Walking in heels can be quite an intimidating thought. It’s easy to get by in just ballet flats or lower dress shoes. However, if you admire the ladies who walk by in a gorgeous pair of heels and just wish you could pull that off without falling and hurting yourself, don’t be afraid any longer! With a few simple steps, and a little practice, you will be strutting your stuff in any type of heel. Please note that if you are unfamiliar with any of the following terms, you may find a detailed footwear glossary here.
=== Find the right heels to start ===
Possibly the most important step is finding the correct pair of heels to practice your walk. First, find the correct size to fit your foot. You cannot successfully, or at least comfortably, walk in heels that do not properly fit your feet and you don’t want to torture your toes. Improperly fitting shoes may cause uncomfortable and unsightly blisters, bunions, or other issues. Keep in mind the following when searching for that first pair of heels:
Get the right size. If in doubt, choose a half size larger instead of smaller (you can always add padding to the shoe to give it a more exact fit).
Start with a shorter heel. Work your way up as you gain confidence and experience. A kitten heel is a safe shoe to try first. If you do not like the look of this short heel, you may try one that is slightly taller at between 2-3 inches. Eventually you can work your way up to the taller heel heights between 4-6 inches tall.
You get what you pay for. A decent pair of quality heels can cost over $50 but should hold up longer and treat your feet better. Better made shoes usually have better cushioning and lining to protect your feet.
Use cushions or insoles. If the shoes are good but rub a little or need more support, special cushioning and insoles can be purchased separately and inserted into your heels. There are many different cushion and insole shapes and styles to choose from. You may want to try out a couple of different brands to find what truly fits your comfort level. Moleskin is a thin, soft material that is sticky on one side and can help with areas a shoe is rubbing. Other padding is thicker and area specific: for heels, straps, insoles, the ball of the foot & more.
Know your selection. There are different types of shoes that may suit you better than others. Test a few out before you decide which suits you best. Or, you may have a specific style that you already like which can narrow your choices down easily as well.
Rounded toes are easier on you. Pointed toe shoes cause your toes to crowd together which means they don’t have as much freedom to be in their natural position.
Thicker heels are easier to walk in. Thinner, stiletto heels are harder to balance on. Start with a chunky heel, or even a tall wedge heel, until you are confident in them, then move to a thinner heel. Wedges are often easier to walk in because they provide more area over the surface of the ground so that you can better distribute your weight and have better overall balance.
Some shoe styles have a better overall fit/feel. Heels with ankle straps will keep them secured and prevent your foot from sliding out of the shoe as you take your stride. Platform heels give you the opportunity to wear a taller heel without the added pressure because your toes are also higher from the ground. For example, a shoe with a 4 inch heel and a 1 inch platform will feel like a 3 inch heel.
Many boots offer attractive heels. Boots are a great alternative to the traditional high heel shoe. Be sure to find a boot that is flexible around the ankles so that you can still move easily in them.
=== Tips for walking in heels ===
This is where the fun really begins! Practice makes perfect in just about anything and that includes walking in high heels. Once you have the perfect pair of heels to start your journey, the following guidelines will assist you in getting around:
Good posture goes far. Practicing good posture is incredibly important to successfully walk in high heel shoes. It is good to stand tall by pretending your head is attached to a string that is being pulled upward. Face forward, keep your shoulders back and relaxed, make sure your back is straight, and tighten your abdominals by pulling your belly button inward toward your spine. No slouching! Improving your posture will not only help you walk well in heels, but will also help alleviate some joint pain and increases lung capacity.
Work those muscles. Strengthening your calf muscles and ankles will help you balance in heels and maintain a more steady, graceful walk. Try calf raises and/or flexing your feet with a resistance band.
Practice standing in your heels. Wear them in front of a mirror and check your posture.
Never lean back on the heel. Doing this can push you off balance and may also break the heel.
Consider non-slip pads. If your heels are very slick on the bottom, consider taking them to a cobbler to have a non-slip pad attached. There are also some companies that make non-slip stickers you can affix yourself. This will not only prevent you from falling but also prolong the life of your shoes.
Practice wearing heels around the house. You will want to walk on different surfaces around the house to feel the change in your step (carpet, tile, hardwood, laminate, etc).
Relax your hips and knees. This will give you a more fluid and graceful walk (remember – shoulders back, stomach in, stand tall).
Step heel to toe. Aim to land on the ball of your foot to hold your balance. Your heel will naturally hit the ground first as you aim to land on the ball of your foot.
Take one step at a time. Also take smaller steps.
Always look ahead as you walk. However, be aware of where your heel will land. Watch out for uneven ground or obstacles. This is extremely important when you venture outdoors.
Listen to music as you practice. This will help you find a rhythm in your walk.
Know how to step on the stairs. Find some stairs to practice walking up and down. Be sure to take firm steps and know your ground. Use the handrail to keep you sturdy and always take your time.
Become familiar with walking outside. You may want to try your heels outside on the grass or other surface if you know you will be dressing up for an outdoor event. Keep your weight on your toes when walking on the grass. The heel of the shoe will likely sink into the ground if you allow it to do so.
Walk with confidence. This will give the illusion that you know what you are doing, even if you don’t. Be sure to smile, too. You may even fool yourself!
Break in your new heels. This will help you walk more comfortably in them when the special time comes to show them off. It also ensures you have identified any problem areas in advance.
Carry flats in your purse or car. Driving in heels can be very dangerous. Having a pair of flats will also help relieve stress on your feet if they begin to feel tired.
Don’t wear heels every day. Your feet need a break from the constant stress they may feel in heels. If you do insist on wearing them daily, at least wear varying heel heights to give your feet a little change.
Treat your feet. At the end of a long day, soak your feet in a footbath or get a gentle massage.
=== Put this guide to the test ===
You will be a pro in no time, it just takes a little practice. Don’t be afraid to make a mistake, most of us do as we are learning. And don’t worry that heels aren’t for you. If you truly want to strut your stuff in a hot pair of stilettos, keep them out for motivation and just keep trying. Pretty soon you will be running in them (though I really wouldn’t suggest it). Please share these tips if you found them useful!
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