Puffer

You are right on all counts. I'm certainly aware of the brick or other protrusions or gripping aids that assist lock beam movement, but equally there are places where a slippery but soft or grassy surface exists and when a boot heel would aid traction. I have slipped when wearing the sort of rubber soles that one would typically find ideal for working boats and locks, or even in wellies with a cleated sole. Some work boots can be lethal if they have a smooth sole too. I doubt there there is any one shoe or boot style that is ideal for all canal applications - working the boat and the locks and walking the towpath.

Having myself often been crew on a UK narrowboat, I would consider that a cowboy boot or similar with a heel that can 'dig in' a little would often be an advantage when working lock gates. It can be difficult to get a grip on the ground when literally putting one's back into moving a gate beam and (as cowboys found when roping steers etc), a boot with a heel gives a better anchor. I agree however that 'high' heels would be a hazard in most other canal pursuits.

I have said elsewhere that your shoes look to me to be 'lilac' (which has a pinkish tinge) rather than a true 'mauve' (which is more purple). Without being able to see them 'in the flesh', am I wrong?

Which reminds me that Whitby (on coast of North Yorkshire, for those unfamiliar) is known for its 'Goth' atmosphere, mainly due to the Dracula legend. And there are Goth weekend events on 1 - 3 November, doubtless following-in from Halloween. Even when these events are not on, Whitby is a popular place for people in Goth clothing, which will surely include some extreme heeled footwear, with long points, buckles etc.

Lilac maybe? Not too easy to see with glossy patent but it has a lilac/pink hue.

The further north one goes in the UK, the more heels are seen. And I would expect OTK boots to be popular in York as it tends to get flooded frequently!

These smart and sexy patent sandals are still available and I am now asking £20 (inc postage); UK only.

These ASOS 'Recite' ankle boots in black faux suede (not brown as pic suggests) have a sturdy 3 7/8" heel, a round toe and a side zip. Although stated to be UK13, they run slightly small and are a perfect fit for UK11/12, with thick socks if desired. Absolutely brand new and in original wrappings. Very comfortable and discreet - I have an identical pair which I wear outside frequently. I'm asking £22 inc postage; UK only.

These attractive and comfortable sandals in soft purple suede leather have ankle ties and a 4" shaped blade heel. Heels and trim are shiny black with a grained pattern. They run true to size in UK11. Worn lightly and briefly on carpet so can be considered 'as new'. A bit late for Halloween now but just the job for Christmas! Original price £45; I'm asking £20 inc postage; UK only.

I'm bound to ask whether a 'high level meeting' implies a reasonable showing of heels, as noted by you. What were you wearing? - I'm guessing 4"+. I was genuinely surprised to see so many 'dogs wearing heels' pics on the web; paws for thought indeed. 🤔 I could not resist adding this one, where the dog is the shoe itself!:

I have yet to see a dog wearing heels that high.

Gige: I have complimented you before on your clear writing style and I for one would rather read a lengthy (but well-presented and informative) piece than something short, possibly ambiguous or incomplete and likely with uncorrected errors. But I could hardly say otherwise as most of my erstwhile professional life has been spent in providing effective communication, largely in writing, to address the relevant technical and commercial issues - and I was sometimes paid by the word for externally-published articles. You look good in all of the pics and I'm sure you can carry off whichever image you favour, without causing too many adverse ripples in the workplace. The OTK boots look great, however you wear them. I would also just observe my concern that you had to travel 90 miles to what I assume was the nearest branch of your bank. We are losing many bank branches in the UK, but a journey of that length is inconceivable here - 20 miles would be considered an imposition. (I am also aware that the US banking system lacks many of the facilities readily available to UK domestic customers, so probably making a branch visit (rather than a simple online process) more necessary for US residents; you have my sympathy.)

I have used 'Stormsure Flexible Repair Adhesive' with some success to affix new or old heels, mend soles, waterproof seams, repair wellies/waders etc etc. It is polyurethane-based and sets with great strength and flexibility. Available in several colours. It must be kept in the freezer between uses as any dampness in the air will make it go off, and that will invariably be the case when the cap is replaced. Although UK-made, it should be available overseas, e.g. through Amazon: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Stormsure-S1B-Outdoor-Adhesive-Waterproof/dp/B003V71R6A

Thanks, but I'm still unsure. Detail on Giaro website for size Eu41 is heel 165mm (6.5") and platform 39mm (1.54"), giving net rise of 125mm (4.96"). Is that what you have; the shoes do look to be about that in their proportions and more walkable than your original dimensions suggested.

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