Hello you gorgeous lot,

You're looking pretty fine today - have you been working out? Done something different with your hair?

Anyway, here is the instalment of advice for guys new to crossdressing that might benefit from my own experiences.  I talked about outer and under clothes last time so this time, let's talk about shoes 

If you read my last blog you will know that, as strapping men by day, we have to accept that the world of female clothing was not designed for our bigger shoulders and higher muscle mass so we have to make concessions with the clothes we choose if we want to look half decent.  Sadly, the same applies to shoes but there are most certainly options out there if you have larger feet.

I have been relatively lucky in that I have UK size 8 feet (US size 10, EU size 42 / 43) so there are numerous styles that I can consider when buying new shoes.  You can work out your ideal size using the chart at this address:

https://www.ultimatemodern.com/blogs/news/international-shoe-size-comparison-chart-us-to-eu-uk-aus

I have also never had trouble walking in heels which is something I can't explain - maybe it's some kind of lame super power? The lowest heel I will normally consider is 3.5" and the highest will be around the 6" mark.  I tend to go with 4 to 5" heels as a rule as I find that the most comfortable to wear and move around in.

So, when you have found the right size, you need the right fit or you are in for a world of pain, girlfriend! Over the years I have used various methods to contort my feet into shoes that were just too narrow (picture a variation on Japanese foot binding but with adhesive tape instead) but eventually conceded that my best fit is wide.  Happily, you can't actually tell the difference between standard fit and wide fit when the shoes are on, so I went through all those years of pain for no reason!

One final point about sizing is that you may well find that the standard fit of most ladies boots is slightly wider than shoes by the same designer or outlet.  So, try the standard fit first when it comes to ankle boots, knee boots, etc.

So, the burning question is... heels or flats?

HEELS!!! As if there was any other answer! The only benefit I can see to buying flats is that it makes the shoes easier for a closeted CD to conceal within the home.  Beyond that, why would you want to wear flat shoes which you probably wear every day in your male guise?

I suppose there are some CDs that feel self conscious of how tall they will be when wearing heels but let me give you some names of some tall, famous women who look amazing in heels:

Kendall Jenner (5'10")

Brooke Shields (6' 0")

Maria Sharapova (6'2")

Geena Davis (6' 0")

Nicole Kidman (5'11")

Taylor Swift (5'11")

Uma Thurman (5'11")

I could go on, because there are many such examples but the key thing is to own your look! In my last blog post I talked about picturing the silhouette you want to present to the world and I bet very few of you had wearing flats in mind!

As well as being one of the key elements to finishing off your look, heels can help improve your posture and, if you have got reasonably slim legs, they can provide the illusion of making your legs look longer and add a nice curve to your calves.  This can help draw the focus away from other parts of your body you are maybe not so confident about, especially if you have chosen some nice hosiery, too.

"But how are you supposed to walk in heels?" I hear you cry (admittedly that could be tinnitus).  My main advice would be to practice, practice, practice! Let's not forget that most bio girls you see wearing heels have been used to them for years but even they started off with low heels when they were little.  You can find a really good crash course in how to walk in heels at this address:

https://www.wikihow.com/Walk-in-High-Heels

I would add one thing to the advice given on the site above: really watch how women walk.  As men, we are expected to have a confident stride and walk with our shoulders square-on; this is not the case with women, who tend to have a much smaller stride and, generally, a slower pace.

So, some quick tips about where to buy shoes...

In the UK we are fortunate to have many online outlets that offer 'click and collect' (for readers that don't have this service in their country, it's where you buy online and nominate a retail outlet to collect your parcel at).  This not only saves a LOT of embarrassment but also gives you the opportunity to return items that don't fit.  Personal favourite online outlets are Asos, Debenhams, Very, Bon Prix and certain eBay and Amazon stores.

Lastly, for gurls out there with BIG feet, don't despair! There are loads of sellers on eBay and Amazon that cater specifically for the CD / trans market and don't charge a huge premium for larger sizes!