How to Wear Women's Heels

Shoes with heels are a necessity in the workplace, but wearing them incorrectly can hurt your feet and ankles.

Women's heels are almost a necessity for females who want to project a professional image in the workplace. Flat shoes just don't do it the way women's heels do. High heels accentuate the calves and add height. They can also cause total and complete pain for women who are not used to wearing them. Here are some steps to follow to wear women's heels.

Instructions

1. Find the right fit. Manufacturers often have their own standards when it comes to shoe sizes. You may think you're a size 6, but don't buy a size 6 before you know the shoe fits. High heels that are too small will ruin your day.

2. Choose a reasonably low shoe. Women know that 8-inch stilettos drive men crazy, but not wearing a reasonable heel will drive you crazy -- with pain. Unless you're only going to be wearing heels for a couple of hours, stay in the 2- to 3-inch height range. Your feet will thank you for it.

3. Walk normally with sure, confident strides. Clumping around in women's heels is a certain way to develop bunions and sore knees. On the other hand, tip-toeing around in high heels will get you nowhere fast. Modify your steps enough to accommodate your added height and a shifted center of balance, but don't overdo it.

4. Maintain good posture. Standing erect straightens the spine and takes the weight off of pressure points. This is like walking with a stack of books on your head. Practice makes perfect, but it's worth it. Slumping in women's heels hurts your back and kills the knees.

5. Pay extra for good heels. It will make all the difference. Cheap women's heels provide almost zero support to arches and no cushion for the impact of walking. Spending extra money will ensure more comfort, and it will make your shoes last longer.

6. Chose a wedge-shaped heel instead of stiletto. Wedge shaped heels give more overall support space and a better sense of balance. They distribute weight more evenly and distribute the impact of your steps over your entire body instead of just your feet.