Charlie

Debbie: I'm sorry to have taken so long to get around to viewing the clip. Nice heels, and what a wonderful technique you display walking in them. Very confident indeed! Charlie

Let's not be too hard on Terayon's mom here. She was being practical. I don't think she was forbidding Teyaron from wearing the sandles in public with shorts. I think she was simply saying that she knew Teyaron wouldn't have the nerve to wear them with shorts in public, and as such, he should pick something he'd actually use. I'm with her on this one if my take is correct. Charlie

Black flared, hip hugging jeans, flat black leather knee high boots with 3/4" platform soles and 4" semi-chunky heels, navy blue henley shirt, (my favorite shirt style) and a light jean blazer. Charlie

Teyaron: That's not an unusual phenomenon for those first starting out. At first, I experienced a bit of that myself. What's happening is that you feel totally safe and accepted within the inner sanctuary of your home. This leaves you very relaxed. Walking in heels is a breeze. When outside, however, you're more vulnerable. The ingrained fear of doing "something wrong" rears its ugly head and you begin to tense up ever so slightly. This tensing up makes walking in heels a bit more difficult. As you venture further out in public, you'll notice that, for example, when walking across a deserted portion of a parking lot, everything is okay ---- only to have this great heel walking skill seemingly dissappear once you happen upon some people. (when you want the skill most!) You've just been payed a visit by "Mr. Fear". In time, you'll get so used to the heels in public thing that Mr. Fear will find someone else to pester. You'll see................... Charlie

About the only negative thing I can think of w/regards to platforms is that all politicians have them. Charlie

They let you wear your street shoes while bowling? In the U.S., we're forced to wear "bowling shoes" that we either own ourselves or the people at the bowling alleys supply via renting. Charlie

4" heels daily now and climbing.............. Charlie

We need to get JeffB into this conversation. He's the foremost expert at wearing pumps (yeah the "real" thing) to work and out and about. I think they'ed look silly on me, (I'm not fat at all, but just don't like the ultra thin heels) but I'd consider a pair like Highluc pictured. Those are the best looking pumps I've ever seen. Love the heel design on those! Charlie

The young learn by asking questions of the more experienced. That's OK. That's how I got to know everything. Charlie

I like those Richy! Charlie

If you can come up with the airfare someday, perhaps Inga can provide accommodations.... (I'm not trying to speak for you Inga, it was just a thought) Besides, with all of our pictures posted, you wouldn't need a sign to meet Laurie at the airport! Charlie

I vary the thickness of my socks according to the boot style/fit I'm going to wear on any given day. My new Sketcher's 4" heeled knee high boots, for example, are a size 11 and are extremely comfortable with a thin dress sock. Most of my other boots (mules I wear barefoot) are fine with standared run-of-the-mill cotton socks. Shockqueen is quite right about lycra/spandex tights being nice. I wear them when I bike ride and in-line skate and they're extremely comfortable. Movement in them isn't impared at all, and they're also surprisingly effective at keeping one's legs warm! Charlie

Yep, there is one thing we all need to be reminded of every now and then, and that is there is no right or wrong style of shoe or boot. Only opinions of each. That's why I know I'm right when I state that platform boots with a platform under 1" are simply the best boot style! Charlie

Laurie, there are just never any soldiers or plows when I need them......... Charlie

I think Laurie was getting somewhere with her diagnosis of why a shallow friend may stop being a friend. What I'd like to add to that is that I believe it's largely due to a guilt by association complex. For the more shallow amongst us, the thought of being seen in public with a friend that doesn't comply to the standards of the rest of the herd is likely very scary as there's a fear that the herd may not turn on just the noncompliant person. This kind of person represents a small loss when they choose flight over fight. Charlie

Don't forget mine fields................ Actually, heels would probably be better here as the odds of hitting the detonator are likely less that with flats where more surface area contacts the ground. Here's a case where I'd consider stilleto heels! Charlie

Bert, Your wife is tough! I have to agree with the others that have already stated that the underslung heeled western styled boots would be no problem for public wear even in stuffy old New England, U.S.A. Actually, there were several pairs in your collection that would be no problem at all in public. I really liked the onecs that you said were your favorite. (picture with your feet up on the desk....) I went to the movies last night with my new pair of Sketchers platform boots. The heels are what I'd call medium chunky (2 1/4" side by 2 1/2" back) and 4" high while the platform sole is around 2/3" thick. The shaft of the boot is knee high. I wore flared jeans that cover the heel in the back, and like I expected, had no problems whatsoever. I've already worn them to work for a nine hour day, and was extremely comfortable in them. Again, no problems. Charlie

By the time I'm old and grey, I'll have a pretty good shoe museum myself! Charlie

For the "how do you walk in those things" comments, try this next time: "I don't know what to tell you. Try pretending you're me and practice towards a door." Or something like that..... Charlie

OK Laurie, so you see what you've started here!? Don't pick on me again!!!! Charlie

Yeah I think having seperate girls/guys forums works out well. Some times the gals drop in on our forum and visa versa. I think that's OK too. I think that much of the posting of redundant subjects is done by novices. I don't personally find this disruptive. Charlie Charlie

Boy you hit a nerve there Firefox! That's one of my greatest pet peves!! I know a few people like that. These people always seem to be entertaining "better offers" after they've made plans already. Very self-centered sorts if you ask me........... Charlie

Bert: Now that is one smart combination! Those heels are perfect for formal wear!! Charlie

I have to admit that I didn't think it was possible for thigh high boots to not look tarty. This photo sure proves that wrong. Charlie P.S. I think I'm finally rid of those awful kitten heels now!

The boots came in this past Friday. Wow! They are a size 11, and yet, they fit great! (I normally wear a 12M) I wore them to the relative's house today for an Easter lunch with the entire family. I like the shaft of the boots as they squeeze snuggly (but not tightly) around my calves. The heel and sole is very firm rubber and very quiet. (just the way I like them) They were very nice to put back on after playing some roller hockey this afternoon as my feet aren't yet in top shape for skating and these boots offer wonderful support around the arches. I'll probably wear them to the movies this coming Weds. Charlie