Walking down stairs gracefully in high heels

[johnieheel]

RE Done: http://s180.photobucket.com/albums/x270/JohnsAlbum_1/?action=view&current=DSCN0489.flv

[Phoenix]

Nice vid. Thanks to you and Amanda's tip I'm going to practice on walking up and especially down the steps. I'm a little paranoid about stairs so I use the hand rails if there are any.

[RonC]

I can do stairs in 4" heels, but I will at least keep my hand in contact with the railing. No need to take chances, as I likely could fall down stairs in my stocking feet! It is interesting that at first, I would catch the trailing foot heel on the edge of the stair. Now I guess I just make sure to pick that foot up a bit, and it doesn't happen.

[hebbler]

I only wear my heels at home and most of them are mules with 4" to 5" heels. Because of the lack of support and stability associated with walking in mules a banister is a necessity for me going down stairs.

[hjt101]

I can do stairs in 4" heels, but I will at least keep my hand in contact with the railing. No need to take chances, as I likely could fall down stairs in my stocking feet! It is interesting that at first, I would catch the trailing foot heel on the edge of the stair. Now I guess I just make sure to pick that foot up a bit, and it doesn't happen.

I am the same. I have a hand close to the railing for safety. But once I cross that 4 inch height, I am feel my grip tightening. Just need more practice in the 4.5 and 5 inchers.

[mackman69]

i can walk up and down my stairs in front of my house in my 6'' platforms and 8'' platforms and without a rail to hold onto

[Magic Heels]

Age brings caution and I hold the hand rail even in my carpet slippers which are not very graceful! Walking down ramps is a problem in heels but I find that digging in the heel helps, but that is not graceful either. Opera lovers will remember the last scene in Capriccio by Richard Strauss where the Countess walks down a long staircase in a crinoline, carrying a glass of Champagne, without touching the balustrade. That is really graceful !!

[gwl1]

Johnie, I dunno about graceful, but VERY confident and totally at ease. Nice job! GWL

[barbara]

I do fine with boots or pumps, my problem is with strappy sandals and slides or mules.I hang on to a hand rail no matter what kind of heels Im wearing.

[Guest]

I agree Barbara anything that is loose or alive often have a mind of their own and not just on stairs. Breaking a foot from a wayward clog whilst crossing the road is no fun as the pain goes though the roof whilst passing out:mecry: Al

[mtnsofheels]

I can do it with a cautionary mind in most heels and or boots. Ballet boots could be another question since I have never tried them. However last fall while wearing a pair thigh boots with a 4" heel which were still stiff in the knee I descended the stairs at home and on the last step caught the heel on a stair tread and went down like a sack of hammers onto the floor. I did not injure myself nor the boots but scolded the dog for pushing me, since she was the only one who saw it. Kidding!! about the scolding but wow it was quite spectacular to see how fast I went down. But now I am back to easy up and downs. Mtnsofheels

[JohnH]

I have no problems walking down stairs wearing 4 inch stiletto sandals without holding onto the bannister. I had to select the second choice instead of the first choice, since I don't think I can carry a tray of champagne glasses in each hand blindfolded down the stairs with any pair of shoes!

[Histiletto]

Going down stairs in heels, I forget about grace and anyone else, especially when carrying things. Being safe is more important. So far, I've been able to do all right. Negotiating ramps? It may not look right, but walking backwards down the incline is an option.

[DProud2700]

For me I will walk sideway down the stairs holding onto a railing

[Leigh]

I have no problem doing it. Infact i dont think about it i just walk the stairs just like i walk anywhere else allthough im usualy in pointed heels so i sometimes have to walk sideways when going up.

[Shoe_Diva]

I have no problem using stairs in high heel, but as a precaution I'll always use the banister, I try to play it safe especially if I've been drinking.

[Roberto74]

depends on the heelheight I think. Dazzlingextreme 6" heels or higher, or even higher than that with a platform is something to do carefully step by step and without holding onto something it is really challenging to most I think?

[Bubba136]

depends on the heelheight I think. Dazzlingextreme 6" heels or higher, or even higher than that with a platform is something to do carefully step by step and without holding onto something it is really challenging to most I think?

The main two things that I really don't look forward to doing when wearing shoes with heels of 4 inches or higher, is walking down stairs and walking down hill -- a ramp, or steep incline. They worry the heck out of me, especially outdoors when they might be wet.

[JustJen]

The few times i've had the opportunity to go up and down stairs with heels on, i did it a few times in a row to know what it felt like and to know how i needed to position my feet. Mostly for going down. But i still use the banister for safety sake.

[meganiwish]

I used to be able to glide downstairs, but now my knees wobble

[smilin_guy]

A few weeks ago I had on 5.5 in heels and was walking downstairs to the garage of the building I live in when a neighbor's puppy started charging up the stairs. I didn't fall or step on it but it did require a bit more care when taking those few steps. I stopped to play with the puppy for a bit and have a quick conversation with my neighbor and that was that. I agree with the previous posts...walking up stairs in heels is A LOT easier.

[crotchboots-m]

when i am around the house i usually go down backwards

[JSLS]

The Mrs instructed me to turn my feet and go down slightly sideways. That works for me. I can just about do it.

[Heel-Lover]

Good advice. I do the same depending on the depth of the stair treads. It helps avoid catching a heel on the steps. Cheers Heel-Lover

[JSLS]

I just had my most successful trip down a flight of stairs. Gee, that sounds weird. Well, having worn my boots most evenings recently, and the bathroom being upstairs, I've had to make a few trips, and today (as silly as it might sound), I felt stable enough to hold only one rail. Very soon, as a whole, I will walk better in heels than my Mrs!

[ilikekicks]

When I rebuilt my staircase, I changed its pitch. Its a 14inch plank surface with a 6 inch rise. It lengthened the staircase, but its very easy to navigate now.

[shinysoles]

This can be a risky business,'specially for part time wearers.Depends on the size of the step and its material.All my heels are 4.5 - 5" and the soles are smooth plastic,so slipping is a real possibility.I would use the handrails if they are available,just to be safe.Ramps can also be tricky if they are slippery and the angle is abit steep,going up or down can be "exciting".Lets be careful out there.

[Shafted]

I actually have to navagate a narrow and steep staircase to the projection room at the theatre, sometimes with a box of film weighting up to 100 pounds and I do it in heels.

[yozz]

I actually have to navagate a narrow and steep staircase to the projection room at the theatre, sometimes with a box of film weighting up to 100 pounds and I do it in heels.

It is all a matter of practice and having a good sense of equilibrium.

Y.

[JSLS]

I actually have to navagate a narrow and steep staircase to the projection room at the theatre, sometimes with a box of film weighting up to 100 pounds and I do it in heels.

Whilst I'm sure it's not that important, how high are the heels you wear to work?