Heels are a symbol of femininity: they accentuate your feet and also have a slimming effect on your body. But for some women, wearing heels is something of a challenge. Here are our essential tips for learning how to walk right and look right in heels.
How to walk in heels
- Adopt a sway to your walk. To walk well in heels, you need to use your hips like you’re strutting down the catwalk in order to find your balance. But be careful not to cross the boundaries of decency...
- Get used to your heels. Practice wearing your heels on small trips, when you nip out to buy a paper or around the house. You don't have to run a marathon in your heels but you do need to feel comfy in them.
- Choose the right height. The lowest heels are around 3cm high. If they're over 9cm, your foot will be too arched and you risk losing your balance. A good heel height is around 5-6cm.
- Stability of the shoe counts for a lot. When you try them on, your feet shouldn’t wobble. Your knees shouldn’t bend too much otherwise you’ll look awkward. Choose a heel which is slightly square, and a platform that gives you good support.
Choosing the right heels
- Amateurs: You only ever step out of your trainers when you’re stepping into flat ballerina pumps. Yet even walking on flat ground isn’t good for you and could lead to back problems. Don’t walk before you can run: choose heels that are no higher than 6cm or go for a pair with a solid platform that’s more stable.
- Experts: You’ve been wearing heels since you were a teenager and Christian Louboutin shoes make regular appearances in your dreams. You can get away with any type of heel, but pay attention to your ankles. Beautifully crafted, pointed heels were made for you.
How to wear heels
- If you’re full-figured: Choose relatively high heels that will make you look slimmer. Walking in heels regularly will tone your muscles up without you realising.
- If you’re short: Choose heels that are comfortable to wear on a regular basis, such as ones with platforms or square heels.
- If you’re tall: There’s no need to feel as if you're on stilts. Choose thin 6cm heels to avoid looking like a giraffe.
- If you’re slim: Anything goes! You can look stylish in knee-length skirts without looking like a granny. Teamed with skinny trousers, heels give you a chic but rock look.
