Negotiating Stairs in High Heels

[adrienner99]

I am one of girls here who is somewhat obsessed with high heels. Recently I have spent a lot of time wearing a new pair of five-inch pumps. (Just around the house, not in public.) And I find that walking DOWN a flight of stairs is much more difficult than walking UP stairs.

Any tips? This is a serious issue for me because I am really trying to make my walk and mannerisms less brutishly male and hopefully a bit more reallistically female.

[Kate Simmons]

Walking in high heels takes practice and running or dancing in them takes a lot of practice to avoid falling on your arse. In all honesty though I think we are on an even keel with most women as they don't wear heels as a rule unless they are attending a formal event. In that case if you want to practice walking like most women, just wear athletic shoes or sneakers. ;):battingeyelashes::)

[suzy1]

I find walking down stairs a little sideways in my 4” heels works for me.
I have also watched GGs walk down stairs the same way.
And it soon becomes automatic and you don’t have to think about it.

[Melissa Cross]

When I walk down stairs in heels I always make sure to put my weight on the heel first as I step down each step. This is the same weigh I walk in heels. Works for me at least.

[MsRenee]

Lots of practice girl. to build up them leg muscles lol. Dont know if Id be doing it in 5" heels. definately a little higher than what im use to.Walking down the stairs I always use the hand rail no matter what.Going up easy as pie.
Renee

[Jenn A116]

Agree with the tips about going down "sideways". I've watched lots of women do this in heels and invariably they go more sideways and grasp the railing when going down stairs. If you step sideways (as in angle your foot so it fits on the tread) your toe and heel are both supported.

On the way up it doesn't matter that much since you generally only use the front part of your foot then.

[Beverley Sims]

Walk sideways like you are wearing ski boots. :)

[Kaz]

practice, practice, practice! I haven't been out in heels for a while and I have already lost the knack! Well not really, but I feel decidedly wobbly! The stairs issue has already been pointed out but I concur... sideways going down... depending on the depth of the stair... you need to have both heel and toe on the stair for balance. Going up do not use the heel!

[Eryn]

Walk slowly and use the handrail for balance, not support. Make sure the entire sole is on each step. Think "I'm an elegant lady" as you descend.

[MssHyde]

make sure you foot is well into the depth of the stair tread and set your shoe down flat, not heel first

as others have suggested use a hand rail, I have some 5" too. 3-1/2" feel like flats compared to them

[avant1465]

When going down stairs.... if there is any opportunity.... I always slide down the bannister rail.....

[Kayley]

Take your time. I almost lost it in a pair of 4 inch heels rushing down a set of stairs.

[Maria in heels]

Suzy is right...make sure to point your toes slightly to the right or the left to make sure that your foot is firmly in the center of the stairs....do whichever is comfortable, and you will be going down those stairs in no time. Once you get comfortable with turning your foot slightly, it won't matter whether they are 1 inch or 6 inch heels....well, maybe the 6 inch pumps might take you a little extra practice...

[heatherdress]

Stairs are dangerous no matter what you are wearing. I have seen too many accidents related to falls on stairs. Always, always, always use the handrail. Go slow. Make sure there is light. Look where you are going. Safety, safety, safety. Use an elevator, if possible. And also use the good ideas already suggested about walking in heels, too.

[RADER]

When I walk down stairs in heels I always make sure to put my weight on the heel first as I step down each step. This is the same weigh I walk in heels. Works for me at least.

I agree, and many women that are wearing high heals, are also wearing a tight skirt.
That also has them walking down the stairs side ways. Hold on to the rail, it is necessary for balance.
Rader

[GG7irish]

Yes as others said feet flat especially if stillettos, and going down go at an angle. Go to you tube and wathc Miss America as they enter or going down stairs and you can see them go down at a slight angle. Using the handrail is safer, but if not available then angle and slow. Another tip make sure your heels have "grip" on the toes to keep from slipping.

[Cheryl T]

Slow and steady and as others said...a little sideways to make certain the entire shoe is on the tread. Don't forget to use the handrail...that's what it's for.

[Stephanie47]

Fortunately I live in a single story house! I have two pairs of five inch heels. I hardly wear them because of the stress they put on the legs. Frankly, I'd walk down stairs in my stockings than risk injury by falling or spraining my ankles.

[shawnsheila]

Hold a railing and practice alot. I can now go down stairs in my 4" heels without thinking about it :)

Start out by climbing a few step and going down a few slowly while holding a rail. I tend to walk down angled to the side and I even think it looks feminine that barreling down the steps like a dude running or a track meet :)

[JohnH]

I don't wear anything higher than 10 cm (4 inches) so I don't have any problems with stairs even with the 10 cm heels.

John

[Jamie_CD]

I do the sideways thing as well, specifically with my feet angled in and crossing my legs with each step. Though this might have to do with the fact that I live in a duplex apartment so when I walk downstairs in heels I am usually on a spiral staircase. I can do this comfortably in six-inch heels, though it took practice, lots of slow going, and tight grips on the hand rails.

[Rachel Morley]

Just to add my 2 cents in ... I always walk down at an 45 angle and I look at my feet to make sure I'm placing then properly ... oh and I always use the hand rail.

[docrobbysherry]

I go up and down mine all the time at home. I've had my 5+" spike heels catch any number of times GOING DOWN. Never going up.

I've ripped the heels off a set of sandals and fetish boots there. Only the railing kept me from ending up in the hospital!

I don't ever go DOWN stairs with me feet at an angle. Too easy to trip and fall. But, I DO on the way up. Otherwise, my feet will occasionally slip off a stair!:eek: