Heels are no doubt a staple part of my wardrobe. And I won’t deny that I wear them almost everyday of the week. I just love the classic, sophisticated, and sexy touch they add to the most basic outfit. Since I’m not super tall, I also love using heels to add height. One of the biggest things that holds people back from dressing up in them is that they can be difficult to walk in – especially if you’re not used to high heels. Since spring is in full swing, I wanted to share some of my tried and true tips for how to walk in heels. With a bit of practice and my tips below, you’ll be strutting confidently in a brand new pair of heels in no time!

Make sure the fit is right

Before taking your heels out for a spin, make sure the fit is right! Your shoes should feel snug but not overly tight. If you feel that they’re pinching your toes, then that’s a sign the shoes are too small. You definitely don’t want to go with anything that slides off the back of your feet when you lift them up. If your feet are an awkward in-between size, you can buy padded soles to create a better fit. One of my tricks to seeing how well a pair of pumps will fit, is slightly stretching them at the toe with your hands before trying them on. This works especially well for real leather shoes since they’ll go back to their normal shape. Also, the height of the heel matters a lot. If you’re not comfortable wearing heels, start with a 3 inch pair and work your way up.

Break them in

I often hear people complaining about uncomfortable heels. In my experience, discomfort is a sign that a shoe needs to be broken into. This especially holds true for designer heels. There are a variety of ways to break in your shoes from wearing them around the house with thick socks to using a blow dryer to soften up the leather. I typically wear mine for a limited amount of time each day until they’ve molded to my feet. It’s also smarter to buy better shoes. I can always tell a big difference from my designer heels versus fast fashion heels.

Start slow

When you are trying to walk in heels, you’ll notice that you can’t take as quick or as large of a step as you might be used to in trainers or flats. And that’s totally normal. Start slow and work your way up. Try walking a bit m  ore mindfully and slowly, and taking shorter strides. This will look the most natural. As you find your rhythm, you’ll be able to move quicker naturally. The fluidity of movement comes from practicing first.

Go from heel to toe

The most natural way to walk in heels is to go from heel to toe – not toe to heel or landing completely flat. It’ll help you align your stride with the shoe – and avoid looking awkward.

Imagine a straight line

If you imagine walking in a straight line, you are more likely to stay on a steady course. That being said, keep your head up and straight, looking ahead – not down at your feet. Be sure to lean back slightly as this will counter the tendency to lean forward. It might feel awkward at first, but it’ll help you keep a good posture.

Carry a pair of flats

There’s no shame in taking a break from heels. Oftentimes, I’ll have a pair of shoes that I can change into in case walking in heels becomes too painful. Plus, it isn’t super practical to be on your feet all day in heels. I’ll usually have a pair of slides or sneakers on hand.

What are some of the tips you guys use to walk better in heels?

xo, Maria

Outfit Details

Gucci Tee (wearing an XXS)
Gucci Belt (wearing a size 70 – read my ‘Gucci Belt Sizing Guide’ HERE)
Alpha Industries Camo Jacket (wearing an XS)
Asos Black Denim (wearing a 25 – size up)
Manolo Blahnik Heels (better for budget here)
Prada Cahier Bag
New Era NY Cap

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