Published: 21st Apr 2020
High heels are a girl’s true bestie. They make you look slimmer (an optical illusion bonus – hey, we’re not complaining!), appear taller (brownie points added) and can give you a confidence boost. As a model, whether you’re slaying the runway, doing a photoshoot or coming in as a teen model, catalogue model or even a parts model, having the ability to walk in heels like a pro is imperative! Walking gracefully and with expertise, whatever heel height you’re challenged with will keep you at the top of your game.
Do you love looking at heels and are envious of others who wear them without twisting their ankles in that awkward, painful position? Do you feel like your posture resembles a chicken just so that you can get the balance when even standing? (Knees bent and bottom stuck out?) Have you bought a pair of killer heels and love looking at them but the thought of wearing them outside breaks you out in a nervous sweat? Well fear not, you’re certainly not the only one with these struggles.
So – like with anything new – learning how to walk in high heels can be challenging, but our team at Models Direct have some handy tips that will bring out the best in everyone attempting to strut in heels like a boss!
Don’t be tempted to wear four-inch heels straightaway! Start with a low heel and get practising in the comfort of your own space. Any embarrassing trips, twists and accidents will happen in your comfort zone so you won’t feel so self-conscious when strutting your stuff. Avoid stairs and slippery surfaces at all costs to prevent any dangerous falls! We suggest walking on carpets to begin with as the surface creates more friction, reducing the likelihood of falls. You can then try other surfaces such as wood flooring, grass and non-slip tiles. Be sure to have something you can hold onto in case you find it challenging.
Once the low heel has been mastered to a tee, add the inches. Slowly does it though, you don’t want to speed the process up and then find yourself taking a tumble or two.
Gripped soles
Not all shoes are practical. You might find yourself drooling over a pair of killer heels but know in the heart of hearts that they are simply to look at rather than to adorn your feet with. Look for high heels that provide adequate grip on the soles. There’s nothing worse than buying gorgeous heels and then realising that you’re constantly ice-skating even on your carpet!
Keep strides shorter
Generally, your strides will be shorter when wearing those funky heels so overextending your pace might be a disagreeable action. Keep it short, sweet and consistent to hold your balance and maintain that catwalk stride.
The heel-then-toe sequence
When stepping, use the placing-your-heel-first-then-toes-after sequence as it will provide you with more balance. The exceptions to this rule are when you’re walking downstairs, use your heel and toe together. Climbing upstairs would be using all of your weight on your toe.
Accidents happen now and again!
Life isn’t perfect and if you take a tumble, it doesn’t mean it’s the end of the world. Did you know that even Naomi Campbell took a fall in a 1993 Vivienne Westwood show? Nope? Well, she smiled, got back up and kept going!
Keep on strutting and let us know how you get on!
