hh_pe

Waist high boots They look unfinished to me. In my opinion, the only decent look was of the woman with the top folded down.

BamBam, Welcome to the site. I'm sure you noticed there are many guys here with great advice on heel wearing. I learned from many of them, and their words have helped me become more confident in wearing heels in public. I hope you find as much wisdom in their words as I have. HH_PE

Earlier this week, I was taking an evening class at the University of California Los Angeles (UCLA). When I left the building and started walking to the parking garage, I saw a young man crossing the street wearing pumps. What drew my attention to him was his stride, or I should say lack of. He walked horribly in the heels. Each step looked painful for him, and was for me to watch. Everyone around the intersection knew he was wearing heels because he had shorts on. Once he got to the other side of the street, he found a bench, sat down, and put his head in his hands. Seeing this, I began to think he was a fraternity pledge and this was part of his "rite of passage". Since he was alone, and many of the other kids were staring and pointing at him, I figured I would offer him some advice on wearing heels. When I sat down on the beach, he didn't move or look up. At this point I could tell the shoes were plain black pumps with about a three inch heel and were a bit small for him. To break the ice, I asked him which fraternity was he pledging. He looked up, gave me a response and said this was the most humiliating thing he ever had to do. After some more small talk about the stuff they made him do, I asked him how did he get forced into wearing heels. It was a punishment for not bringing enough girls to a party. I was never in a fraternity, so this seemed like a really stupid reason to humiliate someone. I asked how long was he required to wear the heels. He had until the next party, which was several days away. I told him his heels were too small for his feet, which explained why he had such a difficult time walking in them. I also recommended he get a bigger size with a lower heel for the next time he has to do this. After giving a few more tips, I told him to walk with confidence holding his head up high. If he looked confident walking in heels, then people would be less likely to say negative things. He finally asked me how do I know this. I just told him I've been wearing heels for years, smiled, and showed him my Aerosoles Accomplishments. I told him the shoes are considered flats, and are more comfortable than any men's dress shoe I own. I did tell him I have a few pairs of heels with 2-1/2 inch heels that I occasionally wear in public. I wished him good luck and then headed to my car.

So here is the after action report. Overall everyone liked the look. Several of the women at the party, including my wife, thought boots with a higher heel, and a tighter shaft would have looked better. A few women were disappointed I wasn't wearing higher heels. When I asked what height should I attempt to get, one woman suggested 6 inches. I don't think my ankles would survive that height anymore. It was also suggested a belt around my waist could add to the overall look. I feel a belt would accentuate the fact I could lose a few pounds. One comment I received suggested I go with black leggings and brown boots next time due to the color contrast. This look seems more popular than black boots with dark tights. My jeggings are a dark blue. Based on everyone's comments, I think for my frame structure, the first outfit works better for me. Now, for the next party, I've asked my wife to find me some black tights that will cover my leg hair. I want to take it up a notch and wear my black Aerosoles Prologue T-strap heels with a skirt. Since summer is upon us, shaving my legs is not an option right now (Wife's orders). Enjoy heeling everyone. hh_pe

My wife and I are off to an other party this evening. Here is what I'm wearing this time. Boots, jeggings and a white dress shirt.

RayCF, I have to second what HappyinHeels states, pay attention to your wife. The key, which you imply in your message, is to have open communication about this issue. I too am lucky, my wife is supportive of my heel wearing. When our eldest was about two year old, I realized I had to stop wearing heels around the house. Our child was growing up fast, and my mother in-law was spending more time with us. My wife also indicated it was time for me to stop because she expressed the same concerns your wife indicated to you. When the kids got older (we have three now), I asked my wife what style of women's shoes would she consider acceptable for me to wear in public, even with the kids. She suggested a few styles of flats, which I know are not "high" heels, but they work for now. I always show my wife what I would like to purchase prior to getting the shoe for her approval. If she doesn't think the shoe will pass for a men's shoe, then I don't get it. My kids see me wear the flats and have never said anything about it. I do have two pairs of 3-inch heels, but those only come out when the kids are not around. And remember that old saying "A happy wife is a happy life".

SF, you got me thinking about why we don't see more men in heels here in LA. With Hollywood, and all the other alternative lifestyles that are present here, one would think heel wearing by men would be more prevalent. Maybe we can blame it on the weather, with shorts and sandals weather almost 360 days a year. Or the alternative could be because the greater LA area is so large, with so many people going everywhere at a hundred miles an hour, we just are not in the right place at the right time, and are to busy to notice.

Thanks guys. The heels are Gin Rickey's from Aerosoles, my wife's favorite shoe store. I love the way the elastic bands conform to your feet, and are very comfortable to walk in. It was great to get out in public. My job, as mentioned in other posts, is in a professional setting, so wearing heels at the office is a BIG NO NO. During the evening, I had a wonderful conversation with a male theater performer who has worn heels a few times for various roles. We compared notes on how to walk without drawing attention to yourself. The way he learned was very similar to what many of us have said before, start with a lower heel, wear it around the house, and when the heels feel no different than your normal "man" shoes, move up to a higher heel. We also agreed, most people don't notice your shoes unless you want them to. I even had one lady suggested I paint my toe nails the next time. I mentioned it is difficult to do with children at home, but would attempt to do it should I have more time the next time to get ready for the party. I wore pants to the party because my legs are hairy. I think I will have to convince my wife to let me shave my legs and go in nylons and new pumps the next time. HappyinHeels, the statement "everyone is equal but some people are more equal than others" does appear truthful. I don't think my wife would seek permission from me to wear a men's suit, but to be honest, I don't think she would ever dress in a masculine way. Maybe for the next party I might suggest it to see what happens.

On Friday, my wife and I went to a party hosted by a good college friend of hers. This friend works in the costuming industry for theaters and is know for having some lavish parties. As I was getting ready, I mindlessly asked "what should I wear" not knowing if this was a casual get together, or more of a big costume deal. I was told it was a casual costume affair, which didn't really help me. So I asked my wife if wearing my heals and jeans would be a casual costume (Side note: my wife accepts my wearing of women's heels, and is okay with me wearing flats that can pass as men's shoes in public, but has never agreed to me wearing high heels openly in public). She responded by saying sure and suggested I wear my women stretch jeans to help with the look. I have to admit, while in the car, I was very nervous about what the reaction would be. When we got to the party, her friend greeted us at the door and just screamed with joy when she saw my heels. I was quickly paraded around to say hello to everyone we knew, and be introduced to new people. I was the only guy wearing heels, and no one reacted negatively. I even got a few complements from some of the ladies there saying I walk really well in heels for a guy. When we started to leave, my wife's friend asked me if I have any other heels in my collection. I just smiled, and my wife responded with "you will just have to wait until the next costume party to find out." I just love the way her mind works. On the drive home, we talked about the conversations we had with people at the party. Eventually, I got around to asking how she felt about me wearing heels given we knew a lot of people at the party. She figured since it was a costume party, and knows how much I want to start wearing heels in public, the party was an okay compromise. She just requested I don't go over board by always wearing heels to every party in the future. I promised her I wouldn't, but told her we will need to go shopping at some point for something new for the next time it is okay to wear heels to the party.

I find women's clothing to be more comfortable than men's. I guess my dressing transitioned from wanting to look like a woman (i.e. wigs, body contouring clothing, make-up, etc.) to just a guy who enjoys women attire. Stretch jeans and yoga pants are the only female times I constantly wear now. When appropriate, I will wear the jeans in public. The yoga pants and the one skirt I have are for home use only.

My heel wearing days are on hold, hopefully only for a few months. I have developed tendinitis of the Achilles Tendon due to a bone spur rubbing the tendon. The doctor has put me in "the boot", a low top walking boot, for four weeks to keep the ankle from flexing. What I find interesting is how many people do not notice the boot under my jeans. They notice my awkward stride, and then only realize I have the boot on after I point it out to them. From a psychological view point, it is further evidence backing the statements many other members have made indicating the general public does not notice what type of foot wear you have on. To help walk "normally", I have worn one of my 1-inch flats to match the height of the boot without anyone taking a second look.

For me, it was the opposite, the skirts progressed to the heels. I was a crossdresser at one time and really enjoyed dresses and skirts, but never got heels to go with the outfits. It was my wife (girl friend at the time) who purchased a pair of heels for me to complete the look.

mtnsofheels, My wife and I have never had a problem with any of the Aerosoles shoes / heels we've purchased. My So-soft flats are about five years old and holding up great. The Ride Line boots are a bit snug at the top, but so tight that it makes wearing the boots uncomfortable. I had them on the other day for over 12 hours and did a lot of walking. My feet never hurt once. I think to properly pull off the pant legs in the boot look, I would need a shaft that is a bit larger. Overall, I would recommend them. hh_pe

How down to earth those are......

My wife got me a pair of Aerosoles Ride Line boots for my birthday last month. Last week was the first time I wore them to work. It was great sitting at my desk with my paints tucked in. I did not have the courage to wear them this way when I had to get up, so I put my pants back on the outside of the boots. Here are two photos showing both styles. http://hhplace.org/gallery/image/5418-ride-line-image1/ I like them so much, I figured it was time to change my profile picture.