balletboot2000

It's all about practice. The other thing you need to check out is the terrain. As long as where you are going is level, and I mean level, with the recommended padded toes, you'll do fine. If there are any slopes to negotiate, make sure there is someone to steady you.

Hi Poppi, I know where you are coming from. That is why some of us want to go higher and higher. As we get used to the height of one heel, we "miss" the totter and struggle, so we aim higher. That is why some us wear ballets and high platforms. in the back of your mind you know that if you take a wrong step that you are going to crash out. Your hubbie obviously likes to see you tottering on your heels. As others have said in this thread, as long as you are happy with that, go for it. It's not as though your trying to push a trolley around Sainsbury's in them is it, where the public might be watching. Enjoy.

Hi Poppi, it gets easier with practice - you are going to struggle a little to start with, but practice makes perfect. Once you are comfy in 5", you will want something higher ! BB2000

Hi Roxanne, you can either get gel inserts, fabric inserts or just fabricate something yourself. Look on google for ballet dancer supplies, and you will find toe pads there, They make life so much more comfortable, especially when you try them out and about for the first time BB2000

Hi Poppi, the first time out in 5" heels would have been a walk in the garden, it was partly flagged, so that was the first time out. We lived in a quiet area down a country lane, so it wasn't long before I was out at night practicing, not going to far at the start, but venturing further and higher as time progressed. That lane was the place I took my 7" LSB courts for their first outing. I came back with sore ankles, but it was a hell of an experience.

Poppi, why not try taking them for a stroll in the back garden for a try. You know you're going to try it at some point, have a go. You can do it ! BB2000

Hi Poppi, the highest I've been out in my 12" heeled 7"platform boots, not far and carefully. That was a real test of balance and watching where I was going. I've been out with my mates in 5" heels, but as I wear a size 8 it wasn't too bad. BB2000

Hi Poppi, it's nice to have you onboard. I agree with all the advice, start off with something in the 3-4 " range, and get some padded inserts to put under the ball of your foot. The cushioning will make life a lot easier. Plus, as we don't know your foot size, a 3" heel might seem very high in your in a size 3, whereas the a 4.5" inch heel in a size 8 would give your arch the same lift. When you venture out, think about where you are going. A shopping mall with level floors is a good start, but be careful in a hilly area. Going downhill makes the heels seem higher, and what you need at the moment is practice. BB2000

Similar to Fogane, I have a pair of both, and the Femme boots are hard work, because they force your ankle past the vertical, whereas a ballet boot keeps your foot vertical. I can manage ballets outdoors - carefully, but I tried it with the Femme's and level is manageable, but put yourself on any kind of slope, and you end up with achy ankles and your knees bent.

Hi JimC, I glued some thick rubber to the toe box and the heels to help with the wear on my TLSB knee boots, but as you say, I've not seen any decent wedge ballets that would work well outside.

I've never seen anyone out in them. I've worn mine once at quiet countryside carpark to try them out, but I was on my own. I wanted to make sure I didn't go flat on my face, and try some new toe cushions out.

My 4" heeled Bronx knee high leather boots from Faith in Manchester

I have about 12 pairs of boots and shoes, all with heels from 4" higher. 1 pair of 5" courts. 1 pair of 6.5" courts 1 pair of 4"platform 8" heel 1 pair of 7"platform 12"heel 1 pair of ballet ankle 1 pair of ballet knee boot 1 pair of Japanese wooden tengu geta, with 8" ha. Comfiest - a pair of 4" knee high boots from Bronx

It's all a matter of practice. I agree that the boots need to be a good fit, with plenty of padding around the toes, and short toe nails, but just get up and walk, they are surprisingly easy, just take your time.

Nice looking boots Chris

I have worn various heels out, once taking my 12" heeled 7" platformed boots out under my jeans. I didn't get too far, as once my ankles got tired it was too easy to loose my balance. A superb experience though, one which I will repeat soon, I hope

Nice shoes, I need balletboots for the extra ankle support, but I love extreme heels like that

On your toes, well that is what you are now going to be. I think you made the right choice. Mine are by TLSB, and are great fun. All you have to do now is get the toe box padded out, and you'll be walking around in no time.

In America, I believe you can get some stick on pads that aid with grip, I've just not been able to find anything similar over in the UK

Alternative footwear have always helped me out

I was out in my 5" heeled thighboots the other week. The driving part is a means of getting to some open minded friends, who are use to me turning up in all sorts of wonderful footwear.

Pata - as she's known on the board, takes wearing heels to a new plane. Her website is full of pics and videos of her in extreme heels and ballets, and she has got me into wearing my ballets again

What a nice collection you both have.

TB2 - I'm going to suggest that you'll find you need a size 16 long, depending on how much of your shoes you want to cover up.

I've tried in various heel heights. In my 4" boots, it is possible. In my 5" boots things start to get somewhat inelegant, and you don't move that quickly. In my ballets - forget it In my 12" heeled platforms, it worked for about 10 metres, and then things got seriously out of control - mind you it was fun