So you’re a ballet flats and flip-flops kind of girl. Or maybe you LIVE in your Chuck Taylors. But your BFF just called and needs you to stand up in her wedding, and that requires, *gasp*, HEELS! Calm down. There is nothing to be afraid of. Read on to find out how you can successfully walk down the aisle or down the street without hurting yourself, and look good while you do it.
Photo Credit: .lisakimberly.
As with any project you need to start with a good foundation. One of the keys to walking in high heels is good, strong, solid posture. Make sure your body is relaxed and your arms are loose and at your sides since they will help you balance as you walk. You should be standing up straight, your head high and your feet facing forward.
Photo Credit: polyscene
I don’t care how cute those shoes look on you, if they don’t fit right you are going to look more like Bambi on ice rather than Beyonce at the Grammy’s. Start off slow with a moderately sized heel (1-2 inches) and then as you grow accustomed to them, up the size. Try to break your shoes in BEFORE you have to wear them, let's say on a date, that way they are better fitted to your feet and you don’t wind up with blisters at the end of your night. Try to shop for shoes in the evening when your feet at at their biggest from being on them all day. Remember that you can always make your shoes smaller, but you can't EVER make your feet smaller.
Photo Credit: styleshoe
Your shoes a bit loose? Purchase padding for the inside heel and pad of your shoe, that will help them fit better. Soles a bit slippery? You can buy sole grippers at your local shoe store that will add the perfect amount of traction right where you need it. You should also consider buying gel insoles for a little extra boost to your heels comfort level.
Photo Credit: aaronbennett27
Relax your body. Take one step forward, leading with your hips, placing the ball of your foot down first, following through with the rest of your foot, heel to toe, distributing your weight as evenly as possible. Try to keep your body fluid and your stride small, making sure you are picking up your feet, not just shuffling them forward. Make sure that your feet are facing forward, legs are close together, and your knees aren’t bending any further than they normally would. As you grow accustomed to wearing heels, your body will naturally up your stride or speed. Let your arms swing naturally at your sides for added balance.
Photo Credit: theladymargaret
Even experienced heel walkers can have some major difficulties on various surfaces, so try to be aware of the surface you are walking on, and adjust your steps accordingly. Super slippery surface? Tiled flooring or boardwalks? Your heel could get stuck inbetween the boards so make sure that your stepping on the flat solid parts of the board. Cobblestones? Use extra caution as the stones are usually not big enough to put your entire foot on at once, and tend to be irregularly shaped.
Photo Credit: Jack of Nothing
No, not her, your OTHER BFF, you local shoe cobbler. Rumour has it that Marilyn Monroe would have one of the heels of each of her shoes shaved down slightly so that no matter how she stood she had a sexy little curve to her hips. There is no reason you can’t do the same. Better yet, ask your BFF to customize your shoes for just the right fit.
Photo Credit: torontofotobug
If all else fails, smile. One of the biggest reasons women look so pretty walking in heels is the confidence that seems to be oozing from every pore. You can fake this confidence for as long as you need to with simple little tricks. Pretend that you are the most beautiful woman in the world, and that everyone is dying to be near you. Try to envision yourself as the epitome of beauty and class, and that your walk is a testament to that fact.
Whether you have a want to add a little more pep to your step on your next date or you are being forced to leave you converse comfort zone, use these tips to rise to the occasion and walk confidently. Do you know of any other tips for walking in high heels? Please share... and we'll add them to the list!
Top Photo Credit: crthomas888