Why can't I walk in high heels (surely it's not just me?)

[SomewhereNow]

They hurt my feet - kill the balls and scrunch up my toes - and I always feel like they're going to fall off unless they have an ankle strap (even the right size). Instead of improving my posture they make me totter - I can't do long graceful steps as I feel like I'll fall over. And don't get me started on trying to negotiate the tube, uneven pavements and the sort of shiny slippery floors you get in posh hotels, stations etc.

Where am I going wrong? I do carry flats whenever possible but there are times when it'd just be nice to look like an elegant grown up instead of a kid dressing up in their Mum's shoes .

[BikeRunSki]

I can't either. I sprained my ankle very badly when I was 12, a d 5 or 6 times since, which doesn't help. I also have wide size 9 feet, which limits choice of style significantly. I am more of a brogues and trainers girl,

[acornsandnuts]

I am watching Suits at the minute and I'm in awe of Jessica's purposeful striding in 5 inch heels. Personally I'm much like you, I have many pairs that I just can't wear. They hurt and I walk like an ostrich in them. I stick to wedges with a strap if I want height now.

[Cantseethewoods]

Bike I'm the same- broke one foot trail running and the next year badly sprained the other in a similar way- on crutches both times. I have managed to work out all the scar tissue but I still can't wear very high heels anymore. I tend to wear flats more now anyway. Also, I got into lifting and heels shorten your calf muscles, making a deep squat harder (priorities!!).

[Mothervulva]

I can't, far too uncomfortable and to be honest, I don't really like how it looks. Personal taste obviously, but I think women look ridiculous in high heels. There's some great options for flats now.

[walruswhiskers]

I've just sent a beautiful pair back as I had to reluctantly admit I walked like a constipated duck in them.

[Batwomanrisesagain]

Me too, I wore some to a very important meeting recently and just looked a complete twat skidding out of the room in them

[elkegel]

The main thing is getting ones that fit properly and are wide enough so that your feet are not all scrunched in at the end. Though over about a 2.5" heel height they always throw your foot forward anyway. You have to be able to put your weight through your heels.

[stoplickingthetelly]

I'm rubbish too. Not quite as bad if they're boots or do up in some way, but terrible in court shoes. How on earth do people keep them on their feet? Especially with tights! I look at Kate Middleton in tose LK Bennett shoes she loves and just think how?

[ButtermilkPancakes]

@acornsandnuts when I grow up I want to be Jessica

OP it seems part of your problem is comfort. I personally struggle with poor quality shoes (New Look etc.). I am confident walking in heels, but cheap shoes are never comfortable for me so I have mostly given up on them.

Have you tried Clarks? I get most of my work shoes from there, they have cushions under the ball of the foot, and the heel is well placed for balance.

I have this www.clarks.co.uk/c/Carlita-Cove/p/26117584 in various colours and these www.clarks.co.uk/c/Isidora-Faye/p/26123111 are very comfy for running around in.

I have worn the first ones for weddings, too and I was comfortable dancing in them after a whole day of standing around, walking, etc.

[LadyOfTheCanyon]

Straps. Start with straps till you're confident you're moving well. There are videos on YouTube that I found really helpful. You have to move in a completely different way which is a total faff but it does become second nature after a while.

[Iamastonished]

I can't wear them any more. High heels to me are 2", which I can do in boots, but only if I don't have to walk very far. I wore them on a pub crawl round Sheffield recently and my feet still haven't recovered. Also, when I walk I tend to stride quickly, which I can't do in heels.

[FannyFifer]

The only brand of high shoes not a wedge that I have ever been able to walk properly in are Gabor. Have a couple of pairs although still prefer a wedge.

[KoalaDownUnder]

I can't walk in them either. I look like an idiot.

[TroysMammy]

I can't wear them, they kill my feet and I'm talking about 2 inch heels max. I only wear heels if I can park very close by to a restaurant for example and sit down for the rest of the evening otherwise I wear flats.

[KoalaDownUnder]

Also, they really really hurt.

All your weight is tipped forward onto the ball of your foot.

And I wobble everywhere because I have dodgy tiny ankles.

I mean, who thought this was a good idea?!

[ButtermilkPancakes]

OP be glad you don't live in the 16th century, these were all the rage back then

[bingohandjob]

I can't and cannot be f@cked to learn how at my age. I don't find them comfortable, I walk everywhere so they're not practical and I don't think they look good - every woman I know who regularly wears heels complains about how their feet feel at end of the day and in work, they'll kick them off as soon as they sit at their desk. Sod that. I like to be able to move freely. Great for anyone who prefers them - but give be a pair of brogues or biker boots any day.

[Avocuddle]

I hateeeeee heels! I've got great big flat wide fat flipper feet and barely any shoes are comfy let alone heels. And heels make my feet hurt for a solid 24 hours after I take them off too. Given up with trying and I'm sticking to nice pretty flats now instead

[Floisme]

They only look elegant if you can walk in them and, from what I see, the women who can do this are the exception.

And while I'm here (and I know this is irrational) I can't stand that clippety clop noise they make. We are not horses.

[youvegottobekidding]

I don't think I've worn high heels in the last 13, 14 years! I have some ankle boots that have maybe a 2" heel at most & that's high enough for me.

I did, however wear a pair of old but unused different ankle boots about 3 years ago to an interview, heel height probably about 4" if that, I swear I walked out like Bambi with a blister, I said to myself then, I'm never attempting heels again, I just cannot walk anything like a human in them!!

[PenguinOfDoom]

I used to wear 4/5" heels in the office and could walk properly in them. It did take practice, but I always found ones with a slight platform on the sole were much easier. Stick some heel grips in the back as well to give extra traction for your feet. As @elkegel said, you need to put your weight through your heels rather than tiptoeing.

I never wore them outside, I'd use trainers for commuting.

[Gah81]

No ooo, don't stride! I think the main things to remember about high heels is that you cannot stride unless v.advanced. Or walk quickly (this is why they are tools of the patriarchy, designed to hold us back )

I wear them (not for meetings, or to walk anywhere) when I want to look extra imposing. Ha! But what works for me is just accepting that you will have to take tiny steps and walk slowly, while remembering that you are a goddess amongst women and the world will wait for you

Barmy, but it works. And makes me giggle too, which lessens the discomfort.

[Gah81]

Oh and thick high heels if you can. Stilettos are not just the work of the patriarchy but of Satan himself.

[Supersmith]

I cannot wear heels, but I don't think I need them, I'm 5'11 (I think) so quite tall. I do like when I've worn them in the past as they to make legs look slimmer I think.
But I cannot wear heels, even if my life depended on it. They are so painful both for my feet and the way I walk. I just stick with flats now, much comfier.