Working in high heels

[DDWW]

I have noticed when reading various posts that there is the occasional mention by guys here that they are able to wear their heels throughout the day at work. This has always been a dream of mine (and I'm sure a few others on here!) and I was wondering if we could start a thread whereby those who are fortunate enough could tell the rest of us a bit more about their experiences! Notably: -What sort of job do you do? -Do you work with mainly men, mainly women, or an even mix? -How did you first get to wear high heels to work, and did you talk to anyone about it first? -What was the first reaction of colleagues? -How long did it take people to accept you in them? -How long have you been doing it for? -What style of high heels do you wear at work?

[Shafted]

I have noticed when reading various posts that there is the occasional mention by guys here that they are able to wear their heels throughout the day at work.

This has always been a dream of mine (and I'm sure a few others on here!) and I was wondering if we could start a thread whereby those who are fortunate enough could tell the rest of us a bit more about their experiences!

Notably:

-What sort of job do you do?

-Do you work with mainly men, mainly women, or an even mix?

-How did you first get to wear high heels to work, and did you talk to anyone about it first?

-What was the first reaction of colleagues?

-How long did it take people to accept you in them?

-How long have you been doing it for?

-What style of high heels do you wear at work?

I work in a movie theatre as a projectionist/concessionaire/jack of all trades.

I work with mainly women. But deal with the men, women, teens and kids as customers.

Before wearing stilettos I had worked in mens heels (cuban heels). I never said a thing I just wore a pair of real heels that day.

Surprised, but positive.

Not long, usually when the person meets me.

6 years.

Stiletto boots and pumps with hosiery. 3-5 inch heels.

[CRabbit]

I want you to know straight away - My bosses & colleagues DO NOT know about my high heels.

Anyway, to answer your questions in order

1) I work in IT

2) There's an even balance, 16 in total inc. myself, though I'm the only one out of everyone here who wears high heels at work. Even the women don't wear heels!

3) I thankfully have my own office, so I can get on with my job without too much contact from the rest of the staff here. I didn't talk with my bosses/etc before starting to wear them, as they don't know yet.

In time I'm going to speak with my bosses regarding it to see if it can become a more public affair.

4) & 5) again, they don't know. Yet.

6) A few months now.

7) The pair I wear the most are black suede 4.5inch courts/pumps. In fact I'm wearing them now.

My decision to do this secretly at work has it's drawbacks. If 'caught out', it could be a very difficult conversation and might put my future with the company at risk however unlikely that may be. I also can't, for example, go to the kitchens and get a coffee, or go to the toilet without having first to switch to my mens shoes.

As I said before, I do intend on talking with my employers about it. In fact I've gone over the scenario several times in my mind this week. It's just a matter of timing at the moment. If they say yes, I'll then talk with each member of staff quietly and see how they'd feel about it. The last thing I'd want to do is make someone uncomfortable in such a small environment.

Chris.

[raymond.nl]

1) IT company (~10 people). Founder, architect, programmer all rolled into one. 2) 8 male / 2 female 3) I just did - did not talk about this first. The secretary probably was the first to notice: "Hey! You're wearing high heels!" I remember one awkward moment when a co-worker suddenly noticed I was wearing high heels and the conversation went silent for 5 seconds. 4) Neutral. I did ask my business partners (1 male, 1 female) for permission (sort-of) because I also represent them in a way, but they were pretty cool about it. 5) 7.5 seconds. 6) Two years. 7) 3-4 inch block or tapered heels. Also when visiting clients (nationally or abroad) I wear heels. I have never noticed a single negative reaction. When people make jokes about my heels (some actually quite funny!) they tend to do so in my presence so we can all laugh about it.

[Steve63130]

I wear heels quite a lot at work, not every day, but very often. I work for myself in a small business, selling men's legwear (opaque tights, sheer pantyhose, stockings, socks, lingerie, etc.) online at Activskin dot com and have done so for 13 years, since 1998. I have a female office manager in her 50s, who is not into heels. In fact, I've never seen her dress up. She has never said a word about my shoes, whether heels or not. Her husband also works here, but part-time, he is used to seeing me in heels, too, and like his wife, he never says anything, good or bad. So I'm completely free to wear whatever shoes I want. We just never talk about it. I'd be happy to discuss it if they bring it up, but they never have, so I don't make it an issue either. Mostly I wear clogs, boots, loafers, booties, and occasionally sandals and pumps – always with a thicker heel because I don't think I look good in stilettos – my build is too stocky and thicker heels look better on me, in my opinion. I usually wear heels in the height range of 2.5 to 4 inches. I can't stand or walk in anything higher, and I don't care much for platforms. I sometimes wear heels walking to work as well (half mile). I usually go out to lunch a couple of times a week with some male buddies; they have seen my odd footwear but have never asked about it. If they did, I'd just tell them the truth – I like heels. Steve

[Aly]

I'm retired now, but worked for a large semiconductor manufacturer as a CAD Support Engineer. I wore boots with heels from 2" up to 5" - block heels, blade heels, and stiletto heels. In the summer I wore sandals - usually 3" wedges and a platform of sorts, with a pedicure and red polish. The group I worked in was 2 girls and 4 guys, but I supported several other groups that were mostly women. Did it for several years with no problems at all. In fact I had been wearing some sandals for several weeks - 3" wedges with a 1" platform - and was heading to a meeting, walking with a couple of girls from a group I was supporting. One of the girls happened to glance down and see my red toenails and exclaimed "You have polish on your nails! That is soooo cool!" No mention was made of the sandals... Another time, I was wearing some boots with a 3" block heel and our group decided to go out for lunch to a Japanese restaurant. When we got there we were led into a small room, where we had to remove our shoes before sitting on the floor (typical Japanese dining situation). I was wearing suntan hose with my boots and nobody seemed to notice. As we were leaving after lunch, while putting on my boots one of my female co-workers commented "Nice boots - they look comfortable" - I said thanks and that they were, indeed comfortable, and nothing more was said.

[Philly410]

I just relocated to Philadelphia, and finding a heel friendly employer would really be amazing

[DDWW]

It's so interesting hearing of everyine's experiences - I am very jealous of all of you! Especially you, Shafted - being able to wear stiletto pumps whilst dealing with Joe Public. It's great that people just accept and respect you for it. CRabbit - I do really hope it goes well for you when you eventually tell your colleagues. It would certainly open up so many more possibilities for you! Please keep us posted on the results. I'm in the medical profession here in the UK and I don't think I'd ever get away with wearing anything like high heels at work unfortunately. I feel there are certain expectations held of medical staff by both the medical institutions and patients, and I fear that men in high heels would sadly be frowned upon ( If anyone else has any experiences to share, please keep them coming )

[Slides 'n Heels]

The only way to wear heels @ work is when I'm working at home. I am a team leader in a mostly male environment. When I would appear in the workshop or warehouse in heels, I guess I will be the subject of jokes and ridicule. So I will keep my heels for free time.

[Steve63130]

It depends how feminine the heels are, I think. I happen to like the more unisex styles, such as clogs, boots, and loafers, and with a thicker heel, they don't look so feminine. I think it's a great look for guys. If you're willing to wear such shoes, I think you can get away with it very easily. If you get any ribbing, just joke along with the gang. Don't take yourself seriously. Show you can laugh, too. Leave the stilettos home for now, and test the waters with something more conservative. The confidence you'll gain from the experience may propel you to wear heels a lot more often! Good luck! Steve

[Dr. Shoe]

I have to wear riding boots to work so no heels for me there. I work in an all female environment except when we occasionally get guys coming in on a voluntary basis. I wear heels most of the rest of the time though and no one really bats an eyelid because they see me as a woman- until I open my mouth of course!

[roniheels]

I work in an office with both men and women (although I work virtual sometimes). I have worn men's boots (cowboy and ankle-zipper boots)with at least 3" heels in the office for some time now. No one notices or says anything. I have never worn stiletto high heels in the office.

[Guest]

Doc I'm sure one day we will meet and hear your voice Al

[ShockQueen]

I work in a call center, and for about 2 years, really had no issues with wearing heels (or anything else female for that matter), as long as it looked professional - that was the stipulation. Once I advanced into a lead role (just below supervisor), I was asked to stop, as it was a perception thing between supervisory personnel and subordinates. It wasn't an order, but a request from my manager. For the amount the raise was, it was worth it. I still wear heels everywhere else though!

[Charlie]

I work in a call center, and for about 2 years, really had no issues with wearing heels (or anything else female for that matter), as long as it looked professional - that was the stipulation. Once I advanced into a lead role (just below supervisor), I was asked to stop, as it was a perception thing between supervisory personnel and subordinates. It wasn't an order, but a request from my manager. For the amount the raise was, it was worth it. I still wear heels everywhere else though!

Aren't managers supposed to look down on subordinates? I would have thought you'd have been asked to wear platforms? lol << joking >>

Charlie

[softmover]

Ok, here are my answers: 1. I am software developer in the Air Traffic Control sector 2. 80% men 20% women 3. I just showed up in heels one day 4. Mostly no reaction of all, two co-workers asked my why I was wearing heels, the secretary (woman) sometimes makes me show my footwear to her 5. I did not notice any acceptance problems 6. I am doing it for three years now 7. I started with block heels (~8cm), often wear boots with stacked or block heels, sometimes stilettos (right now for example - see attachment) when the wheather is now too hot. This summer I sometimes wore sandals. Heel heights vary from 8 to 12cm but mostly 10cm. The workplace has never been a problem, but since I am traveling by train (packed by pupils in the mornings/afternoons) the way to/from work is sometimes challenging. PS: I know the picture is a bit crappy but my mobile won't do much better -softmover

[jay jay]

Ok, here are my answers:

1. I am software developer in the Air Traffic Control sector

2. 80% men 20% women

3. I just showed up in heels one day

4. Mostly no reaction of all, two co-workers asked my why I was wearing heels, the secretary (woman) sometimes makes me show my footwear to her

5. I did not notice any acceptance problems

6. I am doing it for three years now

7. I started with block heels (~8cm), often wear boots with stacked or block heels, sometimes stilettos (right now for example - see attachment) when the wheather is now too hot. This summer I sometimes wore sandals. Heel heights vary from 8 to 12cm but mostly 10cm.

The workplace has never been a problem, but since I am traveling by train (packed by pupils in the mornings/afternoons) the way to/from work is sometimes challenging.

PS: I know the picture is a bit crappy but my mobile won't do much better

-softmover

I love the Heels. I cannot wear Heels where I am working but when my Fiance and myself go out i wear as high as she will let me.

[tightslover]

When I worked from home I used to wear high heels (about 4 inch). Once I went back to the office I didn't have the courage to do so.

[mtnsofheels]

Well, I wish I could wear my heeled shoes and boots to work, its where I work that makes it difficult. I work in the outdoor industry in the mountains, like trekking, climbing and lots of skiing. So the shoes I wear need to fit what I am walking/skiing on. But I do have some womens outdoor boots which again fit way better for me. Did get a comment from a young girl this summer asking if those were womens boots because of the colour, I replied yes they are! Soon I am hoping for a partial change in work so I can wear more heels, hope to report differently then. Mtnsofheels Notably: -What sort of job do you do? -Do you work with mainly men, mainly women, or an even mix? -How did you first get to wear high heels to work, and did you talk to anyone about it first? -What was the first reaction of colleagues? -How long did it take people to accept you in them? -How long have you been doing it for? -What style of high heels do you wear at work?

[Gudulitooo]

This is my next challenge. But I still have to find the right shoe. Spotted the ones in thumb at New Look, I am waiting for when they have the black again.

[Tacchi Alti]

This is my next challenge. But I still have to find the right shoe. Spotted the ones in thumb at New Look, I am waiting for when they have the black again.

How about Ebay? http://cgi.ebay.fr/NEW-WOMENS-LADIES-BLACK-NUBUCK-ANKLE-LACE-UP-WEDGE-HEEL-OFFICE-SHOES-BOOTS-3-8-/270818767433?pt=UK_Women_s_Shoes&var=&hash=item84b89c4c89

There are quite a few other similar styles as well.

[raymond.nl]

1. I am software developer in the Air Traffic Control sector

Ditto! Langen by any chance?

[hh4evr1]

What sort of job do you do? -Do you work with mainly men, mainly women, or an even mix? -How did you first get to wear high heels to work, and did you talk to anyone about it first? -What was the first reaction of colleagues? -How long did it take people to accept you in them? -How long have you been doing it for? -What style of high heels do you wear at work? office administration even mix I wore cowboy boots as they were not obviously womens I did not talk to anyone first, but did check with my manager (women) when wearing obvious womens boots to check it wasn't against the company dress code. Most looked but didn't say anything. The few that did didn't seem ok with it. After a few weeks people were used to seeing me in heels. About 3 years. Ankle boots with a block, blade or wedge heel usually 4 inches high.

[DDWW]

Softmover - Love the heels in your picture. I'm very jealous you get to wear those to work! When your colleagues asked you why you were wearing heels on the first day, what did you reply with? hh4evr1 - When you say some weren't that ok with it, what sort of things were said to you? Also, could I ask what sort of field of work your office is involved in? and how quickly did you progress from cowboy boots to the 4inchers?

[Gudulitooo]

Tacchi Alti, Thanks for the search, but the trick is to find the right size with fashionable shoes. I recently discovered the New Look collection of wide fit shoes. All models come in size up to UK9 / EU 43, while this store is not specialised in large size shoes, that means they have decent prices below 100€ , and wearable models !! (I mean no gogo dancer shoes, this is not my job unfortunately, otherwise I would have started long before :-)). And "cherry on the cake" (sorry french expression), there are 3 retails stores near Paris !! Already checked one, but only had sizes up to 42. Still 2.

[Tacchi Alti]

Ah OK. Do you need size 43 or larger than that? BTW, 'cerise sur le gâteau' is 'icing on the cake', but I wish I spoke French as well as you speak English. I spent 9 months in France more years ago than I care to remember, which is why I can't remember so much French as I used to!

[softmover]

@raymond.nl: You have a pm @DDWW: When being asked by collegues, I usually tell them that I simply like wearing heels (which is the truth). Once I told that I wear them because my wife took my hiking boots and could not find any other shoes at home --softmover

[hh4evr1]

DDWW I tried to edit and remove the post as most seemed ok once they had asked the usual questions of why I was wearing heels. I got light jokes from a couple of men when I didn't wear heels. They said "No heels today then" I worked for a pension administration company, so was just sitting at my desk most of the time. I word cowboy boots (3 inch) for about a month then wore my round toe 4 inch block heels. I wore them and also wore my wedge 4 inch heels and also my blade 3 inch heels. I then rotated them depending on what I wanted to wear.

[DDWW]

hh4evr1 Sounds like you had a lot of fun! I notice you write in the past tense - have you now stopped wearing heels for any reason?

[hh4evr1]

hh4evr1

Sounds like you had a lot of fun!

I notice you write in the past tense - have you now stopped wearing heels for any reason?

I was made redundent along with most of my department when the work was moved to another office.