How To Walk In High Heels

By Author: Barton Loi
Total Articles: 67
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High heels are a staple of practically every women''s wardrobe, and are a bit of rite of passage into womanhood in themselves. They can also often be a right pain in the, er, foot. Here''s a few measures that might just help ease this problem.

This first point may seem a little obvious, but is often ignored in the heat of the shopping experience ? make sure that the shoes fit. If you are unsure of the fit when you try them on, don''t be afraid to ask for help from a sales assistant. And if it doesn''t fit just right ? walk. Don''t be pressured into a sale, or try and squeeze reality into an aspirational dream.

Consider looking for a thicker heel. Kitten heels can make for a more comfortable ride, since the wider heel helps support more of your weight, relieving pressure on the ball of your foot. Wedges can give the lift at the heel that produces the flattering elongation of the leg that makes you look slimmer, without the sometimes precarious balance of the stiletto heel.

When wearing heels, try to walk and stand so that the weight is spread between heel and toe ? try not to let all of your weight ...
... rest on the ball of the foot and toes.

The inherent physics behind the design of the high heel can not entirely be avoided, however, so if you find that the front of your foot is suffering after a day in high heels, take a visit to a reasonable sized chemist and you''ll find cushioning inserts that can help relieve the pressure.

Once you have selected and bought the chosen heels, make sure that you put them through their paces at home (pardon the pun) before venturing out. Not only will this break the leather in, you''ll get an idea of how long you can stand wearing the more extreme heel before real discomfort sets in ? particularly pertinent if you are considering the shoes for an all-day wedding.

In daily life, try not to exclusively wear high heels. For one, in extreme cases your hamstring can contract, making it uncomfortable to wear non-heeled shoes. If heels are de rigueur in the workplace, try to ensure that you switch to flats or trainers in the evenings.

When wearing high heels, try to take smaller steps, as this will improve your chances of keeping your balance. Similarly, walking with your legs close together will provide stability, while maximising the catwalk wiggle created by the heel.

#Pen Name# is the author of this article about women''s shoes. To check out the range of heels and other women''s footwear this season, take a peek online at New Look. Barton Loi is a fashion critic and writer. To find out more about the latest high street trends check out New Look's website for an impressive range of