RonC

Just got myself up to some of them there 2" cowboy boots!!! YeeHa!

I must say that summer has brought on a plethora of sightings in the city. It seems that every day I see at least one or two women wearing a nice pair of slender heels, be it pumps, slides, or sandals. A few too many wedgies for my taste (especially frustrating when the rest of the shoe is sooo sexy) but many ladies wearing heels these days. It'll never again be like the 80's, but it a far piece better than it's been for several years now.

I wear a men's size 10 1/2, and often need a wide. In womens shoes, f\depending on style, quality and fit, anything from an 11M to a 12WW will work, but mostly a minimum of 11W or 12M. Unfortunately, most shops in the US that sell non-fetish womens shoes carry sizes only to 11. So while I have squeezed my 12's into several pairs of 11's when I've just had to have them, they're not comfortable most of the time. As stated in previous messages, it is frustrating to see a pair you really like and not be able to get them in your size. And it seems the more feminine the style, the less likely they'll be available in my size. Also, with the return of higher heels and pointy toes, I'm finding that a 12 M is about the minimum if I actually want to wear them for any length of time.

Just as an addition to this topic, I would like to note that both Brazilian Orchid, Lovely Pumps, and Classic Pumps carry sizes up to 12 US (I think Brazilian Orchid even goes larger than that). So if anyone is seeking heels in large sizes, with some very excellent styles at both sites, they would be a good choice.

I agree, Lovely Pumps makes some very interesting looking shoes as well (though some are a bit extreme!). So yes, let's add them to this thread!

Laurie, you made a mention of wearing sandals barefoot rather than with stockings. On a personal note, I prefer the look of a nude nylon, as the stocking keeps the toes from splaying out (I know, not every woman has that problem) and it looks much neater and more polished. However, the "fashion experts" constantly say that wearing stockings with sandals or open toe shoes is a no-no. I'm curious when that became a "fashion rule". If one looks back in history, women always wore hosiery, regardless of the shoe style (I'm talking dress shoes now, not casual or beach wear). Through the 1960's at least, that was expected. Then all of a sudden, someone decides that no stockings is the way to go? I've been at dressy affairs such as weddings and the like, and many women are wearing very dressy clothes with open heels, but are bare legged. A black cocktail dress with bare legs just does not cut it! It makes for an unfinished look! Anyway, just a rant on part, I guess.

Has anyone purchased a pair of their shoes? If so, how is the fit and quality?

Someone mentioned the Nordstrom Rack stores, where the shoes are grouped on racks according to size. You know, it would seem to me that the large stroes such as Nordstroms would do well to have a small back room area where guys could go to try on shoes to their heart's content. That way, none of the female customers would be "shocked", and us guys wouldn't need be nervous about trying on heels in public. This doesn't need to be a posh place, just a chair or two and a mirror, out of general view. There'd be no need to advertise, as believe me, word would get around. But a small note in an ad stating "CD welcome" or something along those lines would do the trick. I bet they sell more than enough shoes to make that worth there while.

Once again, Susan, your collection is just outstanding (or maybe highstanding!!!). By the way, are you married??..lol... As far as I'm concerned, you can post a picture of all of your shoes, then start over again! I'll keep viewing all of your posts. And honestly, while it kills me to discourage any woman from wearing heels, I think you're doing a good thing by wearing some lower heels to work. My wife has extreme foot and knee problems which were likely worsened by wearing heels too much. Now, she can no longer wear a decent looking shoe at all, I'm sad to say. So give your feet and legs a break now and then!

Wow Susan, an outstanding collection. So many pairs, I'd have a hard time deciding which I'd like to see you in. Oh well, guess that means you'd have to model them all for me!!! lol. Anyway, the Pepe Jiminez pumps are also available from ClassicPumps.com, if anyone is looking for them I hope you keep posting pictures of you in your lovely heels. DO you wear heels to work?

Julie, you're a lovely girl with a great, and I mean great, collection of wearable heels (OK, so I don't much care for the cork wedgies.eewww...just a personal thing). So whay are you trying so hard to wear those six inch things. They really don't look all that great to beging with, with the exaggerated heel, and there's no way to walk gracefully in them. Get a nice pair of black patent 4" pumps (Classic Pumps has some beauties- www.classicpumps.com) and you'll be able to walk gracefully and will look fabulous! Leave the 6" suckers for the strippers and S&M models!

Lately, I've found several nice pairs of heels at the Parade of Shoes stores here in the midwest (USA). Some of their stores carry up to size 12 womens, and some also have wides. I can occasionally wear 11, especially if wide, but have much better luck with 12's. There is one particular store on the north side that doesn't mind you trying on heels, but it's a fairly busy store, so if you're not ready to be seen by the other women shoppers, you won't feel all the comfortable doing so. Their selections tend to be quite trendy, so in recent weeks they've been getting some nice thin heels, many of 4" or so.

When in my teens, I was in charge of my aunt and uncles house while they were on vacation. That was the first time I went through a closet looking for shoes (other than at home). Found a pair of my aunt's 4" spike heels that fit me perfect! Seeing as how my mother had a really small foot and I could never wear her's, this was a great find. I wore them about ten times that week. Later, I had a friend who's Mom was a bit larger, and I snooped her closet once or twice. Her size 9.5's fit me nicely, and I tried on several. Almost got caught there, as I did that once when my friend was in the basement, and he came up while I was going between bedroom and bathroom! Guess he either didn't see the shoes, or never said anything. Later in life, my work took me into many homes, on which I would perform full inspections, and I actually had to llok in the closets! It was always best when the homeowner would allow me to "do my job" and not tag along. I would always check out what the lady of the house wore. When I was really lucky, I'd get to do the inspection when no one was home. Once I met an agent at the home of a single woman, and he let me in saying "just lock up when you're done". When I went into the master bedroom closet, I almost died. About twenty to thirty pairs of shoes, all in size 10, which at the time was about as big as women's shoes came, and I could at least wear them, albeit snugly. I probably spent an hour there, sneaking a pair of her hose, and trying on just about every pair there. Several were 3-4 inch spike heels, and I had a nervous, but great, time. I was sure fearful that she would come walking in at any moment, but I was fortunate that she never did. I've tried on a few other pairs in my day, but never had an experience like that, with shoes that fit and the place to myself!

Just have to check in. Platforms are the ugliest thing going. Once had a teacher that had a short leg, and she wore a built up shoe. In the US, I think they call it club foot. It was hideous then, and the platforms now only remind me of that ugly, built up shoe for club foot. So girls (and guys) if you like looking like you have club foot, then, by all means, keep wearing your platforms. Me, I'll stick with thin soles, and continue to worship my hero, Laurie, from afar!

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While buying lunch yesterday at a local market in downtown Chicago, I saw three ladies wearing very nice heels. All must have been from the same office, and I wish I worked there! The first was a pair of blade like slides with two bands with small buckles, with a slight blade like heel of about four inches. The next was an absolutely stunning shoes with 4" spike heels, closed pointed toe, and criss-cross straps across the instep with a sling back, and they even shoed some toe cleavage. Wow. Finally, a bit lower heel (3") sandal with halter back and a multi-strand toe strap, with a shaped, slightly thicker but by no means chunky heel...these were quite sexy on this lady's lovely foot. All three ladies were probably in their 30's I would guess, and attractive. This was the best group of heels I've seen in years in Chicago.

Actually, I have found that most stores that carry larger size seem to expect that some men will be buying and trying on shoes. Something that I found that eases the nervousness is to call first. Ask if there's a problem with a man trying on womens shoes. Since they can't very well see you through the phone, there's no embarassment involved. If they tell you it's not a problem, then you're all set. Unfortunately, in my area, all of the small shoe stores that carried large sizes seem to be going out of business. I get tired of the same six styles that have at Payless. I used to have three stores that I could go to and try on shoes to my heart's content. But now, there's only one, and it caters to fetish styles with heels so damn high that only a ballerina could possibly walk in them! Oh for some 3.5 inch classic spike heel pumps in black patent!

Well Carolyn, it's not like I'm running off to find a younger, high heel wearing model. It's just that, after all of these years, it's difficult for me to accept. And actually, maybe it's her "oh well, you won't see me wearing those things anymore" attitude that's getting to me. It wouldn't even be so bad if the shoes she were buying now were a bit feminine, but it's like - hey, I can't wear thin heels anymore, so I'm gonna find the butt ugliest things I can and wear them cause they're comfortable. She could at least try to find a compromise of some nature. What's amazing is, even the butt ugly blockly loafer type things she is wearing have a 2.5" or so heel, yet she claims they are comfortable. Seems to me that the height of the heel would have much more impact than the width. Are blockly, clunky things that much more comfortable? <font size=-1>[ This Message was edited by: RonC on 2002-03-06 20:47 ]</font>

Laurie, while I absolutely love the thought of you in heels (though personally I think that 4" is more than enough), I hope you do at least give some consideration to your feet. You may have noticed my post regarding my 49 year old wife who can't wear heels at all anymore. While some of her problems are primarily genetic (bunions and arthritis), things like Morton's Nueroma are a direct result of toes being scrunched forward in the shoe with downward pressure from the height of the heel. I like nothing more than a pretty woman in a pair of nice spike heels, absolutely nothing finer. But give your feet a break now and then, and wear some low heels when you're going to be on your feet alot. That way, you'll be able to continue to wear high heels (and excite all of us guys) for a long time.

I can't believe that I saw a girl in my office building wearing heels today. This is a first!!! She had on a pair of black slingbacks with a 4" slightly bell heel and an elongated to with snipped tip. While I'm not crazy about the long toe look, it was just so outstanding to see heels! And she knew how to walk in them, too!

I hardly need a reality check Charlie. We will have our 30 anniversary in July. It's not quite a flash in the pan situation.

It just isn't the same, you know?

Thanks to all who replied. Don't misunderstand, I still love my wife dearly. But how can one put aside the one thing that, more than any other, rings one's chimes? Sure, she will wear them while making love, but you know, it's kinda like having a roller coaster that you can only look at, and not ride. As much as I'd like, I just can't change my desire. But I'll have to come to grips with it eventually I guess!

I am a confessed high heel addict. I find nothing more attractive or stimulating than a lady in a nice pair of classic pumps or spike heel sandals. Not extreme heels, just nice practical heels that one could wear on a regular basis. I have been blessed with a wife who, for the most part, was willing to indulge my desires and has been a long time heel wearer (though not too many spike heels since they went out of style). Unfortunately, arthritic knees and a foot condition called something like Morton's Neuroma have put a complete end to her heel wearing. While I am trying not to let her know my disappointment, I have been depressed about six months now. I have lost desire for her (yeah, I know that's shallow, but I can't help it). I just can't bear to see her in nothing but ugly, clunkly loafers and stretch material shoes with rubber soles (can it get any worse). I don't know what to do any more. I know I have become distant to her, but I can't help it. Does anyone have any suggestions?