Firefox

Sorry you can't make it Bob. You're very welcome on future outings Just a reminder for everyone else that the two rendezvous on 25th, at Lakeside 13.30, and the 26 at Centrepoint at midday, are very much "on". There's going to be at least 6 people on Friday and 12 people on saturday, so if you've not come before, please feel free. If you are shy, I guarantee that I am very easy to talk to. In fact, we know each other already don't we, now? So you've nothing to fear; come along, and have a beer! (Apologies, I never was very much good at poetry ) <font size=-1>[ This Message was edited by: Firefox on 2002-01-23 06:04 ]</font>

I really can't remember the last time I saw a woman wearing thigh boots in England, Debbie. It might even have been at a panto like Carolyn mentioned. I know it's not your scene, but trousers and ankle boots or loafers/trainers are certainly the most common wear for women here in winter. I think it needs you back to lead the way, and in our colder climate thigh boots would be more appropriate. It would be nice to see more variety...

We're hoping to have some business cards or small postcard type leaflets for distribution to shoe shops, meetings, conacts, initially in the UK. Post any comments or ideas here. My thoughts: I think personally we should get away from such phrases as "Heel liberation", "High Heels for Men" etc. It's a bit too fetishy and avant garde for the mainstream market IMO. Instead, I feel the phrase "Men's Footwear Fashion Freedom" or "Male Footwear Fashion Freedom" (MFFF), are more appropriate. Of course fashion freedom includes things like platforms, wedges, heels, and other styles of uppers than the "Oxford Boat". That will be made clear on the literature, but just to concentrate on heels would wrong I think. <font size=-1>[ This Message was edited by: Firefox on 2002-01-28 01:22 ]</font>

N or Z gauge would be boring as well though, only 2" heels for N and even less for Z ! I was into modeling Southern Railways, 1925-1948 but have not had time recently All my stuff was in 00. Mostly RTR but I scratchbuilt buildings and stuff.

I know a few of us are into railways too. Tell us about your interest here, and if you wore heels to the latest exhibition. It certainly gives a better view if people are packed round a popular layout!

Well, I could never "love" them. I suppose that's proven by the fact I don't wear them apart from the micro 10-18mm styling plats already mentioned.

I'm in my devils advocate mood now Debbie You asked what people saw in them. Well, if someone wanted to be a little taller and they weren't used to the lift of heels, then patforms could be the answer. And many people get something from being taller, not necessarily from heels. Platforms have their own unique feel as well, and some might like that. I still think the thick ones are a fasion nightmare, but then again if you wear or see something enough, you could get used to it, and even end up liking it.

I liked the TNG best. Original was too 60's and corny forced unfunny humour, Janeway or whoever was just an annoying character, DS9 did not have the plot depth and situation, and I don't even know what the other one is. I've never even seen it. They should lay this series to rest now. After 4 or 5 of them, it's just a case of cashing in for all they can get. BTW, Francis has got a great Klingon outfit!

That's good to hear Tom! I hope everyone will agree this is a more professional set up than all our previous efforts, retricted as they were by freehosting and what you could do with the board. But, we'll have the other boards running, if people should still prefer the layout on those.

I used to wear them so the whole heel showed for a long time. but just recently I have been getting into the look where about 1" at the top is covered. Mostly the sloping bit of the heel and a little below so that the apex of the corner at the sole instep and the heel junction is just blunted by the horizontal line of the trouser bottom. I've found that adds a little mystique as to how high the heel is. You can see 3/4 of it, but the hiddden top actually makes the heel look higher, because you are hiding it just before the final sloping junction starts. This is the way I find most women are wearing their trouser length too.

Dr Shoe will know! Mind you, the heel you want is very specific. Why not try a casting from some of your originals? I would like to know a good source of stiletto type tops and pins too. Woolworths used to do them, but no longer...

I've not noticed that. I find they're all willing to help, but one does see more female assistants for the women's shoe section so I do tend to get served more by them due to numbers. I'm not complaining

Maybe we should colour a world map in. We wouldn't call it physical, political etc, but "heelical" The best countries would be shaded in red through orange to yellow, green , and the blues for countriess where they wear very few high heels like Iran or Tibet. Places like Australia would vary in colour from the reds of the East coast into the blues of the bush!

Excellent, I wonder how they view guys in heels over there, but Russia seems like the place to go!

I'm thinking of going to Moscow on business this spring, Phil, I wonder what the shoes will be like there. Your post has got me full of anticpation

That's a terrible thing to hear phil I don't know about "lost". I reckon some person got hold of this collection in the post and realised how special and valuable they were and took them for himself or his girlfriend. Oh well, you may not find the same styles, but I'm sure you'll have fun in London looking for some sort of replacements. It's not too much consolation for you I know, but try to look on the bright side

Welcome to the board Steve. Sorry to hear about your foot pain. I'm sure it will go away when your foot heals. I thought your joke was 5/10 by the way, it took me some time to get it, I must be a bit thick tonight! You might try putting your joke in a new thread entitled "Post your shoe related jokes here". _________________ Believe in your right to wear what you want <font size=-1>[ This Message was edited by: Firefox on 2002-02-27 18:06 ]</font>

Goodbye is for a while, farewell is for a long time or forever. Like in French Au revoir and adieu.

I don't know if anyone else other than those in the UK has these shows. If you don't know what they are, they are plays which occur around Christmas mainly as entertainment for kids, but adults enjoy them too. It was a post by Carolyn in the womens's forum that reminded me. Common ones are Cinderella, Jack and the Beanstalk, Alladin, or Dick Whittington.

In these plays, the girls often play male parts and the men play girls. The interesting thing is both sets of chracters wear high heels. However, the girls playing men wear "proper" heels, boots and thigh boots with 4 or 5 inch heels, whereas the men playing girls wear clumpy old 1 or 2 inch heels that your granny might wear, proving that even when they play men, the girls still get to wear the heels!

This also reminds me of a picture from Jenny's site which shows "prince" Charming and Cinderella. Of course when girls play girls like Cinderella they get to wear nice heels too:

_________________

Believe in your right to wear what you want

<font size=-1>[ This Message was edited by: Firefox on 2002-01-20 21:11 ]</font>

I'd agree with the previous three posters. You might see school girls with socks and perhaps Mary Janes or some flat shoes but socks and high heels does tend to look out of place. One image that will always stick in my mind is from a girl of about 30 I saw about 1980. It was in a Northern City like Leeds or Manchester. She was obviously from a poorer area, with two screaming kids and puffing away on a fag. I'm sorry if that sounds a bit snobbish but it was an accurate description. Anyway, she was wearing 4 inch stiletto courts, very beaten up and worn; the wet and messy people would have loved them! She had a below knee cotton skirt and T-shirt and hair was bedraggled; her legs were bruised and cut. At one time she was probably very good looking, but fags, drugs, and a hard life had probably taken their toll. She clipped along at a fast pace in her heels like they weren't there, dragging the kids along, cussing at them to keep up. She obviously lived and died in those shoes, but the most amazing thing were these tattered grey ankle socks she was wearing with the courts. One halfway up her ankle, the other ruched and hanging over the uppers of the shoe. It was somehow a typical snapshot of hard inner city life. The worn stilettos scraping and echoing on the wet concrete formed one image, but for me the hopelessness of the situation was typified by those bedraggled and somewhat out of place socks.

40-40½ is 7-7½UK (8½-9US(f) ) <font size=-1>[ This Message was edited by: Firefox on 2002-01-20 19:42 ]</font>

Some good responses guys and gals. Thanks for sharing. I can take either a 40 or 41, that is size 7 or 8 in UK sizes. I know I can fit one of these so it's always worth me trying. However. I can understand the problems for someone with a larger foot. I can see how it may be awkward if you can't get them on. In that case, just buy the largest size they have and stretch them or get them stretched professionaly. When it comes to buying shoes and browsing, I always make a point of sitting down and trying on some pairs to pave the way for other people. I have done this all over London and the Home Counties. I'll even sit next to women or girls trying on shoes. I've never ever had a problem in the 15 years or so I've been doing this. Sometimes I might have a conversation with one of the other customers if the oppurtunity arises. Most women are pleased to find a guy interested in shoes.

I was discussing the boots with Richie on MSN earlier.

Here is the picture:

A very fine pair of boots that I would wear and a good bargain at only £37 for leather.

Yes I'd agree the underslung heels are better. In many of the modern street styles there has been a tendency in recent years to put the heel very near the back and then have it flared out which is definitely not good for a smooth walking style. _________________ Believe in your right to wear what you want <font size=-1>[ This Message was edited by: Firefox on 2002-01-20 03:00 ]</font>

I think from what people have said, the London area is a very good place to see heeled styles. I certainly noticed the difference on a recent trip to Belgium and NL. It's not to say the women didn't wear heels there, but the variety and frequency of 4" plus sightings is far greater in London.