Bubba136

Interesting! I would guess that you managed to circulate closely in and around a couple of hundred people during the period of this experience and that is not much reaction. Not as much as one would expect.

Your experience parallel's my own. Over the years I've found that when people are focused on their own business or engrossed in their own pursuits, they are much less attentive or observant than when they're relaxed and paying more attention to their surroundings.

Chances of getting any reaction at all while shopping at a mall during the Christmas season or attending a concert or sporting event, and in other crowded venues, is almost nil. Then again, walking across a wide open parking lot in broad daylight, in open view of anyone that might be walking toward or behind you, chances are greater they will notice and would, perhaps, elicit a surprised, curious or look of disapproval types of reactions but hardly ever any verbal reaction.

As long as you are dressed appropriately, walk with confidence and self-assurance, you will "blend" more naturally with your surroundings and, while people will notice "you" they will notice the "whole" of you and not only your shoes.

Wear with confidence and enjoy your "outing."

__________________
Being mentally comfortable in your own mind is the key to wearing heels in public.

fastfreddy2

Next time, why not take a friend or family member with you? I suppose a family member might be harder (wife/sister), but a friend might not be so difficult? I've a couple of options, and now I give it some thought, think I've only ever been shopping alone for shoes once [and that wasn't from choice]. It was much harder than going accompanied. Harder = I was more self-conscious BTW.

I think my view on it is; that a man shopping for girls-shoes on his own makes them look like "billy-no-mates" indulging in something kept away from their mainstream life. If you have a man/woman buddy with you, it seems like your situation is more 'normal'. Several here have suggested going into the shop wearing heels makes it plain your purchase is a lifestyle thing, not a fetish activity. I've tried both. I prefer wearing heels if I try some new ones on in a shop, because there's a good chance I've already got hose on my feet, and I won't struggle to acclimatize to heels while I've trying on the new ones.

Somewhere (many posts ago) I said I'd stop trying shoes and boots on in the shop. Wasn't able to do that. I still try them on, like these which I think are just wonderful. But I still 'impulse' buy and return pairs (that don't work) later on too.

...

Saturn

Yes, my outing experience wasn't too bad at all. People really just don't care. Just how nobody watches what they're doing when they're driving, or whatever, the majority of people seem to be lost in whatever it is that they're doing.

To change gears a little back to the topic of trying on shoes in store:

People are talking about shopping at Aldos or other trendy women-specific high heel stores. This is the only hurdle I can't leap just yet.

These smaller, concentrated shops are STILL hard for me to go into and actually try the shoes on. Their entire shop is very small, with large glass windows, and usually pretty busy. It's strange. I'll go into any "family-style" store, and try shoes on. Clearance rack at a big mall department store? Fine. But these "full service" shoe stores still kinda scare me.

I think the main reason that I'm scared is that I don't think those places will carry my size 11, and it'll just be a waste of time. I suppose I'll never know if I don't try - but hey, I've come a long way here.

Stilettoscot

As someone who may be working in an Aldo store in a few weeks, I have to say that these type stores may be the BEST places to try on shoes around! But, I see your point about the windows...
Tips:
1. Talk to the clerk (especially a pretty lady) right away about your wishes to try on the shoes. Don't nervously peek around at the shoes...go right up to a saleslady. Once you see how helpful and attentive she will be towards you trying on/buying heels, your initial anxiety will fade quick.
2. Have the "footsies" ready, and try on the shoes pointing away from the windows (usually towards the registers).
3. Wear in pants you will want to match the shoes with, and ASK THE SALESLADY HER TAKE! This will take your mind off of anything else around you. Noone else will matter, trust me.
4. Have several styles to try on. Nothing says confidence like a bunch of beautiful shoes near you!

OR, you could go to the mall where I'll (hopefully) be working soon...LOL

Oh, and most Aldo stores have the majority of their style go up to size 11, which they list a EU43 (more of a 42)....

HappyFeat

I was in Aldo today and had a wonderful experience just as Stilettoscot was describing. I told the clerk I wanted to browse the clearance rack, she offered to get anything I wanted. I tried on about 10 pair, asked her opinion (though she really was pushing the peep toes) and had a wonderful time. She even went and brought me a few shoes as suggestions.

However, the dilemma that I found is that the Aldo 43 was too small, but they are so beautiful.

loswabs

I don't blame you for trying those. They're gorgeous

Saturn

I might give Aldo a chance yet, but I need to cool it with buying heels.

Not because I'm embarassed, but because I've got some that don't fit me that I need to get rid of, and I really don't have much money or space.

I mean, I've spent my last twenty bucks on a pair before, even though I only had a quarter tank of gas. It's addicting.

aussieheels1

hahaaa i hear you.... it is certainly additive.... :)

HappyFeat

I had my first negative experience while shoe shopping the other day. I made a special trip to a shopping area that has both a Nine West and a Steve Madden store. Both stores were moderately busy, but not packed. I picked out a shoe in each store and asked for it in an 11. In both instances they told me flat out that they did not carry 11's. At first, I figured that they may not have considered me a potential sale, but I was wearing my Nine West pumps at the time, so it was obvious that I was quite likely to buy. However, I think they just didn't want to be bothered, since at both Bandolino and Aldo, they offered to check online and order them for me if it was possible. Maybe I will try another time with different clerks.

loswabs

Simple solution - complain to the management, either locally or at head office. If nothing else this is unnecessary discrimination and we all deseve better. You're a potential customer FFS - don't they want to make a sale?