London Life

London Life | 1931

Perseverance Overcomes Misfortune

Dear Sir, - I have been most interested in the letters which have been appearing in your paper about high heels, but I was most delighted with the letters you published from "Helen Fivetoes" and "Single High Heel".

I also share their misfortune in only having one leg. I lost my leg two years ago in a motor smash, and after my leg had been amputated I found that I had not even been left with so much as a stump, my leg having been taken off right to the very hip.

I soon discovered that a peg leg would be out of question. Still, I don't mind, as I find I can now get about quite well with the aide of a crutch and, if I might say so, quite gracefully.

Before the accident I always wore high heels, usually the Court type, with a 6 inch heel. I was awfully upset when I thought that I would have to spend the rest of my life wearing a flat heeled shoe, so I made up my mind that I would do my utmost to still wear a high-heeled shoe.

Similar to your correspondent, I started by wearing first a 3 inch heel, this being the lowest I possessed. I can now get along quite nicely when wearing a 5 inch heel. I am able to use one crutch only, which is a great help, as I can use my other hand for carrying my bag, etc.

I would like to say that my crutch was made for me by a friend. It is very light and thin, and is made of highly polished black wood.

When I first went out I felt much embarrassment - it seemed such a thrill to be perched on a five inch heel, supported only by a slender crutch. I at first imagined everybody to be watching me hop along. I have now got over that feeling.

I often wonder what people think of me wearing such a a high heel, but what does it matter so long as it is comfortable? It is surely a great thrill to be perched on a single high heel, supported by just one crutch.

During the hot weather I find it advisable to wear a lower heel, as a 5 inch heel is too high when streets are wet, and may result in a nasty fall.

I would like to hear further from 'Helen Fivetoes" and "Single High Heel." Perhaps they will say what they find wearing high heels during the wet weather.

Yours truly,

Single Crutch


London Life April 18, 1931 p. 26
London Life | 1931