How To Walk In High Heels Gracefully, Comfortably & Safely

Not everyone fares well with high heels. For the less graceful, all's well when standing stationary in front of the mirror, but the trouble comes when we start walking!

If you're someone who hasn't got the hang of walking comfortably and elegantly in heels, here are some tips on how to master the craft and make it look and feel like your heels are an extension of your legs.

#1 Walk from heel to toe

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If you wear heels only once in a while, you might fall into the habit of putting your weight on the balls of your foot as if you're tiptoeing. Another habit you may have is landing flat on whole foot which can look a bit like stomping. This is not only dangerous as it can lead to falls, it can also look awkward.

A safer and more elegant way to walk is to place the heel of your shoe on the ground first, followed by your toes.

#2 Stand up straight

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Wearing heels shifts your centre of gravity so you might unconsciously lean forward or slouch in an attempt to balance out the weight on your feet. This might result in a strange and unflattering posture.

Try to stand up straight and keep your head in line with your spine for a more graceful gait. If your heels are particularly high, try leaning backwards slightly to counter your instinct to lean forward.

#3 Keep your chin parallel to the ground

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While it may be tempting to look down, whether to admire your heels or check if there's anything that will make you trip, you should be looking forward with your chin parallel to the ground. This will make #2 easier and give you more confidence when walking in heels.

#4 Strengthen your inner core

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Not only will inner core workouts give you abs and make you feel stronger, it can also help you walk better! Having a strong core can help you balance on high heels and walk in them for longer hours without feeling sore. Check out some of our easy home exercises to train your core muscles.

#5 Don't strain to take bigger steps

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When wearing heels, you'll notice that your stride becomes shorter than usual. Try not to take big steps that you can't manage as it'll make you look awkward and may overstrain your muscles.

Taking smaller steps will look more elegant and minimise the chances of falls or twisting your ankle. Once you get used to it after practicing, you can then take bigger steps gradually.

#6 Walk slower

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Just like taking big steps, walking too quickly may also make you look like you're fumbling around if you're not an experienced heel-wearer. Take your time, use the handrail and focus on having the right posture instead.

#7 Wear the right heels

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Make sure your heels fit perfectly, especially if you have wide feet, narrow feet, flat feet, bunions or hammertoes. Wearing ill-fitting shoes or incorrect sizes will make it much harder for you to walk comfortably.

Try walking around in the heels before you purchase them. The right fit should feel snug but not too tight and support your feet as you walk. Heels with ankle straps will give you extra support.

#8 Relieve the pain

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Besides the arch of the heel, the pain that comes from wearing heels can make things even worse! Make sure you minimise any pain that your heels can cause. You can use inserts that act as a cushion for your feet and heel grips to prevent cuts and bruises at the back of your heel.