Meet the Other Phone. A phone that grows with your child.

Meet the Other Phone.
A phone that grows with your child.

Buy now

Please or to access all these features

Chat

Join the discussion and chat with other Mumsnetters about everyday life, relationships and parenting.

Would you think these were women's shoes?

69 replies

ToThineOwnSelfBe · 03/07/2023 18:13

An older (65+), male turned up to an event wearing these. A few younger people were commenting to each other that they looked like women's shoes, and a family member of the man with aforementioned shoes overheard and insisted that no one in their right mind could possibly construe them as women's shoes and that they're clearly men's shoes.

Now I'm all for people wearing what they want, if Uncle Dave wants to wear stilettos and a mini skirt, that's his business, the same as I can wear trousers, a jacket and a tie if I want. Also, I appreciate that a lot of clothes are worn by either sex without anyone batting an eyelid (see hoodies). And that fashion changes and what's "acceptable" (for whatever that word is worth) does change.

But the question is... what would you actually think of these shoes on a man? I tend to agree with the younger folk, only because of the peep toe, which I've never seen on a man's shoe before. And in this context, I do think Uncle Dave would be embarrassed if he knew people thought he was wearing ladies shoes. Thoughts?

Would you think these were women's shoes?
OP posts:
YallaYallaaa · 03/07/2023 18:14

Mostly worn by women, but I can deff see them on an older/ arty/ posh bohemian chap.

CurlewKate · 03/07/2023 18:15

If they were on a man I'd think they were men's shoes. And I would have words with the "younger family members" about manners.

bibbityboppityboo · 03/07/2023 18:17

They look like women's shoes to me - I don't think I've seen similar for sale in a men's section or worn by a man.

Interested in this thread?

Then you might like threads about these subjects:

Highlyflavouredgravy · 03/07/2023 18:18

Yep, women's shoes

eyesfullofstars · 03/07/2023 18:18

I’d say they look fairly unisex. I would assume an older man would be more likely to wear them than a younger man.

Elieza · 03/07/2023 18:18

I’ve seen a guy wearing ones like that tho granted the soles were more thick and chunky.

Doinst · 03/07/2023 18:18

Well obviously anyone can wear anything etc but I've never seen a man in slingbacks before.

Bluevelvetsofa · 03/07/2023 18:20

I would think they were more likely to be worn by a woman, but I agree that , in certain circumstances, a man might wear them.

PriamFarrl · 03/07/2023 18:22

I’d say they were more like women’s shoes but, meh, if he was happy in them who give a shit.

Polly291869 · 03/07/2023 18:22

Menorcan avarcas. Pretty common there.

Spanielsarepainless · 03/07/2023 18:23

I would say either.

LubaLuca · 03/07/2023 18:24

Doinst · 03/07/2023 18:18

Well obviously anyone can wear anything etc but I've never seen a man in slingbacks before.

Ever seen a man in Crocs?

RoseslnTheHospital · 03/07/2023 18:24

I think it's the colour that's lending itself to more of a woman's shoe vibe. If they were in a dark or natural leather colour they would have stood out a lot less.

I've learnt about Menorcan sandals from this, so thank you for that. They are the same style for both men's and women's ones.

Ladybird69 · 03/07/2023 18:26

unisex. In Menorca everyone wears them, I’ve bought them while holidaying there.

IJustHadToLookHavingReadTheBook · 03/07/2023 18:26

That is a (very ugly) female shoe.

LubaLuca · 03/07/2023 18:28

Ladybird69 · 03/07/2023 18:26

unisex. In Menorca everyone wears them, I’ve bought them while holidaying there.

This is my observation too. They're just basic sandals worn by anyone and everyone in Spain.

Doinst · 03/07/2023 18:29

LubaLuca · 03/07/2023 18:24

Ever seen a man in Crocs?

I don't think so, no.

Itisyourturntowashthebath · 03/07/2023 18:29

I never realised the women of MN were so sexist.

midgetastic · 03/07/2023 18:29

Man wearing shoes they are men's shoes

ToThineOwnSelfBe · 03/07/2023 18:31

Ladybird69 · 03/07/2023 18:26

unisex. In Menorca everyone wears them, I’ve bought them while holidaying there.

Oh interesting. I hadn't realized that. I think he has holidayed there (or thereabouts) in the past, so certainly could definitely have gotten them there/seen them there and liked them.

To the PP who said the younger people needed "talking to", I actually think they were genuinely concerned he might be embarrassed or unaware, they didn't seem like they were being smug and judgy about it.

OP posts:
midgetastic · 03/07/2023 18:32

Why should HE be embarrassed that other people think shoes are sexed or that men should not wear certain styles of shoe !

OnLockdown · 03/07/2023 18:34

Yep, in Spain these shoes are worn by anyone. Man, woman, young, old.

Purpleboat · 03/07/2023 18:38

Before seeing them in Spain I would have thought women’s. I wouldn’t see an issue with a man wearing them anyway. I think a lot of gender stereotypes and aligning fashion, activities etc. to genders is unhelpful and causes a lot of the gender issues we have in society today. Men had fantastic heels in the 70s and other decades too. Not sure why we can’t break these stereotypes down.