Wear Heels? When you don't need to?

Elizabeth · Post by **Elizabeth** » Fri Aug 27, 2004 3:20 pm

Hi girls,

I have been asked by my daughter how I so effortlessly wear heels for hours at a time, and don't seem to tire of it, or complain about hurting feet, ankles or legs.

I have also been asked by two different women in clothing stores why I would deliberately wear heeled sandals out just to shop.

Well the truth is that it does not bother me or make me hurt. I mean any worse that I already do from fibromyalgia. But I think the real answer is 22 years of working on ladders day after day after day as and electrician.

When you stand on a ladder you are standing and balancing on the same part of your foot you would in heels. So I have very strong calf, ankle and foot muscles.

My son and my best friend both asked me how I was able to walk in heels so effortlessly with virtually no practice, and my daughter who hates to wear heels says I am way better at walking in heels than her.

I was just wondering if any of you who may work in the "trades" and have spent a good deal of time on ladders have noticed the same thing? Perhaps us men in general just have stronger legs and ankles? Comments welcome.

Love always,
Elizabeth

Post by **Celia** » Fri Aug 27, 2004 4:53 pm

I do alright in heels, I guess, but there are two reasons I wear them only occasionally and for only short periods of time. 1.) I'm 6' tall: the heels accentuate a physical feature that, for me, needs no emphasis, at least if I'm entertaining some remote hope of passing. 2.) They bother me, not in the muscles, but in the joints--some in the feet, some in the hips (the discomfort gives me some tentative understanding of why women might tend to wear heels sparingly).

But if you can wear them capably and comfortably, Elizabeth, then more power to you. They can do nice things for the figure.

Yours,
Celia

Merinda · Post by **Merinda** » Fri Aug 27, 2004 5:01 pm

I have a pair of silver platform heel shoes that I have used in several photosessions , when I walk in them I feel like a robot .
Much care is applied when desending down the stairs .

SophieLawson · Post by **SophieLawson** » Fri Aug 27, 2004 5:03 pm

I dont work in the trade or anything but I just love the way heels make you walk. My lil neice once commended to my Sister as I walked up the stairs in her house. She shouted to my Sister, "kevs walking on tip toes" lol, I think I just naturally walk on tiptoes all over the place now, I've certainly noticed I tiptoe around my flat

.

Sophie xx

Conie Sue · Post by **Conie Sue** » Fri Aug 27, 2004 5:30 pm

yes i've been in the same trade gen. construction for 28yrs. and i can and would wear heels all the time if i could

just love shoes all mine have at least 3" heels , i'm 6' 148lbs. working does keep you in shape and exspecialy well balanced were i have to work so heels are a breeze and so is a short skirt . thanks it makes sense to me now hugs

Julie M. · Post by **Julie M.** » Fri Aug 27, 2004 6:04 pm

Well, I can't say the same thing. I have been an electrician for 30 years and wearing some heels just kill my feet. I seem to have a 3" maximum limit. I have a pair of pink heels (4") I just love but I wore them one night and it took over two days for my feet to stop hurting. However I just can't seem to fathom NOT wearing heels when I dress.

I just bought a pair of Steve Madden heels that are 4" but they have about 1-1/2" platforms so my feet only realize a 2-1/2" lift. I seem to have the hardest time when my toes are bent too much.

One thing I would love to do is buy really good quality heels but they can get a bit expensive. Julie and Jim have to share the clothes/shoes money so Jim has to do without if Julie blows too much, which can happen very easily!

Beauty · Post by **Beauty** » Fri Aug 27, 2004 6:18 pm

SophieLawson wrote:I dont work in the trade or anything but I just love the way heels make you walk. My lil neice once commended to my Sister as I walked up the stairs in her house. She shouted to my Sister, "kevs walking on tip toes" lol, I think I just naturally walk on tiptoes all over the place now, I've certainly noticed I tiptoe around my flat .

Sophie xx

OMG!

That happened to me when I was younger too.

My family would tell me I walked like a bird. lol

That was almost eerie Sophie. The only difference for me was that it was my cousin said it, not my niece.

Beauty

Jaye · Post by **Jaye** » Fri Aug 27, 2004 6:39 pm

I'm not comfy "en femme" in anything with less than 2" of heel, and I'm already a little over 6 feet. I wear a pair of boots with 2.5" heels to work, five or six days a week. It's a joy to get into higher heels when I can. A female friend of mine taught me how to walk in them in high school. She told me I walked easier than she did (

). I do have tight Achilles' tendons, so I guess I'm predisposed to walk on my toes anyway.

Virginia · Post by **Virginia** » Fri Aug 27, 2004 9:21 pm

Heels, yes, well I have found that after a workout, doing squats, I can put on 3" or 4" heels and walk and it actually makes my legs feel better. I think that GG's generally have smaller, weaker ankles and it does put a lot of stress on their ankles and feet and that radiates up their legs as well, so perhaps we are a bit "better equiped" to deal with heels?? Its the old saying to (for us) "practice makes perfect!" So walk on ladies! walk on
Love ya
Virginia

SophieLawson · Post by **SophieLawson** » Sat Aug 28, 2004 3:56 am

Beauty wrote:OMG! That was almost eerie Sophie. The only difference for me was that it was my cousin said it, not my niece. Beauty

That is veryyy strange lol Did they ever comment on you having girlie shaped arms as well? lol

Ahhhh, that's really funny but so cool Beauty. Strange how certain things tick in our minds isn't it

Sophie xx

Wendy Seymone · Post by **Wendy Seymone** » Sat Aug 28, 2004 5:01 am

High heels are oh so sexy... but when I am just out and about running errands or whatever, I find myself wearing kitten heels, flats or even just a pair of Skechers more and more these days.
I guess it is just whatever is appropriate for the occasion.

Hugs and Kisses,
Wendy

Carol Ann · Post by **Carol Ann** » Sat Aug 28, 2004 7:24 am

Heels, I just love em. Now I know in my case it depends on the fit as I have a wide foot. I almost have to try them on before I buy them. Usually I will get a pair that is a little sloppy in lenght but fit across the ball of the foot. I have learn that a 9 or 9 1/2 will due just fine depending on the maker and style of the shoe.

Carol Ann

Wendy Seymone · Post by **Wendy Seymone** » Sat Aug 28, 2004 7:50 am

Don't get me wrong... I love wearing heels as much as the next girl.
I just don't find them suitable for everyday situations.

Hope that doesn't get me kicked out of the We Dress Like Chicks Club...

Kristen · Post by **Kristen** » Sat Aug 28, 2004 9:03 am

Elizabeth, I didn't know you were an electrian, so you are a master? 9 I guess you would have to be if you contracting) Work with electricians (we have 2)on a daily basis. I thought you were a general contractor in Wyoming. I repair kitchen equipment in a school district, 27 kitchens. lots of work for one person.

Julie you are electrician too, I always thought I would of been a good electrian, I think I missed my calling. Tried to get hired as an apprentice in 1979, I was to old for the union,9 would not accept people 28 and too chicken to move to North Dakota to serve my apprentice there, then move back, kicked myself silly on that one.

Jaye, I agree with you , not fem unless at least 2 inches high.

Wendy, sounds like you are out enfem quite a bit. I 've only done the late night, short walks and drives. Need to get out alot more and be with other cd'ers, nd gg's. If I looked like you do, I am getting better at looking fem but still have a way to go to catch up to you.

Virginia , So you work out in heels? Just kiddin, how often do you work out? At home or in a gym?

I wear heels everyday and for as long as I can. I'm not in the construction trade or but I did ice skate for quite a while so my calfs are fairly strong. I have worn 6 inch heels, and never had a problem. I think heels are so fem and feel so wonderful in them, the higher the heel, the better I feel. I do have a problem shifting my car in real high heels but I'm adjusting. I think it is a matter of attitude when you like wearing something you diregard any pain.
Like my exwife used to say, beauty is pain also Steve Martin and his cruel shoes. .........Kristen

Wendy Seymone · Post by **Wendy Seymone** » Sat Aug 28, 2004 9:44 am

Thanks Kristen,

I pretty much go where I want, when I want to sweetie.
I never was too big on getting all dolled up, and just sitting around the house.

Like I have said before, I know I don't exactly "pass" even on my best hair day...
But that has never stopped me from going out and having a great time.
I gave up worrying what other people might think or say a long time ago.

Personally, I much rather look back in 40 years and say...
"Damn, I wish I hadn't of done that, instead of wishing that I had."

Get out and have fun girl.

Hugs and Kisses,
Wendy