These shoes give you a different high!

Curious onlookers took photographs, inquisitive minds threw a few queries and everybody else lauded him. James Anthony Syiemiong's creation, a pair of 20-inch heels, was sure giving him a different high.

Hailing from Meghalaya, James' creation was a big attraction at the India International Trade Fair (IITF) here, which comes to an end Tuesday.

'Professionally, I make shoes for handicapped people. But I had always dreamt of making something that probably no one had seen before. Something that would make me create a record of some kind.

'That's when I decided to make a pair of shoes with an unimaginably high heel but on which one could balance and walk,' James told IANS.

With a platform of 17 inches and heels going up to 20 inches, the shoes have sure satisfied his dream. 'I made these shoes in 2004, and the same year it earned a place in the Limca Book of Records. After that I was awarded the prestigious title of excellence in the field of khadi and village industry,' 30-year-old James said.

For the trade fair, three pairs of the shoes, one in blue denim, one in a combination of red and black and one in pure black have been exhibited.

'The shoes that I have made have broken the last record created by a woman in Britain. She had made a similar pair but with 16-inch heels; one couldn't walk in them. The speciality of my shoes is that despite the height one can walk in them,' James said proudly.

The shoes, which are made of wood and padded up with fabric, are priced at 725 pounds.

This is not the first time that James has utilised his skill and potential to create something unusual. 'I have also created a pair of shoes which helps people curb the problem of smelly feet. I have even patented that creation of mine!' he said pointing to the patent certificate titled 'Health insole/shoes'.

Although his high heels have got a fair deal of appreciation, James is not really happy. 'I haven't managed to find any buyer as yet. The state government has not helped me particularly. At the trade fair, there have been a good number of queries but nothing concrete has worked out as yet.

'But, more than that, what I want is that these shoes should be placed in a place where it will get full public attention. Like in a mall or in a museum,' James smiled.