August 11, 2010 
The heels Gwen wears can be purchased from flyingwinxp at ebay.
Here’s also a photo of me in my pair. I have changed the ankle strap from a thicker to thinner version as I prefer it. You will note that my pair has a finished black vinyl strip over the plastic section that sits over the front of the foot, however it is possible to remove this without any problem at all. I prefer it there, however it is obvious that Gwen does not.
There is some consternation as to whether Devious ballet heels are better than the non branded heels sold at Flyinwindxp and Ruby Fashions (among others) through their E-bay stores.
I own both types. I have bought stock from the factory that creates both brands for the little store I had last year. BTW: I can’t sell the excess stock due to regulatory stipulations but I can swap them for other things. If you have something you think you think I might like, or have seen a pair of sandals or pumps with a 6″ heel and no platform that you think I might like and … well, contact me.
These non-branded heels are sometimes branded by certain stores – eg Kassiopeya and Alberto Ballet Heels as their own creations or even touted as being “hand made” by some sellers on the internet right now. There is no difference to the style or manufacturing process from the unbranded models merely a higher price per unit for a sticker to be added to the insole of the shoes.
These non branded versions actually have a better length heel and a better heel position for walking and balance. The Devious heels are tipped to the back of the upper which forces the foot forward into an unnatural position; where the unbranded models sit more in line with the centre of the wearer’s heel.
In the years I have been walking around in these cheaper unbranded models I have found they are less likely to break at the join where the steel heel sits in its plastic heel cup (this is covered by pu or leather and can be seen if you remove it). Devious heels are renowned for breaking at the heel join, or where the heel cup meets the shoe upper.
The toe box is known for crushing and it being all together too large to support the toes.
Even though the notion is these heels are not to be walked in – many people WANT to walk in them. The other notion that most people cannot walk in them (how smug to suggest this anyway) – many people can and simply don’t display their skills on the internet.
I find it is ridiculous to suggest buying a pair of shoes because they are branded and more expensive. The function of the shoe is more important for perambulatory purpose, I would have thought.
It seems that there is a plethora of misinformation out there about ballet heels. I’ve read way too many forum posts about the deficits in the Devious brands of heels over the years which is why I sought other brands to use after encountering many of the same problems.
As it stands I own 11 pair of Devious heels and 13 pair of the unbranded styles and use them all on a regular basis. My experience is that the unbranded models fit better and are better to walk in.
A quick message has come through since I wrote this about the Punitive brand. I have no intention of ever owning a pair of these, as I find them lacking the aesthetic quality I desire in a ballet heel. Price simply doesn’t come into it. If I wanted a pair, I’d own them by now. :-P
Let me know of your experiences with Devious or the unbranded models. I have feedback but am loathe to post it without the permission of the wearers. Anecdotal evidence gives weight to my claims that the unbranded models are better to walk in; but let me know your feelings on the subject.
Thanks
Heely
Devious Knee High Ballet Heels…the first I ever owned. Gone but not forgotten. This is my first outdoor walk in them three days after they arrived.
Hi hi
I have bought a pair of knee high boots from you when your shop was open. I can walk easier than with the pair I got from Punitive but not as good as you but they are nicer boots and I like them very much. Punitive ballet heels were so expensive and they are ugly. The heel broke away not long after I got them. Glad your writing again I missed you.
regards.
JW
Hello Joy
thanks for you fast reply, I appreciate it greatly. I actually have no idea who you are, but it’s nice of you to report back to me in a public forum. I am glad you are enjoying the boots, and I am glad you find them easier to use. I agree with the notion that the Punitive heels are ugly. I’m sorry they broke. Did you get them to fix them, or send you another pair or was the communication less than receptive?
You don’t have to answer if you don’t want to.
Regards
Heely
ooops. I’m in full time study and doing some volunteer work with a community organisation right now, as well as raising two children on my own. I’m really busy. I’m still around though just not writing as much these days.
Thank you for your support. I appreciate it greatly,
Heely
Hi, just what the Dr. ordered, a communique from Saussie Suzanzi! Would seem the difference in these pictures is Saussie is shown standing. while gwen is sitting.Anyway, have a great day!
Hi Pete, Thanks for commenting, and reading the journal as you do. Gwen always looks fabulous though. I really love her style.
I have a collection of Devious brand ballets and some that look like Devious but aren’t. The ones that aren’t Devious I bought from mates of mine at Slinkyskin and they are ankle high black pvc boots with lacing and an inside zip, sky blue ankle high pvc boots with lacing and inside zip and zebra print ballet heeled shoes.
They seem pretty much identical and those that ahve worn them can’t tell the difference between the Devious boots.
The only ballets to die on me so far are a pair of white lace up Devious Ballet heeled shoes – these ones (and they died during that shoot – http://www.warped-photography.com/Portraits-Portfolios/Burlesque-Monique-in-white/7022456_aY3wd#451696386_R7wPk
Oooh. I like the Vienese Ballet Boots. The elongation of the heels I am training in right now will eventually become something like that, but closer to the toes to align under the toes…nice photos. Yep. The ballet heels are not Devious. They are the ‘unbranded’ type.
If you line them up together you should notice that the toe box area of the unbranded models are smaller in dimension than the Devious. After wearing them for a while, the Devious box crushes down, where as the unbranded model holds its shape. I’ll put up a couple of images with measurements so you can see what I am talking about with the ones I have here.
Love your work Wayne. It’s brilliant.
I only own 3 pairs. The Kayser’s and a pair from a company in Montreal bought long ago are still awesome. The Devious pair, bought on ebay, quickly began to separate at the back where the sole and boot meet.
I had already given positive feedback to the ebay seller and when I complained, I was told “You’re not supposed to actually walk in them!” haha!
I’ve bought nothing in a long time for fear of wasting my money.
Hi Seleena,
From the many emails I’ve gotten over the years from saddened consumers, this seems to be very very common.
I think ALL shoes should be able to take a fair amount of stress and pressure before they break, but that being said, I own a few pair of screams and they break pretty much as soon as I go for a walk in them – it’s a well known fact about the construction of this brand that … while the markups are high, the manufacturing costs are very low.
In your situation, at least you have two other pair to play around in otherwise I’d suggest you go ahead and check out Ruby as their prices are SOOOOO good.
Thanks for reading even though I am not updating as often as I used to. I really appreciate it greatly.
Heely, you mention you still have some to trade for other items but can’t sell them, what else can we trade, after reading all the info posted out there, the modified ones of “yours” seem to be the best, i need to get a pair. What can we do?
Twlvr
Oh Yes. I will email you at the address you used here?
Maybe I can organise something with this seller so that people who want to swap can send money to her to pay off this amazing piece?
http://www.etsy.com/listing/52394922/size-17-waist-steel-boned-tightlacing
It’s good that you report your findings about these sort of specialist shoes and boots. As I for one who admires seeing ladies walk around in ‘em have to agree that I wouldn’t like to see these special ladies acquire any health repercusions as a result of choosing to wear these eye-captivating footwear. And it would seem that comfort is of the utmost import which, of course, would be reflected in the ease with which said women are able to negotiate their walking around in these boots/shoes. I hope that all women who endeavor to walk around in these shoes/boots choose to read what your findings are first before they hurt/damage themselves. Good-Job!!
Best Regards.
Hey, I know this is an older blog post, but it’s definitely relevant to what I’m doing. I’ve been trying to find a good pair of ballet heels for a while now, and I did end up buying a pair of ankle boots but as stated a bunch of times, the heels broke the very first time I stood in them. Unfortunately all I seem to be able to find now is the Punitive or Devious brands.
You mentioned unmarked ballet heels, and I wondered where you would go about finding some of them now. I would love to get a pair like you have shown in the third picture of this post (the black pair) that won’t immediately break as soon as I put them on!
If you do get back to me, I’d love to know what you think.
Thanks.