Men's shoes

[shoeguy2008]

So i'm new to the forum and i'm not sure if this topic has already been posted so here goes:

So I posted this on the women's fashion board but it probably isn't right for that board so I will repost it again on this board....i'm new to the forums so bear with me here Hey everybody! I'm a 21 y/o male college student looking to develope my own unique style. I was wondering if any of you have any tips on how I can incorporate high heel shoes into my style. What kind of heels would work well with a slender male body like mine and what kind of jeans and tops would work best with the heels? Cuban heels are nice but I am looking for something a little higher (maybe 3-3.5 inches). Anyway any advice (without making fun of me) would be great! Thanks!

[shoeguy2008]

wow! where is everybody.....i think i hear the crickets!

[galligator]

Board's been kind of slow recently, we're just starting so see folks come back around to post. Guess I'm kind of scary?

Anyway, the men who seem to succeed at higher heels have to be comfortable with how to fit it into their own style. That's a toughie because so many people have strong feminine & cultural associations with high heels that you will really have to 'own' the look. Not really for the shy or wallflower type.

One thing that might help is to model any that you own in a full sized mirror & take pictures. Looking at the photos can give you an idea of what image you are presenting and whether you are comfortable with it.

[shoeguy2008]

hey thanks! for the reply......

the mirror thing is a good idea but what kind of styles of shoes do you think would work best with a slender male body...could stiletto pumps with a moderately sized heel (no bigger than 3.5 inches) be pulled off by a guy or should i go with boots rather than pumps? What is your own personal opinion of what you think would look best and not at all awkward.....btw i'm pretty outgoing and confident

[galligator]

I live in a tiny speck of a town, so I'm not likely to see any men with heels that aren't attached to a western boot. That being said, I have seen some posted photos elsewhere of (mostly younger) guys wearing calf boots - like the tan balenciaga copies by Steve Madden and Bakers. Those are peep-toe, however, but a style search at Zappos or Endless might show up similar styles.

If you are someone who handles attention well or are more flamboyant, you might be able to carry off the open-toe, but the closed toe links here are a little bit more androgynous in style while having the typical heel styling found on womens shoes:

BOMBB NAT NUBUCK
ELLISHA BRN LEATHER
MADALYNN BROWN MULTI
BETSEY COGNAC LE
BERDY COGNAC LE

Bakers Women's Boots - Bakers Footwear

Ultimately, you have to find something that works for you. If necessary, try some styles from a website retailer with a good return policy & then go from there. Remember, if you order shoes & may be returning them, only wear them on clean carpeted areas or a return may not be accepted. They need to be in new condition since they will be re-sold if they are not defective.

Also, as a man, you may have sizing issues? So that can also affect how & where you shop.

Lastly, I personally recommend trying a few inseam lengths with jeans, be they regular or bootcut to determine which has the best 'break length' against a given shoe. I have denim that 'stacks' perfectly over a calf-high boot that are unwearable with a 4" heel...It's all in how the fabric and shoe fit together. Also, whether or not slingbacks are anything you would wear, from experience, almost any kind of slack will get caught between the shoe and a heel, so that is rarely a good clothing/shoe combo.

[jitterbugbaby]

Hi there, Shoeguy.

Hate to be of little help, but I'd agree with galligator. Ultimately, it's got to be something that works with your style and fits with the clothing you've got.

I'll give you the same tip I'd give anyone wanting to wear high heels and concerned about what pants to wear with them, though. And that is to be careful with your tailoring. If you need to have pants altered, make sure to try them on to measure the length with the heel height you'll most likely be wearing with them.

Nobody likes a cuff way up at your ankle if you're wearing 3" heels. Or cuffs dragging on the ground, for that matter.

[shoeguy2008]

thanks for the tips everybody! Do any of you have any ideas of what shoe styles will work best? My current style consists of women's jeans (i usually buy them a couple sizes bigger so they aren't tight) and I usually wear t-shirts, polos, or button-up shirts (LS and SS).

[galligator]

I think this is where you need to try to relax & have fun with it. What styles appeal to you? Try someplace like endless.com that has free shipping & returns to try a couple of heights and styles with the pants that you already have. Try not to overthink it - and if something doesn't seem right, try something else. If there's one thing I've found with online shopping, 20,000 different styles of shoes means you will find plenty that piques your interest. Don't rush yourself & take your time.

Personally, I've found over the years that I love boots am drawn to dark brown leathers, retro-styles & super feminine adornments; plenty of other women have closets full of simple pumps or flats. I however, don't buy a lot of mules - I'm too clumsy to walk without ankle support and have learned not to risk that. But, that's what works for me.

So, try a small variety & wear what make you happy, confident, more 'you'. Don't pressure yourself unnecessarily.

I know men ltend to shop 'with a purpose' - look at this as information gathering. Later you will be able to focus more precisely as your preferences narrow.

[shoeguy2008]

What do you think of these styles?

[galligator]

Part of the answer depends on this: How much experience do you have walking in heels?

Stilettos are significantly harder for many women to walk in. If you are still getting used to just the height, I would recommend starting with either of the thicker heels. Also, the calf-boots may be tricky depending on what size your calves are, some materials can be stretched & some can't. I have a few boots that barely zip on wider calves, so that is something you need to find out on a by-brand basis. That 1st shoe is actually one of my favorite women's 'menswear' styles so I guess it's actually the most androgynous of these. The 2nd is definitely going to have a more confrontational or feminine impact to anyone who may notice; it's also harder to balance on a stiletto, so this is something that needs experience and practice to wear both comfortably and safely.

Also, if you are not used to pointed toeboxes, you may need to wear a larger or wider size if you decide to wear those styles.

Hope any of this is helping.