FastFreddy2

Speaking as someone who has sold five pairs on an auction site ..... They are surprisingly popular. Amongst men.

Not sure if this counts as experience, as I had no conversation with staff, but ...... I've seen a couple of styles at KG I quite liked. Their prices are usually 'off budget', so if I'm ever going to buy, it has to be during a sale. Prices are typically £120 to £160, with some even higher (£400). They are often styles I and Mrs Freddy find attractive, so always get a visit if a shop is close. The two styles I've seen over a bit of time are these: Jessica: £160. The sole, heel, and toe shape were first seen in some knee high boots. Loved them, but way way way over my budget. At the time, I thought how nice would this style be, if they were available in my favoured ankle boots style? And these arrived. At the KG store, they were marked at full price, so outside my interest there. Sadly. I had thought they'd already gone on sale, and checking at home, found they are now available for as little as £40/£50 at some on-line stores. The second style ..... Sindy: £195. A pair of these were actually there in the sale, at £49. They are wedges, which I like as they're stable and usually quiet. I hadn't planned to try them as I don't expect to spend £50 on shoes I don't need (as nice as they looked)...... But also spotted these, my size, also in the sale area: Coco: £120. Reduced to £59, and I have a 'thing' for a high patent stiletto! So I spotted these two pairs, checked the prices, had a look at them. Two fellas serving in the shop, and the shop is just about empty. I did another circuit, and decided that despite there being two 20 something year old men in the store, I couldn't not try them. Grabbed the two pairs, and sat down. Tried on the shoe, stood up, and walked a couple of paces. I noticed one of the servers must have moved out the back, and the second was slowly moving around the front of the shop. The shoe was a bit tight, but that might be due to the gel toe protector helping to fill up the toe box. Then I tried on the Sindy boot, which I'd found out minutes before was a slip on style, with an ankle belt only for appearance. Inside the toe box was heavily padded, and I could (maybe) see why the boot was so expensive. These would be worn by most for hours without too much discomfort. While trying this one on, I noticed the other server had returned. Neither one approached me, though both were close enough for me to gather some attention if I spoke. Neither gave me 'dirty' looks nor spoke to each other while staring at me. Also, it would have been obvious what I was doing, not least because the server moving around the front of the store would have seen the shoes I was trying, and the heeled boots I'd arrived in. No problem. I left without buying, thinking I might return later if I had talked myself into a purchase. As the evening wore on, lack of time prevented me returning for the purchase, pep-talk. All three style are attractive. The wedges are higher than the KG site claim. The Jessica is over 5" high, though it has a small platform. The patent stiletto's ..... what's not to like? Perfect shopping experience. Left alone, no attention paid to me at all. ...........

They are the preferred style of HFMROK, a member not seen here for 2½ years. And I would agree, they do look like dancing shoes.Maybe tap, but certainly Spanish Flamenco.

Exactly right ....... If they fitted, if my feet didn't slip through, if I got them at good price, what would I do with them? Ideally, Mrs Freddy would wear a pair .... but we haven't had the sort of sandal wearing weather I would need, to get her in them - for years. ..........

ALDO. (Sorry, the site software wanted to change the case on the title. ) Saw these today in-store. Yes they are a wedge, yes they have a platform, yes they are white ..... But they are luvvely ..... Direct link >> here <<

ALDO have added black leather to the range. ..... but are £80 Still come in the larger size though. Held them both in the flesh today. Really are, élégante.

Back on thread ....... Another two 'monster' concepts. Who thought of these?

I mentioned it at the time, but tried a 7½ Louboutin Pigalle 120 while in Selfridges around one Christmas, before they made the open sales area into 'brand boutiques'. Back then you could just pick up a shoe and wander off with it, trying it somewhere a little discreet. Not so any longer. Anyway, I expected it to feel small, and cramp my feet. Not so. Actually fell off, as it was too big. Think they size them in Italian, which seem to come up large against similar EU sizes? Wasn't very nice feel, and I don't recall any padding in the footbed either? I was not impressed with what was probably a £300 shoe .... I have worn [iMO] better shoes, that cost considerably less. Jimmy Choo's have a reputation .... for not wearing very well off the red carpet. Even if you could buy in your size, I doubt you'd be very happy with their condition once worn ...... Conversely, the original LSB shoes (which should also mean Burlesque Blue) were always meant to be worn by men, as well as women. If you had the money, I'd suggest one of their products would provide significantly better value, and probably greater comfort.

My niece was the same. Right up until she got a bit heavier at circa 22/23 years old. Then took them off every chance she got, complaining about her 'sore feet'. I know your missus to be a slim little thing, but I know for many girls, (as with me) getting a little older and heavier, completely changes the shape (and abilities) of your feet. In fact a couple of months ago while the sales were on, I finally got Mrs Freddy to try a size 7, rather than her usual 6. She found a couple of pairs that fitted much better, but no sale. I'm thinking this could be a bit like dress sizing? Girls will wear a size 12 if it has a size 10 label in it? But won't wear 12 with a size 12 label, even if it fits perfectly? [And brands know that too. Hence their sizing regimes are all over the place.] You will know my walking out friend, who has a nephew that lives with his girlfriend. They both work hard, with long hours. They know how to spend it too, taking at least 2 foreign holidays a year. [And good on 'em.] She had a thing for Louboutins, and bought many many pairs, usually for wearing down the pub! She's gotten older. Now into Uggs in a big way, and has several pairs ...... Trophies? Only she will know, and maybe she hasn't given it any thought at all. Not sure why I collect. But I want to wear out every pair I own that (still) fit!

May I ask, Is this an older relationship that began before your interest in heels, or one that started afterward? While your partner might not contribute directly, an indicator of your circumstances (no detail) could be just as helpful? If I remember, weren't you wearing 5" heels at a gas station not so long ago? Hopefully I have that right ....

I don't know how you go without. Actually, I know why you go without, lack of choice. What I should be doing, is asking why I spend so much time going without, when I do have a choice. For me, too much planning, not enough doing. Mrs Freddy was out last Saturday. I planned a (new) jean and shoe combination try-out session to fill my evening. [Waaay too cold to go out for a play at -2 or -3 C.] The evening flew past so quickly, with me doing none of the try-out session, and I was late to collect her and her friend too. Yes, I could easily see you planning an hour in shoes, and two hours passing.

High heeled roller skates ..... ?? Well it is April 1st...... No danger of Mrs Freddy wearing ASDA shoes, she won't go in the place.... [Our local store is a bit rough to say the least.] Still does the same though, but spends more of her money on shoes and doesn't wear them. Years ago, I used to buy all her heels, and they got worn. Then we got married. I changed jobs and spent more evenings working. Our social life took a dive, and she got out of the habit of wearing a heel. Couple of foot injuries later, there are still plenty of heeled shoes around -that she bought- but they remain mostly unworn? Herself had a bit of a sort out yesterday. Found a pair purchased 7 years ago for £70. Unworn. Most we'll see is £15-£20 off the auction site. It's one of the reasons I stopped buying them. That, and the £150 pair she treated herself to, then never used. There's another pair of boots loitering in a similar situation. Originally £270 KG OTK flat boots, actually bought at £150 while on a special promotion. They've been here 5 months, tried on 3 times. I don't know why they've been kept. They don't seem to be terribly well made, and the price prevents them being 'wear-all-the-time' boots. Ironically, if George at ASDA had made these boots (in leather) and were £40/£50, they'd have been worn out by now. I too am reluctant to wear expensive shoes and boots, but expensive to me tops out at £45 usually. I did go a bit overboard a while back, but I've pretty much made sure I bought at good prices, so losses from my impetuosity are low. The one or two pairs I haven't managed to sell on, WILL get worn. Not anything like as bothered about less expensive shoes though. Maybe that's why your womenfolk prefer the use (wear out) the budget priced shoes and boots? Any damage and wear is not an extravagance? Perhaps expensive unworn shoes are like a medal, to be shown and discussed with girlfriends?

Just a thought ...... Down here we easily avoid such problems. They've been around a while, but perhaps they haven't reached your neck of the woods yet? >> Clicky <<

I dunno, suggests age-related forgetfulness? Are you sure you're not older than you claim?

A term borrowed from a friends wife, when discussing her husbands [2nd home] remodelling venture ..... "What you f'ing about with today dear?"

The box looks a little larger in the photo's, mostly because of the lens I used. Overall, it is a tad larger than 'usual' and it provides plenty of room for toes. I don't know if it was some sort of experiment, but it works. Mindful most of my shoe is usually under a trouser or leg on my dark jeans, the feel of the heel and the walkability of the design is fairly important. I don't feel the need to cripple my feet to wear an attractive style, though I would loathe to wear a truly ugly shoe. If I can, I'll try to do a composite of my 5 (or 6) fav styles. But the ones I'd save if the boat was sinking or house was on fire? The ones in the pictures.

Poseur. Yep, an attractive shoe. Not day street wear though.

They will be impossible to replace (in theory at least). Little Shoe Box was run/owned by a couple of fella's from a gaff in Hollowway Road, now long gone. I believe they both still independently make footwear, though it's been some time since I've seen anything from them directly. [They may have sold the lasts, or leased them out?] In times gone by, getting that shoe in a UK9 would have been easy, and not very expensive at all. I do still see boots that look like their products on an auction site. Not sold by either of them though, an outfit up in Scotland if I remember. Next time I see a listing, I'll mention it here. Having written that, I thought I would check one of the two newer trading names, that arrived after the demise of LSB. Both of the two shoe makers lived close to the old shop, one I remember being in Southgate. I don't remember the name of the brand at that address, but I do remember one of the newer trading names: Burlesque Blue. I've just done a search, and found it's now (also) in Scotland. I don't know if it's a son or daughter of one of the original LSB owners, but the styles are theirs. They also do underwear, which makes me think it could be a daughter? Anyway, link here for UK size 9: >> Clicky << As a reference, the black shoes I mentioned above, I bought for £20, and sold for just a little more. New. they are now circa £100. If they are still made in the UK and hand made, that's not a bad price considering ..... Considering a crappy quality, made abroad by machine Dune shoe, will go for more.....

They weren't so bad. I could stand in them for an hour ironing. Wearing them while laying down was easy. Not moving my foot at all was what induced the cramp.

Someone here has great legs? The shoes in question ....... I had an a pair of ankle straps, with pre-tied cords that passed under the heel, that kept them on whilst being worn. [No chance of kicking them off while asleep.] This is pair #4 of the hand made in England shoes that I owned. Also from LSB (who made the shoes branded as "Covergirl") and ones I purchased at WHM 2008. They fitted very well at the time, but I got older/heavier .... they then became too tight for comfort .... so were sold. ....

Couple of poor quality pictures, taken yesterday with room light boosting the dim light from outside. [snowing here again, on and off.] You'll notice the slightly upward turn on the toe-box. Makes the shoe surprisingly comfortable. And this is a comparison between the Saint, and the more recent Menzies style. Both around the same heel height, though the Saint heel is ever-so-slightly slimmer. The rise in the Saint is more compressed, making the heel feel higher? I've mentioned this before (and included a picture elsewhere, showing the same effect on a Schuh vs ALDO court shoes .... ) The elasticated gusset won't be to everyones taste, but they work well. When walking they feel like a high heeled slipper, they are so comfortable. "Exquisite", is the single word to describe them. Bit like a Porsche 911, function over form!

The avatar is working again, and very pleasant it is to see it again too. If you want to have a better look at the NW shoes, do a search using the file name. I had (cleverly) announced the item number as the file name. You may have to select the size you want from the dropdown options. You'll be lucky to find a size 9 in store. Think they class them as special sizes (along with a size 3) and maybe order in only. I now prefer to try them at home anyway, exciting as it can be 'in store'. I have anything up to 4 weeks to try them out, so 4 weeks to decide whether to buy or return. If I time it right, I also get to return a pair I want, and buy them back at a sale price? They are very 'girlie' shoes, and have a challengingly high heel. They look comfortable, and might be the sort of sandals I would wear if I had a choice. With my slim feet, they usually slip through a sandal and off the front of the shoe. Consequently sandal styles are unsuitable, and at £70, perhaps I should be happy at that?

I can't remember how old I am .....

Don't like 'em. I use a paint pad. Not to everyone's taste, and a roller can put denser coats on (though not as smooth). I just can't use a roller without producing paint spatter.

I won't be getting a (repeatable) title for my services to DIY'ing, that's for sure.