The Art of High Heels

Photo from Christian Louboutin's Web Site

A fun topic that is near and dear to my heart are high heel shoes. Since they have been introduced into fashion high heels have been recognized as the sexiest footwear ever created.  High heels are sexy for a number of reasons: the height of the heel alters your center of balance, creating a walk that makes your hips sway and your bottom protrude.  They also can make your legs looks slimmer, your back straighter and your stomach flatter.  Not to mention that you look the epitome of femininity.  Walking in high heels is not a natural talent to most but there are a few of us that it is as natural as breathing.  But there is hope; wearing heels can be a learned skill, which can be perfected with patience, practice and discipline.  Start low and walk your way up.  Don’t go from flats to strapping on 6-inch stilettos.  That will come with time my dear.

I would suggest first wearing wedges to get accustom to the height and the angle of your foot.  Wedge heels have a triangular heel that runs from the front of the foot to the back, rather than sitting just under the heel.  These types of heels will give you better balance and comfort while you are getting used to the height.  After you are comfortable in these I would suggest moving to a kitten heel.  Kitten heels are low, curved heels that are about 1-2 inches or lower and are slightly wider than the typical stiletto.  Then after you have successfully mastered these then you can graduate to the stiletto.  Many are happy with the wedges and kitten heels and only pull out the femme fatal stilettos on special occasions.  Heels are a personal expression of your feminine power.  So you be the judge on what is a perfect match for you.

Always remember - heels first, toes second.  Put your heel down first right before your toes (don't plunk them down at the same time).  Take small, slow baby steps, while making sure not to bend your knees any more than you normally would and try to keep your toes pointed straight ahead.  Heels will also have a tendency to shorten your stride a bit.  As with anything practice makes perfect.  Wear your heels around the house.  This will let you get used to wearing them as well as making scuffs on the bottom so that they're less slippery.  Make sure you practice doing all the things you would normally do such as: changing directions, walking, stopping, pivoting and turning around.  Expose yourself to different surfaces too.  You need to test all flooring types inside and outside.

So with all these little helpful bits you should soon be on your way to sashaying like a model on a catwalk. Go forth ladies and strut your stuff!