AZShoeNut

I was having coffee sitting outside on a nice day at an open air mall in Phoenix in the early '90s.  A gal came out of a TJ Max wearing a pair of 4-inch single sole pumps.  She walked very smoothly but with purpose out to the parking lot.  I remember thinking how can someone walk at such a peppy pace, so well and so gracefully in a pair of heels that are that tall.  More than twenty years later I remember it like it was yesterday.  Ever since then I have aimed to walk like her in heels.  I would say that my stride is peppy yet smooth and graceful.

I actually received a compliment about my walking style.  A gal at a coffee house was commenting that I walk really well in heels.  She said that I was as good my hips even have they right sway.  I have never intended to sway my hips however I tend to believe that if you walk well in heels the sway comes with it.

Best,

Larry

SF, you got within 5 minutes of one when you passed thru my town not long ago.

In all fairness I was at work and not in heels. :-)

Howdy,

I have to say that I love a good pair or low heeled pumps.  During the late 80s when I really got my thing for heels all of the girls my age wore low heeled pumps.  In the early 2000s you could still pick up a pair of late 80s shoes as people started emptying their closets via eBay.  I believe that shoes like this now days are what are called kitten heels.

Also a favorite of mine from the time were low wedges - also eBay.

Pics (hopefully) below.

Best,

Larry

I rather enjoyed reading through those comments.

AZ, Have fun, tell the folks hi and get some R&R.

Thank you sir. It was a nice weekend.

Just a computer bag for me:

- MacBook Pro

- Power cord

- Super drive

- Earbuds

- The current book that I'm reading

- Assorted flying magazines

- Wallet

- Keys

- Pocket knife

- Kleenex packet

I am very happy as I'm waiting to get on a plane to go visit my parents after nearly a year and, while I am at it, I get to sleep in for three mornings in a row.

Payless clearance + promotions + free shipping being moved down to $25 finally got me to purchase a couple styles I've wanted for awhile. All are Christian Siriano for Payless.

First are Mayhem lace up booties in black. Very nice faux suede uppers, easily the nicest synthetic I've come across. Everything about these is soft and well-made and my size 13 fits perfectly. Of all the shoes purchased in this group these ended up being the biggest surprise.

Next are Manic pumps in black. I was hoping to get a pair of these in blue but they finally sold out. I opted for black and white instead since they are currently $10 per pair and with BOGO it's two pairs of awesome heels for $15 - can't go wrong. Although they were universally praised here when they first became available, I've heard mixed reviews from others. That said, I really like them and they feel like they'll be really comfortable. I just hope the mesh lining doesn't sag over time as it has already detatched in a few places but I was expecting that from what I read.

Last are Manic in white. Same with the above, fit very nice and will look great this summer. I've wanted a pair of white heels for awhile but never found a pair that I really liked. These have a classic feel to them and I really like how they look. I'm also looking forward to mixing the black and white versions of this shoe on the same day.

While these are all great, I really wish Payless would bring back Christian Siriano's Gold Collection. Those styles were all really unique and even if all of them weren't my thing, it was nice to have those choices in size 13.

Wow! I really like the top pair. I've seen them online but didn't think they would look as good on as they do on. Awesome shoe haul there Lime!

Well, today is a beautiful day, the sun is shining, birds are singing. I think I will put on some beautiful high heeled sandals, go outside and just smile.

Awesome!! Hope you enjoyed :-)

Really hot female college student in tow...

I'm curious and totally game for a long story.

:-)

Larry

Howdy HappyinHeels,

I would say that I was pretty confident during this adventure and I am pretty sure that that along with the less obvious shoe-sock combination led to the ease of the outing and the lack of negative experience.  Mostly the confidence, however.

So far I have spent far to little time out in my heels here in the Sacramento area.  My experience at the Arden Fair mall was kind of crappy compared to my outings in AZ.  But my experience going shopping in Orangevale was at least as good as if not possibly better than my outings in AZ.

I would love to get some time in San Francisco however if I am headed that way then I am likely to be headed that way with my wife and son which typically means no outings in heels.  That being said where would one go and what would one do in SF for the evening?  I could see, when funds permit, getting a weekend pass for heeling from the Mrs to go and do it.  Or perhaps we stay the night over there and she and my son could go their way and I could go mine for the evening.  Would you see staying a night at a hotel downtown?  What would be a good location in the city for such activity?  Its a big place and I have not been the most extroverted fellow.

Best,

Larry

Wow love ur stories

Thank you.

Best,

Larry

These are my new Jessica Simpson Shirley Brilliant Blue suede pumps size 10 with a 4 ½ in heel single sole round toe

They fit great at this time .The sole is a soft rubber like substance so its nice none slip shoe I like it with these skinny jeans

Got them off Epay from Apparel Save

Maybe some day a nice trip with them is due

The first pic is the true color

I absolutely freaking love your new pumps. To me, those are perfection manifested as shoes. If they were available in my size I'd buy the in an instant and wear them out ASAP.

Best,

Larry

I've gotten that very same comment from women from time to time. And, it's not too hard to detect a certain level of....envy in their voices to boot.

I have received similar comments both in person and all over my Facebook posts about the Walk a Mile in Her Shoes event that I did a couple weeks ago.

I wouldn't cal the comments jealous.  I am not so sure that they are envious either as most gals that I know that don't walk well in heels simply don't wear heels and they are fine with it.  There are a few exceptions such as gals who at one time wore great shoes and for whatever reason can't anymore.

I actually think that the comments are, perhaps, an expression of excitement about a shared experience.  Though many of us walk well in heels right out of the box in our first few attempts I think that we can all agree that initially the experience is, at minimum, awkward.  Overcoming the awkwardness and really rocking a pair of heels is point of pride whether you are a guy or a gal.  I hear gals make similar comments to other gals and I think having the opportunity to have that shared experience with a guy is uncommon and ups the excitement.

Right on, man. Sound like fun.

I didn't buy any shoes for a while but went a little overboard the past weeks. I attached a selection of what I've gotten recently. My trousers are a little odd at the shoes in the picture of the t-straps and it's quite fuzzy. It's not so easy to take good pictures by yourself!

Ever so envious. Great shoes!

Hello BTBA,

I really suggest connecting with a therapist. It sounds to me like you could be caught up in a whirlwind is rumination along with other things. A therapist can help you get your thoughts and feelings out and understand them better. Also, I have seen 4 therapist in my time and 3 of them have helped me to appreciate wearing heels more.

With as down as you seem to be, please, please work with your folks to go see a therapist. I would hate to learn that your bad experience with the boots got the best of you.

Best,

Larry

Thats pretty cool Logjam.

Since I wear a size 12W I am a little limited on the number of stores that carry my size.  Typically, if I want to try on shoes I have to go to Payless or Torrid.  Occasionally I can find a lingerie store or the like that keeps some size 12 stock too.

I have had fantastic experiences shopping openly for myself at both Payless and Torrid.  I have had sales assistants that enjoy chatting and commenting on the shoes that I am trying on and I find that to be the most fun.  Really chatting about whatever and then, "Oh yeah, I really like those," or, "I like the nude suede pumps better," and then back to chatting about classes they are taking at the university.  It really makes the buying experience fun and, for lack of better term, seem normal.

One of the last purchases that I made in Phoenix before I moved to CA was at a place called Lingerie Super Store in Mesa.  The gal there made it a point to find whatever size 12s and 13s she had.  She chatted a lot about high heels and really set out to make me feel like the most important customer in the store.  If they work off commission then it paid off for her as I bought the shoes.

That is $0.02 worth on this topic.

Best,

Larry

Cl0setheels,

Wow, great story and what a fantastic friend you have.  I was just beaming with happiness for you as I read your story.

Though I too prefer the thinner heeled shoes from your second picture post I have to believe that you chose the right shoes for cobble stones.  The Mary Janes that you chose are not too bad for reasonable shoes too.  They are certainly feminine and cute as well.

What a great time and I am looking forward to reading about more of your adventures.

Best,

Larry

Larry;

 

The fact that your wife  took your picture    (did she know it was for this site?) and a video and posted it on youtube, I think, is a major step in her being comfortable with your heeling.

 

 

I'd be willing to bet there isn't a pair of size 12 or 13 pumps left in any store in Sacramento.    It looked like a great event.

I had quite the thread going about this on Facebook.  In addition to wearing heels I really wanted to raise money for the organization.  That thread on face book received a whole bunch of comments from family and friends.  Most of which was playful chiding and fun along with gratitude for supporting the cause.  75% of the people who posted comments wanted pictures.  So, the Mrs knew that the pictures would be posted to Facebook and she didn't bat an eyelid when she inquired as to what I was doing when I made my post here.

There is barely an event that goes by where the Mrs. doesn't take like 80 pictures so she was doing her usual thing.  I have to say that this was certainly a step in the right direction with my heeling experience however she still isn't about to go out with me in heels.  At least without several drinks.

SF, the video is hilarious!  I really laughed with, "Be careful or George Lucas will re-release Star Wars again," inside a Starbucks with my ear buds on.  I swore the two CHiPs officers sitting across from me undid the snap on their holster.  I too wish that you could have made it.  Maybe next year or another event around the bay area.

Best,

Larry

Howdy,

Okay, here is my entry.

I wasn't going to post to this as I don't shave my legs however I received a few compliments about my legs over the weekend.  Feeling emboldened I will go ahead and share these two pics.

Best,

Larry

Congrats on the comment from your dad.  That was AWESOME!

 

Enjoy the event and please post pics!

Thank you!  It was awesome!

Larry,

 

The heels look great on you!  You truly did find an inspirational sculpture beside which to pose for the picture.  Who took the picture?

 

 

TBG

Thank you, sir.  From a veteran heel wearer such as yourself that is quite the compliment.  Much appreciated.

The Mrs took the picture.  She thought it was a fitting shot for me.

Wow, great report, Larry! I'm glad it was all positive!

 

What size shoe is that behind you? Looks to me to be about a 5' heel! LOL

 

Steve

Thank you, Steve.  It really was a great event.  It was by far one of the best events that we have been to in downtown Sacramento.  The people were decent and the event was by far the best organized.  Food, beverage, and bounce houses and other fun stuff for the kids.  A class act.

I believe that I saw a triple digit W size printed inside the heel cup on the big red pump.  :-)

Glad you had a great experience. Just remember to keep your head high and "own it"

Thank you, sir.  I will

The Mrs. and I took a couple video clips.  Please do not expect anything amazing.  We are both getting used to our phones and the Mrs. filmed hers vertically.  I think that they just illustrate the fun and the magnitude of the event along with sharing the sound of all of the cheering from the sidelines.

Best,

Larry

https://youtu.be/4Hj8auh7ljc

https://youtu.be/kxMtB5sm03o

https://youtu.be/4Hj8auh7ljc

Larry….   Wonderful reaction from your dad.  Good for you!!  So sorry that I won't be able to go to the the WAM event as well, I have another obligation.  But HAVE FUN !!!  Take care, sf

Thanks SF.  Wish you were able to make it.  It was a great time.  Hopefully next year!

Congrats on the comment from your dad.  That was AWESOME!

 

Enjoy the event and please post pics!

Thank you!

Good luck on your Walk A Mile, I did one last fall and it was wonderful event. The sponsors of the walk were so gracious with support for being out in public in 4 1/2 " pumps. Got a lot of compliments on the look especially with pegged skinny jeans. The ladies were saying you ROCK THE LOOK

Thank you.  I had a cute younger gal come up to me and say, "The way you rock those heels is awesome!  You really should do it more often.  I thanked her and she said, "Really, you should wear heels more often, you really own those heels."  That was pretty cool.

So, the Walk a Mile in Her Shoes event for WEAVE in Sacramento, CA turned out to be absolutely awesome.  It felt like a block party with a purpose.  There were 1100 men out there walking and family and friends on the sidelines cheering us along the whole way.

The event was well organized and everybody from the staff to the walkers were enthusiastic, good people.  All ages were represented too.  There were kids as young as eight or nine years old walking along with folks who could have been in their seventies or perhaps eighties.

Guinness was out there too looking for heels and counting guys as we passed the start and finish line.  I am curious as to if all 1100 guys made it through the entire walk to make the record happen.

One of the best parts was that my wife and son were out there with me.  She was reserved about going and she had a blast.  She was surprised about how many guys do so well in heels and what a fun event a fundraiser like this could be.

I have heard good comments and bad comments about Walk a Mile events however I have to say that there is not one negative thing that I can say about this one.  It was truly a great way to spend the morning, support a very good cause, and spend some time in heels, not in secret.

Best,

Larry

I agree with exactly what Steve said.

My Mom has told me that she wishes that I'd let her be involved with my experience of heels when I was a teenager. My dad said that he was sad that I felt that I had to hide it.

I learned in my thirties that I could have had the "dream" scenario in my teens if I'd just been open. Fear of having to put the cat back in the bag kept me from saying anything. Everything's a risk.

Good luck with your choice. I'm rooting for you.

Best,

Larry

Yep, me too.

Shoes are probably the first thing I notice in any situation be it TV or whatever.