Biking in heels

[Gige]

Last week, I was in The Netherlands to celebrate a milestone birthday for my wife. We went to dinner on the evening of her special day and for the occasion, she selected an intimate setting about 2kms from our residence. Given that the notoriously unpredictable Dutch weather was cooperating (No rain, non-hurricane force winds, and mild temperatures) we decided to ride our bikes to the restaurant.  My outfit for the evening consisted of a pair of just delivered, custom made, black leather, high-heel knee boots from Noe, my favorite brand, which just happens to be based in The Netherlands. They feature 4.25" heel with a .5" platform and ~14" top circumference. Simply put, they are "to die for" gorgeous!  Pair with a very "flirty" grey skirt and black top, it was a beautiful outfit if I do say so!

If anyone has ever biked in The Netherlands, they would know that doing so can be a challenge in its own right. Doing so in heels, however, adds a new level of difficulty.  Admittedly, the ride to/from dinner had to be done carefully so that I did not damage the heels if the ball of the foot area slipped off the pedals, or I had to come to a sudden stop. The sole of the boots is not rubber such as that found on a pair of trainers, so their slipping off the pedals was somewhat of a frequent occurrence. Fortunately, I made it to and from dinner with no damage to the boots. And I loved being seen wearing my new boots!

 

[Shyheels]

I don't understand how cycling in the Netherlands can be considered challenging. The place is made for cycling. Europe in general is excellent  - at least compared with Britain - and the Dutch and Danish in particular have it down to an art.  The challenge with cycling in heels will depend on the type of bicycle you're riding - the classic Dutch commuter bike, with the chain guard, wouldn't pose a problem. With others there's a chance of getting a long stiletto heel scuffed on the chain or caught in the front shifting mechanism. Smooth leather soles could slip off some styles of pedals, especially in the rain, and obviously you couldn't ride clipless pedals but the old standard quill pedal should give you sufficient grip.  

Edited yesterday at 10:10 AM by Shyheels

[mlroseplant]

I always said I would never ride a bike in heels, simply because it was a bridge too far--you have to go to Asia to see that, or possibly Europe. Now, everything is a bridge too far, as I'm pretty much the only one who wears heels casually and regularly anymore, so I think I probably would now if given the chance. Unfortunately, my good bicycle was stolen a few years back (from in front of our church, if you can believe that), and my other two bicycles are currently quite inaccessible due to our overly full garage. Nowadays, it's which motorized two wheeled vehicle will I ride in heels?

[bluejay]

9 hours ago, Gige said:

Last week, I was in The Netherlands to celebrate a milestone birthday for my wife. We went to dinner on the evening of her special day and for the occasion, she selected an intimate setting about 2kms from our residence. Given that the notoriously unpredictable Dutch weather was cooperating (No rain, non-hurricane force winds, and mild temperatures) we decided to ride our bikes to the restaurant.  My outfit for the evening consisted of a pair of just delivered, custom made, black leather, high-heel knee boots from Noe, my favorite brand, which just happens to be based in The Netherlands. They feature 4.25" heel with a .5" platform and ~14" top circumference. Simply put, they are "to die for" gorgeous!  Pair with a very "flirty" grey skirt and black top, it was a beautiful outfit if I do say so!

If anyone has ever biked in The Netherlands, they would know that doing so can be a challenge in its own right. Doing so in heels, however, adds a new level of difficulty.  Admittedly, the ride to/from dinner had to be done carefully so that I did not damage the heels if the ball of the foot area slipped off the pedals, or I had to come to a sudden stop. The sole of the boots is not rubber such as that found on a pair of trainers, so their slipping off the pedals was somewhat of a frequent occurrence. Fortunately, I made it to and from dinner with no damage to the boots. And I loved being seen wearing my new boots!

 

Love your ensemble. Your new boots look great on you. The fit is perfect on you, another guy that has thin calves like myself. That's an ensemble that I would definitely wear. BTW. Happy Birthday to your wife.

Happy Heeling,

bluejay

[higherheels]

I had the same initial thought as Shyheels - the Netherlands are made for cycling!

Slippery soles can be a bit tricky for riding a bicycle, but this can also get better if the soles are still new. Once they're worn in, they will also offer better grip.

Glad you didn't have any damage 🙂

[pebblesf]

16 hours ago, Gige said:

Last week, I was in The Netherlands to celebrate a milestone birthday for my wife. We went to dinner on the evening of her special day and for the occasion, she selected an intimate setting about 2kms from our residence. Given that the notoriously unpredictable Dutch weather was cooperating (No rain, non-hurricane force winds, and mild temperatures) we decided to ride our bikes to the restaurant.  My outfit for the evening consisted of a pair of just delivered, custom made, black leather, high-heel knee boots from Noe, my favorite brand, which just happens to be based in The Netherlands. They feature 4.25" heel with a .5" platform and ~14" top circumference. Simply put, they are "to die for" gorgeous!  Pair with a very "flirty" grey skirt and black top, it was a beautiful outfit if I do say so!

If anyone has ever biked in The Netherlands, they would know that doing so can be a challenge in its own right. Doing so in heels, however, adds a new level of difficulty.  Admittedly, the ride to/from dinner had to be done carefully so that I did not damage the heels if the ball of the foot area slipped off the pedals, or I had to come to a sudden stop. The sole of the boots is not rubber such as that found on a pair of trainers, so their slipping off the pedals was somewhat of a frequent occurrence. Fortunately, I made it to and from dinner with no damage to the boots. And I loved being seen wearing my new boots!

 

Those new boots are beautiful, and fit your legs so nicely, would love to see some more close up shots of them   I used to love driving my 5 speed car in heels, very exciting.  I would "guess" that riding a bike in heels would be fine, but alot depends on the type/design/height of the heels.  I'm thinking the best set up would be moderately sized block heeled boots that more or less lock themselves over the pedal.  But, then again, dismounting might be tricky if the heel gets stuck on the pedal.  

Someone made a point that rings true for me.  I am usually so concerned about scuffing the boots/heels while driving, which probably prevents me from relaxing and enjoying it.  

[Shyheels]

There’s no way your heel should get stuck on the pedals. Your heel doesn’t touch the pedal, no matter what kind if footwear you’re wearing. It’s just the ball if your foot on the pedal. Dismounting might feel strange in heels, but that’s all. The biggest problem woukd be the risk of scuffing your nice heels on the chain if you don’t have a chain guard, or getting a long stiletto heel stuck in the front shifting mechanism. If you were careful and pedalling at a measured pace there should be no problem

[higherheels]

Cycling in heels is really no big deal, you're overthinking it 😉

As Shyheels said, the heel doesn't even touch the pedal, so it doesn't matter what type of heel you wear.

Only platforms change the feeling of the pedals, but with low platforms this also doesn't change that much for me.

I also never had a heel stuck in the front shifting mechanism and can't imagine how that could possibly happen.

[Shyheels]

It’s unlikely, but if the ball of your foot slid outwardly on the pedals and you were wearing stilettos your heel could hit the front mech on the downstroke. Unlikely, but I think it’s possible.

in any event it’s perfectly possible to cycle in heels, and something I am considering  so I can get to places to practice in my 12cm stilettos 

[higherheels]

Ah, now I see what you mean. Yes, that seems possible.

But even with the most slippery soles I never had that issue. Sure also depends on the pedals you have.

Right, cycling to such places is a good idea!

[Shyheels]

Yes it very much depends on your pedals! I never got into the modern trend for clipless pedals and the pedals on my bicycles are all old-school quill pedals and my feet never slip on them. But a lot if cheaper bikes and rental bikes have these flat pedals with plastic platforms that can be very slippery when wet. I rodeo e once and being used to really nice bicycle, I was appalled.

i think it will be fun to put in my stilettos and ride to a place where i can practice. Come spring I hope to be doing this!

[higherheels]

I can imagine that flat palstic pedals will be very slippery.

I don't have special pedals, but they're metal and offer good grip. I use them with normal shoes for bike tours and also with heels. They're fine for both 🙂

 

This will sure be fun!

[Shyheels]

Germany is such a great place to tour on a bicycle! I have ridden through the Black Forest and followed the whole length of the Donau Radveg (twice!) Not in heels though … 😊

[higherheels]

Yes, it is!

Wow, the Donau Radweg twice is a really long distance! But you only did the German Donau Radweg, not the Austrian too?

[Shyheels]

I rode both the German and the Austrian sections, and on one of those times continued nearly to Budapest before turning off and riding down to Trieste - although after Vienna the it really isn’t the same thing. The German and Austrian parts are brilliant. I love the Donau Radveg. I’ve toured all over the world and that is one of my all time favourite rides. 

Edited 1 hour ago by Shyheels

[higherheels]

Cool, you been around a lot in that area.

I also really like the Tauernradweg along the Salzach, very beautiful. It's in Austria, but close to Germany.