Though many of us love high heels, others don’t wear them very often. Some are intimidated by high heels, while others have just never had the occasion to wear them.
Either way, when a high heel occasion rears its head, many will prefer the comfort of a flat shoe. If you are too afraid to try that high heel you covet, you may have to put your phobia aside.
Walking in high heels is not that difficult, and with a bit of practice, you will stepping out in high heels in no time.
To walk well in high heels, first practice just standing in high heels. In front of a full length mirror, stand for a while, then turn slightly to each side. Not only will you be able to check your posture and profile, but the act of merely standing in high heels will help remove some of your apprehension, and let you get accustomed to the added height of the heel.
Take a few steps in your high heels. If possible, do this at first on a hard floor in a room with low carpet, as thick or padded carpet can throw you off balance.
As you walk in high heels, remember to keep your legs straight and as close together as possible. With each step, point your feet as straight in front of you as you can. Start off with slow, determined steps at first, being extra conscientious of each step. As you build confidence and experience walking in high heels, it will become much more natural.
Continue walking back and forth across the room, turning different directions, and stopping without wobbling on your high heels. Once you’re comfortable with this, try the same thing on different floor surfaces, and remember to start off slowly with each one.
When it comes to actually walking comfortably, practice, practice, practice. If you haven’t ever worn high heels, or you are already comfortable in high heels, this sounds silly. But trust me, the first time you put them on, you’ll see what I mean. Wearing high heels is a totally different walking experience, and if you take it for granted, you’ll not only end up with sore feet, but possibly an injury. And, if you have a bad experience first time out, you’ll be doomed to flats forever.
As you grow more confident in your abilities to walk, turn, and do all the other things you might need to do in high heels, you can move up to the height of shoe you’ll be wearing on the day or night of your event – but remember to start slowly with each bit of added height. Jumping from two inch heels to four inch heels probably will not be quite as disorienting as your first step in any high heels, but it still will require patience and practice.
When wearing high heels on a staircase, always use the rail if it is available, or at least be close enough to a rail that you can reach it if you need to. When climbing steps, your entire shoe heel and sole should land firmly at once on each step.
If you know you’ll be slow dancing in your high heels, you should practice side-to-side stepping, as well as turning slowing in your high heels before actually hitting the dance floor.
Tips for wearing high heels
•Wear a shorter heel. A two inches heel causes less problems than a 4-inch heel. A shorter heel will give an elongated appearance if it is a thin stiletto type rather than a thick or chunky heel.
•Try to save the use of your high heeled shoes for functions where you will not be on your feet for extended periods of time; treat them as a limited privilege accessory.
•Take your designer shoes to a pedorthist to have them custom fit to your feet. They may be able to stretch the toe box to better accommodate your feet.
•Try wearing a larger size show than usual and insert heel cups indo the backs for a better or more comfortable fit.
•Wear open toe shoes instead of a similarly-styled shoe that causes discomfort in your toes. Partially open toe shoes have become more acceptable in many work environments, allowing you to further customize your shoes to your feet.
•Remember that however appealing those high-heels, high-fashion shoes are, your feet need to carry you around for a lifetime. Treat them kindly!
From American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society
