“High Heels 101”
For this week’s “Looks over Books” article I traveled overseas to the 4th ranked Fashion Capitol of the world: Paris, France where every woman I saw was sporting some type of high heel. Since nobody is on campus for the next week, this week’s story is going to be a “how to:” which I hold near and dear to my heart:
DISCLAIMER: the picture above is actually my personal shoe collection, so anyone who questions this article or how I know things…I live in heels…also: walking in heels takes time, practice and above all else, confidence. After reading this article you will not miraculously know how to walk in six inch heels like a high fashion runway model.
So let’s get started!
How do I choose the right heel for me?
1. Look at the height of the heel. If you are a beginner do not go right for the five inch stiletto, you are probably not ready yet. Wedges are a good training wheel for you! It has a full sole however it is skinny like a stiletto. Baby steps: so work your way up!
2. Look for the ratio of platform to heel height. Having a five inch heel with no platform would hurt any woman no matter their experience in walking in heels. The smaller the heels the less platform there will be; however when you start getting into the four inch heel range, you are going to want to have that platform. Platforms work to eliminate the feeling of being in a higher heel; however that does not make them any less dangerous or painful. For four inch heels look for a platform of at least a half an inch to an inch tall; that platform will make your feet and basically your brain think you are walking in a three to a three and a half inch heel, even though you are four inches taller. Five inch heels you would want to look for a one and ha half inch to a two inch platform, six inch heels would be a two inch platform and seven inch heels are just outrageous and will probably never be comfortable, but if you are like me, you like the challenge.
3. Material matters! Poorly made shoes are not a good investment. Your heels are an investment, so make it last. Do not buy shoes made out of synthetic fibers (nylon or plastic) they will not last long and will be uncomfortable after only a few wears.
4. Insole lining matters; does it have cushion? What is it made of? And is it completely connected to the sole of the shoe? (You would be surprised how many are not on properly) Look for the lining to be stitched on to the bottom sole…that will give you the most protection from slipping and sliding in your heels; also look to make sure the stitching is even and there are no loose ends, that can also cause discomfort. Glue works okay; however look carefully to make sure that there are no gaps where the sole should be connected but is not.
5. Does the heel have rubber on the bottom? If not it’s not the end of the world, you can buy rubber to put on the heels and the base of the platform, but it would be easier if it was already there.
6. The toe box (basically what it sounds like, where your toes go…the point of your shoe) should be wide enough for all your toes to be naturally spread out. If your toes are bunched up it will lead to discomfort and if worn for a long time over a long period could cause your feet to become deformed.
7. Platform: in addition to the other platform section, put the heels in and then stand on your tip-toes. If the heel does not raise up one inch off the ground the heel the platform ratio is not going to be comfortable (or as comfortable as they could be) and can actually cause knee, back and foot discomfort.
So you just bought your first pair of high heels (not wedges) and you are wondering how to walk in contraptions that should probably be considered “gravity defying”: that’s normal! High heels are extremely intimidating especially the higher the heel. Here are some tips in which I have learned walking in my heels:
1. Do not put them on yet! If you are not ready for your heels because you haven’t worked up to the height yet, then do not put them on, a twisted ankle is not fun! Work your way up! Once you feel comfortable in a three inch heel, then put your feet into the four inch or four and a half inch heel and walk around a little bit and see how they feel.
2. If you are completely new to high heels, put a book on your head and walk around for 30 min without your heels; also practice sitting and standing…this is how you walk in heels: head up, shoulders back and oddly enough, chest out. Do not ask me why, just do it.
3. Walking in heels takes confidence; as stated in point two, walk with your head up; if you start walking with your head down, that is where you will end up…down, on the ground. Think of it this way…the direction you are going to go in your heels is the direction in which your head is going. So keep your head up and be confident. Keep your legs fully extended in your stride. Bent knees collapse easier than a straight leg.
4. Looking to break in a new pair of heels? Do not do it on an important night in which your feet cannot hurt…you will only be miserable. So where is the best place to break in a new pair of heels? Supermarket: wear your heels to the supermarket, grab a cart and go. The cart will help you balance and you will be walking, and standing in your heels. Not to mention, there might be a cutie in produce!
Heels are great for everything, it is a confidence boost when you put those heels on and start strutting your stuff, make sure to be smart about your heels because the effects of trying to get into too high of a heel could cause you to never walk in your heels again, so be smart, be confident and above all else, be sexy!