With a passion for platform boots, Leicester Mercury reporter Elaine Galloway jumped at the chance to try out a pair at the ‘height’ of fashion, and donned the tallest boots in Britain.

With 11in platforms and 16in heels, the boots, aptly named Vertigo, have made it into the 2002 edition of the Guinness Book of Records.

Boots not made for walking

But despite such staggering statistics, Elaine was more than willing to give them an airing.

She said: “I’ve always considered myself to be a bit of a whiz on platforms.

“I clomped my way through my late teens on countless pairs of wedges and stack heels until I could balance with the best of them.

“So when the chance to parade around on the highest platforms in the world came my way, I figured I could give Naomi Campbell a run for her money and show her how it is really done.”

However, her dreams of becoming a “Platform Princess” faded as soon as she unwrapped them from their massive box to reveal a foot-and-a-bit of red patent leather which drew a crowd in the newsroom as she plucked up the courage to put them on.

She said: “The unnerving moment when I stood up in the things brought back memories of scary fairground rides that I really didn’t want to go on, but climbed on anyway so as not to look soft in front of my mates – and that slightly sick feeling when the ride starts.

“Even the only advantage I’d managed to think of – finally adding the extra few inches to my 5ft 4in height – proved to be a huge disappointment as I towered over everyone around me like some weird Amazon.”

But it was only when Elaine braved the streets of Leicester that her true humiliation was realised.

She said: “Sitting in Humberstone Gate with my knees around my ears, being stared at as though I had two heads and listening to constant jibes of “Go on, walk then” is an experience I won’t forget in a hurry.”

Do you have a story for us?
Ring the HoldTheFrontPage newsdesk on
01332 291111 x6022, or to e-mail us now – click here