5 Steps to Werq the Highest Heel

Oct 04, 2011 - by Jessica Lapidos

Walking right in a set of heels is hard werq. Every lady in this place knows it and will continue to rise 5 or 6 inches to the challenge so long as they look this good. While you may have your strutting solution in place, take these tips to make your sky high sashay even more comfortably graceful. They'll keep you looking like this Lindsey Wixson in Oscar de la Renta:

And less like Lindsey Wixson at Versace

1. Walk like a model. Models are specifically trained to walk in the manner that best carries them on any heel. Check the breakdown beneath Karlie Kloss in Lanvin:

As if a string is attached to the crown of your head, pull your neck upward, then bring your chin down.

Elongate your torso by bringing your shoulders back and down.

With a slight lean back, bring the bottom of your ribcage in toward your spine.

Tuck your pelvis under and forward.

Your stomach should be flat and your abs engaged. This takes the pressure off of your spine and onto your muscles.

Smize.

2. For more muscle support, flex your quads. The thighs will alleviate stress from your knees and the balls of your feet. Look at Naomi. Take notes, kids.

3. Stretch your ankles regularly - think lunges and rolls. This way, if your heel hits a crack in these Mugler pins and your foot snaps under, your ligaments will be loose enough to spring back into place with ease.

4. In order to make it to the super high heels, some balance work is necessary. Get a flatform with a little curve to it to practice your steadiness. Once you stop toppling, you're ready for some wild heels (or heel-less platforms).

Try these training wheels by Jeffrey Campell.

5. Walk on your toes, even when you're in flats or barefoot, because the step is toe-heel, not heel toe as you're used to. This will build calf strength and make it easier to stand in the shoes. Plus with the toe first, you'll never break a heel. Think like a ballerina; your movements are more graceful on your toes. A ballet class may help you get into tip toe form. See Ocean's Kingdom at Lincoln Center for inspiration.

Once you've mastered all these steps, you'll be ready for these tip top Steigers.

Or these Louboutins:

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