That IT Girl’s Guide: How to Walk in High Heels

That IT Girl LIVES in heels! Yes I know…flats and tennis shoes are equally fabulous, but high heels are the spice of life.

High heels date back all the way to 3500 BC where they were used in ancient Egyptian ceremonies, and history dictates that heels were almost primarily used by men on horse riding shoes. High heels were not actually invented for fashion purposes until the 1500s where they were enjoyed by men and women.

It is obvious why women love heels; they accentuate your glute and calf muscles, make you appear taller, and make you legs appear longer. What else could a girl ask for?

Unfortunately for many IT Girls, walking in high heels is not an easy task. It requires a mixture of balance, practice, and sass. Luckily That IT Girl has come to rescue. Follow these simple steps, and you will be a stiletto wearing pro in no time.

Confidence:

This is the most essential item needed to successfully walk in heels. Without it you are bound to be awkward regardless of the heel height. Being confident is being certain in your ability, and it is impossible to enjoy the fabulousness of a perfectly crafted stiletto pump if you are unsure of your ability to walk in them.

The Right Fit:

Now I don’t care if you stumbled across a $100 pair of Gucci sandals at the latest local sample sale…If they do not fit properly, they Do NOT belong in your closet. Not only is an improperly fitted shoe a huge fashion faux pas, it also increases your risk for foot injuries, calluses, and lower back strain.

When shopping for heels it is essential to:

• Assure that while standing and walking the tips of your toes meet the front of the shoe, and the heel of your foot meet the back of the shoe. Many times a shoe will fit properly while sitting, but upon standing the foot slides forward and the toes are now hanging over the front of the shoe.
• Assure that any straps on the shoe properly secure the ankle. Many retailers are more than happy to punch a couple of extra holes in the ankle strap to provide a more accurate fit.
• Get your foot properly measured. Our feet change in size and width throughout our lifetime. Get measured a minimum of twice a year, or with sudden weight loss or gain.

Stay Natural:

When walking in heels, your hips will sway naturally. The key is to embrace, not exaggerate this movement. Work with what you have!

Watch this short, cute video on walking naturally in heels:

Practice:

Not only does practicing walking in heels allow you to become more accustom to them, you also give an opportunity to break a new pair in and make sure they fit properly. The best thing to do is wear your heels while doing house work, walking the dog, grocery shopping or any other daily task before wearing them out.

While practicing be sure to:

• Start short and wide, and end tall and narrow if you have never worn a heel. Kitten and wedge heels are a great beginning for aspiring IT Girls. Once you have perfected walking in these, try a boot with a medium sized heel. This gives you practice in a higher heel with the safety and ankle support of a boot.
• Walk on different surfaces (e.g. carpet, tile, concrete, etc.), throw on some music and dance in them, and take the stairs in them.
• Use proper posture. Walk with your back straight, chin up, and shoulders back.
• Place your heels on the floor first, and toes second as opposed to placing the entire foot on the ground at once.

Congrats! You are now equipped with the knowledge needed to become a stiletto wearing diva. Feel free to contact me and tell me how this advice has helped you in your effort to become That IT Girl.