I'm at a loss as to how a lesbian mistress helps a (presumably) straight woman "enter the bdsm lifestyle". I hope there is no implication "bad experiences" only happen with men or that women are somehow better doms or sex partners.

Carol, and others like her, would be best suited by finding the shoes that suit her preference best rather than those that suit the sales girl's.

btw - many think leather shoes are better than plastic ones. It's true plastic may be made to stay hard but it doesn't have the smell, touch and above all taste of the real McCoy