm concerned! I have a narrow foot, so I've been wearing women's shoes for a long time. I like the full insole and the hosiery-friendly interiors. I'm comfortable with a 3" heel for all day on my feet, and don't really have a desire to go any higher. Steve

Great report! Thanks for sharing. Hope you find a job soon, but that it's a job that doesn't infringe on your heeling time! Steve

G'day! This is indeed an international site and we get a fair amount of Aussies in here. Welcome! I'm not an Aussie myself, but I've been there many times and I may be the only Yank who loves both Slim Dusty and Vegemite! I was last in Oz in March of this year. Started out in Melbourne, visited friends in Bendigo, Sydney, and Gosford, and then took in both islands of NZ. Never been to Toowoomba, though. I know Brisbane is a distant suburb, and I've been there. Next time I go, I'll try to look you up. Enjoy your time here on the forum, mate! Steve

Johnie, Sounds like the kid had the high heel gene himself. You should have asked him if he wanted to buy a pair like you were wearing. LOL Steve

JeffB, if anyone on this forum is allowed to toot his own horn, it would be you! Definitely! Nice going. Steve

"Mirdles" - Ugh, I hate that name. "Men's shapewear" is much better.

http://www.comfilon.com/catalogbriefs.asp is one source.

There are also sheer pantyhose with control tops (e.g., Style A582) at:

http://www.comfilon.com/catalogsheerpantyhose.asp

And in the spirit of full disclosure, I am a partner in the company.

Steve

This is a cause for celebration! Now you really OWE the lady a big thank you, so whoop it up, take her out to her favorite restaurant and and have a night on the town as a way of letting her know how much you appreciate her tacit approval on your wearing heels in her presence. Focus the celebration on her, though, not the shoes. As long as women are secure, they'll let you get away with a lot. It just takes time for them to adjust to new ideas in men's footwear. Great news. Steve

Like the previous posters, I am a US women's size 12M in shoes with a back (pumps, boots, loafers, oxfords, etc.), but I can usually fit into a size 11M in backless shoes, like clogs, mules, and even sandals and slingbacks if the straps are sufficiently long and the heel is high. Even though I know these sizes are limited in the styles and companies that offer them, there are a lot more choices now than there used to be, and if there were more choices than there are now, my already too large collection would grow hopelessly larger (inversely proportional to my bank account). So I'd have to say I'm happy where I am. Steve

Actually, RonC, I really prefer that kind of thicker heel as more appropriate for men than the very thin and tall stiletto heels. It's a beautiful shoe and you have great taste! Enjoy wearing them. Steve

I think from now to Halloween I’m going to have to restrict my outfits to just boots and jeans so as not to be mistaken for early Halloween dress.

Nah, don't restrict yourself. Enjoy it. Everyday counts. Why limit what you like to do just because of an impending "holiday?" Besides, after Halloween, people are just going to jump to the wrong conclusion that you're still wearing your Halloween costume anyway. You can't win on that score, so continue wearing what you like whenever you like it. You're an inspiration to us all!

Trick or treat!

Steve

I cant believe how comfortable womens boots are. It turns my stomach to think that it is against the social norm for men to enjoy such comforts!.

If it was'nt for the negative reaction I would get from my freinds and family I would wear womens shoes all the time. But alas I have to much to loose just for a fashion item:sad:. Hopefully one day it will become the social norm.

I don't mean to be critical, because you've done a great job of getting out and wearing among strangers in public, but I want to stress that it will only become a social norm if enough men are seen wearing heels publically. It won't happen on its own, and it won't happen if every man cowers and waits for others to take the lead. We all think friends and family are the most difficult critics, but in fact they love us for who we are and mostly accept us "warts and all." It may take time to be accepted by them, so you may want to start slowly and conservatively, but at least get started. Eventually with enough envelope pushing, you can wear pretty much what you want. Your friends and family will see that you're still the same person you were, but just have an odd taste in shoes. Remember, the pioneers are the ones with arrows in their backs!

Steve

Johnie, they look great! Enjoy wearing them! Steve

Slide, It really is mostly a mind game. You do have to be comfortable, physically and mentally, with what you are wearing on your feet. If you're nervous, it will show, people will pay attention, and it will make you more nervous! If you are confident, people won't pay any attention, and if they do, chances are good you'll get a compliment. Confidence is sexy and if you have the courage to wear what a man might not ordinarily wear, then you're one cool dude! So go for it. I happen to like mules and clogs most myself. If your pants are getting caught between your heel and the shoe, they probably aren't long enough. Look into boot cut legs - they are made with a little flare and fall over the heel of any shoe very nicely. You can find more boot cut styles in women's pants than men's. Try JC Penney for example. Their service is top notch, and you can buy online if you want privacy, plus you can return anything you buy. Good luck! Steve

I've tried on hh shoes without much arch support or with the arch in the wrong place for my foot, but that one looks like it has zero arch support! Looks cool but it's probably unwearable. Steve

W&M, Well, it was a good learning experience, and except for a little wounded pride, you didn't get head over heels (no pun intended) in a relationship that you had trouble (as in legal or emotional) getting out of or were devastated by. Sure it stings a little but you've quickly gotten over it and now it is time to move on and don't look back. We're all your friends and you DID get help. Xa was right. So look for a better match and you'll eventually find one. It will be so much better than the last one, you'll wonder why you committed so much energy into worrying about this one! Good luck! Steve

Bubba,

You could also try wearing full support pantyhose. The compression will energize your legs and improve circulation, getting more oxygen to the leg muscles. A lot of guys on the Legwear as Unisex Fashion forum (the hosiery equivalent to hhplace.org more or less) have stated that compression legwear has put an end to their leg cramps at night.

I wear heels to bed (and often pantyhose, too). But I can't wear pumps - they make my feet too hot and I have to take them off. Sandals are perfect for me. Three to four inches is the right heel height for me. I have never experienced nightly leg cramps myself, but my wife has, and I know how painful they can be for her. I'm close to getting her to try the support pantyhose route, but I'm not there yet.

Good luck.

Steve

Right on! Take a look at the famous portrait of King Louis XIV of France, painted in 1701. Enlarge it and look at his clothes.

He's wearing shoes with red block heels (maybe 2-2.5" high) and matching red bows. At first I thought they were slingbacks (from the left foot position), but the right foot looks more like an oxford. He is also wearing silk tights with garters, lace, ruffles, and a wig. He still looks masculine to me, even though today we would usually attribute these articles to women!

Fashions change over time, sometimes rather quickly, as we saw when heels for men came and went suddenly in the 1970s. We tend to lose sight of that and think that fashion is stagnant, but it's not.

Steve

Xa, If you're thinking along the lines of stiletto court shoes, I would agree; the TV and newspaper media will have a field day at your expense. I think there is a middle ground here that you might consider, and that is heeled clogs, loafers, or boots with a block or cuban heel (3-4"). A shoe like that would be a lot more masculine looking (or at least a lot less feminine looking), and while perhaps not as fun and sexy as a stiletto, would still allow you to rise a few inches and have fun on heels without the media spoofing you. Another thought would be to get at least a dozen blokes to go with you, and it would be clear that there is some strength in numbers. People might be impressed that that many guys would come out for a walk in heels for a good cause. Steve

Happyfeat, All of your outfits look so well coordinated and not just thrown together. I tend to think that your body size and shape really go best with thicker heels, such as the loafers and loafer-style pumps, rather than the stilettos. To each his own, of course, but I really love the thicker heels on you with those outfits. Thanks for sharing your accounts of your outings with us. You're an inspiration! Steve

Magickman, Great story! Thanks for sharing. I'm sorry the evening didn't turn out as planned. Perhaps a little more online dialog beforehand would have convinced her that you were serious, so she didn't waste your time and hers, but like the others, I applaud your up-front honesty. You put all the cards on the table so she knew clearly what a relationship with you would entail. Oh, well, it's obviously her loss, and there are plenty of other fish in the sea. I'm glad the evening turned out well, and good luck in future dates! Roni, Man, that's a crock about that date who got turned off so much she wanted to end the date immediately. People can be so intolerant that they deprive themselves and their date a good time. She, too, obviously is the loser, and I hope you've had many more successful dates since her! Thanks for sharing your story. Steve

Luckyme, I agree with Dr. Shoe. You may have inadvertently set yourself up for problems later. She will now associate your heel-wearing with fetish wearing, which is fine if that's all you ever want to do, but will become a big barrier if you ever want to wear heels in public. To counter this false impression you have given, you need to act quickly. You might do well to buy a pair of fairly masculine or unisex looking heels (maybe 3-4"). Get some oxfords, loafers, or clogs with a block heel perhaps. Tell her right off that although it was exciting to wear the sexy shoes , what you really liked was the feel of the high heel and that you would really like to wear your new heels in public with her. That might take some of the fetish out of it and open the door to future public wearing if you think you would ever want to do that. I just hope you haven't painted yourself into a corner already. Good luck! Steve