How to Walk in Heels

You can walk in high-heels with a little practice and a lot of confidence.

Although wearing high-heels is not always healthy nor comfortable, there are ways to make it easier on yourself when sporting your favorite sexy shoes. Here you will discover not only how you can walk in heels like a pro, but some preparatory steps as well to give you the hang of walking taller.

Things You'll Need

• Kitten heels
• 3-inch-tall wedges
• 3 1/2-inch pumps

Instructions

1. Begin by practicing with shoes that have tiny, slender heels, otherwise known as kitten heels. There is barely any challenge, but you at least get the feel for such shoes if you are a novice at walking in anything other than bare feet, flip-flops or sneakers.

2. Move on to wedges about 3 inches in height after familiarizing yourself with kitten heels. The wedge part of the shoe is more firmly connected to the sole than stiletto-type footwear, enabling a more solid and less wobbly walking experience. Walk around at home in these for a couple of days or for as long as it takes you to get comfortable in them without tripping on your own feet.

3. Visit your favorite shoe store so you can try on different pairs of heels. Pick a pair that has an insole you find comfortable for maximum shock absorption when you are in motion. A good pair to start with are classic pumps with heels that are 3 1/2-inches tall.

4. Take small steps when you walk, as high-heels tend to shorten your gait. Step down with your heels first before your toes. Relax your legs as much as possible to avoid cramping. Keep bending of knees to a minimum for a more effective stance.

5. Stand straight, keep your feet pointing forward, walk with your chin up and swing your arms lightly to maintain your balance. Remember, confidence is key!

6. Hold on to the banister when helping yourself up onto elevated surfaces; likewise, hold on to the railing when ascending or descending a flight of stairs. In these instances, you ascend with only the front of your foot, sans heel, planted onto each step, and descend with your entire foot on each step. Practice some more in the privacy of your home to break your new shoes in. You will know when the time is right to leave the house in your high-heels, judging by your level of comfort and ease.

Tips & Warnings

• If you are not accustomed to wearing high-heels, take frequent breaks by sitting or even by going to the bathroom. You always want to look as though walking in heels is second nature to you, not as though you are trying too hard.

• On days when you are relaxing at home, give yourself a foot massage or get pampered and pay for quality services! This ensures that you will still have healthy feet to display your pretty shoes on in the future.

• Gradually make the switch to spiky heels if ever you choose to wear them.

• Even when you are already used to walking in heels, give yourself more days in comfortable shoes than in your pointy-heeled ones. There are foot traumas associated with wearing high heels.

• Avoid walking on slippery or unstable areas at all costs!

• When feeling any foot or ankle pain, remove shoes immediately.