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