How to walk in high heels for beginners without pain in the ball of the foot?
High heels are the perfect addition to any outfit – and they make our feet look like model feet – but wearing them comes with a price tag.
And it’s not just pain and blisters; even walking in its grace is a challenge.
So it’s no surprise that a recent photo of Rihanna sliding down a New York subway gate in stiletto heels makes our heads spin.
How did she do it?
It turns out that nothing is impossible in this. We went straight to the pros to uncover the secrets of the 4″ stiletto heel. Your feet will appreciate it later.
Whatever the situation and the reason, this expansive beginner-friendly guide will show you exactly how to walk in high heels. We will also answer all the most frequently asked questions about high heels. From how to sit on high heels to tips and tricks to help make them more comfortable. So let’s begin!
A Guide to Buying your High Heels
Many women love to wear high heels. Whether it’s to make a fashion statement, look taller, professional or complement an outfit. High heels will always be their first preference. However, wearing high heels puts your feet in a difficult position. It can lead to foot pain and other problems if you don’t want to give up your heels. You can do a few things to reduce your feet’ pain and health risks.
Keep this in mind, if you don’t learn anything else from this tutorial: don’t try to wear heels that are too high or too thin on the first try! Save them for another occasion, preferably once you’ve mastered the basics of heel-to-toe walking and have had some practice below. For now, follow the tips below that will help you find the best heels.
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Start with the lower heel
Proper heel walking is more about balance than anything else. The lower heel will ensure that your body is not pushed too far forward, making it easier to “put on” smooth heels than a 4-inch heel. Bonus points for low heels create less pressure and, therefore, less painful soles of the feet.
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Choose block heels over narrow heels
A monolithic heel will support you more than a pair of super-thin heels to maintain a balance. Not only will it help you stagger less when you walk, but the block heel will spread the impact you absorb. When your foot hits the ground (forefoot), it causes less pain in your back.
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Choose round toe or open toe styles
Open-toe shoes leave more room for your toes to expand. Pointy toe pumps may look great, but they often slim your legs too much. Walking around with all your toes crushed can be very annoying, which you don’t need at this point in the game.
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Consider wedges to rock
Wedges are often touted as the ultimate choice for beginners in heels. They work well because they are a good compromise between the heel and flat as a more suitable shoe option, but they offer good support for the foot and softer walking.
Selection tip: The best shoes for beginners are not too thick, fit snugly or have straps that adjust and go up around the ankle for better support. Your best bet is the one with the smallest “step,” which means the back of the heel is only slightly higher than the front. These options are best for your arch and are ideal for beginners.
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Choose best fitting heels
Try on your first pair of heels before buying to get the best fit. Even if you always have the same size, the fit of soft sneakers and loafers is still more comfortable than in heels. Trying on shoes in person may warn you that instead of a size 7, you might have a size seven wide. Other types of shoes may also have more cushioning and flexibility, so trying on heels at the store can help you get used to a shoe with better construction. As a last resort, if you need a pair of heels that you find online, make sure the seller has a decent return policy before you pay.
How Can High Heels Affect Your Feet?
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Cause Pain in a ball of the foot
The vertical feet are used for fore-and-aft balance, so it’s no surprise that when you lean your foot over your favorite black stiletto heel, your forefoot starts to feel even more pressure. According to Jane Pontious, head of the Department of Orthopedic Surgery at Temple University, pain in the foot joint, known as “Metatarsalgia Pain.” This pain can lead to stress fractures over time. The good news is that lowering your heel height can easily reduce pain. A study from the Spine Health Institute found that 3-inch heels applied 76% of foot pressure to the forefoot, while 2-inch heels reduced pressure by about 57% and 1-inch heels by 22%. Reducing just 2 inches reduces pain by more than half.
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Exert extra pressure on your toes
When you put on high heels and shift the pressure on your legs forward, your body’s center of gravity instantly shifts forward. Unfortunately, the knee feels the frontal breakthrough of this shift as it struggles to keep the body upright and balanced in this offset position. A 2014 study published in the Journal of Orthopedic Research found that increasing heel height or weight could harm the knee and increase the risk of knee arthritis. There are proven treatments and when to try for knee pain.
Bottom Line
If you don’t want to give up high heels, you can follow the earlier things to ease the pain. Let’s make it brief! Wear comfortable shoes when you get to and from work, then wear heels at work. Lower the height of your heels. The wedge heel gives your foot more support. Wear open-toed shoes to reduce pressure on your toes. Put insoles or pads in your shoes.
We hope our heels guide helps you walk a little better and stand taller in your favorite shoes. Share this with your friends if you found it helpful, and stay tuned for more heels tutorials.