Puffer

Interesting, CrushedVamp.   I'm not sure what we can make of the statistic that '47% of men have tried on what is considered feminine clothing at least once in their life'; that seems low.   It very much depends upon what type of clothing, in what situation and for how long.   Briefly popping on a woman's hat or coat for fun or masquerade is not the same as donning underwear or a skirt or dress - or shoes.   If you include the 'pantomime' aspect, I suspect the trial percentage is much nearer 100.

Your wife loves heel and you admit to trying them too.   Was she aware of this and would she approve if you wore them, in public or not?

On 12/12/2024 at 11:36 AM, Shyheels said:

Yes there are a couple of steam driven narrowboats - museum pieces, really. They were never common even a hundred years ago as the space required for fuel took up valuable cargo space. I’ve never seen a petrol powered narrowboat. There are petrol powered craft on the canals - usually cruisers - but I’ve never seen a petrol powered narrowboat.

The diesel engines in narrowboats are designed for marine use and have two alternators - one fir the starter and one to charge your domestic batteries for your lights and fridge etc. I’ve a 43hp engine made in Holland. It powers a 58-foot boat that weighs 18 tonnes so no speed demon!

The curious sounding boats - think of the sound of the African Queen - are usually those running very old fashioned diesel engines - classic Lister engines and the like.

Tom Rolt (who was an inspiration behind saving and using Britain's canals for leisure) originally had a petrol engine (ex-Model T Ford!) in his narrowboat Cressy in 1936.   And he was not alone in using such an engine, although they were never common - horsepower generally gave way to diesel.   Some shorter narrowboats are powered by a petrol outboard motor because a diesel engine would take up too much space.   Whilst a 'marine' diesel engine is obviously ideal, there are many engines of the road vehicle type; my brother's narrowboat uses a British Leyland engine of the type fitted to a light van.

Yes, the 'pop pop' of a Lister (or similar) diesel is quite distinct and certainly reminiscent of the African Queen.

On 12/13/2024 at 10:42 AM, mlroseplant said:

I can remember my one trip to Thailand, which by many metrics was a waste of time, but that's another story for another day. It just occurred to me that they have a sort of narrowboat in Thailand as well, but I don't recall thinking they actually needed to be narrow. I can just remember the drivetrains being about as simple as you can get, with whatever engine tipped backward at about a 10º angle, and there being a very long, direct-drive shaft with a propeller on the end of it. No gears, no clutch, no nothin'. Just a long shaft sticking out the side of the engine. Somewhere, on some drive, I've got pictures, but they predate the earliest pictures on my phone.

A Btitish 'narrowboat' is so called (and built) so as to be able to cruise on the narrowest canals, a nominal 7'0" wide, with the boats a couple of inches less.   The canals were made narrow at the locks, bridges etc to save cost and water, but obviously had to be wide enough in most open stretches to allow vessels to pass.   By no means all of British canals are 'narrow'; many are 'broad' - wide enough to take quite large barges and similar craft, although of course such commercial traffic has largely declined.

Yes, the usual narrowboat drive is by a directly-driven prop shaft with a simple speed/reverse lever control.  Simple but effective.

17 hours ago, Shyheels said:

...

Towpaths these days are mainly for dog-walkers, joggers and cyclists although there are a few historic boats - for show - that are pulled by horses. Narrowboats these days are run in diesel engines although there are a few hybrid and electric ones out there (expensive!)

There are also a few (very few) historic narrowboats that have steam engines, and some with petrol (gasoline) engines.   In fact, any sort of power can be found, although I have yet to come across rubber-band drive!   As Shyheels says, diesel is the norm, with the typical engine being identical to that used in a motor car.   When travelling on (or alongside) a canal, one sometimes hears an approaching boat with a strange engine sound - usually indicative of a non-diesel.

8 hours ago, Cali said:

Since I wasn't a teenager until after 1965, it was more the mini skirts, hot pants, go-go boots and lots of sandals because it was a beach town too.

6 hours ago, Shyheels said:

Thigh boots came in with the mini-skirt. Roger Vivier introduced them in ‘64 and they were a hit. Think of the iconic shot of Brigid Bardot on the Harley. The go-go boot came in the following year, with sales given an added boost by Nancy Sinatras iconic These Boots Were Made For Walking. For those fond of boots the mid to late 60s were definitely not boring!

As you say and as I well remember, the second half of the 60s was mostly about various styles of boots and sandals, many of which I admired.   But Cali said that he 'loved the heels', although heels of any height or slenderness were noticeably missing from footwear of that period.   Perhaps what he really meant was that he 'loved the footwear'.

On 11/30/2024 at 4:39 PM, Cali said:

Just to have a different type.

I've only been here for 7+ years. And my path is very different than others. Yes, I loved the heels that the girls in school wore back in the 60's to ... . And yes, I wish I could wear them too. ...

The 1960s were a period of much change on the fashion front.   What heels was it that you loved from that era - the stilettos ubiquitous until c1965 or the low and boring styles that came in as the mini skirt gained in popularity?   Surely not the latter?

On 11/28/2024 at 11:03 AM, mlroseplant said:

I have evidently missed my HHP anniversary, but not by much. Evidently, I've been on this site for 12 years! ...

One thing I have noticed is that for my anniversary, I no longer have the option to choose a different font than this default sans serif font that I'm not particularly fond of.

Happy anniversary!   You prompted me to discover my own length of servitude - 20 years and counting.   Makes me feel really ancient.

You can easily alter the font; the 'Font' button is on the top row at the right.   I too am not keen on sans serif for text, but am usually too lazy to alter it - but this time have done so to my preferred Times New Roman, 16pt. 

I've caught up here rather late in the day but, as most of you know, I try to promote accurate and consistent terminology.   Although I would agree with the view that Gige's boots (13 Nov pic) are merely 'slim' heeled, I have little doubt that many (including manufacturers/retailers) would describe them as being 'stiletto', as that term is so often lazily mis-applied to almost any heel that is fairly straight and not an obvious block or wedge.   And melrose's attractive shoes (18 Nov pic) certainly have the stiletto look about them - and the 11mm width is borderline, as he says, and looks (to me, anyway) as though it is thinner.   I would certainly expect most folk to call them 'stilettos', even though a true stiletto heel is (or should be) slimmer, as would be obvious if placed alongside the pictured shoe.

Gige's query was essentially about the acceptability of wearing heels that are truly high and/or slender.   He must make his own mind up about that but there are enough wearers here to give him the reassurance he seeks.   And, as part of his overall carefully structured look, I have little doubt that (say) 4" stilettos would be fine, assuming that his intended activity permitted them on grounds of practicality.

23 hours ago, mlroseplant said:

It kind of looks like the soles of those boots are completely smooth, as well, which is not great for mud. ...

The soles are smooth, but not slippery.   I have not experienced any potential for losing traction or footing when wearing my identical pair in wet or dry conditions.   But I would not advocate walking on ice in anything like these.

20 hours ago, Shyheels said:

Nice! Those look like they could even manage canal towpaths - if they came in large enough sizes, I’d be interested

These would do the job, and fit you too!

https://hhplace.org/topic/25705-brand-new-asos-recite-boots-uk1112/

On 11/15/2024 at 2:30 PM, Shyheels said:

That’s a great idea. I’ll definitely contribute thoughts to that thread 

I don't think cowboy boots or anything with a heel would give you any advantage in shifting lock gates. I travel a lot on the Leeds & Liverpool which has probably the heaviest lock gates on the network and I'm a single hander. The more of your boot that's on the ground, the better. as you will have no doubt noticed at the locks they often have little brick ridges within the arc of where you push the beams to give your feet some purchase as you shove the heavy gate beam. Bear in mind too that it isn't just a matter of shifting lock gates open and closed - there's mooring on the lock landings and scrambling up slippery lock ladders as well, some of which can be quite high.  Lemonroyd Lock on the Aire & Calder, for example, is about 16 feet and the ladder wet and covered with algae. Sensible shoes - work boots, really - are a really good idea.   

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?

9 hours ago, Shyheels said:

Only a couple of pair of OTK boots surprisingly. Almost all knee boots, with 2-4” block heels. I saw a few pair of slender heels (not stiletto, but more like standard high heels) , also in knee boots. It was quite nice to see. It was half term week, and “Ghost week” in York so the town was quite full of tourists so it was not purely locals wearing heels. Judging by what I saw, I’d say heels - at least in winter boots - are far from dead

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.

15 hours ago, Shyheels said:

Just spent the weekend in York - no shortage of heels at all! Plenty of high-heeled knee boots, blocky heels rather than stilettos. On the cobbled and irregularly paved mediaeval streets stilettos would be a singularly bad idea. But plenty of heels, and almost all of them on knee boots.  

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.

3 hours ago, Cali said:

...

I was at a high level meeting with about 20 + people today, 11 women.

...

So now here's your opportunity to see dogs wearing heels.

Have fun with your Google search.

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!:

10 hours ago, Cali said:

The title of this is Cali World. That's because where I live very different. For example I keep seeing some heels. On Tuesday, two women came to my lecture with 3 inch heels. And this morning a woman was walking her dog with 2.5-3 inch heels.

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.)

On 10/19/2024 at 12:42 AM, Jkrenzer said:

Believe it or not epoxy actually works well. You have to be careful applying it and find a way to compress the soles while it dries. Actually putting the shoes on and standing still for a half hour, not easy, works. Another way, wrap the whole vamp tightly with shipping tape, just be  sure the glue doesn't ooze out into the tape. If all this doesn't work, oh well shoes were dead anyway. 

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 

22 hours ago, AlexC94 said:

That's because I repeated what you already said, so I removed it. Anyway the shoe size is EU41; you were right about the heel and platform size from the Giaro website.

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.

8 hours ago, AlexC94 said:

10 hours ago, Puffer said:

 

 

No reply visible!

What size and what is the exact heel height and platform thickness, please?   I see that the supplier quotes a global 15cm (5.91") and 4cm (1.57") - giving a net rise of 11cm (4.33"), although they do vary with size.   Your heels do not look as high as 7.5".