Heeling: The Truth About Men Who Wear Heels
Heelers are men who wear women's shoes including but not limited to: flats, pumps, stilettos and tall boots.
Online, May 20, 2014 (Newswire.com) - The origins of the heel can be traced as far back as the Ancient Egyptians who depicted them on murals and tombs. Since inception, heels have been symbolic of many things. In some instances, it has represented wealth, opulence, prestige and power. In other instances, it has had a more functional purpose. Today, heels are less about functionality and more about symbolism. The wealth, opulence, prestige and power that came to symbolize heels at the inception, has evolved to status, eroticism, gender and even sexual orientation today! "The heel tells a story," says JaNea Buckingham, Executive Editor of Shoed-In Magazine. "I want people to understand that society can learn a lot by watching the heel."
Shoed-In Magazine's latest issue entitled: The Evolution Heeling, shows how the modern symbol of feminism (the heel) is now beginning to attract a more masculine audience and not because of its functionality. The truth is, men aren't wearing heels to symbolize their femininity, nor their masculinity, they are wearing heels because they enjoy it. Fashion designers are making bold statements in their ad campaigns by having male models wear heels. Italian footwear brand Aquazzura had male models in stilettos to show that their shoes are comfortable enough for a man to wear. A common question that people ask about a man who enjoys wearing a heel is, "Are you gay?" Surprisingly, the answer to that question is not necessarily "yes."
Bernie Fatla, owner of LeDame Footwear says, "Heelers represent a diverse group of men that include transgendered, hetero and homo-sexual men," which reflects LeDame's discrete shipping option.
When asked how his son and daughter feel about his heel preference, Dan, a Heeler and devoted husband of 25 years said, "I don't know, they've never seen it." As the heel continues to evolve, its functionality and symbolism will continue to reflect the mindset of our civilization. "The goal for us is to start the conversation, says JaNea Buckingham. Society's perception forces some men who enjoy wearing heels, to do so in complete secrecy and that's just a shoe-lover shame."
For more information about "The Evolution of the heel" log onto shoed-in.com and download Shoed-In Magazine's digital issue or watch The Evolution of the Heel Documentary on YouTube.