Christmas Shopping in stilettoes

[loswabs]

A couple of weeks ago I was on my way home when I decided to stop and have a totter around in a pair of 4" suede court shoes. It was late at night and of course dark but I was in a well light area and was seen by quite a few people. A few had a bit of a double take but I didn't get any abuse. This has given me more confidence to move on a bit further. I've a few days leave due me from work and I'm so tempted to use it to go Christmas shopping in and around London wearing high heel shoes and/or boots. It's most likely I'll wear skinny jeans which suit my shape best and are very tight. It's a slutty look I know but I like it. I was thinking maybe Camden Market as that seems a laid-back, anything goes type of place. Can anyone suggest anywhere else where I can totter around without feeling too exposed? Thanks for your suggestions, support and help

[sendra45]

By all accounts London should be easy, where are you in the UK, if we know what corner you are in we might be able to help a bit more. best of luck with the trip.

[loswabs]

I'm near Heathrow but I'll go anywhere in London. I'll be travelling mostly by tube so that should good to start with?

[alistair]

art gallerys and museums are excallent places to go, I've never had anything but complements at any of the ones in london or someware really busy like oxford street.

[micha]

A couple of weeks ago I was on my way home when I decided to stop and have a totter around in a pair of 4" suede court shoes. It was late at night and of course dark but I was in a well light area and was seen by quite a few people. A few had a bit of a double take but I didn't get any abuse. This has given me more confidence to move on a bit further. I've a few days leave due me from work and I'm so tempted to use it to go Christmas shopping in and around London wearing high heel shoes and/or boots. It's most likely I'll wear skinny jeans which suit my shape best and are very tight. It's a slutty look I know but I like it. I was thinking maybe Camden Market as that seems a laid-back, anything goes type of place. Can anyone suggest anywhere else where I can totter around without feeling too exposed?

Thanks for your suggestions, support and help

Sorry, as a guy from Germany I cannot give recommendations for London. Like you I love wearing skinny jeans and knee high boots over the jeans. In my opinion this nice fashion isn't only a privilege of the girls. I'm wearing this outfit regularly on the streets of my quarter and I have got rarely bad comments. Sometimes young immigrants have a problem with my outfit.

The dogs are yapping and the caravan is pursuing its way.

[Nick86]

I wouldn't be able to suggest where in London to go, though i do agree that London does come across as a anything goes type of place. I don't know if this will help, but a couple days ago I went out shopping in my local town with my gf. I decided to wear my knee high boots (under my jeans) with a 3" heel. As far as i'm aware the only people that seemed to notice me in heels, was a group of girls (approx early 20's), but i was in a shoe shop trying some boots on. So it was kinda obvious. The early other time was a bit later on, we went to TK maxx an i was trying some boots on again, when a much older women was browsing the boots near by. I know she saw me trying boots on, as when i finished and went to walk past her she gave me a funny look ( it was friendly, like she was curious). Thats the second time I have worn heels outside, but i certainly do feel more confident, especially after being seen and knowing it. If your happy wearing heels out an about, then go for it. I've only done it when my gf has been with me, that helps me feel more comfortable and safe. ( I do get slightly worried that someone may notice and then start a fight or something). So maybe someone could go with you, (if anyone knows you wear heels) may make you feel more comfortable and happy. Hope it goes well for you, if you do it.

[Thighboots2]

Loswabs

Last Christmas I went shopping on Oxford & Regent Streets. Arrived about 9:30 and left around 2:30. Was wearing the shoes in the picture (pointy toe and 9cm heel) Its quiet until around 11am then suddenly its wall to wall people. I don't remember getting any looks or hearing any comments, but then again I never look around to see if anyone is looking at me. I like looking at myself walking past shop windows, such great big mirrors! Went in lots of shops and was laden by the time I came away.

Recommended location because there are so many people, you just blend into the scene. It is strange how less noticable you are, but it is so true.

TB2

[Hcuir]

I love your boots : great

[loswabs]

Thanks guys. I appreciate your suggestions and kinds words. I'll update you as and when things develop.

[loswabs]

Update then...

Went out Saturday night and on the way home changed into my high heel court shoes. I already had my skinny jeans on and was feeling brave. Got out of the car for a walk around and after a few tentative steps found myself walking along a main road. I saw a man and woman walking towards me and I got a tad nervous so turned and looked into a shop window. I don't know if they saw me but if they looked they couldn't have missed the 4" stilettoes.

They went on so I gave them a minute and had another wander. I was gaining confidence so walked all the way past the shops to the end of the street. Quite a few cars went by and gues what? Again, no reaction, but for sure some of them must've seen me. I waited to go back to my car and took a bit of a detour, mainly because there were guys only in and out of the liqour store and well, I didn't want to risk abuse. That's the main thing I'm worried about. I'm quite happy now being seen by women as I don't feel physically threatened, but a guy on his own facing one or more macho guys is too much. Am I being hyper? I don't think so...

Now I'm getting close to my day trip in the next week or so and have these new boots which I think I'll wear for my first day time trip outside in heels. Here's a link so you can see... http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/BRONX-WOMENS-PURPLE-LEATHER-ANKLE-BOOTS-SIZE-4-80_W0QQitemZ280178279796QQihZ018QQcategoryZ63889QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem#ebayphotohosting

I reckon these with long boot leg jeans, the heels will be clearly seen but only if you're looking. Any comments on these or anything else gratefully received.

Thanks for reading & replying

[flavio]

Was fun to read your story. The boots are just beautiful!

[loswabs]

Glad you like it, though a few times I wondered whether it was such a good idea walking near a pub late at night lol I'll try and a few pics in the next couple of days of me wearing the boots

[loveheel]

In my experience, before Christmas is a great time to go out in heels. There are lots of people out on the street and most of them are intensely busy looking for gifts. Nobody really focusses on the shoes.

[dressboots]

Re. museums being good places to heel Museums love their patrons. I dont' know how it is in England but here in the USA many museums are suffering funding problems big time. Numbers of people that come in the door are important to justifying funding to organizations that give grants to museums not to mention potential and existing donors. What a patron wears on their feet is inconsequential to the goal of getting the word out that a museum has something good to offer, not to mention no museum manager in his/her right mind is going to sit by and let their staff run off patrons with negative comment on their appearance. That a man was wearing high heeled women's shoes will not be recorded. That a member of the public thought enough of the museum to pay it a visit will be. Museums are business (of sort). A good business does not run off customers.

[loswabs]

Well guys, today I went out and tottered around London for most of the day in a pair of 4" high silver stiletto heel boots!!!! I also wore a pair of skintight, boot-cut jeans and a purple jacket. The jeans I thought might make the stiletto a bit more discreet and the look more acceptable rather than sprayed on skinny jeans. For added confidence I wore sun-glasses, quite a good move and not odd as it was a sunny day. I think it was a good look and though I may have looked a bit camp/gay, I also thought I looked damn confident and that was gonna be the secret to a happy day I wasn't sure whether to put the boots on once in London but in the end I decided I'd wear them from the car to the train station, a walk of about 400yards. I walked past quite a few people and the station was reasonable busy. Surprisingly, there was no hissing or booing from other passengers. Seriously, there wouldn't be would there, but isn't that what most of us think will happen? I bought my ticket and waited for the train, standing trying to be as normal as possible. While I was waiting on the platform, a man and his young daughter walked by (I'd say she was about 6 years old) and I heard him saw "You see a lot of men like that in London", but it wasn't said with any nastiness or malice in his voice. His daughter had clearly seen me in heels and said something. Bless her! And I thought Dad reacted very well. That was quite a boost to hear him react so well. On the train I sat down and basically minded my own. There was one girl sat almost opposite me, I'd say early 20s, who kept looking at me and my boots, but she didn't smile or make any other reaction. I decided I had no idea what she was thinking, nor would I unless she said something so I sat there, happy with my lot. By now I was genuinely feeling quite confident. Changing trains was a bit iffy, well in my own mind at least. I have no problem girls / women seeing me, it's guys that freak me out, especially when I think they're following me, as of course I imagine it's with bad intentions. I had that feeling but shouldn't have worried, nothing happened and they went their own way. By the time I reached Camden I was almost flying. For the next 5 hours or so I toured the place, in and out of all sorts of shops, trying on boots and a variety of shoes, plus all sorts of other clothes in PVC, leather, lycra, denim, the lot, and mostly in womens shops. What reaction did I get? Well, none really, which was great. Every time I asked for heels to try, the assistant couldn't have been more helpful, and I was treated like any other customer would hope to be treated. While being served in one shop I looked up at the door to see a teenage girl quickly take a picture of me and run off with her mates. To be honest, I wished she'd been closer as I'd have let her take one properly, so confident was I feeling. Generally I was "aware" when people noticed my heels but I never once heard an adverse comment or had to endure any abuse or ridicule whatsoever. At the end of the day, does it really matter so much what a total stranger thinks? No, but we do worry don't we?! By the time it got to about 5pm I was beginning to fade, so I changed into a lower pair of boots I'd taken with me, the heel about 2" high but much less conspicuous. Having seen as much of Camden as I could, I went to Oxford Street and quite a few shops. In Dune I tried a lovely pair of dark green patent boots, about 3.5" high, in Faith I tried a pair of purple lace up boots about the same height, and in Office tried some silver stilettoes and others. I also tried a few pairs in Aldo but I forget which ones. I tried shoes in quite a few other shops and bought a pair of purple ballet pumps for £8 from Shoe Express (they were too much of a bargain to pass up). I have them on as I type. Schuh was a bit too crowd so I left fairly quickly. I have to praise both ladies in Dune and Faith. They were both really sweet, not patronising, just really helpful. The lady in Faith really did her best and was genuinely interested. Of course there's a side of me that wishes she thought it was quite sexy / daring / fun to have a guy try on and then chat about the heels he wanted. That's my imagination again and I guess in reality she was just being professional. And then, it was time to come home. In all I had a wonderful day and want to do it again tomorrow lol Will I do it again? You bet I will. It was a very satisfying feeling and I feel much more confident about dressing the way I want to dress. Guys, if I can do it, so can you. It takes courage, but nowhere near as much as you think ;o) Go on, have fun. You'll never regret doing it, but you may regret not doing it.

[foxylady]

Hi loswabs, As you, I have my doubts about walking past macho men/youngsters. I started a few times heeling outside and I wished that I had a pair of heels on yesterday. I had to take a flight for businnes to Germany and normaly you have to remove your shoes when you go through Customes. Not this time.... Anyway, your story is very inspiring and it will give me alsosome more confidence to do more heeling. Thank you very much FL

[loswabs]

Thanks for your kind words foxylady, I do hope my experience helps give you and others the confidence to go out in heels if you want. Bouyed with yesterday's undoubted success, this evening I had another go, but this time I wore skintight skinny jeans and the purple ballet flats I bought Monday. Of course it was late night and there weren't many people about but I walked about some streets and was seen but quite a few people without any discernable reaction. I also toured a few supermarkets and even managed to strike up a couple of brief conversations. All very mundane but I now long for a chat with a lady about my heels or pumps. Coffee shops methinks! My conclusion is we think everyone looks at our heels but in reality they're generally too busy with their own lives to notice.

[foxylady]

hi loswabs, I'm at this present moment in Germany on a businnes trip. This afternoon I had some free time and went in town.... It isonly a little town and they only have one shoe store. They had a sale on and I found a pair of lovely ancleboots, but just a tat to smal.... european I'm a size 41 the boots where a size 40, but looked bigger. I went in the shop with the left boot in my hand and it was a male salesperson.... and I asked if he had these boots a size bigger. He went to have a look but came back with a negative responce. Because they looked quite big forasize 40, I decided to ask if I couldtry them on, with the mesage "they are for me".... The first reaction of this man was a bit of surprize(bear in mind a little German town), but then the possible sale was more convenient... So he gave me the look, the bench and the go ahead. Unfortunatly, they didn't fit.... They where very nice boots.... so I had to leave empty handed, but with another experience learned., Thanks again for your moral support. FL

[blackslide]

I went Christmas shopping for my wife today, so she was not along. I decided to wear my red stiletto boots, 3" heel (I know this is a wimpy heel height, but you don't come across any red heels very often, so I bought them - they look really cool), purchased from Payless last January. These boots have been hidden away since January and my wife has never seen them. I have only worn them at home after she goes to bed. Today I wore jeans, a bright red sweater and a genuine black derby hat, and an Adidas black letter jacket. I was thinking the hat may divert attention away from the boots, and if someone I knew commented about the red shoes I would jokingly say something about being Santa's elf today. This is a big step for me since I had never worn stillettos in public, much less red ones which scream "Hey look at me, I am wearing red." The jeans were long enough to completely cover the heel unless you bend over, sit down, or take long steps. All that I could see was the pointed red toe. I wear a size 9-1/2 to 11 depending on the style of shoe. For pointed toed shoes I usually buy size 11. These are 11s and are large enough for thick socks, and Dr. Sholls gel footbeds. They were very comfortable to walk in. We live in a town where if you drive a convertible sports car instead of a pickup truck, people suspect you may be gay. I have both so I keep them guessing. I have never seen any other guy wear women's shoes or any other item of female apparel. I started at an audio store to look at Sirius Radio stuff. That was the worst situation to start with. There were 3 guys standing around with nothing to do, and no other customers in the store. I was fearfull of a 3 on 1 laughing ridicule party, but there was not a comment and not even any stares. They were very helpful and polite. The world did not come to an end. I next went to the mall. The mall is tough walking the parking lot and walking down the inside past the refreshment stand where people are sitting down watching people walk by. I had a few long stares in the parking lot, but no comments or laughs. There were some teenage kids at the refreshment stand, and I heard them say "Hey look at that." I walked by quickly. I stopped at several stores including the women's shoe department at a department store (of course) where I bought a pair of shoes for my wife (she wears size 6). The checkout lady asked if I wanted the mate for the shoe I selected or a larger size. She must have noticed the boots. I just needed the mate. She was fine during the entire transaction, and I did not notice any looks from other customers while I was standing in front of the cash register. Three more stores, several purchases, and no incident. One guy walking towards me noticed the boots and stared at them as he walked by. It was like his gaze was glued to my boots. The look was puzzlement or disbelief. Next stop was an adult store - this is not a porn shop but a place to buy sexy party favors, naughty underwear, shoes, and many sex devices. In a small town like mine a store like this has to be tastefully done, and this one is. There were 3 young good looking sales gals, and they all greeted me on the way in. To my surprise they had fetish type shoes and boots scattered around the store and most were on sale (as low as $13). The hat trick worked or maybe the sales gals were patronizing me. They made a big deal asking about my hat and said nothing about my shoes. This gave me some confindence, and I asked one gal if they had baby doll pumps. She took me around and showed me some styles of pumps including the one she wanted to buy for herself in the worst way. In doing this, I overheard another sales lady and a woman customer who was trying on heels, talking about a new 40's style high heel oxford type shoe at Payless. I had just bought a pair of those last week. It was neat to be looking at women's shoes with a woman, and listening to other women talk about shoes that I owned. It felt right. I was tempted to buy some of the sale shoes, but the only ones in my size were some sleazy looking high boots with buckles all over them, and some 6 inch heels with 2" platforms. I am 6' 1" and do not need to be 6" taller, and I did not particularly care for the style of the platforms, and I generally do not like platforms. I won't say what I bought at that store, but it was a great experience. Next was the auto parts store for a case of oil and oil filters. Then to the grocery store for an anniversary card for my wife. All in red heels and no incident. I could not believe it. Valentines day next!!! Just for the record, I did all of my Christmas shopping in 1 hour and 40 minutes, and that includes buying oil for the cars. Also, I walked over a mile in these shoes today. I could have walked more miles, but they are only 3" heels. After this experience, I would feel more confident wearing stillettos in the future, but black instead of red. Red is really a come-on color for women. It works on me. I go bananas seeing a woman in red heels. I certainly do not want that kind of attention (from men). I am not sure if women go bananas seeing a guy in red heels or do they get turned off. I know my wife would be turned off - big time. I think red shoes at Christmas time makes a different kind of statement.

[Dr. Shoe]

The more a place is crowded the more likely you are to get away with it.

[Jenny T]

Thats great! I am glad you had a positive experience!!!

[mikeheel]

Interesting and rewarding accounts of being 'out-and-about' in high heeled shoes. I am quite confident when accompanied by various female friends (who love me in heels) but a little nervous on my own. I tend to cover up with longer jeans but as I love very high heels it often looks like I have no feet at all! I reckon the thing that worries me is mens reactions . The idea of being followed had not occured to me (am I naive) and of course if this happend (due to their wanting to pick on a man that has the balls to wear what the hell he likes) then I would have the least suitable footwear to be able to run off. I have travelled on the Picadilly line several times with high heeled boots. The tube is a very good test of confidence as we are all sitting around doing nothing much in a brightly lit ,sitting opposite eachother position. Quite a different situation to a busy street where everyone is about their business. Most people are not the least bit interested in footwear which is a shame. If they are, then they look and this often means a knowing smile or a little comment like 'love those' or where did you get... etc. I have never had a problem with anybody being aggresive. I think we should focus on the whole look....this is where we seem to have a problem in terms of direction as far as fashion goes. Ok , I know what I like when it comes to footwear and understand what makes a beautiful shoe but somtimes trying to coordinate a look is a problem. We should focus on our whole look or face another 200 years wearing heels at home only !! regards to all here. M

[loswabs]

Hi all Today I went out for a general wander about in the hope of finding a shoe shop open for the sales. Feeling a bit daring I wore a pair of skintight, light blue faded skinny jeans and a pair of metallic red ballet pumps. Flatties I know, but I like them with skinny jeans. I also wanted to start in them to build up confidence before moving onto 4" heels, and I to see whether anyone noticed the ballet pumps. I had a warm short top on so had that trashy emo / girlie look I so like. To start wiht I stopped at the Natural History Museum and had a wander around there. It was fairly crowded but easy enough to move around. Most of the stalls were closed and those which were open didn't have much on offer. Having browsed for 15 minutes or so, I left and had a tour of South Kensington. That was mostly quiet too but I did walk past quite a few people, none of which seemed to either notice or care about my footwear. I drove on to Notting Hill and the bad news is, I couldn't find a shoe shop or clothes shop open. Pah! This is London and all of the major stores were closed. The only places open were coffee bars and small grocers. I did find a Tesco Xtra open so, having walked around the main streets un-noticed, I ventured in. It's amazing, no one looks at a guy in skintight jeans and ballet pumps. How rude?!!!!! I spent about 10 minutes wandering around the aisles, stopping everytime I found a lady to stand next to, without being too close. No a murmer! I was getting really disappointed. I picked up a bag of mints and went and queued. I was there a good few minutes and was eventually served by a nice looking lady who had seen me waiting, and I know she glanced at my ballet shoes, but she didn't react either way. I rushed back to the car and slipped into my 4" black suede stilettoes and walked down the street. My heart was pacing quite a bit faster, and it picked up more when 2 ladies turned into the street and walked towards me. For a split-second I hesitated and wondered whether I should carry on but hell, I wanted to be seen walking in stilettoes so carry on I did. The ladies were I reckon late 30s - early 40s, and each were carrying a few bags. As I got closer I gave it my best tarty stiletto walk. The heel tips made a wonderful metallic sound on the pavement and they were looking straight at me as we got closer. They stopped and went into a gate way just as I was about to pass so rather than step in the road, I quietly waited and then walk past as they went in. Both look at me, but not directly at the heels or skinny jeans. I was quite thrilled about being so close to someone while I was wearing stiletto shoes, but disappointed at no reaction. Or should I be relieved at no abuse? Nah, abuse really is, I'm beginning to think, gonna be as few and fair between as compliments. It's a shame I have to work for the next few days otherwise I'd be tottering up and down Oxford Street all day!! Hope this helps inspire other to go out in their heels. It's safer than you think ;o))

[foxylady]

You are defenetly a good inspiration loswabs. Since you started this thread, I have also ventured out in heels. The last time was Monday morning and I went to Asda.... I was quite nervous, I wore a pair of wedge kneehigh boots with bootcut jeans...... When I came home I was so impressed with myself that I will go again and do some shopping. Did I told youabout my venture to the clothes shop last week. During daytime, I was wearing my ancle boots with about 4" heel.... I had tocross the busy road and there I saw a woman in the car telling her driver to look at my boots..... I went on and got into the clothes shop, where I had a compliment fromthe two saleswomen. Even one wanted to know where I got them from. Again, you are a good inpiration.... Thank you FL

[loswabs]

Thanks FoxyLady. I appreciate your comments as in turn I get the confidence to go out again. I'd love to go again tomorrow and everyday but reality kicks in and I've got work instead. Work, and a house full of relatives who I'm happy to see but you know that I'd rather be heeling than playing "Happy Families". I'm back at home now, still in skinny jeans and red ballet shoes, though hidden away in my study. They're all watching a film so I'm safe for a bit. I like hear about your conquests and they too inspire me. I'd love to hear more about you in your 4" ankle boots. All the details about the boots and a step-by-step account please!! The braver I hear about other people, the more I want to go out too. I'll try to go out early Saturday and have a totter around town again ;o)

[foxylady]

Ok Here I go, A few weeks back I was walking in town, to buy some Christmas presets when I went into the Shoezone.... Not to buy but just browsing and looking. I then saw these 4" ancle boots.... I had o have them. There where three pairs left al in a size 8. I bought one pair. That same evening I went to see a good friend of mine and she knows about my heeling, and I had my boots on. They are so comfortable. She even gave me a compliment and said they are quite high. She even complimented me in the way I was walking in them. I decided that evening to get me a second pair before they are sold out. So I went to town to buy a second pair, they are now rapped up and put away. Last week I had an appointment in a dress shop, to try some dresses on and I asked the saleslady if I needed to bring some HH shoes with me. She said to me it would be better if I did. So I took this opportunity to wear my boots again and take some normal HH shoes with me to the shop. I had a pait of jeans on and a complete bra set to go to the shop. I also had a pair of trainers with me, just in case I would bottle out. When I arrived at the shop I had to park the car about half a mile away from the shop an was forced to walk to the shop. A little nervous, it was 11am, I got out of the car. I saw all these people walking up and down the street, that I directly wanted to jump in the car and change to my trainers. But this would be much worse, because it would of attracted the people curiosity and I would be late for the appointment. So I decided to walk on towards the shop. And as in your story, nobody cared a bit. When I then had to cross the busy street, I had to cross by a crosswalk with traffic lights. When I crossed I saw that womansitting next to her driver and clearly I saw her telling him about me wearing HH shoes/boots. Even when they drove of she was turning around to be assurd she didn't dream.... Once in the shop, the saleswoman told me that the boots looked nice and then she introduced me to a collegua of her.... which I didn't expected, but she was alsook. They even admired the curage I had to walk into a womans shop with high heels and trying dresseson. Ok it was a private session so we where't disturbed. I was so shaft with my shopping/trying on, and the fact of wearing heels in front of ladies. I certainly will go again. Day by day we grow stronger/bolder. One day we will be able to stand out. Good luck with the further heeling FL

[loswabs]

Way to go FoxyLady!!!!

[roniheels]

Way to go all of you who wear high heels in public. I love hearing stories of more of us who, for whatever reason, put on our high heels and enjoy the day around town. I am going to the new exhibit at our art museum next week. I am going to wear my suit, hat, and high heels, enjoy the exhibit and the looks and comments I get.