I Think I'm Going to Take the Plunge

SandalFan · 27th September 2008, 05:59

No matter how hard I try, I can't seem to stay away from this board, because every time I read these threads, I invariably wind up with an overwhelming desire to try public heeling myself. You street heelers have shared a lot of annoyingly inspiring experiences, and I'm growing weary of restricting my own heel-wearing to the privacy of my house. And now, thanks to you, I think I'm finally going to take the plunge myself.

However, unlike those of you who started out short, I'm going to start tall. I absolutely hate chunky heels, and don't like wearing anything shorter than 4". I can walk really well in 4" stilettos. My wife has even told me I have quite the strut when I wear my heels around the house (grin).

Unfortunately, my small collection consists entirely of sexy, dainty, open-toe pumps and sandals that I would never be caught dead wearing outside. I love ankle boots though, and briefly owned a pair of 5" stilettos, several years ago, but threw them out due to their poor quality. So, I did some quick shopping online and, as luck would have it, just found these Victorian-style Raven Platform Lace-Up boots at Payless.com:

http://tinyurl.com/3tw83u

4" stiletto with a 1/2" platform, functional laces, and a side zipper. Perfect!

I'm going to drive down to my local branch tomorrow morning and see if they have any regular size 10's in stock. Hell, I might even try them on while I'm there! If the clerk asks, I'll just tell her the truth - that I've grown bored with men's shoes and want to try something really different.

I've lived in the Midwest all my life, and have only seen a handful of guys in heels - but who were also in drag - so this should be interesting.

Wish me luck!

:D

HappyFeat · 27th September 2008, 06:17

Well, I for one congratulate you on your decision and confidence and hope you have an excellent first experience. However, I am looking forward to hearing your story of how it goes! Most of all, just have fun.

Good luck!

roniheels · 27th September 2008, 06:35

SandalFan...

Good luck on your public heeling. But most of all have fun doing it. The first time is scary, exciting, and a major thrill ride. I have worn high heels in public for years and every experience is always fun and exciting. And don't be afraid to try on the hgih heels in the stores. Most of the clerks will even help you with your selection. Best wishes to you.

onyourtoes · 27th September 2008, 12:18

Boots are a good way to break the 'going public' ice. A woman at work summed it up best when she looked down and said, "Are you wearing high heels?! Oh, they're boots."

Payless clerks are very heel friendly to men. Perhaps it's in their training.

All the stores have nearly every style stocked in 10. If they don't and they're not too busy, they'll check stock at other nearby stores. You can also call and ask.

I had seen those boots on their site, but they really didn't jump out at me until you singled them out. I might try a pair myself.

LovesHiHeels · 27th September 2008, 12:21

Good luck on your first trip out in heels.

c_heels · 27th September 2008, 13:41

Had to look a little bit to find the boots you were talking about, but they are definitely very nice! I really like them also. I may have to go to Payless, they have a few new styles I really like. Those Seem like a great choice for a first try at street heeling. Good luck, and let us know how it goes!

Bubba136 · 27th September 2008, 14:17

Nothing like jumping directly into the deep end if you're determined to dive into the water. It takes a lot of courage to wear heels in public. And, while the fear is mainly locked in your own mind, it would help if your wife, or another female person, was with you on your first outing. Not only for support but people that notice your heels and see a woman with you, will not be as judgmental towards your appearance.

Good luck and we expect a full report covering all aspects of your first heeling experience.

jwhite44 · 27th September 2008, 14:27

These are the same boots I talked about buying in a different thread! I also like them for all the reasons you stated. I'm about to order mine (ship to store), as I need to order a sz13, which I'm not going to find in stock. I did see a smaller-size in a Payless that I was in, they look nice.

I'm keeping my fingers crossed on them, as I'm a male sz 12.5, and these boots (particularly the toebox) don't look especially generous space-wise. I'm hoping I'm wrong.

Good luck in your search for them. Ship to store advertises a 2wk delivery time, so you might have your pair before mine.

On a semi-related note, it would be nice if Payless had an inventory control system which allowed you to select a particular shoe, and then have it show you local availability. Especially for larger (13) sizes, it would be a great to see if any local stores actually stocked the shoe you're interested in.

johnieheel · 27th September 2008, 14:49

I think you will find there is nothing to fear but fear it self Sandalfan. Just be your self and act as you would out in "mens" shoes. Most people won't even care and the .5% that do, don't matter any way. Good luck and fun heeling.

JeffB · 27th September 2008, 15:00

SandalFan: As others have already said, the very first time out in heels is always the hardest, but once you discover just how easy it really is, you'll invariably wish you had done it long ago. Good luck to you!