Dear Sir, - I have read with great interest the letters published in your journal from one-legged girl readers. My own case might be of interest. I am in possession of both my lower limbs, but the right leg, owing to hip trouble, is over 9 inches short.
Until two or three years ago I used to hide my trouble as well as possible by ankle-high skirts; but as Fashion ordained shorter and shorter ones, I at last decided that I would wear very short skirts and look as attractive as I could.
To do this I obtained a pair of smart laced 4 inch heeled shoes, and had a special high shoe constructed to pattern by a West End firm of surgical bootmakers. I may say it was very expensive, but well worth it. I have a 9 inch cork sole, while the heel is 13 1/2 inches in height and, due to clever workmanship, is nearly as slender and dainty as the heels shown in some of your published photographs.
After a few practice walks at night I emerged boldly with my short frocks and high shoe. I enjoy the increased height given me by the 4 inch heel, while the high shoe has certainly possessed me of attractiveness and male admirers are numerous. I have found walking to be easier, and can easily walk for a whole evening without discomfort.
I attempted a short while ago to have made a high heel evening shoe with a ten inch sole and a 15 1/2 inch heel to wear it with a 5 inch evening shoe, but I was told that it would be hardly possible to make this satisfactory, as my size in shoes is 4 only.
I think very little of my trouble as the limb requires no aid from irons and, except for a little inconvenience when sitting in public conveyances, I am never reminded of my shortcomings.
I shall never regret my decision to show my limb with short skirts, and would advise any readers of "London Life" similarly placed to do the same.
To please a great friend of mine I occasionally insert a cork elevator of 1 inch into my shoes for home wear. He thinks that the effect of elevation on the shape of the foot is very great and I am in full agreement, although with my infirmity I can hardly wear them out of doors. But do any of your devotees of very high heels give think of making use of elevators.
Yours faithfully
High - Booter