Aiming High - Practicing in Heels

[Cali]

On 11/7/2025 at 2:07 AM, mlroseplant said:

I've often said the same thing about Hanoi winters. Theoretically, at 10 or 15 degrees, I should certainly be comfortable without a jacket. But Hanoi is so damp, even I am cold at that temperature. I don't blame people for wearing winter coats inside the house. I imagine England is the same. Someday I hope to find out for myself.

I can attest to that. Even the summer can be that way to. I was in Bath in June and it was cold, wet, and windy

And then Scotland ...

I was also at the Edinburgh Castle in the same trip in June and the cold-wet-wind made me think I was at the top of a double black run when its -5F (-20.5C) and howling. I was so glad I took my heavy duty ski jacket for that summer time trip.

On 11/7/2025 at 2:55 AM, higherheels said:

I'm surprised how much I like these boots the more I look at them and think about them.

Probably I should just buy them and see how it goes. Maybe sleep over it another night, we'll see.

That would be awesome!

 

 

Can you return them if you don't fit or if you don't like them in reality?  Then it a (as we Yanks like to say) NO Brainer.

 

[higherheels]

Yes, I can return them.

I'm so excited to see if they fit and also about the height.

[Shyheels]

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 …

[mlroseplant]

I am really trying to get up the motivation to go out for my walk. It's the first day that it's been really cold here (below 0). The temperature wouldn't be that bad, but of course it is very windy, and it has just rained yesterday, and whatever is left over is ice, I'm sure. My deck is probably a death trap, especially in heels. I gotta go. Bye for now! Wish me luck!

[Shyheels]

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.

[mlroseplant]

Consider it good experience for walking on uneven and unlevel pavements! I know there are many times when I am glad nobody can see me. That's kind of why I chose the method I did--late at night or early in the morning. This against the advice of many members on here at the time.

[higherheels]

I expected that it will be difficult for you to get back into, but I'm sure after a few days you'll feel like you did before.

[Shyheels]

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

[mlroseplant]

OK, let's talk some physics and techniques, then. What, exactly, do you find awkward about 12 cm heels after having been away from them for a time?

[Shyheels]

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. 

[Cali]

Even a slight tilt can cause problems. We have a sidewalk between buildings with a tilt towards the center for drainage and I always feel like I am about to fall over when I walk down it.

[Shyheels]

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

[Cali]

I walked across a wet slanted exposed stone driveway this past weekend in my JS knee high boots with block heel (and black faux leather pants) and almost slipped out. It's that compound angle that gets you every time. Try it on a slant greater that 10 degrees. (Hope your medical insurance is good.)

A carpet with a soft-thick pad underneath is a nightmare, especially in stilettos.

Edited 4 hours ago by Cali

[higherheels]

@Shyheels Which issues do you have with walking heel to toe?

 

My new boots arrived yesterday!
Already wore them a bit, so far I can say they fit perfect and look great. Walking was difficult on the first try, I could feel the extra height to the Hot Chicks.
I'll definitely keep them, but it will probably take a while until I can actually wear them out.

First have to wear them at home a lot to break them in and also get used to the height. My goal is still to use them as a Hot Chick replacement for winter, so I have to hurry up to be ready soon for wearing them out 🙂

 

[Shyheels]

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.

[higherheels]

I also think the Hot Chicks will feel much easier once I mastered the boots, so that's a good side effect 😉

 

Maybe with your 12 cm heels you have to try hard to keep the heel off the ground and not just drag it along, so you overcompensate and get into a more tip-toe walk without a fluid heel to toe-motion?

 

[Shyheels]

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