This past week, I spent quite a bit of time walking in my heels.
Across city streets.
Up flights of an office building.
Down parking garage stairs.
While it's quite empowering to dress up and get out and about, I've been reminded (on more than one occasion) to be careful on the stairs!
Let's quickly review the 'how to' of stairs in heels.
:: Going up
* Visualize a straight line going up toward your end point, rather than looking down at your feet as you climb.
* As you walk up the step, place your body weight on the ball of the foot. This means that the back of the heel will most likely hang off the step.
* While ascending, place one foot right in front of the other on the next step.
* Hold on to the railing if necessary.
:: Going down
* Hold the railing for support. Keep your grip strong, but relax the rest of your arm and shoulder. Gently glide your hand down the railing as you descend.
* At first, you may need to look down at the stairs to determine depth and steepness. After a few steps (if possible), visualize a straight line going toward your end point, rather than looking down at your heels.
* Place as much of the shoe (heel and front of the shoe) on the step as possible. Depending on the depth of the step, you may want to push your shoe back until it touches the back of the step to make sure as much shoe as possible is making contact.
* If the stairs are narrow, you may try tilting your body at a 45 degree angle feet and stepping down on an angle. Place one foot in front of the other on the next step down. This method definitely takes practice!
* Go slow. Take your time heading down stairs in heels. Better to be safe than sorry!
As with most other difficult tasks, the more you walk up and down stairs in heels, the easier it becomes.
Here's to being safe and sturdy on stairs!
p.s. I spent more time in heels this past week than I have in a while. And all I can say is THANK GOODNESS for Vivian Lou weight-shifting insoles. Don't get me wrong...I still kick my shoes off as soon as I walk in the door, but not one day this week did I want to cry in pain after walking or standing for most of the day. Nor did my feet ache at night or the next morning. I am obviously a bit biased, but I absolutely love Vivian Lou weight-shifting insoles.