Puffer

10 hours ago, FastFreddy2 said:

Looking for another thread, I came across this ....

With at least one event to follow. Maybe I can get it finished without debate over my version of the English language.   

Then tread carefully, mon brave. 

There has been at least one charity walk for heel-wearers (which I recall a member here took part in) but I don't remember where or when.

As with most charity fundraisers, the physical effort, wasted time and potential for injury and damage would likely outweigh the achievement (If any) and potential for enjoyment.   Last time I was asked to sponsor someone (for a half-marathon), I offered to double the money if the would-be participant stayed at home instead and did something useful.   (Oh yes, I'm a bundle of fun - especially at Christmas.) 

If your 'quiet it isn't' comment relates to the riverside strip, then I agree.   Quite a few people will be out for a Sunday stroll/drink/meal etc.   Almost provides some camouflage, perhaps?

I await with interest your Trip Advisor review of the fair and any other potential venues.

On 1/12/2019 at 1:53 AM, FastFreddy2 said:

 

The raison d'etre of the meeting would be the social aspect, anything else would be incidental. The last time I went to the London Fetish Fair, it was a complete wash, as was the previous visit to that one. We (the usual suspects) met there once and it wasn't an overly pleasant experience. In fact that might have been my last visit. Cobble stones all over the place, not only killers to stiletto heels, but blinking hard to navigate in a heel. (Rather like some of Camden). I would hope a swish venue in the City, might offer a better calibre of pavement and venue floor space. It might even be somewhere I could (finally) wear courts without risk of breaking them.

As to parking, I'm not convinced on street parking would be that easy. I had a quick look on Google, and I found double yellows and reds. I didn't look hard, so I will be happy to find there is free on street parking close to the venue. You are right about Sundays and single yellows, but some roads in the area I could park on as little as two 2 years ago,  have had a second yellow added. Transport for London, as we know, isn't there for the benefit of motorists unless there's a way to make them pay for a visit. 

I am familiar with most of the City, having worked there for many years, albeit not much during the last ten.   The venue is in a smart business area; There are some (modern/decorative) paved/cobbled areas around that might give problems but most of the City is ordinary flat pavements, well-maintained (or stiletto-wearing secretaries would soon be complaining).

In the City, parking on single yellows or in marked (meter) bays is permitted (and free) after 11am Saturday and all-day Sunday.   Whilst there has been some reduction in on-street parking and growth in double yellows, it should be possible to find a free parking space on a Sunday morning within reasonable distance of the venue, except near to Petticoat Lane Sunday market.

But this is somewhat academic, as I see little point in paying £6+ to enter a fetish fair of marginal interest simply to have a social get-together, especially when the chances of finding a quiet corner for (say) half-a-dozen of us to chat is uncertain.   I accept that the venue would be accepting of men in heels, but a quiet corner of a City pub or wine bar (on a Sunday) might be a 'free' alternative.   I don't have any specific suggestions at this time, however.   The quietness of the City on a Sunday (it is close to deserted in many areas) has much to commend it.   Another possibility would be south of the river between London Bridge station and Tower Bridge; there are wide walkways and various bars etc.   I suppose that discretion/acceptability is the key issue, not easily addressed.

8 hours ago, FastFreddy2 said:

Thank you, and you are welcome.

I ought to add that possibly understanding why these meets don't happen makes it no less disappointing about the lack of socialising in what is quite a niche interest, although maybe not a niche as many would think. I have over the years re-sold many pairs of heels I've owned that either didn't fit, or I didn't want to keep. A fair percentage of those sales have been to men. One of the pairs with the highest heels, and possibly the most expensive I've sold, were to a man at a face-to-face meeting. He was no more embarrassed than I was, and the fact I was selling very high heeled boots in a mans size (UK9) made no difference at the exchange. He might have been buying a foot-pump for his car, the transaction was so 'matter-of-fact'. But would he attend a 'men-wearing-heels' meeting? I doubt it since his interest seemed to be of the 'self-gratification' variety. Meaning he was happy to pay for something he might wear for 10 minutes of fun (with him young enough for it to be several times a week) rather than it be a 'lifestyle' interest.

While looking into opportunities for meeting venues, I found the London Alternative Market, which might be a regenerated London Fetish Fair. Entry is just £5, so affordable, but the location is deep in the heart of the City of London. Not a great place to get to, without using public transport.  Might be something to think about, for the Home Counties based members here. Travelling from elsewhere, might add too much cost to an untried venue. Volunteers?  

As distinct from 'pumps for his feet' presumably?   (Ronnie Barker in 'Four Candles' made the same error!)

As to the LAM, I have just perused the website:  http://londonalternativemarket.com/general-info/  First Sunday of each month in Leadenhall Street, EC3, which means that free street parking should be reasonably available for anyone wanting to go by car (the City is very quiet at weekends, but keep away from Petticoat Lane area as parking there is still restricted on Sundays).   Entry before 2pm is £6, entry after that £7.   

Whilst there is a claimed wide range of exhibits, allegedly including footwear, I can see little that is specific.   My gut feeling is that most of the emphasis is on activities/interests/lifestyles/products that would be of little or no appeal to me and scarcely justify the trouble and expense of attending.  I did once (about 20 years ago) attend what may well have been the same event in London; I found little of interest (and a fair number of rather unpalatable 'exhibits') and left after an hour or so.)  However, I am happy to be proved wrong and might be willing to attend, especially if some of us were to meet there socially.   Certainly, I agree that the LAM could provide a venue for such a get-together, but would there be any privacy for us - I guess not unless we hired a private room or similar?   In which case, why not book such a room elsewhere?   All in all, something to think about, as you say.

6 hours ago, FastFreddy2 said:

Great video, a la film trailer.

Hard to fully comprehend how well he walks in the heels as the view point isn't fixed, but probably still walks in them better than I could. Given he's not a size UK8, and more likely a UK10/11 or even larger, they might well be a 6" heel. Hard to know without some reference point.

...

I suggested that the heels were a little less than 6" because (a) I recall that the maker (Omano, as was) claimed them to be 5.5 - 5.75" (according to size); and (b) they don't look a full inch higher than my rather similar UK11 MJ boots (with true 5" heel).   But, whatever, he strides out purposefully and confidently as far as we can see - and his other videos support the idea that he is well-used to heels of more than 5".   

All in all, he is wearing very masculine boots and wearing them well - one of the best 'adverts' for men in heels I can think of; nothing effeminate there.

I can't add much to this discussion, but do suggest that 'graceful' and competent heel-wearing is not directly linked to gender or build.   We have all seen a variety of women (and a few men) whose ability - or lack of it - to walk in public in heels is all-too-evident.   

This man seems to me to be perfectly competent in his Omano boots (allegedly 6" heels but I think a little less than that).   He has other videos of him in similarly high heels and is obviously well-practised, but scarcely unique.   

3 hours ago, marcelheels said:

Hello Puffer!

Yes, I can.

Shoe size 40

3 inch is the most 'comfortable' for me (stiletto) but I'm trying 5 inch, which is extremely tough, but the ultimate for me. Have you seen the photo's of my boots?

No, I do not wear them outside, in the open. But I do practise quite a lot at quiet places.

Thanks!   Yes, I saw your photos but wasn't sure of heel height - and in your modest (size 40) size, the height can look greater.    I envy anyone who can wear an Eu40 - I am usually Eu45!

2 hours ago, Shyheels said:

I would always rather spend the extra money to have real leather or genuine, proper Nubuck suede. 

Nubuk is not quite the same as suede, although they can look similar (with 'new' suede usually lacking the slight shine of Nubuk and having a slightly rougher finish).   

According to one source: 'There is not much visible difference between the two. Suede leather has been sanded on the inner layer of the skin, while Nubuck is sanded on the outer or exterior skin of the animal, since the outside layer of a skin is tougher Nubuck tends to be more durable.'

I go along with that; suede is certainly more susceptible to scuffing and probably less water-resistant.

2 hours ago, Shyheels said:

Indeed. It is nice to find activity on this dormant site!

Yes, the several contributions from marcelheels and the resumption of interest by Shyheels are (like high heels) a step in the right direction.   Let's keep up the pace!

To put things in perspective, can you please tell us:   

• What is your foot size?   
• What is the highest heel you are comfortable in?   
• Do you wear heels outside, in male mode or otherwise?

11 hours ago, marcelheels said:

I absolutely 'love' them, although I'm not allowed to say so in here, haha!

Yes, you can say that you 'love' them - but not that you are loving them (which implies a transient and possibly fetishistic interest)!

I go along with Freddy's intention to enjoy more 'me time' (including a modest amount of heeling).   Although retired from gainful occupation, I have been busier than ever this last year (and before that) working on properties belonging to various members of the extended Puffer clan.   And I don't at present see much of a respite ...

4 minutes ago, marcelheels said:

Oh, don' worry.

I behave, I'm just b;lond and Dutch.

How do I know? ;-)

My compliments, mijnheer.   And mind how you go in those clogs. 

Yes, Maxima, along with the Spanish and Danish queens, seems to favour stylish heels.   One day, we might find Queen Kate on the throne here in hers.

I have no involvement at all with any 'social media' (intrusive and time-wasting) and I doubt use of it will help us that much, but try it if you wish.

As a matter of English grammar, 'I'm loving' connotes a rather different concept to that of 'I love' and your actual activity (however transient) in relation to this footwear worries me somewhat.      Please behave with discretion.

Nice boots by the way; I admire and like them. 

59 minutes ago, marcelheels said:

Hmm....me too!

LOL@British.

well.... time to take some action than, @FastFreddy2

You and me, maybe?
But the owners here should agree, or decide, right?

Although 2 out of 3 haven't been here for years.

Who's paying for this? 

Most of the time, it does seem that we only have about 3 members, 2 of whom are active!   

As for payment, the board is directly funded by the EU at enormous expense.   Whether this will continue after Brexit is a main sticking-point in the current negotiations.   Alas, as Mother Theresa has no interest greater than her 2" kitten heels, her support seems unlikely. 

7 hours ago, FastFreddy2 said:

A wide-fit is no use to me sadly. I fair much better with slimmer styles that keep my foot where it should be. Wider-fit styles have my feet moving around in the shoe too much, making me feel 'unsafe'. (Bit like wearing a roller-skate.) 

The 'standard' fit is also currently available at £30.00, in all sizes (inc half-sizes) up to UK10.   Or there are thick socks (2 pairs) ...!

On 12/24/2018 at 11:56 AM, FastFreddy2 said:

 

That looks like a 'classic' western boot. As would the same be in black.

If Philip Green wasn't on my sh*t list (actually appears twice), I might be very tempted to chase a purchase. 

I agree about Sir PG; I try to avoid his empire nowadays.

I see today that ASOS has discounted several of its items even further.   The Espresso wide-fit boots, for example (in real suede leather and of good quality) are only £15.00!   All sizes up to 10UK (Eu 44).   Well worth considering!

2 hours ago, FastFreddy2 said:

I was tempted to mention them too, but thought better of it. Just in case I started a stampede.  

What?   In those heels? 

6 hours ago, FastFreddy2 said:

I had such an opportunity, but the shoes didn't fit very well, sadly.

While the flared leg has some potential, the absence of any toe showing is a give-away. In fact to be truly discreet, a high heeled shoe worn by a man must be 2-3 inches longer than usual. I have some very wearable shoes (easy to wear) I could walk around in all day.  Slightly flared (bootleg) jeans or trousers, hide whatever needed hiding of the heel, bit no toe showing, draws attention. Less, is not more in this instance. I have some very nice ankle points with pointed toe, that fit very well. They are half-way toward a cowboy boot, but the absence of my foot showing, suggests I am wearing a heel, and draws attention for that reason. The appearance at floor level, is of a girl wearing high heels and just a bit of her toe showing at the bottom of her trousers. Even people not into heels, recognise that look.   

Good points!   My 5" MJ boots have a longish pointed toe, so even when worn with bootcut jeans (not excessively long) have enough 'projection' to pass muster.   Yes, I will be showing perhaps half of the heel when walking normally (much more when crouching or sitting) but an apparent 2.5 - 3" blocky heel on a 'man's' boot does not really scream 'cd' or 'pervert'.   Closer examination will certainly suggest I am in 'unusual' footwear, but unless one's appearance, gait or conduct is otherwise attention-getting, unlikely to attract the wrath of the world (and that of his wife, kids and dog too).   Stilettos, however, are a rather different matter; any sighting of a thin heel (regardless of height) is likely to be 'provocative', especially when the typical sound effect is present too.

6 hours ago, FastFreddy2 said:

...

Here in the UK it's fairly straight forward in differentiating because shoes sold here have to be declared with their material contents. It doesn't often say PU, but will often say synthetic. Obviously, anything synthetic, isn't leather.

Some sellers manage to find sources for leather shoes that might come in under UK£100, but these are now few and far between. Worse, it's not unusual these days, for synthetic leather shoes and boots to be well over UK£100. As the Chinese and Vietnamese manufacturing groups take over the worlds shoe manufacturing, smaller 'artisan' manufacturers lose more and more of their customer base, making their products more and more expensive to produce as they increasingly lose economies of scale. 

...

It is a worrying thought that sensibly-priced 'real leather' shoes are increasingly hard to find, especially (it seems) for women.   I'm not sure why a low-cut court or strappy sandal, which doesn't use a great deal of leather, should be so expensive - but I'm guessing that it is the ease of manufacture in synthetic material, rather than the cost of the upper, that governs the issue.

One apparently happy exception I have come across (and I doubt that it is unique) seems to be own-brand footwear from ASOS.   Having seen two pairs of India-made women's boots recently - one in genuine suede, the other in genuine leather - I was impressed by the quality and sturdiness of construction as well as by the style and finish.   And the full price of both was less than £60 - not trivial but certainly cheaper than many synthetic boots, and others in leather of inferior quality.   (Even better that these boots are currently discounted by about 50% - a bargain for any man (or woman) which they fit.   Alas, I'm not one!)

If anyone's interested, I see that the Topshop 'March' boots (as above) are now on offer at only £30.00, although larger sizes apparently sold-out online.   Some shop branches will still have them though; there is a 'search' facility.   The heel on the UK8 is 3.75"

Topshop has a number of other boots that would be good for male street-heeling, some of which are also discounted at present.   There are some new styles too, notably this 'Howdie' Western boot in black or tan:

On 12/18/2018 at 3:13 PM, Tech said:

Indeed, the natural lifecycle of many communities is that the "olde boys club" do fade away as they realise the new era of members and ways of doing things are more popular..

So yeah, post away, we all look forward to hearing your thoughts and opinions...

It is a little disappointing that, following a minor flurry of newcomers' contributions recently, the board has gone quiet again, particularly as some responses to those contributions really merited further comment, or perhaps just acknowledgement.

A Merry Christmas to all my readers - both of them!   

7 hours ago, WalkTall said:

Looking good.

I would almost call those heels oxfords rather than pumps.

'Enjoyably tight' - I like that description/concept.

Yes, they are 'Oxfords', i.e. a lace-up shoe (although strictly-speaking they should have a toe-cap).   In the UK, we normally reserve the term 'pumps' for light flat or low-heeled dancing shoes or gym shoes, and even then it is more of a regional usage.   Plain slip-on women's shoes with a heel are invariably called 'courts' - 'pumps' being the US usage.