Puffer

My observations about 'northern women' particularly relate to the Tyneside and Glasgow areas. It was certainly more obvious there that shorter (but not necessarily slimmer!) women prefer heels and that 'dressing up' was more common, and likely more traditional/expected, even for fairly routine activity such as work or shopping. The current observations of VirginHeels bear this out. Frankly, I get the distinct impression that few women in the south can be bothered to make an effort unless they are attending a really dressy event, in which case expensive designer clothes will often be present, but not necessarily an improvement on high street fashions.

There is certainly such a divide. Women in the north of England and Scotland are often shorter, hardier and more inclined to make a statement with their appearance and demeanour (not always attractively). Altogether, those factors tend to promote high heels - and bare legs/sandals/no coat, even in cold weather. From my own observations, men in the north tend to dress in a much more casual and often sloppy manner - unless at a formal event, such as a wedding, when the waistcoats and ties - albeit typically left undone as soon as possible (ugh!) - will be seen. I suspect that this male contrast and discomfort stems from a working-class background: a miner or shipwright for example would tend to dress in rather shabby clothes but have a 'Sunday best' suit in which he was never really comfortable - and which was often in the pawnshop when not immediately needed.

I was at a modest family function yesterday morning - a granddaughter's third birthday party in a village hall. The guests were mostly couples in their early thirties with their children aged from 2 months to about 8 years. Of the dozen or so mums present, all were wearing trousers (except for one in leggings), and all were in nondescript flat shoes or boots. Whilst it wasn't a 'dressy' occasion in the accepted sense, it was disappointing to see that none of the women had made any real attempt to depart from very casual 'weekend' wear. And the men were but little smarter; I was almost the only one not wearing trainers.

I think you mean 'conkers' (hoarse chessnut 🤥).

I assume that, as is conventional, the central heating is fed from the engine's cooling system - or do you have an auxiliary diesel boiler?

Agreed - but one cannot assume that a copy Hot Chick (or any other footwear) is of 'poor quality fit, manufacture and materials' without actually inspecting and trying it. If there was universal condemnation (at least in the UK/US) of Chinese footwear imports, it is most unlikely that they would still be actively marketed there, which is clearly not the case although of course there are both good and bad reviews.

It was not clear from mlr's comment if he was referring specifically to 13cm Hot Chicks, but there are Chinese clones of these available too, along with many other styles of 13cm (and higher) heels. And it is purely speculative to say that wearing any of them must be dangerous, although no doubt some are poorly made or poorly fitting and pose a hazard - but only someone who has tried a particular pair could comment on that. And, as I understand the many online comments by genuine Hot Chick owners, the real thing is not easy to wear, comfortably and safely, either. I have also read that, although they are discontinued, Louboutin will still make the 13cm Hot Chick as a 'special order' - at a hefty price, of course.

I claim no expertise in identifying Louboutin copies, but it took me just two minutes to find this offering on AliExpress, which appears to mimic Hot Chick (12cm heel) closely - in appearance, if probably not in quality. All for £30 and in big sizes too. And there are many others similar.

From a UK perspective, I find that rather surprising. Whilst it is certainly true that genuinely high (4"+) heels, especially stilettos, are fairly rare on the high street and on some major retailers websites, there is still quite a large selection online from e.g. ASOS and the smaller and more specialised outlets, quite apart from the likes of AliExpress, Amazon etc - which regularly offer heels of 5", 6" or even more. Clearly, most of these are Chinese-made and may be of unknown quality or fit (buyer beware), but they do exist and are being actively sought and bought. I do wonder if the limited availability from local or other physical shops is self-defeating - would more heels be bought if they were more actively promoted in the high street and on display? There must be very many (youngish) women who have never had a proper opportunity simply to try 'high heels' properly, and I can't believe that they are not at least curious, however much society seems to condemn high heels for one reason or another.

I think you miss the point. If stopped for any reason (realistic or not) by the police (e.g. manner of driving; speeding etc), an officer will usually check both the vehicle (tyres etc) and the driver (drink/drugs?). Any unusual footwear or clothing, if seen, is likely to excite his interest if it suggests in his opinion some 'impairment of control', or worse. But the principal situation would be police involvement after some type of accident, whether or not involving a third party - in which case any evidence of possible impairment will be noted. I did not, and do not, suggest that simply being observed driving whilst wearing heels is likely to lead to any form of report, charge or prosecution. Of course it won't, unless it clearly constitutes some danger in itself or is said to have been potentially contributory to one. I suggest we leave it there; further speculation has little merit and the only opinion that really matters is that of a police officer on the spot.

The evidence offered by a police officer would be considered, with other factors, by the court. And the civil aspect is perhaps even more important in that any third party claim is very likely to involve consideration of apportionment of negligence, with a loss of control due to inappropriate footwear being a potentially key factor. It is by no means as trivial or clear-cut as you suggest. This from the AA: 'In 2010, the AA conducted a survey and found that 27% of people said their choice of shoes led to difficulty while driving. Around 5% went as far as to say their footwear caused them to drive dangerously, lose control, or even have an accident. Evidently, the kind of driving shoes you wear really does make a difference – no matter the weather or road conditions. You may be tempted during warmer months to drive without shoes. However, according to Rule 97 of the Highway Code, drivers should make sure “clothing and footwear do not prevent you using the controls in the correct manner." Failure to do so can result in fines or a penalty. Driving barefoot isn’t illegal, but it’s also not advised.'

There is no specific UK law that prohibits driving barefoot, or in any particular type of footwear such as stilettos or flip-flops. But it would not be difficult to frame a charge on the blanket basis of 'failing to control' a vehicle properly if, following a collision or other motor accident, it is alleged that particular footwear (or the lack of it) caused or contributed to the lack of control. There have certainly been instances where individual drivers have been challenged by the police when wearing e.g. skimpy mules, high heels, heavy boots or wellies. Let's be honest, all of those footwear choices can prevent full pedal sensitivity and control, especially if wet or muddy.

In a 'proper' car (manual gearbox), we use both feet! And probably better to replace both stilettos than having a pair of mismatched shoes on to drive.

On TV last night, I saw part of a quiz programme with 'celebrity' parent and child teams. The attractive daughter (19) of her (equally attractive) TV sports reporter mother had long legs in long trousers (a little baggier than bootcut) which partially concealed her boots, with what looked like a close-to-4" slimmish block heel. It was good to see a pretty teenager wearing 'proper' heels but, alas, she did not walk that well in them when striding to and from the podium. I think that her mother (usually in 4" stilettos for formal appearances, as last night) needs to give her some lessons.

My Victorian house has 10' ceilings on the ground floor; steps are essential for any overhead work; heels would not suffice. My wife is a skilled seamstress and has made some beautiful (and quite elaborate) curtains for the floor-ceiling drop in those high rooms. They are heavy and take two people to fit or take down. I recently described my wife to a friend as someone 'who readily runs-up curtains' - and maybe I should have added 'but not in high heels', to further confuse the listener. (I'm assuming that 'runs-up' is generally understood outside the UK to mean 'makes', as by sewing or carpentry.)