How to Wear Heels Without Killing Your Feet

For many women, the idea of wearing heels to work is both sexy and terrifying. Your feet don't have to suffer huge consequences, however, in order for you to gain a little height and style. Here's how you can wear heels without the discomfort.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Heels that you're able to walk at least 2 blocks in
• Flexible flip flops
• Space under your desk
• Band-Aids

1. Evaluate which brands of shoes (and heels) you're most fond of, concentrating specifically on comfort and the shoe's longevity.

2. Set aside some money and purchase 2 to 3 different styles and heights of shoes from these companies. For the office, you may want to purchase one pair of stilettos or pumps, high-heeled boots, and wedges or espadrilles.

3. Take some time to walk around the store in these shoes and get a feel for how long your feet can last before they start to feel uncomfortable. Also take note of whether the style/heel is too outrageous for the type of office environment you work in.

4. Purchase the shoes you like, and give them a trial run on the weekend or after work, again to see how they feel when being put to work.

5. Wear the heels to work once you're comfortable with them and pack a pair of flexible flip-flop sandals or ballerina-type slippers in your bag. Use the sandals (if appropriate in your office) when you're just moving around in between cubicles or after everyone else has left for the day.

6. Keep the sandals/slippers in a drawer or under your desk in case of emergencies (i.e. you wore a pair of heels that you just discovered are more painful than bunion surgery).

Tips & Warnings

• Evaluate how much walking you do in a typical day at work. Is the bathroom really far? Do you have to park two blocks away from your office? Does your job involve quick jots all around town? Do you typically walk to lunch everyday? These are important things to think about when decided upon the right heel for you
• Pick heels that will complement your work attire nicely. Choosing a pair of outrageously high or loud heels is not the way to liven up an outfit or express individuality
• Think about the types of people you will be interacting with during the day. If it's children, being closer to their height might be an advantage. The same could be said when meeting a potential client that is almost the same height as you without heels on--you may want to save the towering shoes for another time

Resources

• What Types of High Heels are Appropriate for the Office?
• The High-Heel Dilemma: Everyday Form vs. Fashionable Function
• Kick Office Wear Up a Notch

[grouch]

on 3/4/2008 Maybe some day I will be able to pull it off....sigh.

[CyndiLou]

on 3/3/2008 Practical and great advice. I'd also add that investing in one pair of very expensive high heels-- they are worth it!