RonC

Those are beautiful sandals.

What sandals.....lol Great shoes on an incredible looking woman!

There was a thread when someone else had gotten the Glassy, and I mentioned I got the Giddy [who's making up these names??]. I got mine from naturalizer.com for $69.99 + $6.50 shipping, so you got an even better price than me. What's your usual size? I'm a 13 man's, so the 12W in women's was tight, but wearable. If you're a 12 or smaller, you'll probablly be okay.

While the two are almost identical from the ankle-down, up, it's a different story. The Glassy is a combination of leather and suede (mostly suede) on the upper portion. Plus there's a studded strap at the rear of the heel. If you're going for discretion (as I am), neither do much to help the cause.

I'll be curious to read your comments after you get yours.

Wow, I am surprised that you could get in to the 12W. I wear a men's 10.5 W. I tried an 11 M and could not wear them as the were crunching my right foot. I ordered a 12W and am hoping for a decent fit. Watch, they'll probably be too big! lol. Anyway, I am also looking for discretion and feel that the tall shaft and studded strap won't be seen under longer jeans, so I'm not too concrened about that. Actually giving some thought to removing the studded strap eventually. I'll post a note when they arrive.

What a lucky man you are! Your wife is gorgeous, and she wears outstanding heels and stockings as well. Those legs in the seamed nylons are just wonderful. I am not really a platform lover, but she makes them look great. Wow!

One easy way of gauging the response in a store is to call ahead. Ask if they carry large sizes (if that's what you need!) even if you know the answer. Then ask if they have a problem with a guy trying them on in the store. It is easy to tell by the reaction you get just how the store experience will be. And if you don't go, they'll never know who you are through the telly!

Actually I'm at a good point now. For the public heeling I do, the Naturalizer Giddy ankle boots I recently bought are about as perfect as I could hope for, except for being in 12W instead of 13 or 13W. I'd love them in a 13, but doubt I'd find something else in a 13 that all around is better. I have a nice variety of other heels (most in 13) that fit well, with heel heights from 2 7/8" to 4 7/8", some of I would wear outside. It probably helps that knowing there's little I can get (because of my size), I'm not as much into new shoes as others. If I was a size 8-10, I'm sure I'd be filled with shoe-addict tendencies.

I think the only shoe I'd really like to try would be a tall boot. Have to think that would feel different from anything else I own. But I'm not what I'd do in them I couldn't do in the ankle boots (I'd wear jeans over them), and I really don't need another large boot box to try to store.

jwhite, I just bought the Naturalizer Glassy boots, which are bacially the tall version of the Giddy. I thought that you indicated in an earlier post that you were getting both? Anyway, I tried an 11, as that was as large of a size as the store carried, and they were way too snug to be considered comfortable. Ended up ordering a 12W on-line. I hope they fit OK. I couldn't pass up the price. Bought them from Carson Pirie Scott. Were on sale for $69.95, got an additional 15% off, and free shipping! The cheapest I had seen these anywhere else was about $120, so I feel fourtunate!

My wife asked my why I bother going to Nordstrom Rack. True, most trips are not productive, but when they are, they are definitely worth it. Like this past week, when I got these in three colors.

I admit that the Rack doesn't always have great stuff, but there's usually something that I have trouble not buying....lol. The pair in your picture look pretty nice!

My newer Cole Haan pumps, still need to wear them in public though.

I have had my eye on those for a while, but the price has always been a stopper, even on sale (when they're still about $125!). They look nice, and please do give us a review of their comfort level.

Hate to be a stickler here, but the questioneer stated that they do not like the stockings where the toe is not covered, but several people directed them to just that, the toeless pantyhose. That's not what they're looking for!

Got a pair of Cole Haan pumps at a Nordstrom outlet. Will try to get pics in them after I get home.

I've eyed those many time myself. I think they are a classic style. Curious to know how comfortable the Nike Air system is. Also, they are a bit on the pricey side for me! lol

Two recently acquired heels for my collection:

1) Black sandals with rose detail, 12,5 cm high.

2) Silver ankle strap d'orsays ,13 cm high. Love those.

Nice selections. I doubt I personally could handle the heel height for long, but I like both styles!

I bought these beauties and am enjoying them right now

http://www.bonton.com/shop/shoes/dress/lauren-ralph-lauren-zamora-pump_306923.html

Very nice. That is the type of shoe I love. Simple, classic cut, and a nice heel that is high without being impossible. Great choice in my humble opinion, especially if worn by a guy.

I saw my first last night in, of all places, a bowling alley. I was at my usual league and about half way through the night, I noticed a group of about five younger (maybe early 20's) guys walk in. All had an "arty" look in terms of clothing, hair, etc., and in particular one had a quite odd hair style. Didn't pay much further attention until I glanced again and noticed one guy walking away from me and his light colored footware caught my eye. He was wearing a pair of beige boots with about a 3" slim heel, completely exposed. Now we are talking about a bowling alley packed full of men, mostly blue collar types. So this guy, in my opinion, was quite brave (actually, they all looked a bit out of place there!). He walked quite a way down to the counter and then turned back and left the building. While I can't say I was crazy about his look, I give him a ton of credit for his choice of footwear!

I have to say that the Nine West "outlet" stores are, I don't believe, true outlet stores where slow selling items are put up to get rid of stock. They sell many of the same styles that you see in the current stores. Maybe not the latest "hot" stuff, but a large number of the more timeless classic designs. Just based on their web site, I think Nine West deos quite well with their large size offerings. If you start nearing the mid to end of a current season, it is not unusual at all to find that the size 12's are sold out for a large number of the styles. I believe that they don't produce a high number in the size to begin with, and that they seem to sell a quite a bit of what they do make. As for their regular stores, I have not had a lot of success finding size 12. Not sure if they sell out quickly or if they only carry a limited number of styles.

Just to re-state what I mentioned in anotehr thread, I was in the Nine West outlet store in Gurnee Mills (north suburban Chicago) today and most styles in the store was available to size 12. I have shopped there numerous times and have never seen that before. Normally, they would have a few pairs of 12's in the clearance area, but the regular stock almost never had a 12. Today, I could have had several pairs including platforms and non-platform pumps, as well as boots. Too bad I didn;t have the cash. As I stated in teh other thread, kudos to Nine West! Let's hope it's a trend.

Just as a note for those who may be in the Chicago area. I stopped at the Nine West outlet store at Gurnee Mills today and was plesantly surprised to find size 12 available in most every shoe in the store. That is the first time I've seen that. Granted, it was like one pair in size 12, but at least they were available. Kudos to Nine West. Wish I would have had the cash to pick up a pair or two!

Hellow,

i made some new photos:

http://i3.fmix.pl/fmi1419/0d7223ce001955934cb701db

http://i3.fmix.pl/fmi196/45b834fb0006593a4cb703e2

http://i2.fmix.pl/fmi702/0d150347000fb5c24c970b4a

Great photos. I absolutely love those shoes! The color is a bit much for me, but the style is terrific. What brand are they, and can they still be purchased?

RonC,

Glad to see you shopped for the first time in heels. I'm curious which DSW you tried since the stores do vary in their layout. The one in Vernon Hills just south of Townline Rd. (IL60) is particularly deep and seems well-suited to going into (in your heels) and trying on the merchandise. And, you must always check the clearance rack!!

By the way where was the Shoe Department store in Chicagoland???

Best wishes,

HappyinHeels

The DSW that day was on Clark Street near Belmont in Chicago. It is what is known as "Boys Town", so a guy in heels is not the end of the world there. I did get a couple looks from drivers when I crossed the street, but that was about it. I have been to the Vernon Hills store and have utilized the sale rack areas as a good place to slip on a pair to check for fit. I also prefer the prices in that room...lol. The DSW in Bolingbrook also has a back room area that is reasonably secluded.

The Shoe Department is in the Ford City Mall. Not the best of areas, but a good mall for shoe shopping, as most stores there carry sizes to at least an 11. The Shoe Department was exeptional, however, with their selection of 12's and wide widths. Their stock is quite similar to the Burlington Shoe Outlet in Gurnee Mills. I believe they are run by the same company. Ford City has a bigger selection of large sizes, however.

You Tube has a lot of high heel videos in many situations. Riding a bicycle in heels may take extra care when the rider first begins, but the novelty is soon short lived for the experienced bicyclist. It is really no different than wearing other footwear, once the unfamiliarity is no longer one of the factors. Actually, walking in heels is more of a challenge, but both are welcome sights for a person's appearance.

Most of the You Tube videos are really good when they are about women wearing heels. However, when men are the wearers, the majority of them are seen more as jokes, dares, or just plain awkward presentations of men in heels. The videos with titles for male heeling are usually so low in quality or they show only the heels, that the videos aren't worth watching for the titled representation.

I agree. Most of the guys in heels things are quite sophmoric. But I could spend an entire day looking at the ladies & heels videos!

I actually went to shop in heels today. First time I tried that. Granted, they were a pair of block heel loafers, but heels nonetheless. I tried on about six or seven different shoes in DSW and Sears. Unfortunately, 11 was the top size, and in the styles that I like, I mostly need a 12. There was a cute pair of mid heels round tow pumps at Sears, LollyPop brand, that did fit reasonably well. Almost bought them, but decided to take a pass.

RonC :-)

I know exactly what you mean because your story is somewhat similar to mine.

(And to many others I'm sure)

But with time, I am controlling my urge and I don't do "impulsive" buying anymore.

Here is how I do it.

When I see nice shoes or boots, I give them a "rating" in percentage.

If the rating is less than 90% then I simply don't buy them.

It is hard at first but you get used to it with time.

There are three immediate results doing this:

1 - The shoes and boots you buy are much nicer (and you will wear them more often)

2 - You don't regret buying it just after leaving the store

3 - At the end, you save money because you buy much less

But I admit my rating system is not working very well these past few weeks...

Simply because Aldo's and Spring's fall collection are very nice (maybe too nice...)

I think I will have to increase the "passage" note from 90% to 95% ...

Well, that could work...if I had any willpower..lol

Actually, if I can just try them on, often that will satisfy my desire, because quite often, the fit isn't what I'm looking for, or the shoe just doesn't look the same on the foot as it did on the shelf. Fortunately, it doesn't cost anything to try them on (yet...they'll probably start charging for that too.)

One thing I haven't tried yet is Zappos and their generous return policy. That would be a great way to get to try a bunch of shoes and really get a good feel for fit and look. Unfortunately, my wife would not approve!

I did look at Aldo and Spring last week. Almost tried on a couple things at Spring but the store was a bit too crowded for my comfort. Aldo seems to be almost all platforms, which are not my thing, so there's nothing tehre that I really was interested in. Maybe I'll get back to Spring for those great looking round toe pumps I was eyeing.

Next shoes on line also carries wide fit. Also try Zappos, they have a pretty decent selection of wides as well.

I don't see anything "sad" about this !

In my opinion, it is absolutely normal to enjoy trying on shoes in the store and also wearing them.

(Unless I did not understand what you really meant...)

Happy heeling all !

I say sad because once I have them, I usually only get a few wearings before I'm tiring of them and on the hunt for something new. And also, I am getting a much bigger kick out of the shopping and trying than the actual wearing of the heels. Hard to explain, but I have always dreamed of just going into a store and being able to try on anything I wanted without feeling stress, and now I am, on a still small level, doing just that! As I've stated before, I don't think you'll ever find me in the Macy's shoe section strutting in front of the mirror in heels on a crowded Sunday afternoon, but I am willing to try on when the stores are not crowded. I have certainly learned that the store clerks really don't care. I just don't want to be gawked at by the other customers, if you know what I mean.

As my wife and I wear the same size shoe, she try them on, I do not have the confidence to try them on in the store and if they fit her, it will fit me, it is just so difficult some times to decide waht to take, we have about 45 pairs between us to wear.

Have I told that I hate you?...lol Wow, we would have too many shoes to count if my wife and I wore the same size. That would be trouble! (but the best kind!). Boy, am I jealous....

Thanks for the compliments. I have enjoyed wearing them as well. I have to admit, however, that as of latethe thrill comes from trying on in the store as much as actually having them to wear. Sad but true!

Have to give a nod to The Shoe Department (also known as Shoe Show). The store in my area (Chicagoland) had a wide variety of styles and nearly all were available to at least an 11, with many in 12, and many also in wide widths. It is a great find for me, as my ideal size in many shoes requires a wide width. I sent an e-mail to their web site inquiring about store policy for guys wanting to try on in the women's section, and was told that I was quite welcome. So I went early in the morning, at opening time, and was told by the clerk that I was welcome to try whatever I liked. I tried on at least 10 different styles, and there were others that I would have tried if I'd had more time. Bought a pair of Bandolino sandals that are shown in the "new shoes" thread. Prices are great as well. Those Bandolinos are more than $60 in most locations, but these were $34.99. There were several pair as low as $19.99. If you have a store in your area, I suggest you give them a try.

Sort of a pre-announcement post, in case anyone else is looking into these, and wants to wait for a user review. I ordered these from Naturalizer. Looks pretty unisex (what I wanted). Website lists heel height at 2 3/4", but I'm hoping in a 12W (largest size it's available in), it might scale up to a more desireable 3 1/2".

Extra bonus was that I was able to stack two discounts, ending up with a 42% discount off the regular price.

I'll post a followup once I receive them and get a chance to try them on.

http://www.naturalizer.com/Shopping/ProductDetails.aspx?p=EC0224309&pg=3007540

Below is the link for the original thread I started this in:

http://www.hhplace.org/guys/17903-product_reviews-2.html

I've had my eye on those as well, and I like the Glassy style also. I will be interested in hearing how they fit. I think that both styles would be a good choice for street heeling.