Puffer

I haven't seen up-to-date figures. If, as you say, excess deaths are greater than Covid-specific deaths, I can only assume that (in the absence of another new virus or other emergent cause - and none has been publicised) many or most of these excess deaths arise as the result of NHS facilities being denied to people with other treatable conditions - notably including cancer. I find it worrying that the NHS is, in effect, deciding who shall live and who shall die when there is competition for beds and treatment. Of course, such difficult decisions do have to be made, but the emphasis does seem to have been on treating Covid patients (many of whom are in poor health anyway and potentially in terminal decline) at the expense of others, many of whom would certainly regain their health and survive. There is no magic answer and the situation is certainly serious. But, with the benefit of hindsight, I suggest that there will be recognition that a number of mistakes have been made already. We can only hope for improvement.

Lets not get bogged-down with specific examples. I'm neither a medical man nor a coroner, but the proximate cause of someone dying because of over-stretched (or no) medical facilities remains the heart attack (or other sudden medical problem) - not the novus actus interveniens of the poor treatment (or of possibly being infected by Covid whilst awaiting treatment etc.) My cousin's widow died a few months ago at 94. She had underlying (but not I believe terminal) health issues including dementia, and was infected by Covid during her final hospitalisation. Her death certificate mentioned all of these 'issues', which together so weakened her that her death came earlier than otherwise expected. The true cause was organ failure or somesuch. Whichever way one looks at it, we have a serious (and growing) problem - and I certainly do not make light of it. But including as a 'Covid' death everyone who had (recently) been infected does exaggerate the effect of the virus, when many (perhaps most) of those people would not have died at that time if they had not been infected, but would have died anyway within a shortish period. Covid accelerated their demise; it did not cause it.

And it's 'good buy' from him and 'good buy' from me!

Not quite right. In law, one has to establish the 'proximate cause' of some event. There may be one or more 'side acts' that possibly intervene, influence or interract but are not themselves causative of death. Yes, the dying cancer patient who is shot dead is a victim of murder or manslaughter (the immediate cause of his death) but if he instead was infected with Covid, that would not necessarily be the proximate cause of his ultimate death, despite it weakening his immune system etc with an accelerating effect. What worries me about the statistics is that anyone who has had Covid within the 28 days preceding death is counted as a Covid victim, however incidental that infection might have been. With many people having underlying health issues, Covid infection is of course potentially lethal for them but is not in itself likely to be the immediate cause of their deaths. As most of these people would, alas, have died anyway (but probably a little later), it is misleading to treat them as Covid victims.

So, a pair of shoes that were initially thought to be too small and didn't fit turned out to be larger than you expected (according to the apparent size marking) and now do fit, and comfortably too! So, a result - but a strange, almost surreal, situation! Were they perhaps US11 (marked thus) and therefore more like a UK9 than the UK10 you wanted? Is that heel really 5.5"; it looks a little lower? As to source, I think you mean The Little Shoe Box (late of Holloway). I believe that the maker of LBS footwear also manufactured for Cover Girl (and others too) so, if the 'vintage' is right, you may be right about the ultimate source. But I doubt that LBS would mark its products wrongly or use US sizing.

Just as I was trying to have a snooze after the hedonistic excesses of Christmas (OK - an extra mince pie), everything starts up again ... I wish.

Some interesting thoughts, Freddy, and I'm sure they resonate with many of us, myself included. Yes, mules (or loose slingbacks) are fun to wear - the slapping effect and noise as one walks gives a casual effect but needs an element of skill if a trip or a lost sandal is not to result. The ubiquitous flip-flops aside, there are a number of men's as well as women's styles which can be enjoyed thus. You say that your 'interest' in heels has dwindled (because of the pandemic restricting wearing opportunity) but is still latent. We can all understand that, if only because most activity outside the home has been made difficult if not impossible. Does continuing indoor activity (whether solitary or in accepting company) compensate? Probably not, although for some it has has always been the only or principal means of enjoying our 'interest'. Perhaps ironically, my own outdoor heeling activity has increased in recent months from the negligible to the fairly regular - all courtesy of my very wearable 'Recite' boots (as recounted elsewhere) which are easy and comfortable to wear safely and confidently during local shopping trips. The anonymity of a mask is not unhelpful, but not essential either. But whether there will be 'further steps' remains to be seen ... You ask if it is healthy to want something one cannot have. I would say' yes' - unless the craving becomes an obsession. Human beings with normal thought processes and desires invariably do want something extra, something new or something that requires effort to achieve - and will strive to obtain it. Think of that better house, new car, new job (or gaining a partner or children!) and how it may be secured. But keep the means, the timescale and (however measured) the cost firmly in mind and don't allow pie-in-the-sky (or heels-in-the-sky!) to dominate your existence and threaten what you already have, or will reasonably have - including your sanity. Above all, recognise that one cannot turn the clock back and what might have been attainable by someone 20 years younger - or during the world of 20 years ago - may now be unrealistic if not impossible.

As far as I can see, these boots are an isolated example of anything 'female' above size UK9. There are two other pairs of almost flat ankle boots in a 12 (but no 10 or 11 at all) - strange that. Maybe the Chinese factory made some 12s by mistake!

To my surprise, New Look currently has a rather nice pair of grey suedette ankle boots (3" Cuban/block heel, almond toe) in size UK12 (limited stock) - and currently with 25% discount so £20.99 net. I don't think the back zip is functional and the 'lanyard' (at least) could be removed. https://www.newlook.com/uk/womens/footwear/boots/grey-suedette-block-heel-western-boots/p/666154704 I rather like them but I think I will resist on this occasion. A very Merry Christmas to you all, with hopes for a happier and healthier New Year. Onwards and upwards!

I spotted that apparent error too! But there seems to be confusion between two 'Cheryl' products - here is the other one (of knee length): https://www.asos.com/asos-design/asos-design-cheryl-high-heeled-quilted-knee-boots-in-black/prd/21051055?colourwayid=60136781&SearchQuery=cheryl Nice stilettos - just the thing to wear in a padded cell!

If of interest, ASOS is offering 25 - 30% discounts until 24 Nov on these styles which are available up to UK13: Phoenix courts; Recite ankle boots; Cuba knee boots. And there are regular offers of further over-riding discounts too. Some sizes seem to be selling out however. I was asked by ASOS to give a review of my recently-bought Recite boots (which have had several satisfactory outings). I have yet to do so because I saw that no reviews were currently visible online. I queried this and ASOS says that it is making changes to its review mechanism but it should return shortly. When last seen, it was apparent that the larger-sized footwear has been well-received, with some buyers clearly being male. Encouraging all round!

ASOS seems to be offering regular discounts (typically 20% or more) at present, so keep your eyes peeled (and your alarm clock handy) ...

An unfortunate stereotype character, but certainly with some truth in it. One of the principal hallmarks of the 1980s Essex Girl (aka 'the 'Basildon Blonde') was an alleged fondness for white stilettos, thus stigmatising them in the minds of many women who would otherwise have liked to wear them, and some men who liked them on their women. Nothing wrong with white stilettos, and they do seem to have made (and still make) something of a comeback - on almost anyone except Essex Girls - and if they are good enough for Alexandra Shulman (former Vogue editor) ...

ASOS has another offer until 8am GMT on Monday 2 November: 25% off shoes and accessories using code: ACCESSORIZE Some footwear has already been discounted up to 70%; this is in addition. There may be some exclusions; I haven't checked. The Recite boots (up to UK13) are currently discounted by 30% to £21.00, so presumably can be bought for £15.75! And the Cuba knee boots (also up to 13) are £30.00 (instead of £40.00) so presumably £22.50. Fill yer boots, blokes!

Again, Freddy, I do not disagree with you - nor do I have any interest in championing the Tring business. What you say makes sense from the economic perspective if returns etc are difficult or expensive, if not impossible. However, if you dig a little deeper into the eBay site, you will see that (despite the absence of contact details and a stated returns policy where they should appear) the seller (apparently one 'Paula') does say that 'In the unlikely event that you are not entirely satisfied with your heels when you receive them, we promise to refund you if you return them unused, in the original packaging with 30 days of receipt.' That would appear to permit a refund simply because the buyer changes his mind. And there is the usual eBay/PayPal protection too, if needed, if any misdescription or quality issues arise. Paula also says this: 'This eBay store started through my own personal love affair with ultra high heels. With over 20 year's experience in all things stiletto and beyond, I simply adore wearing heels. Over the last few years, I have partnered with a number of fabulous boutique high heel makers, and have hand sourced a growing number of stunning, uniquely styled heels, many of which I also own and enjoy wearing every day.' So, there are no claims other than being a re-seller with established contacts, including those able to custom-make if required. I will leave it to others to consider a purchase, or not. But any feedback from members would be helpful.

I reported recently in respect of my ASOS 'Recite' boots (size UK13) that: '... I did experience some discomfort in the tips of my big toes - presumably my feet were being pushed forward into the otherwise quite roomy rounded toeboxes - and this lasted for some time after I took them off. Not an uncommon problem; maybe a little padding (e.g. foam) inside the toebox will help. I do think that a more pointed toe would be more comfortable, as well as (to me) better-looking.' There followed some useful discussion regarding wearing 'gel' toe protectors (caps) to alleviate this, but choice and availability posed a minor problem if I wasn't going to waste time or money. I then saw these on Amazon: https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B08BXPG2F6/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o00_s02?ie=UTF8&psc=1 which looked promising and were very reasonably priced at £1.79 for 5 pairs. As I had another item to obtain, I included these as an 'add-on' and they arrived very quickly. As the reviews suggest, these gel caps are quite large but, although I'm not a giant, they fit my big toes perfectly. I put them on both big toes, with socks over, and they certainly seemed to make the boots comfortable during an indoor trial. This morning, I was able to venture outside thus dressed and I think the problem is solved - a round-trip of about a mile's walk to a shop produced no discomfort and the boots themselves are fine. I wore bootleg jeans which conceal most of the 4" heel but, if walking quickly, climbing stairs or sitting down, then obviously more of the heel will be revealed than I might wish, so some discretion will be needed when I go out again. I say 'when' because I now have few qualms about wearing them in public in 'sensible' situations and locations. In saying that, I fully understand that many other men go public in higher or slimmer heels (and perhaps on more obviously feminine footwear), but, for me, this is a further step in the right direction - literally.

Do I detect a mild note of disapproval and caution, Freddy? I do not challenge your findings and it does look as though the 'business' is little more than a re-seller. But I suppose that people are happy enough to buy there (at an inflated price) if it minimises or eliminates some shipping/import charges. And, if comprehensive and truthful, the customer feedback is good. One seemingly interesting point (although I have not explored it further in detail) is that what appear to be true UK sizes are quoted, and often include 12, 13, 14. From looking at a number of Chinese suppliers' listings, the claimed size equivalents often appear very dubious - particularly for larger sizes where e.g. a UK11 would normally be 12" yet the Chinese claim that a shoe (say) 0.5" shorter is an 11 - and there is nothing available that is a true 11, regardless of description. Maybe this seller does have some influence with the factories regarding sizing and/or bespoke footwear? As always, caveat emptor.

As is so often the case, I came across this supplier's eBay website by chance: https://www.ebay.co.uk/sch/highestheels/m.html?item=254367044844&hash=item3b397514ec%3Ag%3AGOoAAOSwdOxdh0zE&rt=nc&_trksid=p2047675.l2562 I know nothing of this 'Highestheels' business (based in Tring) but it does have a wide range of footwear, including some with very high heels (and a refreshing lack of platforms), and many are available in large sizes (above UK10). I'm not likely to be a customer, but does anyone know anything about the quality and service - it does have good feedback?

Women playing football (or somesuch)? Whatever next?

There does seem some doubt about the Amazon ones fitting big toes, although at least one user has done so. I will look more widely - and thanks for the offer if I can't locate anything.

Oh my! And there's me thinking (as a reader for many years) that those who take, and write to, the DM are surely some of the most intelligent and fair-minded people in the country! (Leave aside the surprising number of correspondents with overseas addresses whose opinions are invariably useless.) After all, you and I have occasionally put the world to rights there, innit?

I didn't previously know who he is, but his pics (in heels) have been widely shown elsewhere on the web. An interesting find and linked article, although very few of the DM comments seem to be supportive. Whether any of the shoes shown were actually the 5" that he claims to prefer is open to doubt, but his overall look (If one accepts the basic idea of a man in skirts and heels) is well-structured and quite attractive.

I am, as always, in your debt, Freddy. You are probably right that the synthetic upper is not so yielding but I will persevere. A brief trial with a fabricated bubble-wrap 'toe wrap' seemed encouraging but a ready-made one is obviously better. I know 'Savers' but no branch near me (although I might get my valet to trawl the area). These from Amazon seem effective and are economical: https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B08BHHCK22/?coliid=I17XEK1YEHSXSM&colid=2L1NFKKCQ245H&psc=1&ref_=lv_ov_lig_dp_it so may well be included in a forthcoming order. Meanwhile, for those tempted, here is an ASOS discount open until 8am on Wednesday: quote BIGVIBE for 20% off everything. (I hope that doesn't mean that a 5" heel is reduced to 4"!)

I am reminded of a Desperate Dan story in the 'Dandy' from more than 60 years ago where he melted down his toenail clippings to make drill-bits for rock-boring! But what would you expect from a man who shaved with a broken bottle and a blowlamp (ouch!)? But I do not suggest that Freddy (or his toenail) is quite so tough as that! That gel protector looks interesting, if rather pricey for a single item (although I assume it is re-usable?). I see there are similar items elsewhere, e.g. eBay, and I will investigate further. As an experiment, I think a home-made 'sleeve' from foam or bubble wrap is worth trying. It is not easy to ascertain the reason for the toe-impact in the Recite boots. They are not too small in length, but equally not too large, and I think it is a combination of my foot sliding forward (because of the high heel) and meeting the relative hardness of the faux suede upper toebox, which I imagine will give a little with wear. Perhaps the necessary 'give' will be achieved by wearing a toe protector for a while.

I was able yesterday evening to wear and field-test the 'Recite' boots more thoroughly. As previously mentioned, they fit well enough, although I would have expected the size 13s to be a little roomier than they are, even in 'standard' width. They are sturdy (seem well made) and stable. Under bootcut jeans, little of the 3.9" block heel is visible (unless you want it to be). Having decided to keep the boots, I ventured outside for a walk of around half a mile over mostly pavements and gravel. There were no issues in walking (and no obvious detection by other pedestrians) but the (hollow) block heels with plastic surface are a little noisy (or was it my imagination?) in quiet streets. However, I did experience some discomfort in the tips of my big toes - presumably my feet were being pushed forward into the otherwise quite roomy rounded toeboxes - and this lasted for some time after I took them off. Not an uncommon problem; maybe a little padding (e.g. foam) inside the toebox will help. I do think that a more pointed toe would be more comfortable, as well as (to me) better-looking. So, they will get further public wearings when circumstances allow, e.g. a supermarket shopping trip or similar, but I hope to limit the toe pressure first. And I may well take my own advice and add a quieter heel plate, instead of or on top of the existing plastic. I attach some pics of them being worn at home - sorry about the quality as I had no easy means of taking them, or lighting them.