People who know me can confirm: you will never, never, ever see me in trainers outside the gym. Idem ditto for Birkenstocks (even if there are a 100 Céline autographs on the sole). Ballerinaʼs (Lanvin) and flat sandals (Fendi) for the beach are fine, but I only truly feel complete in a lovely high pair of heels. Despite the streets of Amsterdam being an absolute drama for lovers of high-heels.

Walking in heels is a craft, so I am sharing a few tips and tricks.

Tip 1

Your feet change during the day. So wait till later in the day to try shoes on. The right size and fit is essential with heels.

Tip 2

Never assume that you are a specific size, brands differ and especially heels with points sometime demand a size bigger than you usually wear.

Tip 3

As with everything you wear, the same rule applies: Take a good hard critical look at yourself. If you are on the shorter side, a high heel can easily make you look like the little-girl-who-borrowed-mommy’s shoes.

Tip 4

Test heels out on a hard floor. If you are in a store with plush carpet, you simply cannot judge if the shoe is comfortable.

Tip 5

Anti slip: If you are wearing your shoes outside for the first time, take a sharp knife and rough the sole up a little.

Tip 6

If you are not accustomed to walking on high heels then a little practice at home can go a long way. I mean you don’t want everyone thinking you’ve had one to many cocktails do you?

Tip 7

Take it easy: running is not the best speed for the average heel wearer. If you’re in a rush and you need to go fast, fast from here to there, then make sure you have an extra pair of shoes in your bag that you can move quickly and comfortably in.

Tip 8

When descending stairs, always place your foot as horizontal as possible on each step. You keep control this way and prevent slipping down unexpectedly.

Tip 9

Try to wear bare feet (and bare legs) in heels. You have better traction and won’t slip out of the shoe so easily. Besides, wearing pantyhose with an open-toe heel or a sling back is prohibited …

Tip 10

Be kind to your feet. Have a regular pedicure and spoil yourself with a foot bath and moisturizing creams.

Tip 11

Sex factor:
 Sorry gents, us wearing heels to turn you on is an old fashioned idea. We wear heels because we feel good in them. Your posture and your body awareness is heightened and you feel ultra feminine with each step.

Tip 12

The benefits of a heel: You seem kilos lighter, a so-so outfit gets an instant boost and if you are not feeling good about yourself, buying a new pair of shoes is the best therapy.

Did you know:
 Feet have a cleavage? A pair of heels with a very low front, whereby you can see the start of the toe-split is considered extremely sexy.