Walking in heels

[itstheyearzero]

Ive never really been one for wearing high heels, even in my 20's and 30's when I was young, free and single, I would only wear them for very special occasions that didn't require much walking around. I'm 46 now and I bought some heels on Saturday to wear at an upcoming wedding. They are fairly high, but it's not a stiletto heel, its more blocky than that, but my feet feel at such an unnatural angle, and I'm clomping around with absolutely no grace whatsoever! Can one learn to walk in heels in 5 or 6 weeks, or do you think I should return them and get something a bit lower? All advice welcome!

[SaggyNaggy]

I'd say you can Learn but you may need a second pair of shjoes, ones with a heel half the height of ones you have. Wear those around and then move up to the higher height.
Video may help, there's loads on ypoutube.

[SillyBub]

I graduated to heels last year at the grand old age of 37. I wore them round the house for days beforehand until it was natural. 14 months later I own 2 pairs and have worn them 4 times (combined) Not quite life changing but definitely possible to learn the art in somewhat later life.

[Acopyofacopy]

Whatever you do, a skiing motion is not what you should be aiming for!
Went to an event with lots of young women recently and it was painful to watch them all shuffling about in their heels

[elliefredericksen]

Like PP said, videos on YouTube. The one I watched advised to walk as normal i.e. heel down first, even in a stiletto. Also walk with purpose. So don't tiptoe forward and walk on your toes, which is what I was doing, throwing all my body weight forward unnaturally.

[everythingsgoingsouth]

apparantly, if you tape the2nd and 3rd toes together (big toe being the 1st!) it improves posture as it re-positions your feet in heels and so makes it easier to walk in them.

[ShotgunNotDoingThePans]

There's an Alexander Technique teacher who runs workshops in it for City women (although that trend may be on the wane now 😊). But she says the first thing to do is check wherher the shoe falls over when you knock it (not while wearing it obviously!). If it wobbles when you're not even wearing it you stand no chance of being stable when walking, apparently.

[itstheyearzero]

Ah loads of replies, thanks! I'm going to try taping my toes together and will watch some videos! I think the shoes are fairly stable, it's just me that isn't!

[ShotgunNotDoingThePans]

youthbe link

[AmberNectarine]

The best compliment I've ever had is that I walk very naturally in heels. My top tip is that they must fit. Slightly snugly, ideally. Any room for the foot to slip around and you will get that burning feeling on the ball of your foot, which makes it really hard to walk gracefully.

[Gowgirl]

Good shoes
Heel to toe
With purpose!

Then you rock them 😈

[OhWellll]

I live in high heels!

You need to wear them as much as you can - comfort is partly ankle strength which you don't get over night.

Other tips-

• small steps are easier. smaller than you think - no striding.
  
• gel insert for ball of the foot
  
• take a pair of suitably smart flats for the end of the night so that if you want to carry on partying/walk to the club/bar you aren't hampered by footwear pain.

[AmberNectarine]

Oh I stride, no time for baby steps!

Not overthinking it is key, I think.

[OhWellll]

Also I think the taping toes tip is 3rd and 4th toes not 2nd and 3rd.

www.theguardian.com/fashion/2015/feb/13/high-heel-pain-taping-toes-together

[everythingsgoingsouth]

OhWellll "When you cramp your toes together in heels, it places great strain on the nerves that run through your toes.
To remedy this, try applying tape to your toes.
Tape either your second and third (or third and fourth toes) together with medical tape or Scotch tape to lessen the pressure on the ball of your foot."

it looks like either works :)

[Botanicbaby]

OP if high heels have never been your thing I'd definitely return then and choose something more suited to you.

I think you'll spoil your enjoyment of the day if you're not happy in the shoes you're wearing.

[mrsvilliers]

Wear around the house while you're doing jobs and if you can manage in them for a morning then you should be OK to keep. Then I'd wear them out for a morning to a supermarket etc to trial. (Recently got back into heels after two babies).

Heel to toe as others have said.
Small steps - if you need to go fast just take more steps
And NEVER take them off, it will be the end of your day in heels!

[itstheyearzero]

I have been working from home today so I put them on a couple of hours ago, bloody hell they are so uncomfortable

[itstheyearzero]

Oops pressed Post a bit too early. I was going to say I think I'm going to have to return them, I can't see me ever getting used to them FFS.

[ShotgunNotDoingThePans]

Wise move.

[everythingsgoingsouth]

well, you gave it a go!