Tips for Using High Heels
One of the first excuses girls always give me for why they
don’t feel comfortable competing in pageants is “I don’t even wear high heels!”
Trust me, there was a long stretch of time where I looked like a newborn pony
in heels too, but like every other area of competition, it just takes a little
practice. But even before you get ready to start practicing, here are a few
tips for the rookie heel walkers out there that I learned the hard way!
1)
Buy
shoes that fit! Not just because they are cute, or the right color… they
have to fit. You won’t look cute walking in them if they just don’t fit.
Sometimes if shoes are too big you can buy inserts and cushions, but it’s best
not to rely on that. Sometimes it takes a little investment to buy shoes that
will fit best, but you will be so happy you invested in your own comfort later!
2)
Buy
shoes that are made well! For me, this means a shoe with at least a 1 inch
platform. I stomp hard and walk on my toes, so I need some material in that
area to absorb the impact. Another thing I like to look for is the review on
sites like zappos.com, 6pm.com, and shoebuy.com. Free shipping and free returns
too for a safe test drive!
3)
Break
them in! But don’t put yourself through the pain, have the pros do it! Take
every new pair of heels you get in to be stretched at a shoe repair location
near you. It’s usually only $4-8 and you won’t need to struggle with them
yourself. Everyone loves a great seamstress and it’s not uncommon for shoes to
need a little alterations here and there too! The shoe repair service can even
punch extra holes in the band for sizing and scuff the bottoms up a little bit
to make them more worn in.
4)
Customize
and prevent! Walk around in your new heels and try to feel out the trouble
spots. If there seems to be a spot where they might start to rub, put a cushion
there to prevent a blister. Or even just wear a bandaid in that spot. If your sole
isn’t conforming just right, get a stick-on insole or a padded cushion. Dr.
Scholls has a great Dreamwalk collection and these really great rub-relief
strips you can pick up quick on your next trip to Target.
5)
Strengthen
your calves and your ankles! Calf raisers, jumping rope, and even just
walking will give you the calf endurance you need to practice your walk. http://www.wikihow.com/Strengthen-Your-Ankles
has some easy techniques for this too. Ankle strength will improve your balance
and awareness in those 4 inchers!
6)
Run
in them! No for real… learn to run in your heels. If you can run in them,
you can walk in them. That’s how you will know they fit right too and your
walking confidence will explode! And when you’re sprinting backstage to get
ready, nothing will slow you down!
Meg Pulkrabek RD, LRD
Miss North Dakota International 2014
