FastFreddy2

All true. I had hoped the stretch function, and them being a slim fit to start with, might have put them on a par with the Zara boot? Which I know to be very slim and very stretchy, possibly why they are priced at £139, not £39? Oh well.

Although not a mandatory ingredient to it, I have always thought curiosity to be a sign of intelligence in humans. I add the caveat because curiosity in cats is most definitely not a sign of intelligence - in my experience. Although I assume much in saying so, your comments read as to a similar line of thinking to myself, in that you have an interest in styles for yourself that are not overtly feminine but SHOULD pass as androgynous. The 'styles' are those that you would find attractive to wear, given a free hand (that none of us feel we have)? My immediate thought after reading your post was, if only we were young enough to 'get away with being fashion frontiersmen' trying to breakdown the barriers of our rather conservative dress codes .... But then we live in fairly conservative times? Even if we were young enough to be seen as 'fashion victims', rather than 'old queens', would we dare? As I've already said, my means to an end to wearing a heel (with the exception of two outings - I will mention later) was to go out en femme and to blend in to 'the scene' where dressing up wasn't unusual, and even desirable. It never once occurred to me, to do as I do now, and that's to wear a heel in public during normal activity. And it might have been at a time (and I repeat myself again) during the early 80's when it might not have raised as many eyebrows as it might today? I would think the late 60's early 70's was another good time, as men grew really long hair and started wearing tight tops and flared trousers. I'm left wondering what it takes, to have the mindset of a fashion frontiersman? In my limited experience, having the basic physical qualities required** and the strength of mind to use it, don't often seem to be available in the same decade? ** Good overall shape ~ tall and slim. No paunch, good head of hair. Smooth skin. In summary, young!

P.D. thigh boots with 5" heel in PU.... The shoe part of the boots fit very well. Might have been made for me ..... (That's the good news.) Despite having a zip from the foot arch to a mid-calf position, the ankles are loose, as is the bulk of the shaft. Not flapping around in the wind loose, but not anything close to 'fitted'. I did think to cut the shoes out of the shaft material as the 'shoe' fits so well, but the soles are paper-thin. This is a nightclub item, or bedroom attire, not serious walk-anywhere footwear. They appear to be well made though, and I would think good value for money in other circumstances. If I can make time to take a photo tomorrow I will, but they are going back. On another note .... The Office patent shoe with 5" heel previously priced at £70, has gone on sale at £32 !!!!! A reminder .... No size 8's .... obviously ....

I don't know, in my ignorance I would have worn them outside normally (in warmer climes) given their intended use. ie. For paddling in a boat trying to shoot dinner, while keeping your feet dry. If I recall, they are water-tight to the top of the boots, where a trouser leg would be soaked if left prone. Conversely, while in Antarctica, would it be possible to tuck a thermal grade leg covering into a boot even if you wanted to? Possibly I could, but what of someone with regular sized legs?

I'm pretty sure the 'ladies' tops come with at least one horizontal dart that starts at the armpit and goes forward a couple of inches ... I don't own a cycling one, but that dart would do a lot to help accommodate my "moobs".

While shopping a supermarket yesterday I saw a fairly tall brown skinned girl who was, to be frank, drop dead gorgeous. I wouldn't be at all surprised if she works as a model, at least part time, her slim frame and obvious looks lending itself to that. While her bright red lipstick was the first thing to catch my eye .... Her boots should get a 'worthy mention'. They were a yellow/orange sand colour, that went well with light coloured coat, and skin tone. A modest heel of about 40mm, and a shaft height that took them to the highest point possible without becoming OTK boots. Most importantly, they were both skin tight, and made of suede. Because of the attention she was doubtless getting, trying to get a 'snap' of her footwear was impossible I'm afraid. And she wasn't there doing a weekly shop either, so I only caught two fleeting glimpses of her. To be honest, I'm seldom looking about the knee of anyone in these venues, but I'd misplaced Mrs Freddy and her hair colour is currently a good way to find her. The red lipstick'd girl had walked around a corner as I was looking down an aisle almost directly into my gaze (though hers was elsewhere). As she walked past, of course I looked downward and noticed her 'statement' boots. I've had a look on Google for something similar, and not found anything there either. With regard to the cross-dressing .... I have always been - so probably always will be, into tight fitting clothing. Not so much for the benefit of wearing materials normally associated with a fetishist lifestyle, like rubber or leather, but more from the constriction point/experience really. While me dressing 'en femme' actually was a means to an end, it wasn't an unattractive thing for me to do, though it did feel like quite hard work sometimes.... The benefits from it were there at the places we used to frequent though. If we went as a boy/girl couple, both young-ish/fit/slim/not unattractive, no-one would approach. If we went as a girl/girl size 8 couple both wearing 5 inch heels, we almost always got approaches, sometimes with unexpected results. Vanity suggests I post a 'selfie' but paranoia even more strongly suggests I don't. Touch can be quite an erotic sensation, although us men tend to rely on sight. I have found, having my legs and torso touched or held by compressive clothing, to be very sensual. If you have never experienced a recently de-haired leg covered in something like hose, and the sensation of the material caressing your leg as you move, I would suggest you have missed out on sampling one of the benefits of being a woman. Perhaps they can and do take it for granted, but it really is a pleasure. To make the most of the opportunity I try to keep my legs hair free. I fail miserably, even though I easily justify it for cycling purposes. (You don't want to be repairing gravel rash amongst a matt of hair, or removing a plaster stuck firmly to a hairy leg.) On a foot note to this cross-dressing verses transvestite theme.... For me trans is all about becoming womanly, where cross-dressing is more about androgenising a dress style. (This is where a dress code uses no sex identifiable clothing [ie jeans] or uses clothing associated with both.) When I wear hold ups for example, they are always hidden. I wear them to keep warm, not to sexulise myself, or transsexualise myself or my appearance. In keeping with my own assessment of how a woman's attitude to clothing changes over years (from looks to comfort) mine too is to do with comfort. I struggle with cold legs in wind. [Last Sunday I was out in jeans with leggings, and got chilled legs in the wind. If I was better prepared, I would have worn hold-ups too, under my leggings and jeans.] And as a footnote to my footnote ..... I was given a ladies T shirt to use use for work, which does no favours to my clothing. It's a bit snug but otherwise fits well, so I have removed the identifying label and kept it for non-work use. First time I wore it, Mrs Freddy remarked it looked like I had been to the gym, and was that T shirt new? She has no idea (and I'm not telling) that she has complimented me for wearing a 'ladies' T shirt.

They were an early (2008-2009) auction site purchase, so I have had them some time, and they were not new when I bought them. I remember them as being Forini, or Fiorelli ....and they seem to be neither. The makers name is covered by a self-adhesive insole liner that may be hiding some damage inside the boots (I found out today) and I am loathe to remove the covering as you might realise. As far as I know, they are all leather, though the shaft fabric is stretchy. I've no idea how leather could be stretchy, but it is quite popular these days if you have the where-with-all. I saw some real leather stretchy leggings mentioned online today for around £350 (reduced from £800 IIRC.) When I bought these, I did ask the seller about their antecedents, as I thought I might chase a second pair. He was vague about everything. They are very very very good quality. I'm pretty sure they are the only leather soled shoes I own at the moment. Though as a 15/16 year old, I wore no other type. (Fashion victim.) I have trawled my email account, without success because I don't remember any unique identifier. P/Pal records don't come up despite the option to select 2008/2009. Even the auction site feedback/messaging system drew a blank. The boots were worn 'underneath' the straight legged stretch jeans, as shown. To get the photo's done today, I simply removed the jeans to reveal my 'standard equipment' leggings. While these boots are very comfortable, and with the modest 4" heel are easy to walk in, I would not wear them with my lower calves on show in such a way. Higher heeled boots would of course completely change the overall look, and help disguise my (embarrassing) ankles. As long as no-one sees the height of the shaft on the boots, I have no fear (usually) about members of the public thinking they are anything other than what they appear to be: Mens cowboy boots. I did have to remove these once, at an airport to go through a body scanner. It was about 6 years ago, and I had to do it in front of several hundred other travellers. A story I've already told elsewhere.

Yeah, what he said. When I think of some of the 'sights' I've seen that barely turned a head or were just ignored, the attention a man in a heel acquires while in public, is completely disproportionate. I suppose it's down to experience. Badly dressed (poor choice and or dirty), are much more common, as are tattoo's in what might generally be considered inappropriate places. (Neck, face, hands, and lower legs on women that are usually bare.) My "ideal" would be to wear a court shoe in public, (probably covered) during warm weather, and for my footwear to be ignored. Bliss!

Pictures of the boots I wore, and how I wore them has been added to the post above.

I haven't seen them yet, but apparently they have arrived. From >> here <<

When the two closest members of our family visit, I have to be a bit careful about what shoes I leave lying around. I don't always find every pair, but so far, no-one has asked any potentially awkward questions .... It's even worse when the grandson stays, because like most young people, he wants to know everything about everything... Not only do all my shoes/boots have to be hidden, some stacks have to be disguised too. It's a PITA. Today, we three went to London to take a look at the Christmas lights in the West End. It might have been 'four of us' but his mum had things to do at home. I had already decided I would wear my very passable cowboy boots. They have a 4 inch heel, fairly slim shaft, and come up to just under my knee. There is decorative stitching over the toe box, and they are a bit 'pointy'. They look like a mans boot, right up until you see how high and slim the shaft is. While preparing to go out, I walked past everyone several times wearing the boots. This afternoon/evening, I spent 5 hours walking around with my grandson and Mrs Freddy. So far, not a single comment. I'm hoping there might be some remark, to draw out any feelings about them (good or bad) but I wouldn't be surprised if no-one noticed or dismissed my choice of footwear as "me being me". (ie. Eccentric.) I'm not expecting to be judged, nor do I want to encourage false enthusiasm, but it would be nice if I didn't feel so compelled to 'hide' my interest from those so close to me. I'm probably not alone with that sentiment?

No, my mistake. I had misunderstood the meaning of your comment. To be honest, even now (having re-read it several times) I still struggle to comprehend it correctly. But I do at least recognise the generality of it, and it's favourable theme. By an absolutely amazing co-incidence ..... >> here <<

As I've said many times, I'm no martyr, (to the cause) and I would never intentionally embarrass my wife or anyone she and I know either. But I'm not overly concerned about raising eyebrows from 'the public'. I don't have any agenda, and I don't expect people to be disrespectful or rude, just because I've slightly non-conformist tastes in clothing. "Don't like it? Well carry on and mind your own, just as you would if I were wearing a man's shoe."

Almost, nobody.

Under normal circumstances, I would not favour a shoe or boot so macho in look, and it may explain why I haven't yet made a purchase. They are a means to an end though, and something that could be worn that wouldn't ruffle any feathers of those close to home? I have a back problem in that I have a "disc" that likes to slip slightly when I do something stupid with my back. Like lift more than I should, or lift and twist. I have found walking, any type of walking, helps return the offending part of my spine back into the position it belongs. If I'm walking anywhere, it'll be around a retail environment since this helps relieve the boredom of doing something skirting on exercise. And if there's one thing that'll get me doing something close to 'exercise', it would be wearing a heel.

Since our respective spouse's (spices ) are almost certainly included in our intellectual 'friend' group, I would expect some measure of tolerance from them, just as you might expect some tolerance from any friend (I would hope). What I wonder is the main reason for reluctance? Mrs Freddy is hardly encouraging per se, but would rather I indulge in an interest than spend time moping around feeling hard-done-by. That said, she has made no secret of the fact we are a couple while I'm out in heels, by holding my arm as we walk. Although it may not be directly intended, it's a very pleasant sensation (to feel the comfort of my partner while I wear a heel). This, even while I wear the shoes she has mentioned as having quite 'pointy toes'.... For my part there are no secrets, save the size/value of my collection, and we both defer from any discussion regarding the value. My past, which I mentioned recently, has been well known for nearly all our time together. I don't tend to be a wallflower, and have some history in carving out a lifestyle I want to live live in, rather than imagine. I'm lucky in having had associations throughout my life, with women who find innovation slightly attractive. If only I had the same attitude toward making money! While I had started writing here thinking I might make the reluctance of partners, the debating subject, I don't know it needs debating? People like what they know, and are comforted by familiarity. Anything unusual or unfamiliar, disrupts that feeling of security and comfort surely? Isn't it that simple?

Tonight, I visited two Zara shops in London, both had the long boots in size 40 (UK7). Neither store had a 41. I measured the width of the shaft at ankle and calf, and conclude they would be snug on my legs. The heels on the 40/7 was around 125mm so a whisper under 5 inches. I'm still half-glad the 41 has been kept from me. They are NOT worth £140. I had mentioned before, there was a Plan B, to do with a PU pair of long boots priced at £39. They were ordered this morning. I have not included any detail, as to avoid the mandatory 'jinxing' of the order. While out and about window shopping, I had another look at the Office red patent courts. They're on my list.

I could have pretty much written the same things about myself. (If I haven't already. ) I get a bit more latitude with heel shape, but Mrs Freddy has now several times, passed comment (as only women can ) on the toe shape of my current wear-everywhere-boot. If I'm honest, they are quite pointy, but they are comfortable. As long as the footwear looks like a boot, and not a court shoe, I've pretty much an open choice. Oh, and I've got to be able to walk in them of course! Yep, that too.

The heels on the sandals I looked at and tried on, were high so that 5" heel isn't too much of a surprise. Will you keep them?

I must have another look at those. I have them marked in my 'watching' list, but they are always something I think I'll try 'tomorrow'. They do look like a boot that would pass just about anywhere.

A couple of years ago, I bought a 'chop-saw', that looked the dead-spit for a sliding compound mitre saw. It was purchase to help dispose a huge unwanted pagoda, made of about 2 tonnes of 2x2 and 2x4 timber. A year later I used it to cut some cloaking profile to use around a double glazed window. The profile was a round quadrant which I thought would look more attractive than the square used by the window installers. (To hide the gaps in the walls....) Easy, thought I. Simple anyway. Set the machine up, and cut away.... Fortunately the profiling was cheap. Of 4 pieces, to cut, at least 2 cuts were 90 degrees out because I failed to understand which end (which half of the corner) was being cut... I got it right in the end, and it looks great. While that saw cost me £100, it'll see me for the rest of my life, and those two windows look pretty enough to have paid for the saw anyway. And did I mention the transit load of wood it cut in an afternoon? My brother-in-law was very impressed. My mate with a wood burner was less impressed when I told him a winters worth of chopped wood went to the tip...

The gremlins are in today ...

The revised tooling I have in mind, would largely look like an open ended trough, through which I would pass the flooring. Poking out from one side of the shallow trough, would be the cutter/cutting bit. The router to be mounted upside down and underneath, with the plunge function set to allow the groove to be cut at the right height. The two uprights forming the trough (fences - in table router parlance) would be glued and screwed to a larger flat piece, that could in turn be fixed/clamped to a Work Mate. The router would sit in the gap formed from the opened W/M. The router and tooling is to do a single job. I already have a need for about 10m of new board, and the bulk of the boards to be found under old carpet have yet to be seen. I can't remember the quote from the wood yard, but it ran into several hundreds of pounds. They either priced themselves out of the job because they didn't want it, or recognised an idiot asking for a price.

I don't know if this is absolutely true but ..... For most men who have a taste for wearing a heel, it's a big secret. Not true of everyone obviously, but I would suggest by far and away the largest proportion of men into heels, have it as a closely guarded secret they share with no-one. To get involved with a group can be a relief. (I am mindful of a story retold during a HH meet organised on HHplace in 2008. A fella had made mention to having serious mental health issues thinking he was unique in his high heeling interest, only to find he was one amongst many. The 'relief' of finding the group changed his whole outlook.) When an interest has been buried/hidden/repressed for a significant period (years perhaps), how easy is it to change that, and join a public forum? I'm fairly outgoing, and I know you to be too. A couple of others here are not shy either. Are we here because our personalities have overcome the barriers to joining/participating in a group? Bit heavy, but getting responders to join in here, seems more of a challenge than I thought it might be? And I know men wearing heels is more common than most people believe as I've moved on quite a few pairs of heels over the last 7 years, and MANY have been sent addressed to men.

Thanks for that, but Amazon is the absolutely last retailer I will buy through, not least because I abhor their business model. I have other concerns about returns after 30 days (when you seem to be on your own) although upto those 30 days a buyer has relatively good service. The boards I will need to replace will, to all intents and purposes, be replaced on a like-for-like basis. I have done a bit of the 'patchwork' repairs, and I'm not happy with what I'm looking at. (Very mild OCD - though Mrs Freddy would say it's far from 'mild' when it suits me.) The old boards, and replacements come in 18mm/19mm thicknesses so that isn't much of a problem. The old boards are not glass-flat anywhere so losing or gaining 1mm isn't significant. The position (up down) and depth of T+G seems uniform on both. The issue is with board width, 'new' seems to be wider by around an inch. Ideally, I would be cutting off the groove to give me the correct width of board, and then cutting a new groove into the freshly made clean edge. Originally, I had thought it would work something like this ..... But I now know I have this completely wrong. I had priced up a slightly used table and router for £85, but the router has terrible reviews. I'm now wondering if I should get a router, the bit I'll need, and make up a table for the one specific job? Effectively bolting the router in the right place to cut the groove, with 3 pieces of wood assembled to allow the new board to slide along a channel into the cutter? I could clamp the tooling to an old Work-Mate.