Steve63130

If he fell off the trail and died, he'd certainly win the coveted Darwin Award.

Steve

I have some sandals (and other shoes) that could be a little larger in length or width or both. Some could be stretched, but others probably won't. While I wear them for short periods of time, I'm finding that as I get older (and my feet have developed bunions and a hammertoe), I have less patience for shoes that are uncomfortable or painful. I'm more selective in what I keep and toss. I've learned that if I try on a shoe that doesn't feel good right away, it probably won't get better later, so I better move on and get something else. I call it the "WOW" factor. Ever had the experience where you try on a pair of shoes that fit perfectly, the arch is in the right place, the toe box is roomy enough, the heel feels great, and the shoe seems like it was custom made for you? You go "WOW!" That's a 10. On the other foot, surely you've all tried on shoes that are too small or too big and you say, "Aw, %&#*!" That's a zero. Everything else falls in between. I tend to keep the 8s, 9s, and 10s and let the others go.

I have to confess, however, that I have some shoes that have low WOW factor numbers, and common sense says to get rid of them to make closet space for something better, but my emotions say aw, they're gorgeous, so keep them and maybe someday by magic they will fit better; keep trying. Of course, that's highly unlikely, but yes, there are some styles I just can't bear to part with. 

So, if you like them, keep them, wear them. But do listen to your feet. When they tell you they hurt, either fix the shoes (stretch, add arch support, etc.) or put them in the discard pile. Life is too short for shoes that hurt, and the pain is telling you that those shoes could damage your feet with too much wearing. Your foot bones get fragile with age, so don't risk it. Look for shoes that fit better. Besides, what's more fun than shoe shopping?

Hope that advice helps.

Steve

Ouch! At least you didn't break anything, I hope!

Steve

Sometimes guys can be the most insecure species on the planet!

Glad you had a good outcome. Thanks for sharing your story.

Steve

Yes, I've even seen (gasp!) ballet flats and flat sandals posted on here. While high heels are the focus, we all have other interests as well. As long as we are all tolerant and respectful of others, this site will continue to be a nice, safe, and fun place to be. 

Your boots are high and they have heels (albeit low ones) so therefore you are wearing "high" "heels." There, you met the requirements! LOL

Steve

Jeremy,

Thanks for sharing your story. It sounds like a huge milestone for you to wear heels around your wife at home without her saying anything negative. You can build on this in a couple of ways. If you sense that she's really trying to accept you in heels, you can thank her for being accepting. Tell her you had a good time wearing them, and it means a lot to you, but not more than she does. Make sure you continue to give her a hand with household tasks. Go out of your way to show her love - whatever she likes - flowers, a nice dinner out, diamonds, rubies, etc.! Make sure she knows you love her and appreciate that she's trying to get her head around your love of wearing heels. Do this for several months without pushing the envelope further. Once she is confident that you're the same guy she married only better, she'll be more accepting and make your leash longer. You'll have a little more freedom, but never push too fast. Make sure she's the center of attention and not the heels. 

Take your time as you move on your journey. Savor each day. It took me 20 years for my wife to get comfortable with my footwear choices. But it was worth the effort!

Steve

Puffer,

I didn't consider that my text could be taken another way, but I did mean that, looking down, I position my feet so that they are at an angle to the direction in which I'm walking. For 32 years we lived in an old Victorian house (HappyinHeels, Vector, and a few others have seen it) which had a stairway with 17 steps, straight, no landing. I got lots of practice. Now, we live in a retirement cottage all on one level, no basement, no steps, not even at the front door. It's all wheelchair accessible, which fortunately neither I nor my wife need just yet. So I'm not getting as much stairway practice as I used to!

Steve

Rhys,

Even though the experience may seem trivial to some, to you it was BIG and worthy of celebration. We're all at different stages in the journey, so your accomplishment at your stage is fantastic! Well done and thanks for sharing! Each time you do something like that, it's a little victory and one of these days you'll look back and wonder why you waited so long. I know I do!

Steve

Mlroseplant,

Yes, I notice it's been a while since you posted. Glad you're back!

While I don't wear heels as high as HiH, I have never had any trepidation going down or up stairs. I do usually angle my feet so they're not perpendicular to the steps, and that certainly makes it easier. But the best advice, as Cali noted, is to hold on to the handrail and pay attention to where you put your feet. Oh, and practice, practice, practice. As far as building up your leg muscles, sure, it can't hurt. 

Good luck!

Steve

Good topic. For me, like most guys on here, it started out as fetish, but about 10 years ago I made the decision to go public, and by wearing heels everyday, the fetish aspect quickly wore off. But the enjoyment didn't. I still love wearing heels. My wife didn't want to see me in heels at first, and still wouldn't be comfortable with me in public in really femme shoes, like stilettos, strappy sandals, bright colors, ultra high heels, etc. But she's fine with me in boots, sandals, pumps, clogs, wedges, flats, and even with a pedicure (and manicure, too). I always carry a purse and almost always wear legwear. What is it about heels that I love? I love the feeling of being a little taller, and the feeling of having my foot bent into an S-shape instead of flat. I love the way women's shoes caress my feet. I love the way heels look, too - how they can be like works of art sometimes. That about sums it up.

Steve

Exactly! LOL

Steve

I can't remember when I just had 40 pairs of women's shoes. I wear women's shoes exclusively now, mostly heels, but sometimes flats, and I've never had more fun! I've long past outgrown the closet space and spilled over to other storage bins under the bed. My wife gave me the ultimatum that each time I buy a new pair of shoes, I have to get rid of an old pair. I agreed but failed miserably to comply. It's hopeless, really.

Steve

I'm generally not fond of horizontal stripes, but you pull that look off very well. My compliments.

Steve

Sefir,

Be your own person. Wear what you want. You don't need anyone's permission. Yes, you'll get looks, but rarely questions or comments. You may get compliments from women who love shoes. But most people don't care. Teenage girls in groups will giggle. Ignore them.

It's a great feeling of freedom to wear the clothes you want. Be in command of your life. You only get one chance at it, so make the most of it. Beware, however, that you MUST practice in heels to walk gracefully and confidently. You must take the time to do it, and you can't do it indoors - practice outside on real pavement. Watch for grates, cobblestones, sidewalk cracks, and other obstacles. Walking like you're an accomplished high heel expert exudes confidence and most women find confidence sexy. Go for it!

Steve

But kangaroos don't like to fly Qantas. It makes them jumpy.

LOL

Steve

You asked them for an elevator and they gave you the shaft!

Sorry about that.

Steve

James,

I love everything about them, but unfortunately those of us with bunions couldn't wear them comfortably.

Steve

If you want to graduate to something with a bit taller heel but still under the radar and not at all obvious as women's shoes, try the Tori Ankle Strap Boot from Payless. You can get it up to US women's size 13, with an actual heel height of 2 7/8 inches (just under 3 inches). It's true to size and width. I bought it in 12W and it fits me perfectly. It's very comfortable, warm, reasonably well made, has a convenient inner side zip, and it isn't expensive at all (nor is it real leather).  It can be worn comfortably with socks, nylons, or barefoot. You can get it online and in stores. I highly recommend it if you want something that won't draw attention, will qualify as a high heel women's boot, and which you will enjoy wearing.

Steve

HiH,

I don't advocate towering heels. I can't wear anything higher than 3.5 inches myself. If somebody wants to wear higher heels, and can do so with grace and confidence, great! But towering heels are not for me. Towering flats, perhaps...LOL

Steve

I'm impressed with your caring relationship! But you can still have fun with shoes without towering over her. Consider lower heeled puimps, sandals, loafers, clogs, or even ballet flats. They are just as fun, in my opinion, and MUCH less risky than stilettos. Maybe they're not your cup of tea, but give them a try if your so inclined.

Good luck!

Steve

Great boots and jeans, Sydheel! Love the look.

Steve

Same with me, SF. We think alike. So alike it's scary!

Steve

SF,

You're such a tease! For goodness sake, tell us the brand and style. When you display such elegant shoes as the ones you do, inquiring minds want more details!

Steve

SF,

Those are awesome sandals. What is the brand and style? I like them a lot. 

Treat your wife like the queen she deserves to be! You're a lucky guy. Have fun!

Steve

You have an amazing amount of confidence, and many women find confidence sexy. I'll bet it will be a lot easier for you next time. I find it astounding that more people don't comment. The red shoes are very obvious (and attractive), and even people who don't look at shoes much would notice, at least you'd think so. Anyway, you didn't self-destruct, the earth still rotates and revolves in its orbit, and all is well. Great job, and thanks for sharing with us. 

BTW, what brand of shoes are they? We can't see much of them as they're hidden by your pants cuffs. And what did the cat think of them? LOL

Steve