Guy N. Heels

I'd say personal privacy is a measure of respect to an individual. There can be occasions when going through someone's stuff might be warranted, but the scene described in the outset of this thread doesn't seem to apply. That said, Mom's can be intrusive without meaning any disrespect. As my sons got older, I'd contantly remind my wife not to barge through bedroom doors and snoop around in their rooms for no reason (they were held responsible for keeping their rooms clean). For a long time, she just didn't get it. I think she will always see them as her little boys...

I think your point is well taken. Nevertheless, it is incumbent upon parents to both recognize and respect the needs of their children as they grow. As we had to start buying ever larger size clothes for my daughter, the thought finally dawned that, "Hey, this kid's growing up!" So just what do parents expect? Well much the same as the child needing different sized clothing as it grows, so does the child have different needs in life. Up until about the age of 2 or so, privacy is both meaningless and non-existant. But as the child grows and becomes more self aware the need for privacy becomes manifest with ever increasing urgency. But definitely by the teenage years the need for observing privacy is imperative, and for parents to not allow for this is about as sensible as expecting the child to wear the same clothing it wore when it was one or two and there was no need for privacy.

I don't know why you should get flack because you don't want to wear a skirt. It's up to you, isn't that the essence of freestyling? Despite what is an often stated view on this forum a skirt is regarded widely as a female garment. I'm not saying that in many cultures that men don't wear unbifurcated garments, but, Western society regards a skirt as a female garment. So really it's up to you. If it's something you really, really want to do it's a shame that you're letting your fears stop you. You've also got to take a good long look at yourself in the mirror.

For myself I have fancied it, but I look daft in a skirt.

Yup, you've got it! Yul Brenner wearing a beautiful skirt as Pharaoh, Richard Burton wearing a battle skirt as Marc Anthony, and Charlton Heston as Ben Hur; but men in skirts today? Almost everyone starts hollering "gay" and stuff like that. Stop the world, I want off.

A study of 2 samples is still a study of 2 samples. Granted, if you are trying to reduce the standard deviation of a measurement, to +/- 1% you need something like 600 samples. Nevertheless, a pilot study like that is a good place to start before scaling up and controlling for multiple variables.

Study of 2 samples? This would hardly qualify as a photo-shoot, let alone a study! At the risk of beating this to death, I don't see enough evidence to qualify this as a "research study" in any sense of the word. More like a notion of motion.

Hello Everybody..JSpikeheels here...

...very interesting thread and I noticed the flurry of postings in the last couple of weeks...that may be something to note as this enormous social paradigm begins to change course like an ocean liner in mid-Atlantic-a great sweeping arc of social norms/values/perceptions undergoing a vast change...

...I believe that the tremendous social stigma formerly associated with a man allowing himself to be seen in public in a high heel has about reached a tipping point...I propose that many of us are visionaries of the future fashion scene and the precursors to the generally overall acceptance of men in heels...but we need the courage of our convictions and that has not been easy to assert...

JSpikeheels

Yer metaphor is well taken. Just as the captain of a great ship may give the order to turn his ship about and the helm may, in fact, already be hard-over in the commanded direction, the great ship may still continue for some considerable distance before it actually starts to answer the controls. I believe that fashion is much the same. Often, even the slightest change in any particular direction is but the harbinger of huge changes to come. So the changes we are seeing today are merely the first indicators of big things to come.

That first link doent show any shoes .

Not only are there no shoes visible, but also, this topic might be better presented as a poll.

Not necessarily. Consider the fact that stratified random sampling is an approved method of gaining valid data. I estimate that less than 20% of all men could fit into a size 10 women's shoe, yet that's the median (most commen) largest size in most women's shoe stores, followed closely in recent years by size 11.

Thus, sampling all stores would skew the results, as most stores could cater to less than 20% of the male population. In contrast, by stratifying the sampling to those stores which can cater to most (perhaps 80% or more) of the male population, while still catering predominantly to women (example, Nordstroms), we obtain a much clearer perspective on the percentage of men who're buying heels as compared to the total number of people (men and women) buying heels.

Natually, we also have to qualify that by noting that just because 20% of the customers of a store that sells larger sizes are men, this does not mean that 20% of all heels are sold to men, since most stores don't sell in the larger sizes. All we can say is that of those stores which sell a wider range of sizes, 20% of their customers are men.

Still, that says quite a lot about how many men are actually buying heels, and I've had to revise my estimates upwards several times over the years as new data has arrived.

These days I estimate that more than 10% of the entire male population in the US buys a pair of heels at least once a year.

Having not studied statistical math, I find it a little difficult to follow your argument. But my "gut feeling" is that yer 10% estimate may in fact be low - especially in light of the fact that very few store personnel even give a guy a second glance when they shop for heels these days.

Good news everyone (sounds like Futurama)

Yesterday we took som stuff from her old place.

Many many shoes of her... She didn´t know where she should store them in our new place.

So I said to her, that I have 3 Boxes of shoes, women shoes....

She said, she accepted it, but she still think it`s not "normal".

It´s not normal for a guy, A women could do that....

She also fears i could be a gay....

But noway, I´m very straight

Now you need to introduce her to this forum - particularly the poll about Gay men vs Straight. Give her a chance to see for herself that we have guys all over the world wearing heels and that the vast majority of us are heterosexual.

On my thrift store shopping spree, I bought a pair of dark brown, 2" Cuban heel ankle boots. They costed 10PLN ($2,5), look really nice (besides their colour- I'd like them to be black) and I've gotten many compliments about them. My momma said that girls are killing themselves wearing such heels (I think that she exagerrated- if she only saw a chick wearing ballet boots... ).

If you want to go black, all you have to do is strip all the old polish off of them and dye them black (use a good quality dye). Redying leatherwork from a lighter to a darker color is generally no problem. Going the other way is.

Well, I'd say it depends on one's financial situation. If a person can afford to spend $200.00 on a pair of shoes if they would afford the ultimate in fit and comfort, then more power to them. However, not all of us can afford to shell out that kind of money.

I for one fall into that category. I'm also a firm believer in thriftiness and have bought shoes for one quarter as much money and have been rewarded with just as much fit and comfort as the shoes gene mentioned. It all depends on how well you shop and what you choose to buy.

First of all, the worth of any item is only what someone is willing to pay for it. I know of people who pride themselves on how little they spend on things. One person claims he NEVER spends more than $10 on shoes.

At first I was incredulous, but then I got to shopping around. What I've found is that one CAN find shoes of quality and worth for as little as $10. All one has to do is know where to shop and to check the clearance racks at the end of season. Sure enough, even famous department stores often have name brand shoes on sale for as little as $10!

Then the second thing I wanted to say is that an item is only worth what someone is willing to pay for it! Think on it. It really doesn't matter how much time and material went into something, if the owner is willing to sell out cheap you can have it at that price. Just this week I stopped overnight and needed a motel room. When the clerk told me the price I asked if that was the best price they had to offer? Result, I got $5 off the rate. The same is true of almost everything. A retailer has to keep his merchandise moving. Merchandise that doesn't move is said to have "gone stale" and the merchant will often take a drastic cut on the price - in some cases, below cost! So he's willing to sell for less, why shouldn't I be willing to pay less?

Then my last point is that an item is only worth what someone is willing to pay for it. If you have more tires than you can use and so does everyone else, well you probably won't find much of a market for tires. But if the tire shop happens to catch on fire and you show up with a working fire engine, you might find an excellent market for that fire engine! Such a deal you could make!

As for me, I have very little disposable income, so you can bet that I won't be buying any $200 shoes or boots anytime soon. But I still shop some of the most expensive stores.

My only comment is: Neither one of you guys should ever plan on living in my house, then.

Not to worry. I was brought up by a military man who had no respect for anyone except himself. Besides, I don't even have to go 50' to find a neighbor so disrespectful that he thinks nothing of blowing car horns at 4:30 in the morning. The world is full of jerks who have no respect for others - so is hell.

Viva Veritas.

Here in my area, most of the public schools are now requiring the students to wear uniforms. Wouldn't it be a hoot if they did away with trousers entirely and only allowed the students to wear skirts?

It's important to note that a strong or intense passion for something does not meet the clinical definish of the term, "fetish," which is reserved for objects and activities without which orgasm cannot usually be achieved.

I love flying, but it's not a fetish for me. I love wearing heels, but it's not a fetish for me.

Once you put things into that perspective, it's simply an attraction towards an item of clothing normally worn by the opposite sex. As you can see from this website, however, it's not all that uncommon.

Believe it or not, about 30% of all men have worn heels on more than one occasion. I do know for a fact that 25% of all men cross-dress on a regular basis, but the duration and location is usually quite limited (at home, pulling on the wife's panties while she's out).

Stats about how many wear heels regularly are scarce, but I believe it's several percent...

Thus, the frequency (or lack thereof) of an activity doesn't make it abnormal...

Fortunately, as times change, people have become more accepting of deviations from the norm...Times change, and more men are heeling today than ever before. Heck, there's even three entire threads on a fashion forums message board devoted to discussing the wearing of heels by males.

The word's out there, and it'll only become more accepted as time goes on, and more of the males who've been hiding their heels do less hiding and do more heeling in public.

I agree. I think it would be very interesting to have some accurate figures on how many men wear heels (skirts, panties, jewelry, whatever) on a regular basis. In my opinion it would easily be in double digit percentage points. Let's face it, the design of high heels and what they do to the wearer projects a very powerful image that is impossible to deny and nearly impossible to resist. I don't see that going away anytime soon.

Rehi all.

First, she knows about my favour for heels and I showed her long time ago a few of my heels. STill I Think nobody of us two will hurt the other or better to say: Nobody of us, knows how to talk to each other about that little thing.

Reading here the stories from other user esp. kneehighs makes me stronger...

Yesterday evening she came home and I made lunch just in time. She was in very good temper and no comment about my boxes. She said, she cleand up the room a little bit, bla bla, but no hint to my boxes.

So, I wait till she`s back home, and I hope I find the right moment to talk to her.

Cheers!

Well, if she doesn't want to bring up the subject, you can by saying something like: "I see you found my shoes. What do you think of them?" At this point you should get some kind of reaction that lets you know exactly what she thinks.

I respectfully disagree. I lived my parents for four months after college, awaiting the move to my first real job. Purpose - to save money and to visit with the folks "one last time" (extended visits, anyway). I worked temp jobs, paid room and board (a relative pittance), and enjoyed our time together while I wound my springs tight before jumping off into the great big old world...

An interesting experience, as it forced both myself and my folks to learn to accept the fact that all of us were older. I was no longer 18-year-old who left for college, nor the 24-year-old who stayed with them for a few months. And they weren't the same hopping 45-year-olds they were back then, either. Instead, they were closer to 60, and were slowing down.

Extended families are the norm in many societies, for practical reasons. In others, for whatever reason, they're rare. Regardless, if it works, terrific, as living under the same roof does save boatloads of money, particularly when the mortgage is already paid. On the other hand, conflict resolution, and issues of privacy rise to the surface, which usually requires a bit of diplomacy in addition to a significant level of tolerance.

It's not for everyone, but it is for some.

WELL SAID, DR1819!

There are societies where it would be unthinkable for the children (of whatever age) to leave - even after marriage! So the problem is not the fact that there are 2 or more generations living under one roof. Isn't it really about respecting people's rights and how to live with one another?

My college age daughter lives with me, but I would never think about going through her things without first telling her and also telling her why. In like manner, when she gets a little sassy about my computer equipment or something - I tell her about that and tell her what will happen if her behavior doesn't improve.

Sneaking about and disrespecting other's rights can only lead to problems. Better to lay the cards on the table and plainly declare what the situation is and what you expect to become of it.

Ok, Guy N. Heels - any links to where I might find some of these silicone quieters/floor protectors?

I do have a few pair of stilettos, and if I could walk down the street at anything less than 100 decibels, I just might do so!

Any observations/experience on how long they'd last?

I don't remember exactly where I found mine - either a shoe store or a cobbler's shop. But I think Thighboots2 may have some links that you'll need in Europe. I seem to vaguely recall a German site.

They are not extremely durable. The clear plastic ones seem to last better than the black plastic ones, but you obviously would not want to put the clear ones on a black heel unless you absolutely had to. They seem to do fairly well indoors (where stilettoes were really meant to be worn) but keep a pair in yer pocket if yer going outside - especially on rough pavement.

Having never been to Europe, I don't really know what the shops are like, but I always make it a point to look around any store I'm in for those accessories that may be related to the products the store is actually selling. For example, most shoe stores are not really selling shoe laces, but if you look around a bit you might find some tucked away on a self somewhere. Then, if you can't seem to find them you could always ask a store clerk, but it might be helpful if you had an example (or a picture) to show them.

For those that aren't aware of who R. A. Heinlein is:

(from GuruNet)

Robert A. Heinlein, Writer

Born: 7 July 1907

Birthplace: Butler, Missouri

Death: 8 May 1988

Best Known As: "The Dean of Science Fiction Writers"

After leaving the U.S. Navy as a young lieutenant, Robert Anson Heinlein began writing science fiction stories and novels and never looked back. Throughout the 1950s and '60s he won four Hugo awards for best novel, including one for 1961's Stranger in a Strange Land, one of the best selling science fiction novels ever. Along with Isaac Asimov and Arthur C. Clarke, Heinlein is considered one of the fathers of modern science fiction...

All of the writers mentioned are very good. I prefer Heinlein because of his "earthy" approach to things. Asimov is brilliant, but his brainy approach tends to put me off just a bit . Another good writer that is generally ignored is Edgar Rice Burroughs.

Now doesn't this thread really belong in the Non-heely Theme forum?

If you are 30 years old, it was definately an invasion of your privacy for your Mom to do an obviously illegal search of your car...

I would let her stew in her own juices until she brings it up again and then I would let her know, in no uncertain notice, that it had better NEVER happen again, EVER.

Cheers---

Dawn HH

Okay, let's look at it. If you are approaching 30 then that makes you an adult by every social norm that I know of. But living with your parent(s) does bring about the need to conform to household conventions that you might not have in your own place.

On the other hand, invasion of one's privacy is an outrage for the simple reason that mutual respect and trust has been violated. The kind of thing you describe is more like what I would expect of Hitler's Gestapo, or George Bush's Homeland Security:cop: . It amounts to an unwarranted invasion of your personal effects.

Still, I don't think that going through yer mum's things is the answer. In the final analysis it makes you no better than her. This is where you must rise above the situation and strenuosly voice your objections to her behavior. You might even point out that she wouldn't want someone doing that to her. Then you need to develop a plan for your next move. If you choose to continue living with your mother you will need to lay-down specific boundaries that must be observed. If reconciliation is possible - do so with both grace and firmness. If you choose to move out, you should do so without further accusations or otherwise making a big scene. But under no circumstance should you make any big and loud announcements until you are ready to actually make your move. Remember:icon_idea: , it is always best to keep your words short and sweet - lest you have to eat them later.

Good luck, and let us know how things work out.

GNH,

Are you talking about the heel covers that ballroom dancers use?

Freed of London - Shoemaker to the World of Dance

TB2

Well, ballroom dancers aren't the only ones, but yes, that is exactly what I had in mind. Until I got my first kit, it had never dawned on me that stilettoes came in such a wide variety of sizes. The kit I bought had lifts (covers) for about 3 different sized heels. As for metal heels, these are absolutely de' riguer unless you enjoy replacing your flooring about every 6 months.

As for that inner tube repair - bad idea. I guarantee that it won't last 6 months unless you put 'em in the closet.

My last measurement was approximately 66". However, because of an inoperable condition my spine has collapsed and so my actual height does vary. I was 70" prior to the onset of this medical condition.

But you can only 'get away with' things that you yourself can 'get away with' in your own mind. Put those sandals on and feel great about the look and you can go anywhere; but, if you put them on, give yourself a good hard look in the mirror and there's doubt in your mind, you can't.

Well said, Fogborkenvv. You cannot escape yourself! If you can see it and believe it, you can acheive it. But with the first particle of doubt you are down and out.

A trick that works on a wider heel is to glue a piece of inner-tube rubber to the heel. Cut the rubber to the shape of the heel and glue it on with "contact cement" (DAP Weldwood or Pliobond). Coat the heel and the rubber piece with cement and let both dry until they are no longer tacky to the touch. Then apply a thin film of cement to one of the pieces and join them. Get them aligned properly the first time because you will not get a second chance -- the bond forms instantly. The rubber acts as a shock absorber and makes for a quieter walk.

There is not much hope (or reason) to quiet a stiletto heel -- they are supposed to make that delicious sound! And any attempt to quiet them will involve attaching some softer material that will wear out quickly.

Well, to my mind, this thread really belongs over in the Repair/Modify forum.

But, let's think it through. All noise comes from vibration and, usually, the harder the materials the more pronounced the noise will be. So the obvious answer is to use some not-so-hard materials to deaden the noise. But first we ought to consider another possibility - a hollow heel will also generate a lot of noise as well. So it might be smart to check out those thicker heels and try to determine if some shrewd manufacturer was trying to cut a few corners by putting on hollow heels. If so, you are probably going to have to replace the heels.

If not, then the use of some kind of durable rubber for a "lift" ought to bring the noise down. But I don't recommend an innertube. They are expensive and/or hard to find, and that won't last very long either. A fairly thick piece of neoprene or nylon will make a better choice, but unless you are an expert at such things, you'll be better off taking the shoes to a cobbler and have rubber or neoprene lifts installed professionally. Also, don't hesitate to ask what kind of warranty he has to offer. Even a 30 day warranty could save you some money if the job fails.

As for the stilettoes, there are lift kits that are available for different sized stilettoes that come in various materials, i.e. plastic, neoprene, etc, that should do the job. Just select the appropriate sized lift in a material that suites you, put it over the heel tip and hammer it down. (Some shoes require a lift that is actually nailed into the heel, but they have those as well.) Usually one or two whacks on a hard surface will do, but I have had to actually put on the shoes and stamp 1 or 2 on some unusually recalcitrant shoes. Now they will wear out, but then you simply repeat the process and the kit usually will have one or two pairs of spares left over for you. But unless you do something that no stilettoe was ever intended to do, you will always have a little noise from the heels - but this can be greatly reduced. Metal lifts or tips is generally not a good idea (they are unholy hell on carpets and hardwood floors) and if you have shoes with them I strongly recommend you find a heel lift kit and get some plastic covers over them right away.

Not until after Thanksgiving. I love Christmas, but I'd like my love for Christmas to peak during Christmas, not before Halloween.

Well, it's now official! Lowes Hardware stores have got their Xmas merchandise on the floor so now we can officially begin the season (without a reason?).

Since Christmas is totally pagan and actually has absolutely nothing to do with Jesus Christ, I would prefer that it be banned altogether. But I learned many years ago that pagans are far more devoted to their arcaic and bizarre customs than professing Christians are to Christ and the truth! Therefore I like to beat the drums for what I know the pagans are going to do anyway. Why ruin a celebration with some facts? Nobody's listening anyway and it just might get someone like me killed.

By the way, did I happen to mention Satan's all-time favorite celebration - Halloween? Now if yer into paganism, THERE's a celebration to get into. :D

It is unfortunate but all too true that altogether too many people have no idea what they're doing with their leather products (particularly shoes). Since a more durable and practical material is difficult to imagine, it only makes sense to care for those leather products that you've sunk your hard-earned money into. Therefore, as a leather crafter, I would like to offer some pointers: 1] Leather products (particularly shoes and boots) should be protected from water and moisture at all times. Never wear shoes or boots outside in wet weather without properly fitted rubber overshoes. Handbags and purses should also be properly protected from rain and moisture. 2] If your leather product (particularly shoes or boots) should become wet: a] try to remove the water with towels as soon as possible; b] never attempt to dry the product with any kind of heat - especially placing the product near a fireplace or source of heat; c] do use shoe trees to restore the shape of the shoes or boots; d] do not attempt to wear the shoes of boots while they are still wet or damp. 3] Periodic use of waxes and polish on any leather product is highly recomended as is the use of shoe trees (preferably wood or plastic). 4] The use of talcum powder will help to remove foot and/or body moisture (mild forced air may be okay, but forced air may tend to cause the leather to crack or split. 5] the use of thick socks (particularly wool in winter) in any kind of leather boot is highly recomended because of their moisture absorbing ability, and boots should always be purchased while wearing thick socks. 6] Tall boots should always be stored standing up with trees to hold them erect and allow air to flow inside. A little care will help to preserve those valuable leather products for many decades. I have shoes that are more than 30 years old. As for PVC pipes and forced air fans - well you are on yer own.

Good article. There's something nice about wearing tights (I have a few pairs along with kneehigh ones). Tempted to wear some this winter to keep me legs and goolies warm.

Right ON!

First of all "welcome to the forum"! I also hope you find many friends here. Speaking to the idea of men in heels, there are alot more men in heels than you think. Of course some men have no fear of wearing what ever they choose, (some what like your feelings for perfumes) Most will seach out a more masculine looking heel...

My suggestion is to dig out those platforms from your closet dust em off and slip em on. Youl be surprised they that most people won't even notice and the ones that do won't care.

Give it a try!

Welcome to our forum, I'm glad you found us.

In the final analysis the only real difference between a "man's" shoe and a "woman's" shoe is who is wearing it. The shoe itself doesn't care and neither do most people. In my experience, unless yer wearing neon lights your shoes will likely never get noticed. I've had more people to comment on my earrings than my shoes.