Shyheels

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

Well I finally got back into my 12cm heels - oh dear, it’s back to beginners. I was very glad neither of you guys were there to see me. In my defence, my boat has a slight list and so the floor slants sidewise - not a lot but enough so you can notice it, especially when you are trying to walk gracefully in lofty stilettos. it really is tough trying to learn the art of walking in 12cm heels when you live in a narrowboat out in the countryside and the muddy towpath is just not a viable walking option for heels - or nice shoes or boots in general.

No point in ruining nice heels in mud and puddles. That’s pretty much all I have when I step off my boat - a rough and muddy towpath for a good mile into town. It does cut down on heel wearing… Your story about the spilled beer reminded me of some advice John Wayne once gave an up and coming actor: never wear suede shoes. His reason - and it sounds like it came from experience - was that when your famous and you go into a men’s room, someone is going to recognise you when your standing beside them at the urinal, and turn suddenly in their excitement, forgetting where they are, and exclaim “my gosh you’re John Wayne!” And pee all over your shoes

I think it’s the kind of bend in the knee that indicates a struggle for assured balance and an element of uncertainty. Like people bending over slightly when they are learning to skate instead of standing upright. Learning to walk in heels does remind me a bit of learning to skate.

That’s nice. I have long fancied a pair of white boots but have never summoned up the nerve to buy some

Our weather here in Britain is fickle to say the least. I went up to Scotland for a couple of weeks this past August and came back with a tan. Sunny every day and temperatures of about 25°C. You just never know. Mind you this past spring and summer was unusually dry and warm. its definitely not warm now! I’ve obtained some wood for heating - much preferred to coal! - and now that I’m warm again am about to resume my practicing in my 12cm heels. I suspect I’ve lost a bit of whatever skill I picked up …

Yes! There is quite an art to this. I think that’s one of the things I find so appealing about it. Heels not only have a mystique and are aesthetically pleasing - especially 12cm stilettos - but require skill to wear well. It makes them special. I want to acquire this skill!

Although I’ve not mastered my 12cm heels yet, I can stand with straight knees in them and can straighten them when I walk. That part is fine. I am just clumsy in them - or clumsier than I would want to be! I feel like I am clomping around

If they’d been living in 12cm heels they’d be straightening their knees. It’s part of learning to walk well in heels - something I’m still working on in my 12cm stiletto boots