by Kelly Sandefur

Created on: March 13, 2007   Last Updated: May 20, 2007

I love to wear my heels. When I wear them, I feel elegant, statueque, and graceful. But the first time I wore heels I thought my feet were going to disown me! Here are a few tips for those of you who have never worn heels and are about to buy your first pair.

Shop, shop, shop. Don't buy the first pair you see because you think they're cute. It's important to find a pair that you will be comfortable in, more so than being stylish. If you have to, buy a couple pair, take them home and wear them for a couple hours on carpeted floors. If your toes feel pinched, your back aches, and your legs get fatigued, they're not the ones for you.

Pick a thicker heel for your first pair. Thin, stiletto heels are harder to balance on. Also, the lower the heel the better for your first pair. Lower heels are easier to balance with, and won't be as hard on your arches.

Take it easy when you wear them out for the first time. Trying to speed walk will likely end with you on your rear, or a twisted ankle. Plus, the more relaxed your stride is, the more elegant you will look.

Ask your friends who wear heels about brands they find comfortable. Not everyone has the same feet, buy maybe a friend or two will be able to recommend a brand that is comfortable and stylish. (For instance, I LOVE Gianni Binni shoes!)

Pay attention to the tread at the bottom. Smooth bottoms will be more slick. Try to find a pair that has ridges. I actually have a really nice pair of heels that have good traction on them.

INSOLES! I recommend them, especially for the areas at the balls of your feet. No matter how low the heel, all of your weight is going on that part of the foot. The more cushion you have, the less stress on the feet.

Practice wearing them for at least a week before the event you plan to wear them at. This will give you time to break them in and get used to them as well.

Those are my tips for wearing high heels. I used to work in a retail store in which I had to wear heels, and I found that going by my guidelines, I have not had too many issues of sore back, legs, or feet.

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