Steve63130

With a shoulder bag I have both arms free; with a clutch, I'd have to clutch it. No thanks. A clutch is for klutzes. I like a shoulder bag, so I can stuff everything including the kitchen sink in it, although the weight sometimes drains me. I hate stuff in my pants pockets. It make me look fatter and it's uncomfortable. Besides, women's jeans have smaller pockets. Steve

Yes! They published it and my compliments to you for taking my advice seriously. Good going! In my experience, and this is shared with a lot of guys here, mentioning that you're a guy (and I like your term "fashion forward guy") will usually not stop a well-crafted review, even if it's not a totally favorable review, as long as it's fair, analytical, and balanced. Your review supports this. Your comment about being a guy is just right, there is nothing the shoe company would consider inappropriate (like mentioning fetish or cross dressing or using inappropriate language) and it obviously did not kill the chances of the review being published. Bravo! Steve

Great idea! Establish a date, time, and place, post an announcement in the Real Life Meetings section, and see who responds. Perhaps you'll be pleasantly surprised at how the event goes. Good luck! Steve

Men, for obvious reasons cannot wear pantyhose alone and it's best to have the support of snug panties on first. Until the time comes when it's fully accepted for men to wear pantyhose, it still is best to wear pants over them, unless, of course, one is already comfortable wearing it with shorts or skirts.

Legwear (tights, pantyhose, stockings, trouser socks, and foot covers) made for and marketed to men is becoming more and more popular and I'd say that as a fashion it is way ahead of men wearing high heels. Men's styles of legwear don't require additional underwear because they are designed with room for "male equipment" and they're supportive and comfortable. And it's fully accepted for men to wear them. Now. Today. In public. Even with shorts (not in sub-freezing weather, but in cool weather and of course in warm weather as well). Legwear under trousers goes all but unnoticed, unlike high heels that are more obvious if the pants aren't long enough or if the wearer is seated.

There is a group very much like this forum called Legwear as Unisex Fashion. Men who want to wear legwear have the same insecurities, challenges, goals, and achievements as guys in high heels. Check it out, on Delphi Forums at http://forums.delphiforums.com/legwearuf

Another source of information on men's legwear is www.activskin.com.

Steve

Glad they published the review, but in my opinion it would have been better if you had mentioned that you're a male and that you like heels. I think it's important to let the suppliers (and other customers) know who's buying high heels. Steve

One of our own members here did a "Cutting the grass in thigh high stilettos"...

Hey, Tech, take it easy on him. It was a cutting edge performance!

Steve

Nothing subtle about those boots at all - they scream for attention! You've conquered the demons in your head very well. Wearing any shoes that are less obvious will now be a piece of cake! Attaboy! Steve

DSW has lots of shoes in size 12, but they're all online. Not many 12s in any DSW stores I've been in. Sometimes I'll find an 11, which I can wear in a backless shoe (clog or sandal), but in a shoe with a back (pumps, loafers, slings) I usually need a 12. Steve

Keep us posted on what you find/buy! Steve

I've met lots of people from here in person, and some have become good friends, so the answer is yes. Steve

Welcome back, HF! Glad to see you are still among the living (and heeling). Great outfits, as usual. While complacency might set in after a period of wearing heels and finding out that nobody else cares, you have to remember that guys like you who are on the forefront of getting out there and strutting your stuff are an inspiration to a lot of wanna-be heelers here who want to go public but have issues and hangups doing so. Mostly the demons are in our heads, but you have to show by example, with details, photos, and real world experiences. You've always done that well and inspired lots of others here (including me). Your job here is to continue to lead us out of darkness and into the light. Stick around and give us your best ideas and fashion wisdom. Please, no more long absence! Steve

Great news! I'm pleased to report that I got a new pair of black sandals in the mail Friday, "Born Free" from Aerosoles, with a 2 3/4" block heel and a nicely embossed leather strap over the foot with an attached toe ring. Immediately after trying them on, the "Wow" factor hit a 10 and I was really impressed with them. I wore them for an hour and just had to write up a review, so I did and posted it to their web site. I mentioned in the review that I was a guy, thinking that might be a red flag and they possibly wouldn't publish it, but that didn't happen. This morning they approved and published my review, totally un-edited, just the way I wrote it. Good for them!

The page is at http://www.aerosoles.com/eng/product/born_free/born-free

and the site, for those who are outside the US and can't read that link is at www dot aerosoles dot com. Search for Born Free and read the review by Aeroloyal (me).

I also took a photo, but they didn't publish that. I'm attaching it here.

And for archival purposes, at some point in time when the shoe is no longer available and the web page is gone, here is my review:

"Outstanding comfort and fit

February 17, 2012

I'm really impressed with these sandals. They fit absolutely perfectly from the moment I first put them on and it was like they were custom made for me. They have a 2 3/4 inch heel that is perfect for me, as I like heel heights of 2-3 inches. They seem to be well made, and I love the soft fabric of the footbed. It has just the right amount of cushion to be very comfortable, and grip for walking without slipping out of them. The toe ring is quite adequate and very comfortable, and the non-slip rubber sole and heel are quiet and give great traction. This is not my first pair of Aerosoles sandals, but my seventh! I love this brand. And by the way, I am a male, happily married, dress in male mode, and I have a narrow foot, so women's shoes fit me better than men's. My wife is fine with it and says guys can look good in the right shoes, even if they're intended for women. Thank you Aerosoles!"

How could they NOT publish that, eh?

Guys: Here's a supplier worth supporting! If you wear a size 12 or smaller, there are a lot of good styles here, the fit is great, and the quality and customer service are exceptional. Report it in this thread!

Steve

I detect a lot of pent-up hostility in your posts. Chill out, mate. It's just shoes. And we do have that right to wear the shoes or boots we want. Right now. The world is not hostile to us heel wearers. The demons are in our own heads. The only way fashion changes is for people to be bold enough to wear it, be seen wearing it, and get it to go viral on youtube! LOL Negativity won't win you friends and company here. Steve

And she did mention that I am NOT the only guy shopping for womens shoes - ha ha... sf

No, I was the other guy in her store. HA HA (just kidding!)

Steve

PS. What are the sandals in your new avatar? I like them.

I thought maybe I was the only one who didn't like anything I saw on the Payless web site lately. I'm finding that none of the Aerosoles or Naturalizer current offerings appeal to me either, and those are my favorite brands usually. Guess I'll be saving money this spring <sigh>. Steve

Yep, the boy chases the girl until she catches him! LOL Steve

Most often when out on the cycle, I'm in the boots in the jpg attachment. I've scuffed them up a bit so I'm not likely to wear anything else at this point...

You'll catch cold.

Steve

Cheating? This isn't an examination. Just wear what you want. If you like plats, great; if not, that's fine also. It's all a matter of personal taste. The concept of cheating here doesn't really apply. It's like asking if wearing flat shoes is cheating. Steve

HappyInHeels, I agree with you on everything you said. I started getting a professional manicure monthly in April and had my first pedicure in July of 2011. It was a wonderful experience and I wrote about it in this forum. I have been shaving and epilating since 1998, and would never go back to hairy legs. Legwear (tights, pantyhose, stockings, and knee-high hose) feel wonderful over smooth legs, and stay up much better, too. I keep my nails in good shape - it makes the hose last longer - with regular care and light pink polish (which looks natural). Since April 2011 I have had only one person notice and comment on my nails and it was very positive. Steve

My heels cast a shadow on groundhog day.. is that a good thing?

I think it means six more weeks of no sandals <sigh>.

Steve

You have a lot of sympathy here, because most of us have probably been in your shoes (so to speak) at one time, and we know the agony, embarrassment, and anxiety that comes with having to deal with this kind of situation. There isn't much more I can add. The advice above is excellent, and you would be foolish to ignore it. There is hope that with plenty of time and lots of baby steps, you can change her thinking. You have to have lots of conversation and discussion on the subject so you can each understand the other's point of view. If she is totally unwilling to change her mind, then drop her, because your desire to wear heels will never diminish and you will be miserable. What's worse, if she's that adamant over something like this, wait till something really important comes up. Marriage involves compromise and you can't control the other person or the relationship is doomed. She can voice her opinion but she shouldn't hold you hostage on this issue. Look for wiggle room. Is she ok with 2" block heeled boots or loafers? Start small and push the envelope for years and you'll get there. If you can't find any room for compromise, drop her. It'll hurt for a while but you'll find a woman with a more open mind on this subject and it won't tear you apart like this situation is doing now. Good luck! Steve

The booties look great on you! Let us know how it goes when you wear them to work! Steve

I just got a notice by email that there will be another event this June in Columbus:

Save the Date: Walk a Mile in Her Shoes

The fourth annual Walk a Mile in Her Shoes will be held on Saturday, June 16, 2012 at The Mall at Tuttle Crossing in Dublin, Ohio. This event will kick off at 6:30 pm with a casual one mile walk with both men and women walking in high heels to support Gracehaven. An after-party will feature local vendors, lots of food and activities for the family.

REGISTRATION INFORMATION

Individual

$50 - Adult

$25 - Student

$60 - Adults who would prefer to wear flip flops instead of high heels - NEW!!

Teams - New this year - online team registration

$175 - Team of five adults

Each additional adult can be added for $35 per adult

$100 - Team of five students

Each additional student can be added for $20 per student

If you are interested in being a sponsor or a vendor at the after-party, please email Kendra at kpetrill@gracehavenhouse.org for further details.

Trouser socks made for and marketed to men are found at www.activskin.com . There are 4 different styles of thin, opaque knee high socks, and also sheer socks for men, as well as tights, pantyhose, and stockings.

It's really no big deal for a guy to wear thin socks. Activskin has thousands of customers who do. If you can fit into women's trouser socks, great, but if you need a bigger/longer sock for your feet, check the web site out.

Steve

You can get more information on their web site at:

http://walkamileinhershoes.org/

and check their calendar to see what's playing near you in 2012. The one in Columbus, Ohio, in June 2011 was very well attended and we all had a great time!

Steve