Can you walk in high heels?
By roxanne271
@roxanne271 (2034)
Trinidad And Tobago
June 30, 2008 12:41pm CST
I am only 22 and I recently (only when I was 21) started becoming interested in those nice high heeled shoes. I bought my first high heeled shoe last year and it was a 4inch high wedged heel shoe. I did not realize it was that tall till I got home, took a tape measure and measured the heel
. I wear it with ease but there are times where I make a slip or two, nothing serious ever happened, like me spraining or breaking my ankle or even falling flat on my face
.
Now I want to buy a 4 1/2 inches tall pair of shoes and the heel is definitely not a wedge heel (I'll post a pic at the end of the discussion) In fact, this heal is thin and well, tall! I am not sure if I'd be able to manage walking two steps in them to be quite honest. But i have this outfit and the shoes would match perfectly with it.
So...any tips on how I can learn to walk in these heels? I am thinking of wearing it around the house every now and then to get accustomed but I am still afraid of spraining my ankle with these things!
Help?
. I wear it with ease but there are times where I make a slip or two, nothing serious ever happened, like me spraining or breaking my ankle or even falling flat on my face.
Now I want to buy a 4 1/2 inches tall pair of shoes and the heel is definitely not a wedge heel (I'll post a pic at the end of the discussion) In fact, this heal is thin and well, tall! I am not sure if I'd be able to manage walking two steps in them to be quite honest. But i have this outfit and the shoes would match perfectly with it.
So...any tips on how I can learn to walk in these heels? I am thinking of wearing it around the house every now and then to get accustomed but I am still afraid of spraining my ankle with these things!
Help?3 people like this
34 responses
@twallace (2675)
• United States
1 Jul 08
Now if the heels are not that high I can walk in them. A wedged heel is better for me. I have to work on walking with heels that have a point to them. I'm not to steady in walking with pointed heels. If you can walking in the around the house and get use to how they feel; walking shouldn't be to bad. Don't think about spraining your ankle just think I can walk in these heels with not problem.
@roxanne271 (2034)
• Trinidad And Tobago
1 Jul 08
Hi twallace,
Wow, working with heels must be a bit of a pain.
You are right though, I should not think about stumbling and spraining my ankle. I should think positive. Thank you!
@checapricorn (16061)
• United States
30 Jun 08
Hi roxanne, For sure constant wearing it will make you more comfortable as well as safe...I haven't tried wearing as high as 3 inches...I do love high heels when I was in COllege(2-3 inches only). Then when I started wearing flat and 1 inches, I found out that I am more comfortable with them especially for my daily routine..I will only used back my 3 inches for special occasion!
2 people like this
@checapricorn (16061)
• United States
1 Jul 08
Hi there, you can also place some books in your head while walking..LOL!, I remember we used to do that~
1 person likes this
@roxanne271 (2034)
• Trinidad And Tobago
1 Jul 08
Hi checapricorn,
I agree the flat shoes are more comfy for sure. I am used to wearing sneakers and still do even with my wedged heel shoe around. I am just a bit scared on how to even out my body weight on such a thin heel. I will try to wear it often around the house then.
Thanks
@lingli_78 (12822)
• Australia
30 Jun 08
oh yes... i can... but not too high... the hihest i ever wear i think is about 7 or 8 cm... i can't go higher than that as i'm afraid that i will injure myself... i like high heel shoes as it makes me look sexy and i love to hear the sound when i am walking... but you really have to walk slower in those shoes rather than casual ones... take care and have a nice day...
2 people like this
@roxanne271 (2034)
• Trinidad And Tobago
1 Jul 08
Ah, that's about three inches. Still pretty high.
I agree, sometimes I love to hear the sound when I am walking too. I will try walking much slower...boy not my strong point to walk slow...
Have a good day too!
. I will try walking much slower...boy not my strong point to walk slow...
Have a good day too!
@ayumitakashi (4462)
• United States
30 Jun 08
I am sort of like a tomboy and just wear sneakers. There have been a few times when I have worned high heeled shoes. They were really hard to walk in. The last one that I wore was also wedged. When I wore it I would slip but it wasn't too dangerous like you said. But one of the reasons that I now love to look at high heeled shoes is that I'm a dancer and I would love to dance in high heeled shoes just because it looks really sexy and it'll be a real challenge for myself. Looking forwards for that picture.
2 people like this
@roxanne271 (2034)
• Trinidad And Tobago
1 Jul 08
Hi there,
lol, I grew up like a tomboy as well so sneakers were always on my feet. As I started to grow up more though I realized that I like the look of the high heels. I agree as a dancer they would look hot!
I do hope you get the hang of it and I hope I get the hang of mine.
I don't know if the picture will post this time but let me try again.
Thanks!
@Tianna2 (1273)
• United States
1 Jul 08
The best tip I can give you is PRACTICE PRACTICE PRACTICE. Spike heels are going to be different then wedge heels, they're harder to keep your balance. Because you are rather new to wearing heels, try wearing them around your house a few days. Take smaller steps, stay close to something you can hold on to in case you lose your balance. When you do wear them outside, take a pair of flats or lower heels so that your aren't stuck wearing them the whole day/night.
I wish you the best of luck and be careful!
Hugs, Tianna
2 people like this
@roxanne271 (2034)
• Trinidad And Tobago
1 Jul 08
Hi tianna,
Thanks for the pointers. Carrying an extra pair of shoes would be inconvenient for me but it does make alot of sense.
Thanks alot
@fwidman (11514)
• United States
30 Jun 08
Heels like those are not hard to walk in, but first you must practice, practice, practice.
Use them around the house until you feel comfortable walking in them then try them outside your house a little bit. That way, if you slip and fall, you'll be close to home. If all goes well there, then keep walking in them wherever you wish to go :)
I'm sure you'll get the hang of spiked heels just as you did with the wedge heels :)
2 people like this
@roxanne271 (2034)
• Trinidad And Tobago
1 Jul 08
Thanks fwidman!
What you say does make sense. Trying them close to home would be best at first.
I sure hope I get the hang of them. Thanks again
@maryannemax (12156)
• Sweden
30 Jun 08
i used to wear high heeled shoes before when i joined pageants or fashion shows. but that was a long time ago. i guess the last time i joined a show was in 2002.
i also wear high heeled shoes during special occasions but not too high. my feet get tired so quick when using these high heeled ones. but on ordinary days, i just wear flats.
that's right. if you wanna learn using these kinds of shoes, wear them every now and then at home. don't put too much pressure on your legs or else, you will easily feel it heavy and you will get tired easily.
anne
@roxanne271 (2034)
• Trinidad And Tobago
1 Jul 08
Hi Anne,
Oooh fashion shows and pageants, how cool!
Thank you, I will try not to wear it for very long periods when I start practicing. Although I have foot pads that are supposed to make it easier on the feet when wearing such shoes.
@goodmodel (25)
• Jamaica
1 Jul 08
I love high heeled shoes, but boy try putting on some flats later on. OMG.
1 person likes this
@elenahap (104)
• Croatia (Hrvatska)
1 Jul 08
I can walk in heels and I can even run fast in them!!!
My advice is to start wearing them as much as possible so they become an extension of your feet!!!
Also walk in the house infront of a mirror so you see your flaws and try to correct them.
An other thing, to test your self if you are getting better is to close your eyes (do it in the house) and see if you can still walk with ease.
Good luck!
1 person likes this
@cyberfluf (4996)
• Netherlands
7 Jul 08
I like heels a lot but because of my balance impairment they can't be too thin.
That's why I like wearing platforms or chunky heel boots. However, it's something a person can learn if you set your mind to it, especially if you have a normal balance. Shortening your stride is a good tip I saw around here, keeping your back straight and trying not to think about walking on heels helps too.
I've heard people say not to bend your knees a lot will help too, but it would look a bit robotic I guess and I'm not sure if it would help.
I wear the platforms in the picture daily, the shoetailor has made them half as hight by removing half of the soal and sealing the bottom. They walk great this way:)
@cyberfluf (4996)
• Netherlands
19 Jul 08
It does take some effort but I'll manage 
.If you want something bad enough you can make it work 
. Have a great day!
.If you want something bad enough you can make it work . Have a great day!1 person likes this
@roxanne271 (2034)
• Trinidad And Tobago
19 Jul 08
Oh wow, nice!
At least you still get to wear heels, so that's nice!
Shortening my stride and trying not to walk too fast should work.
Thanks alot!
1 person likes this
@deebomb (15304)
• United States
30 Jun 08
Spiky heels are very sexy looking but I don't wear them and didn't too much when I was your age. Walking on high heels puts abnormal stress on both the front and the back of the knee and Push the center of mass in the body forwards, causing the spine to bend backwards to compensate. This can lead to back problems. They can also reduce blood flow in your head and internal organs, become a trigger for varicose veinsdevelopment. Besides, wearing high heels for an extended period of time alters the normal equilibrium of the body. so you need to really think about wearing them very much.
@roxanne271 (2034)
• Trinidad And Tobago
1 Jul 08
Hi deebomb,
Thanks for the useful information. I did not know about the reduced blood flow but I did know about everything else. I personally plan on wearing it once or twice for the month if I do. But I may need to wear them almost everyday if I need to practice. I do have those foot pads you put in shoes to help even out your body weight. I don't know if they would help me.
Thanks alot!
1 person likes this
@m0mmy0f03 (364)
• United States
1 Jul 08
Omg I cant walk in heels,but I want to for my sister in law's wedding. So I was told to buy a small heel and walk around the house in them to get used to them and then get a bigger heel and do the same thing. Good luck
@m0mmy0f03 (364)
• United States
1 Jul 08
Your welcome! Im not into heels very much ethier I just want to be able to wear them in my sister in laws wedding with out falling on my face.lol good luck
1 person likes this
@roxanne271 (2034)
• Trinidad And Tobago
1 Jul 08
Ohhh that is a wonderful idea!
Gradually increasing the height is a perfect idea. But I am not a high heeled fanatic. I just want this to match with an outfit I recently bought. Hopefully I'll get used to it easy.
Thanks!
@roxanne271 (2034)
• Trinidad And Tobago
19 Jul 08
Yeah I work in flats or sneakers and on Saturday or when I am going out somewhere else I would wear my heels. This is why I said I I would probably only wear the shoes a couple times a month. But I have actually become comfortable in my wedged heels.
@spalladino (17891)
• United States
30 Jun 08
When wearing a tall thin heel you have to walk differently than you do in regular shoes. You have to shorten your stride and alter the way that you walk slightly so you're not depending so much on the heel. Sort of step more flatly on both the heel and sole of the foot instead of landing first on the heel and then the sole. Wearing them around the house until you're used to walking in them is a good idea. Have fun!
@roxanne271 (2034)
• Trinidad And Tobago
1 Jul 08
Hi spalladino,
Thank you for the explanation on how to walk in them. I will try to do that around the house cause I think I do have a tendency to step out on my heel more than just flat.
Thanks again
@beaniebabe (151)
• Australia
4 Jul 08
I think the more practise you get of wearing heels the better, i own a few pairs of heels but i havnt worn any in a while because im pregnant and my husband dont want me falling on my face.
@roxanne271 (2034)
• Trinidad And Tobago
19 Jul 08
Hi beaniebabe,
Yeah practice makes perfect.
Congrats on the baby and yeah if I were pregnant I would personally wear flats too.
Have a good one
@maryannemax (12156)
• Sweden
30 Jun 08
yeah. they really look elegant especially if the woman wearing them have poise and carries well the shoes.
just like you, i'd rather have flats when it's not really a special occasion. i'd prefer comfort rather than style.
anne
1 person likes this
@roxanne271 (2034)
• Trinidad And Tobago
1 Jul 08
I love to look at them too! So many wonderful designs but so many I wouldn't wear for various reasons.
@wachit14 (3595)
• United States
1 Jul 08
I used to wear high heels as well when I was your age, but those days are over. They were never comfortable and certainly unsafe to walk in since a turned ankle can cause weeks of pain. If you do want to wear shoes with height do think about wearing platforms. They keep the foot more level when wearing them while still giving you an elegant height. You can also get a similar look by choosing a shoe without an ankle strap, but with a lower heel. The most important thing is to just be safe.
@roxanne271 (2034)
• Trinidad And Tobago
19 Jul 08
Hi wachit,
Thank you. I agree. I have seen people trip and twist ankles on shoes as low as two inches. Makes me happy that I haven't had an accident with my heels yet, although my dad said when i first got them I looked like I was struggling to walk in them although it's a wedged heel. My first heels went to 4 inches but they did not look that tall when I was purchasing it. Only after I measured it I knew!
I like ankle straps personally, I feel like they keep my shoes intact plus this shoe I ordered is a leg wrap which means it wraps around the ankle and all the way up the calves. I will just practice in the house for long time!
. Makes me happy that I haven't had an accident with my heels yet, although my dad said when i first got them I looked like I was struggling to walk in them although it's a wedged heel. My first heels went to 4 inches but they did not look that tall when I was purchasing it. Only after I measured it I knew!
I like ankle straps personally, I feel like they keep my shoes intact plus this shoe I ordered is a leg wrap which means it wraps around the ankle and all the way up the calves. I will just practice in the house for long time!
@ch88ss (2271)
• United States
1 Jul 08
I used to be too high!! Now, it is too low. I am 31 and started wearing high heels when I was about 22 too.
It is part of my style now. I wear them only for the office but manage to walk really fast in them now.
It takes time and eventually you will realize it is not really easy to walk in them.
But I don’t walk as fast at the market with them because I do slip. I can walk in them fast if it is carpet.
So to avoid injury, I buy those sticky things that go on the bottom of you shoes to prevent slippery.
Try them, you can find them at payless.
1 person likes this
@roxanne271 (2034)
• Trinidad And Tobago
19 Jul 08
Hi ch88ss,
Thanks for your response. I will definitely look for the sticky pads you mentioned the next time I stop in at Payless. I sometimes come across slippery ground with my wedged heels too but because they are wedged I think that is how I catch my balance easily otherwise I would be on the floor!
Thanks alot!
@jessieBee (1046)
• Trinidad And Tobago
1 Jul 08
Yeah i walk in heels.
well considering the condition of our pavements(rough and uneven), i would've recommended you walk in your house with them, but i don't think that is going to help you walk very well out side.
You should walk out doors for the inside of your home, the floor is even and smooth. Outside is rough and you will get a better feel of the ground in those shoes. Walking in your house is one thing, But out doors is the best way to train yourself.Only then will you truly know if you can walk in them.
Hope my advice helps.
1 person likes this
@roxanne271 (2034)
• Trinidad And Tobago
19 Jul 08
Hey JessieBee,
lol yes our pavements are horrible in certain parts huh? and with so much crowds I'll be sure to get pushed down if I don't stumble on my own first.
I plan on walking in the trace in our village. It ain't too rough neither too smooth so it'll be good practice for when I get used to it inside.
My boyfriend said he'd gladly carry a small backpack around and lug my shoes in there till I get to the mall, I could wear a flat pair of shoes for the pavements and let him hold the high heels in the bag till I get to the mall and then switch them. I think that's a good idea and very sweet of him to agree to doing that if I really see the need to do it.
Thanks1
@calajane (1003)
• Poland
1 Jul 08
I walk in high heels ever since I was 15. I started with low, 4 cm heels and right now I have no problems walking on those 7-9 cm high ones. Though those highest kill my legs after a whole day so I stick to medium ones. :) I think the whole secret to walking in heels is balance and practice. Yeah, like with everything else, practice makes perfect. And hey, after 8 years of walking in heels, I still sometimes misjudge and put my foot the wrong way and have face embarassement because I slip or something. And a good advice is that you should start small. you need to learn how to be comfortable in highheels and I'm afraid nothing can help but practice... 4inch heels are a bit too high for a beginner, no offence.
1 person likes this
@roxanne271 (2034)
• Trinidad And Tobago
19 Jul 08
Hi calajane,
Thanks...7-9cm?! Woah!
I agree 4cm was too high for a beginner but I actually bought the shoes not knowing they were that high! The thing is I walk in them so comfortably now it's no problem! I'm just weary of this new pair I've ordered (4 1/2cm) because unlike my first pair they have a thin heel and my first shoe was wedged heeled!
It took me lots of practice to walk in these wedged heeled ones but now I'm a pro. I hope the same turns out for my newest pair!
@mjdoodlebug10 (31)
•
1 Jul 08
I am 47 and use to wear heels all the time when I was younger. Loved all the shoes I had. 1 inch to 4 inch but now....you couldnt get me in a pair. Not only do they make you feel pretty and tall but they also ruin your arch and back. Give me a flat shoe,athletic shoe anytime. I have given up wearing any thing that resembles a heel..Yes they are very sexy. I would recommend only wearing them if you are sitting down and not walking or standing.
@roxanne271 (2034)
• Trinidad And Tobago
19 Jul 08
Hi mjdoodlebug,
Oh wow, they ruin your back that much huh?
I agree, I don't think I'd be able to walk or stand very long in stilettos but I do just fine with the wedged heels.
Thanks for the advice.
@littlerayray77 (254)
• United States
1 Jul 08
i love wedges! Maybe you should just stick to them until you really feel you got the idea on how you should be walking in shoes that change the way your body moves? How are you with foot pain? There's so many changes and crap you have to go through sometimes.
@roxanne271 (2034)
• Trinidad And Tobago
19 Jul 08
Wedges sure are stylish I agree.
I have no foot pain after wearing them so far and the longest I wear them are usually for 9 hours straight, yup! But of course not all of those 9 hours are spent walking. About 5 or 6 of those 9 hours involve walking or standing. But no pain. I use those footpads in my shoes too.
The thing I'm worried about is the fact that my newest pair are stilettos! Not sure how I'll handle those so I'll just practice at home and close to stuff so I can hold on if I feel like I am falling.
.