[nagdu] Heels (shoes) and Guide Dogs

Thu Oct 14 17:57:33 UTC 2010

Everyone always wonders how I wear my boots, but really, they are more
comfortable for me than many non-heeled dress shoes! The reason is
that they are ankle-boots, so they go up over my ankles and support
them. I could *not* wear four-inch heels on a sandal-style shoe...I'd
fall on my arse trying to stand! But these give ankle support, so I'm
not worried (as much( about sprained ankles...if my foot turns, the
boot supports it to keep it from turning all the way.

The adjustable support cane was purchased from the National NFB Center
when I went there in May. It was an outgoing product (no longer in
stock), though, so I'm not sure where to get one. I have a different
white cane that I use when I am on heels. It's about six inches longer
than my usual white cane (extra length to make sure nothing is in the
way, because if I trip...whoops!)

I like the idea expressed of making sure the harness is always at
pocket-level. I think that would prove the best practice, though what
level you decide is best depends on the person maybe? Just pick your
best level and make sure it's always at that level. If it's lower than
that by much, time to see about getting a different harness for those
dress shoes!

On 10/14/10, Tamara Smith-Kinney <tamara.8024 at comcast.net> wrote:
> Jewel,
>
> You're a braver woman than I! /grin/  I'll be your boots are adorable,
> though.  I would fall on my face just standing up in them, so can't begin to
> imagine how to use a guide dog with that tall a heel.
>
> Tami Smith-Kinney
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: nagdu-bounces at nfbnet.org [mailto:nagdu-bounces at nfbnet.org] On Behalf
> Of Jewel S.
> Sent: Wednesday, October 13, 2010 2:02 PM
> To: NAGDU Mailing List,the National Association of Guide Dog Users
> Subject: Re: [nagdu] Heels (shoes) and Guide Dogs
>
> So...is there any of you who wear actual high heels? What do you do for
> *those*?
>
> I have a pair of ankle-boots I wear for most dress occassions. They
> have four-inch stiletto heels. I don't have a guide dog yet, but I
> have a support cane that depends on height like a guide dog harness.
> It is adjustable, though...so I put it at its longest when I wear my
> boots, and almost the shortest when I'm in sneakers. Are there any
> adjustable  harnesses (doubtful)?
>
> My two cents,
>
> On 10/13/10, Mark J. Cadigan <kramc11 at gmail.com> wrote:
>> I know that men's dress shoes are different, but you still get the same
> lack
>> of traction issues. Because my school dress code allows it, I ware
> something
>> like fancier type work boots in the winter. Bad description I know, but
>> really handy for walking on icy sidewalks.
>>
>> Now back to the regularly scheduled programming.
>>
>>
>> ----- Original Message -----
>> From: "Julie J" <julielj at windstream.net>
>> To: "NAGDU Mailing List,the National Association of Guide Dog Users"
>> <nagdu at nfbnet.org>
>> Sent: Wednesday, October 13, 2010 3:18 PM
>> Subject: Re: [nagdu] Heels (shoes) and Guide Dogs
>>
>>
>>> Once upon a time I used to have these really cute dress flats that had
>>> rubber soles, like tennis shoes.  You couldn't tell they were comfortable
>>> just by looking though! *smile*  I'd love to find something like that
>>> again. I think I had those shoes when I was in high school.  I doubt they
>>> even make anything like it anymore.
>>>
>>> I wanted to add that in addition to walking a bit slower I also have to
>>> get Monty to pull lighter because my dress shoes don't have the same
>>> sidewalk grip power as my rubber soled shoes.  I don't think Mitsy is a
>>> hard puller though.
>>>
>>> Best of luck!
>>> Julie
>>>
>>> ----- Original Message -----
>>> From: "Tamara Smith-Kinney" <tamara.8024 at comcast.net>
>>> To: "'NAGDU Mailing List,the National Association of Guide Dog Users'"
>>> <nagdu at nfbnet.org>
>>> Sent: Wednesday, October 13, 2010 2:06 PM
>>> Subject: Re: [nagdu] Heels (shoes) and Guide Dogs
>>>
>>>
>>>> That's how it's gone on our few practice trials and the one gig I did
>>>> where
>>>> I wore girl shoes once I got to the client's building.  I sure did walk
>>>> slow, though, because all I could see was me greeting the client an
>>>> dpromptly falling on my face!  Mitzi did fine, too.
>>>>
>>>> Still, it's always good to know how others manage it.  /girn/
>>>>
>>>> Tami Smith-Kinney
>>>>
>>>> -----Original Message-----
>>>> From: nagdu-bounces at nfbnet.org [mailto:nagdu-bounces at nfbnet.org] On
>>>> Behalf
>>>> Of Julie J
>>>> Sent: Wednesday, October 13, 2010 10:22 AM
>>>> To: NAGDU Mailing List,the National Association of Guide Dog Users
>>>> Subject: Re: [nagdu] Heels (shoes) and Guide Dogs
>>>>
>>>> I'm totally with you.  I despise dress shoes.  Yet I'm wearing a pair
>>>> right
>>>> now.
>>>> I really only notice that I walk slower in dress shoes.  I use the same
>>>> length of harness handle, but I don't wear heels either.
>>>>
>>>> I'm thinking as long as you can comfortably hold the harness handle, you
>>>> aren't leaning over, I think the same length should be fine.
>>>>
>>>> Julie
>>>>
>>>>
>>>>
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>>>
>>>
>>>
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>>
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>
> --
> ~Jewel
> Check out my blog about accessibility for the blind!
> Treasure Chest for the Blind: http://blindtreasurechest.blogspot.com
>
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-- 
~Jewel
Check out my blog about accessibility for the blind!
Treasure Chest for the Blind: http://blindtreasurechest.blogspot.com