How to Walk in Stilettos

There's nothing like wearing a pair of high skinny heels to make you feel like a sex goddess. Your legs seem longer, your body looks leaner. Of course, when you try to walk in them you totter like a newborn giraffe, but that's beside the point! Once you've mastered these steps, you'll be strutting down the runway in no time.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

1. Have the right fit. Most shoe stores have expert salespeople who will gladly measure you for the right size. If your sexy heels are too tight, too big, too wide or too narrow, you are surely starting off on the wrong foot. You don't want your shoes rubbing blisters while trying to do the catwalk. It's hard to look hot when your feet are covered in bandages.

2. Do exercises to strengthen your calves and ankles. For instance, hold on to a stair railing and balance on the edge of a stair. Raise up on your toes, then back down. The stronger your legs and ankles are, the easier it is to walk and balance in stilettos.

3. Stand without wobbling. Get used to the height and adjust your body to feel comfortable and balanced. Try standing as you would waiting for a table at a restaurant, or leaning up against the bar. You might feel foolish, but do you want to be the girl who loses her balance and falls on her face?

4. Practice walking. Start slow. Walk across different types of floors, such as carpet or hardwood (be extra careful!). Walk with your back straight and walk toe-to-heel--put pressure first on your toes, then a little on your heel before you take the next step. This way all your weight isn't on that skinny heel. Imagine you are aiming your toes straight in front of you. This may feel awkward at first, but once you get used to the height and learn to balance, you gradually begin to feel more comfortable.

Tips & Warnings

• Most shoe stores sell anti-slip, non-skid adhesive tape. Stick these under your sole and you'll feel more confident walking across slippery surfaces.
• Don't wear stilettos all the time. Doctors warn that constantly wearing high heels can cause bunions, deformed toes, nerve damage, and heel pain, along with pain in the front and back of the knees.

Resources

• Foot for thought
• Calf exercises for women

[paula1330]

on 10/30/2008 sounds like someone has never had a shoe thing!!! I would never give up my heels and BTW I can walk just fine, and yes I do have comfortable heels all day on my feet

In sales you sell yourself and the product TRUST ME heels make the outfit

[elan4444]

on 10/28/2008 First of all, the really high heels do not flatter the leg, it just makes you look odd. The calves appear flat, just look in the mirror. it does not look natural. Secondly, what amazes me is whenever I see a "makeover" show, everything is perfect, EXCEPT they never show the re-made ladies how to gracefully carry themselves into the spotlight. The entire effect of new clothes, hair, or maybe even cosmetic surgery is completely negated by the clumsy stagger onto the stage. So please, take 10 minutes with a book balanced on the head, things will go smoothly thereafter. Secondly, just get some nice shoes that you feel comfotable wearing, and enjoy the day or evening. There is nothing worse than foot pain, and ladies, it's sooo not worth it! Get rid of those pointy-toed spiky heels and live a little!! (You are only amusing others with the painful footwear)