FastFreddy2

I wouldn't have at all minded if she or you tried them on. I'm sure they would have been tried on in the shop, but it's decent of you to have resisted. I'm ashamed to say, I would not have been so honourable. You might have gotten them on, but I doubt your daughter would. I'm a moderate size 8 with fairly slim toes, and there's barely room for my feet. In fact the reviews are right, they possibly come up a size [or almost a size] small. If I've worn them for a couple of minutes or if I tried wearing hose, my heels could fall out if persuaded, so they're not too short for me. But there's no extra room in that toebox. Plenty of toe cleavage evident though ..... [Ah .... thought for a photo? ] I think the charity donation was to cover postage costs, which we avoided? I'll be happy if those boots get some use. Though listening to the rain falling (as usual) it might be some time before any of us get to take our wellies off. .....

The quality has improved significantly. I'm qualified, and have a full portable studio ..... But you're doing fine without all that gear. You've cracked the perspective problem by having the camera positioned lower [between hip and knee maybe?] And not tried to get too much in with the camera quite close [which will make the closest objects to the camera seem disproportionately larger]. Two other common problems with this type of photography ..... Contrast control, and modelling. Modelling is especially a problem with shiny objects...... Contrast.... This is typified by trying to get detail out of (say) black shoes, with white or cream objects in the background. [Or worse, shiny highlights.] The cameras 'auto' feature, even if it has bias control, will average out the brightness levels. Not such a big problem with digital like it was with film ..... But whites [highlights] can still get blown out, and blacks don't contain any detail because they are black/black. Not so bad with coloured objects, but very light detail and dark detail can be lost if your contrast range is great. Shiny objects ..... These might be leather or PU/plastic shoes, and black patent the worst..... Reflected light, when that light is from a single small bright source, [ie flash] will produce spectral highlights when reflected from shiny objects. Physically this is likely from any non flat surface, but shiny objects reflecting bright light, produce high contrast in pictures. This means the highlights trick the camera into thinking there's lots of light, and the camera reacts by underexposing what will become the darkened parts of the image. Like >> here << The solution, is to use a large reflector to light your image. As much of the shiny material will see this, it'll lighten up the whole shiny area, and that will give shape and form to your subject. A cheap suitable reflector for this might be a polystyrene ceiling tile, or bit of polystyrene furniture packing. Have another look at >> these << Both are patent. Both have highlights blown out by the reflection of the window lighting up the room. But ..... I've got them sitting on white paper, and using some of this to reflect back light that was itself reflected off the white background. Okay, there's no longer any true blacks there, [or very very little] but my aim was to show detailing on the shoes, so I also over-exposed the image too. Thing is - you can see detail in the picture, your eyes would struggle to see in most situations. Using a large reflector for a light source can be quite flattering to the skin too. [Washes out some imperfections, and dulls skin blemishes. ] In a studio you might use a large white 'tent' as a main light, and a reflector to reduce the modelling to a minimum. Helmut Newton [my hero] used to use a ring-flash for fashion shoots, which by design, would remove all modelling as the light source came from 360 degrees. Can't find any links that don't involve high heels, and nudity. Oooh.... I think she'd probably side on the "don't bother for my benefit love", but like many of us, prefers go with the flow if the opportunity is there to do it. Mrs Freddy is the same. As long as I don't push too hard, as long as I try to be inclusive .... It works. If herself thinks she's getting second place [to heels or anything else] there's definitely a crimp put on my antics. If the photo's of your missus gets her more involved, I would myself, persue that with some vigour. In fact there's a couple of threads on HHp that indicate just how inclusive it's possible to get ..... No link as the one I intended to add, now has what I suspect are their 'personal' photo's where the HH ones should be. Anyway, the photo's of you both are great. Do please keep them coming. And if there's any sight of a bright day on Sunday, I might persuade herself to get in front of the camera wearing heels too. :-( ....

Ha! What do I know...... Went to Schuh store in Oxford Street first. Arrived at 7.35pm and left around 8.10pm ..... Yes 10 minutes after the store closed..... Went there for some shoes I'd checked were in the store, before leaving to collect. On arrival, I was greeted with vacant look, that just got more and more expectant they were going to be telling me I had wasted my [30 mile] journey. I waited so long I didn't get to do my ALDO returns .... But eventually, I did get the shoes. Twice now, Schuh have tried to induce an anxiety attack using the same method ..... What doesn't help, is there seems to be a complete store-wide staff change at 5pm, with no handover taking place. Next time, I'm not only going to check the shoes are 'in store', but I'll be making sure I get the name of the person I'm talking to and the EXACT location of my intented purchase. [That, or get a job there. - I wish. ] Traumatised ..... I skulked off to Paul's for a hot chocolate boost, before driving home. Westfield put off for another day. ......

I'm always up for a meet. If you are around for a week we could have a look around London again, and if Euchrid couldn't get there too, possibly we could meet him in Berkhamstead. [About the same amount of travelling for us all?] Maybe food and a chat? If it's quiet enough, might even get shyguy there too...... .....

The pic's are great, and significantly better quality over the initial batch. The shoes are more easily 'read' from the side, and the flash bouncing off the mirror didn't help. 10/10. :-( I have to admit to experiencing the same problem(s) here. Without doubt my interest in heels is a little obsessive [little?] and I think other folk in our lives can sometimes feel like they have to compete for our attention, which of course is never a good situation.... I'm always looking for ways to include herself, and her interest in all things 'shoes' often does help. I think we all need to be a bit watchful that the goodwill we enjoy, [when we enjoy it], isn't taken for granted. Once or twice I've realised that my interest has taken priority where perhaps it shouldn't. [The old over-compensation glitch.] An interest in trainspotting would doubtless be a struggle to share. An interest in cars, especially an expensive sports car marque, might be quite an easy one to get a spouse involved with - probably. And at first look, a shared interest in footwear might seem an easy interest to share too, but mostly easier if it's the woman doing the wearing. Obviously. ....

Back into London tomorrow...... Whistle-stop tour ...... Westfield for about an hour [maybe buying shoes] then Oxford Street to do some returns ... I hope. Weather is looking not too good, so no hiking around the streets. One day [and it won't be tomorrow] I've promised myself a walk around Westfield in some stupidly high [but hidden] heels. With no cracks between paving slabs to worry about, I can wear thinner and higher heels, enjoying the experience without wrecking one of my more expensive styles. I would prefer to own 5" heels that didn't have a stiletto heel, but the only ones I know of are either courts [Fuss] or made in patent [burlesque Blue]. Maybe I'll wait until September 2011 when Westfield Stratford City is due to open? Reason for edit: Grammar. ....

Ooops! You did mention how comfy they were? I'm sure they'll be some suitable 'penance' organised. :-( ....

Firstly, just to clarify ....... I mentioned (i) children [child under -say- 12 years] and (ii) older folk as those who would enquire directly ..... (i) Younger people do not have the fear or understanding that some personal questions are inappropriate in normal social circumstances. For example, most of us wouldn't consider asking a person with a burn on their face, how the mark got there. A child would simply (just) ask if the question occurred to them. (ii) Again an older person [i have my 82 year old mother in mind when I write this] just wouldn't care [wouldn't be afraid of being impolite] if a question was inappropriate. Her thinking might be, if I don't ask about the burn on someones face, how will I find out? So I'm not suggesting anyone else wouldn't want to know the answer, they just wouldn't ask. :-( In fact no-one who knows about my heel wearing has ever asked me why ... I suppose they just [rightly] assume it's because I like wearing them. The "efficiency" remark referred to everyday life, not just a small percentage of work styles. No manual labourer could wear them at work. No tradesmen. Few walking up and down stairs would be foolhardy enough to were heels for long. [i speak from experience. ] Walking around an office could be okay of course, because staff will spend a lot of working time sitting. But as I've mentioned a number of times, I know two girls who spent their 20's and 30's in heels, have spent a good number of weeks in their late 40's and early 50's in plaster having had repair work done on their feet. Each operation has meant absense from the work place for between 6 and 12 weeks at a time. "M" has had 3 operations, with 6 to 8 weeks off work for each. "D" has had at least 6 operations over the past 15 years, and might be in hospital as I write, having had yet another. She has twice had pins put in her toes to help straighten them, with these pins being left in for some time. [it was so weird seeing stainless steel pins sticking out of her toes. ] She is away from work for 3 months when this is done .... I've remarked recently, these girls lived in heels, and were likely wearing styles that didn't do much to look after their feet unlike more modern styles. High heels won't/can't help a business, nor a worker, keep efficient. Yes they look great. Yes they feel great ..... but there are consequences ... So then, roller-skates ..... Reason for edit: Grammar. .....

Nice write up. We certainly did some walking that day, and in heels too!

They look higher than I remember them..... Classic look, and very wearable. I wonder what Mrs Heelman thought? Reason for edit: Typo. .....

Thanks for meeting up last Friday, and acquiring the Schuh shoes for me. I'm very grateful to you both. Wore the grey ones around the house that evening. My thighs still hurt! Dunno why these are so different to other shoes with the same height heel, but they are? Plus, my right ankle got reluctant to straighten after a while. [Am I getting old? ] I'll do some more piccies when the weather brightens. ...

I soooooooo hope you two can meet up somehow. Sure California is a big place ...... but how great would it be for two people from different continents to meet up over wearing heels! Reason for edit: "would" doesn't have an 'h' in it.

I think that remark is generally true, but ...... Younger female feet [18-28] seem more tolerant of discomfort, and more interested in what they look like [how they want to be seen. Long legged and sexy. ie. Good partner material.] When you've spent possibly 6 out of 7 days wearing heels and your feet are starting to indicate signs of wear 'n' tear from wearing heels so much, [corns, bunions] I think your remark becomes understandably true? I (only once) made the remark to a walking partner, that I could wear heels all day without discomfort. Her remark back was to "try the same thing for 10 hour days 5 or 6 days in a week". That told me! It's becoming increasingly common in the UK, and especially true in styles I've imported from the US, that shoes and boots seem to come with padded footbeds these days. 30-35 years ago in the UK, this would have been unheard of, at least in footwear bought in High Street shops anyway. I think we men 'heelers' get the best of all worlds in this regard. We wear them for limited periods [although I'd say none of us wear them for as long or as often as we would like,] and we can be highly selective about the styles we wear. I certainly don't need to wear uncomfortable shoes or boots to finish off an outfit ..... Following on that rather 'deep' thought ..... I guess it indicates how our modern lifestyle has impinged on [latterday] fashions. Whereas us slightly older folk will remember a time when the pace of life was a little slower, a time that if you had a choice, it would often be to dress more elegantly and more fashionably over a duller practical look. I can remember having to make this sort of choice myself during the last year, and twice opting for wearing flat shoes over heels because on those two days, speed of pace was going to be the more critical aspect of my day out. Could this be another reason why men are considered 'odd' prospects for wearing heels, it effectively provides a mild handicap to their efficiency? [No-one who knows me, is ever going to think I'd prefer effeciency over style BTW.] ......

Hello Alex, and welcome. We are seeing more international heel wearers appearing here, and it's a pleasure to hear from you. Many members of Heels4men would be pleased if they could be in your position, able to wear heels in their normal social situation. You seem to be in a very fortunate position. Well done you! If you have any history to tell us (how you told your wife) your first time in heels, please do tell us, we'd really enjoy hearing about these. Again, welcome. .....

Interesting question ..... I think if anyone were to ask me, I could only say "because it feels normal" - to me.... And this is odd, because in reality, it can't be 'normal' on any sort of level. It does feel normal, it does feel 'usual'. I've said it many times, if I'm not wearing heels, I don't feel properly 'dressed'. But how can that be? Spiritually, I may be tempted to suggest I was a woman in a previous existance, and my interest in heels is residual characterisation from that previous life? While in reality, I think my 'soul' got stamped [imprinted] aged around 6 or 7 when exploring my mothers shoes in her wardrobe, and I liked/enjoyed what I discovered. After that, I had no choice about the matter. Mid-life crisis, [actually the critical review of my life by me] opened the door to what I wanted from what was left of my life. The rest, is history? If ever I'm going to be asked why I'm wearing womans shoes, it's going to be by a child, or a fairly old person. Either one failing to recognise the usual social barriers that prevent us from approaching delicate matters with strangers. Reason for edit: Grammar. ......

As a keen cyclist, I'll confirm there's no way your feet were missed. [We're always looking downward for obstacles, and four legged animals running around]. If they go past you again but are moving slower, they'll be having a second [long] look as you'll be expected.

Back up to £15 on-line ....

Walked into a Barratts close to home two days ago. Was greeted by young assistant with big smile. I was yakking on the phone so no conversation, but did a couple of circuits looking for >> these << in store. Found 6's out but no 8's. Got the same smile every time I walked past .... And I was OBVIOUSLY shopping for womans shoes. [Fella's shoes bring me out in hives. ] Too close to home to be seen trying any on, but maybe ....... No..... too close to home ..... ...

Thank you.

Hello? Hello? Can we 'untest' now please?

Excellent first post, and entertaining video. Have you tried putting a camcorder on a roundabout in a play area, rotating the ride while walking alongside the camera? Or putting the recorder on the floor and walking past? You've some good looking boots there too!

I'd really like to 'hear' the thoughts of someone in that position during the event. I'm absolutely never caught on the back foot with wardrobe surprises, and my initial remark to myself [no matter how outlandish the outfit] is ..... 'that works' .... or ... 'that doesn't work very well at all'. Folk with experience outside the mundane, seldom seem bothered by anything slightly unusual. Those who would put a negative spin on men wearing heels, must have had a fairly sheltered life - I'd like to believe anyway. That or they just happen to have unpleasant or jaundiced personalities? [Why would anyone actually be bothered one way or the other?] Though I'm not suggesting the fella startled here, was anything other than plain surprised. ....

A shoe with a 4.25" rise on a cork wedge? Excellent choice. As for wedges not being as exotic, your Karo's are 'head-swimming' stuff! Welcome back. Hopefully your trip went well? ....

I like the look of cowboy boots. I like a higher heel. I prefer a stouter slim block heel over a stiletto, but platforms with stiletto heel are the current fashion. [Thicker heels are appearing...... So maybe next year. ] While doing some browsing exercise, I stumbled across these : >> Luichiny boot << They look pretty much perfect, with a slimmer trunk to them, ideal for my skinny legs. Once found, I did some serious recreational searching for my size, with no luck at all. I then re-read the blurb on Ebay, to find the design is/was from circa 2000. Size 6 available on Ebay then ..... About two years ago, I saw something similar from Pleaser, but not found them since either. ....

I've mentioned elsewhere I bought some ASOS boots that were not strictly as advertised, so they went back. Despite not having the 'rise' advertised, walking in them was a challenge, which I quite liked. While browsing for shoe bargains [about all the exercise I can manage at the moment], I found these: >> Office courts << which I can tell you look the same as the ASOS boots, without the boots bit. If these are the same as the boots, I can confirm the leather is VERY soft, and there should be enough room there for a moderately wide foot. [Not Donald Duck sized, but they certainly aren't narrow.] Not short on length either. Soooooo tempting. .....