In her wonderful book A Passion for Stilettos, Sandra Deeble tells us how to walk in heels:

1. Do some exercises. If you did ballet, then "Good toes, naughty toes" fits the bill nicely. What's key is to get your feet used to the big flex.
2. Practise first wearing high shoes with chunkier heels.
3. It goes without saying that, for stilettos, only perfectly pedicured feet will do. The next time you have a professional pedicure, pay attention to what goes on. Invest in the kit and set up your own mini home spa.
4. For your first outing, bare feet (as opposed to stockinged) are a good idea, as they offer more grip.
5. On the shoes go. Up, up and away!
If you do yoga, adopt Tadasana, or mountain pose. If you don't, then find your centre of gravity.
6. Look in the mirror. Shoulders back. Smile! Think relaxed, graceful thoughts.
7. Take your first few steps. Unlike walking in flatties, where the form is heel, ball, toe, in stilettos your feet should land flat on the floor.
8. Tackling stairs: going up, land on the ball of your foot. Going down, side step, toes pointing in the same direction.
9. It's time to get out and about. Much has been said about stilettos and taxis, and it's all true. You won't go the distance on five-inch heels, but what's important is that those short 'car to bar' journeys look really smooth.
10. Once you become an expert, there's no excuse. None of this 'heels are for high days and holidays' nonsense. Every day can be a high day. There's no reason to be down at heel. So be bold, smile and flex those arches.

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