How to Walk In Heels So Your Feet Never Hurt

In three easy steps!

At some point in our sartorial adventures, we come across an outfit that practically begs for a pair of heels. Maybe you have a formal dress that would look more elevated with a pair of pumps or you find that your cute going-out look would get a punch of style with a platform heel. Whatever the scenario calls for, you’ve decided you’re going to strut out in a pair of heels, even if the thought makes you nervous.

Perhaps it’s been a while since you’ve worn heels and need a refresher or you’re wearing them for the first time. Either way, we all could use some tips and tricks for walking confidently in heels ranging from sky-high to petite kitten. Beyond putting one foot in front of the other, there’s more to walking in heels seamlessly without looking like a newborn giraffe.

Meet Our Expert

• Veronyca Kwan, Vice President and co-founder of Bella Belle Shoes

• Sarah Zurell, Chief Marketing Officer at Chinese Laundry

When walking in heels, you want to appear confident and, more importantly, stable. To help you with all the right moves, we spoke with two experts to find out the best ways to walk in heels so you can feel comfortable stepping out in style.

Find Your Perfect Pair

Before you start gliding across the floor, it’s important to pick a pair of heels at a comfortable height. Whether that’s a mid-heel or high heel, consider your comfort level. “If you're new to heels, begin with lower heights and gradually work your way up to higher ones,” recommends Kwan. “Start by choosing heels that fit well and provide good support, ensuring they don't pinch or slip.”

Kwan suggests starting with kitten or block heels. “These styles offer more stability and can help you adjust gradually to wearing [higher] heels.” If you feel more confident, a mid-height block heel would make a great starting place. A block heel has more surface area, so there’s less chance of wobbling when you walk.

Though a kitten heel is skinnier than its block heel counterpart, its shorter height offers the security of being closer to the ground. A kitten heel adds that bit of classic femininity if your look requires a more formal style shoe, while a block heel might work better for a casual outfit.

Want a bit more height than a kitten heel but aren’t ready for a tall skinny heel? Zurell recommends platforms as they can be easier to walk in than stilettos of the same height, and the platform reduces the angle of your foot.

The most important thing to remember when picking a pair of heels is to recognize your comfort level. Wearing a pair of heels that end up making you miserable because they’re too much trouble to walk in might deter you from ever wearing heels again.

Consider Your Stride

You’ve found your heels and are ready to take them for a spin. Considering the heel style you’ve chosen, consider the different movements you’ll take to walk confidently in your shoes. 
“Practice maintaining good posture by standing tall with shoulders back and engaging your core,” says Kwan.

Zurell adds “Start by standing in your heels and getting used to the feeling of being elevated. Choosing a pair with an ankle strap may be preferable so that you can develop a sense of the shoe being an extension of you.” Again, heel height determines how you’ll walk in your shoes. Lower heels support your stride by keeping your foot fairly level. “When wearing low heels, you can generally take slightly longer strides with a more natural heel-to-toe movement,” says Kwan. “Weight distribution tends to be more balanced between the heel and the foot ball, allowing for a more comfortable and stable walking movement.”

If you’re ready for the big leagues and want to step out in high heels, Kwan has some tips to remember. “Stilettos require shorter, more controlled steps to maintain balance and stability.” Since more weight shifts towards the balls of your feet, Kwan suggests a keen awareness of your balance and posture to prevent discomfort or instability. It might even help to add small foot pads to cushion the ball of your foot.

When wearing higher heels, Zurell notes these require more balance and strength in the calves and ankles. “Engage your core muscles slightly more to help with stability,” she adds. “When starting out, it can be helpful to have something nearby to lightly touch for balance until you feel more confident.”

Practice Makes Perfect

Now that you have your perfect pair of heels, it’s time to put these steps into action. But before heading out, take a turn around your living room for a little practice session. “Begin by walking around your home to get used to the feeling of heels, focusing on a smooth heel-to-toe movement with each step,” advises Kwan. “Pay attention to your balance, keeping your weight centered over your heels and distributing it evenly between both feet.”

“Focus on placing your heel down first, followed by the ball of your foot and then your toes. This rolling motion will help you walk more naturally,” adds Zurell. Once you’ve got the hang of walking in a straight line, Zurell suggests adding a couple of steps to really feel like a professional catwalker. “Practice turning and pivoting in your heels. This will help you adjust to different movements.” Since you probably won’t be walking in a straight line on a flat surface all day, throwing in a few different scenarios will help you feel more confident when out in the real world. “Once you're comfortable indoors, try walking on different surfaces like carpet, hardwood, or pavement to adapt to varying textures.”

As you’re walking, note how the shoes feel on your feet. Is there any slippage at your heel, or are your stilettos feeling a little unsteady? Kwan suggests using shoe accessories like gel inserts or heel stoppers to enhance comfort and balance. These little things will make walking in heels more comfortable and give you one less thing to consider. After all, you don’t want to focus solely on your feet all day.

Wearing heels, whether for the first time or the first time in a long time, doesn’t have to feel intimidating. Take your time practicing in the pair that suits you best, and don’t be afraid to experiment with different styles. You want to feel comfortable and secure in your heels, and at the end of the day, that confident strut is the best part of your look.

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