Shyheels

That would be extremely unusual. I can only think that the bar to success in 14cm was set quite low - simply being able to walk without falling - or that there was a platform involved somewhere. Or that she is or was a ballet dancer. Hot Chicks at 13cm are famously difficult to master even by very experienced high heel wearers - so much so that Louboutin stopped making them. @higherheels is the only person with whom I’ve had any contact who feels confident walking in them, at least to go out for dinner. And I have a sense that she sets the bar pretty high, can walk easily in 12cm and even then she finds the need to work hard and practice with the 13cm Hot Chicks and her new and slightly higher boots. i have a couple of friends who are serious high heel aficionados and their limit is 12cm, and one of them has quite a collection of Louboutins too. But nothing over 12cm. So I’m just finding it hard to picture someone slipping on a pair of 14cm court shoes and striding out of the shop unless there is some very unusual circumstance

What I really need is to find a place where I can go for meaningful walks in my boots. I know I could improve quickly. I’m pretty good at sports. But honestly you guys should see the towpath - chalky muddy clays, puddles, rocks etc. very frustrating.

Yes that seems very familiar. I think you put it well - a lack of controlled heel to toe motion, which leads to this sense of clomping around. So much of learning to walk well in heels reminds me of learning to ski or skate, acquired skills that are deeply enviable to those who are just learning. @higherheels mentions walking easily in her 12cm heels and even going out in her Hot Chicks and it just seems like a huge hill to climb as I clomp around on the beginners slope

Doing 20k steps on a day like today would be hard work - at least if your weather was anything like what we’ve had in the Pennines today. A thoroughly miserable day with single digit temperatures, winds and cold hard rain. I wore heels today - my 12cm stilettos, sitting at my desk with a nice wood fire going! Like you, when I’ve been out and about I’ve noticed quite a strong bias towards blocky heeled boots

Exactly! And when I do stand up the angle feels familiar. Those boots of yours will be really good practice for the Hot Chicks. Aside from looking quite smart in their own

I can certainly feel it in my calves when I walk in my 12cm heels. Like you I’ve been wearing them mainly while sitting or puttering about making lunch. I have found that even just wearing them while seated at my desk is helpful in getting myself used to the height and assertive angle of wearing 12cm stilettos

I think that is probably it - no fluid heel to toe motion. I have to work on that, overcome my lack of familiarity with 12cm heels and be a little more deliberate in walking heel to toe. i too am interested to hear more about these new boots of yours

Yes, they could have altered shape slightly in the interim, or your feet grew accustomed to other heels, heights and styles. Hopefully you’ll settle in

I would guess it’s just a matter of reacquainting yourself with them.

I might give that a try although in a narrowboat it’s a bit tricky. Given the length of the boat I can take anything up to 20 short steps each way. I think I am taking steps that are too short and clomping.

I think you might be right. I shall work on that. I really, really want to master these!

Congratulations on the new boots! I know from the photo they look really smart and I’m delighted to hear they are as nice in real life and that they fit well. I can only imagine the challenge but the rewards will be well worth the effort. A great replacement for the Hot Chicks in winter and when spring comes the Hot Chicks will feel that much easier. Well done! it’s strange with the 12cm heels. In my 10cm heels I find it easy and natural to walk heel to toe but the extra height for some reason makes me revert to a more clompy style. Maybe it’s that feeling of uncertainty caused by the higher heel. I can straighten my knees but it’s like I walk more cautiously, wanting more foot contact with the floor. I have to remind myself and make a conscious effort to walk heel to toe and even then I revert back.

I’m glad to hear it’s not just me! I have this nice vision of being able to walk effortlessly in my 12cm boots and going to a cafe - without worrying about embarrassing myself

I just feel really awkward in them, clomping around. Some of it is the subtle sideways tilt in the floor but a lot of it feels like simple unfamiliarity - as though I’ve never work heels.i know I’m not walking heel to toe and that’s bound to be a major impact. i will try again tomorrow and see if i can analyse my technique snd what exactly I am doing wrong, and why the hesitancy.

I would really love to be able to walk effortlessly in these. I just have to find the space and time to practice