How to Walk in High Heels

It's the price you pay for looking hot. Here's how to put your sexiest foot forward—without toppling over.

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Up next in How to Buy & Maintain Shoes & Boots (19 videos)

Love shoes? Then take good care of them with the footwear tips in these Howcast videos.

You Will Need

  • High-heeled shoes
  • A little practice
  • Ibuprofen

Steps

  1. Step 1

    Pick the right shoe

    Pick the right shoe. Need to walk on grass? Stilettos will sink, but a wedge heel will keep you steady. If you're planning to dance, choose something with a strap.

  2. If you're stepping out in mile-high stilettos, take ibuprofen first; the anti-inflammatory ingredients will help keep your feet from swelling.

  3. Step 2

    Practice

    Practice walking at home in a fluid heel-ball-toe step. The earlier you start, the more likely your success: the day before an event is good, but playing childhood dress-up is even better.

  4. Stand up straight! Standard stomach in, chest out posture helps you maintain your balance.

  5. Step 3

    Tread carefully

    Tread carefully on high heel landmines like cobblestones, potholes, street grates, boardwalks, and staircases--especially those without banisters.

  6. Step 4

    Watch those stairs

    Walk up stairs on the balls of your feet. When coming down, sidestep slowly.

  7. Step 5

    Keep flats on hand

    Know when to say when. Keep ballet flats or sneakers handy for when your feet are begging for mercy.

  8. Despite their name, "kitten" heels can be vicious--they're more likely to cause lower back pain than a standard pair of heels!

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