How to Walk in Heels Comfortably: 12 Easy Tips

Short answer: to walk comfortably in heels, stand tall, take smaller steps and land heel first, then toe. Start with a block heel of 2 to 3 inches, break new heels in at home, and choose ankle straps so your foot stays in place.

How to walk in heels

1. Stand tall. Shoulders back, tummy in, eyes ahead, not down at your feet.
2. Heel first, then toe. Let the heel touch first and roll forward smoothly.
3. Take smaller steps than you would in flats.
4. Walk on a line. Put one foot slightly in front of the other, like walking on a straight line.
5. Use the rail on stairs and place your whole foot on each step.

Before the event

6. Break them in. Wear new heels at home for an hour a day for a few days.
7. Practise on different floors: tiles, carpet and outdoors.
8. Buy the right size. Too big and your foot slides; too small and it pinches. Use our size chart.

Avoiding foot pain

9. Sit when you can and take breaks during long events.
10. Carry flats or slippers for the drive home.
11. Stretch your calves before and after wearing high heels.

Doctors share more advice in tips to avoid foot pain from high heels and how to wear high heels and avoid injury. If you have ongoing pain, see a doctor.

Choosing comfortable heels

12. Pick a comfortable design: a block heel, a 2 to 3 inch height and an ankle strap or slingback.

• 
  Adour Bow T-Strap Block Heel Sandals 3 Inch (AD47): Rs 1,799. Bow T-strap block heel: the strap holds your foot securely.
• 
  Adour Ankle Strap Block Heel Sandals 3 Inch (AD94): Rs 1,799. 3 inch block heel sandal with an ankle strap.
• 
  Adour Buckle Slingback Block Heels (AD106): Rs 2,099. Slingback block heel that stays put while you walk.
• 
  Adour Patent Bow Slingback Kitten Heels (AD107): Rs 2,199. Low kitten heel for all-day wear.

More: comfortable block heels, and our guide to block vs pencil heels.

Best heels for beginners

If you have never worn heels before, start with a style that does most of the balancing for you:

1. Block heels, 2 inch: the easiest way to start.
2. Kitten heels: a slim look with very little height.
3. Ankle strap sandals: the strap keeps the shoe on your foot.

• 
  Adour Ankle Strap Block Heel Sandals 2 Inch (AD44): Rs 1,699. Ankle strap block heel sandals, 2 inch.
• 
  Adour Polka Dot Kitten Heel Mules (WS20): Rs 1,799. Polka dot kitten heel mules.
• 
  Adour Strappy Block Heel Sandals 3 Inch (AD13): Rs 1,799. Strappy block heel, 3 inch, once you are ready to go higher.

Shop all 2 inch heels and block heels.

How to stop heels slipping and rubbing

• Choose the right size first: see the shoe size chart.
• Use small heel grips or gel pads if the back of the shoe slips.
• Put a plaster on rubbing spots before you go out, not after a blister forms.
• Choose an ankle strap or slingback for long events; mules are more likely to slip.

Prices are Adour factory prices in Pakistani rupees at the time of writing and can change. Every order is Cash on Delivery all over Pakistan, delivery is Rs 199 and free on orders above Rs 6,000, and you get 5% off on 2 pairs or 10% off on 3 or more, applied automatically at checkout.

Frequently asked questions

How can I make my heels more comfortable?

Choose the right size, break them in at home, and pick block heels with ankle straps. Take breaks and carry flats for long events.

How long does it take to learn to walk in heels?

Most people feel confident after a few short practice sessions at home over one or two weeks.

Which heels are easiest to walk in?

Block heels of 2 to 3 inches with an ankle strap are the easiest to walk in.

Why do my feet hurt in heels?

Heels push your weight onto the front of your foot. A lower heel, a better fit and shorter wearing time all reduce pain.

How do I break in new heels?

Wear them at home for up to an hour a day over a few days, ideally with thin socks, before wearing them to an event.

How do I stop my heels from slipping off?

Use heel grips, choose an ankle strap style, and make sure you are not wearing a size too big.

Are kitten heels comfortable?

Yes. Kitten heels are low and slim, so most women can wear them comfortably all day.

Start with a comfortable pair: Shop block heels →