Walking in heels - I still walk like a man

[Veronica4me]

I have tried to figure out the leg crossing over thing and swinging my hips, but i nearly fall down when I try. Do any of you have a way to walk in heels that makes you feel more feminine ... that doesn't risk your life trying?

[Macey]

Practice the motion in flats (for now). Don't over exaggerate, stand up straight (good posture helps). At first, consciously think of leading with the hips and not the shoulders. Don't worry as much about crossing over, just take shorter steps rather than long strides. Imagine a line in front of you and let your feet land on that line as you walk. Posture, line with shorter steps, lead from the hips. The motion should build from there.

When you sense that you're doing it right, keep doing it! Muscle memory is important! If you do it 'wrong' ten times, then finally dk it 'right', don't stop for the evening, keep going until you've done it 'right' more times than 'wrong' so that the muscles remember the movements.

[Veronica4me]

Great tips, Macey! Thank you!

[docrobbysherry]

The opposite of what Macey said! 4"+ spike heels force u to take short mincing steps. Swinging your hips and arms comes with practice.

I find looking at my reflection in store windows as I stride by really helps me fem my steps!:battingeyelashes:

[kayla_bayarea]

Do NOT cross one foot in front of the other like you are walking on a runway. Women do not walk like this on the street and you will just drawn attention to yourself. Your feet should walk on TWO narrow lines right besides each other. Your entire leg (from thighs to knees to ankles) should almost brush past each other. Use your core to initiate the movement to send your knee straight forward and make your movements relaxed. Instead of forcing your hip to swing from side to side think of it as just letting your hip do that naturally. In other words, don't tense up your hips/buttocks. Your opposite hip (e.g. left hip to right leg going forward) will naturally be "pushed" to the side the most when the opposite foot touches the ground.

Take natural strides, don't artificially shorten them. And again, do not walk on one line like people here keep suggesting. If you don't believe me just sit down at place with a lot of foot traffic and observe how women REALLY walk.

[Veronica4me]

Thank you, docrobbysherry!

- - - Updated - - -


Do NOT cross one foot in front of the other like you are walking on a runway. Women do not walk like this on the street and you will just drawn attention to yourself. Your feet should walk on TWO narrow lines right besides each other. Your entire leg (from thighs to knees to ankles) should almost brush past each other. Use your core to initiate the movement to send your knee straight forward and make your movements relaxed. Instead of forcing your hip to swing from side to side think of it as just letting your hip do that naturally. In other words, don't tense up your hips/buttocks. Your opposite hip (e.g. left hip to right leg going forward) will naturally be "pushed" to the side the most when the opposite foot touches the ground.

Take natural strides, don't artificially shorten them. And again, do not walk on one line like people here keep suggesting. If you don't believe me just sit down at place with a lot of foot traffic and observe how women REALLY walk.

Thank you, Kayla!

[Glenda58]

4" heel is a little high to start 2" or 3" are better till you feel better walking in them. I can walk in 3" heels all day but go to 4" heels and 2 hrs is the best I can do. But you need to practice.

[Veronica4me]

4" heel is a little high to start 2" or 3" are better till you feel better walking in them. I can walk in 3" heels all day but go to 4" heels and 2 hrs is the best I can do. But you need to practice.

Glenda, I have 2" heels. I found 3" too much pressure on the front of my foot. I'm 210 lbs., so that's a lot of weight on the forefoot.

[docrobbysherry]

Roni, I know a number girls that r over 200 lbs. and walk quite fem in hi heels. But, they r also over 6' tall!

I also know a number of larger girls. They prefer flats, (anything with under 3 1/2" heels I consider flats). And, I can't recall any of them "walking like women" in heels do. I suggest u follow Kayla's advice and copy women walking in flats for safety's sake!:thumbsup:

[Veronica4me]

Roni, I know a number girls that r over 200 lbs. and walk quite fem in hi heels. But, they r also over 6' tall!

I also know a number of larger girls. They prefer flats, (anything with under 3 1/2" heels I consider flats). And, I can't recall any of them "walking like women" in heels do. I suggest u follow Kayla's advice and copy women walking in flats for safety's sake!:thumbsup:

Thank you, Sis!

[Beverley Sims]

Veronica, practice, it doesn't happen overnight.

I often get picked up for my skill in wearing high heeled shoes and boots.

It is not really a skill but lots of experience in wearing them.

[JayeDee]

Thank you, Kayla
Great description of how to walk "correctly", naturally and with femininity. Also, one does not need to have heels on to practice your technique. Jaye

[TiffanyTgirl]

I found that walking slower and taking shorter steps work. I practiced on my tile floor so I had a straight line to keep my feet closer together. Just one foot on each side of the line. Posture is important. Shoulders back, chest out, head high. I dont think here height is important to start with. Use whatever. If you want something high, but it hurts too much, use a wedge.

[alwayshave]

If you keep your hands at your hips, it will keep your shoulders from moving and help make your hips move.

[Fran-K]

Hi Veronica

I’ll reiterate what Kayla said and add... go watch women walk in “real life”. As the great yogi may have said, “you can observe a lot just by watchin’”.
Don’t try to emulate a fashion runway strut ... unless you’re on a fashion runway ;-)

Good luck
Fran

[Connie D50]

Veronica
This might help I found it a long time ago.
https://www.biomotionlab.ca/Demos/BMLwalker.html
Connie

[Cheryl T]

Don't forget your arm position.
Men walk like they are carrying a briefcase in each hand. Elbows are turned in to the body making an arch on each side.
Women have elbows turned out slightly almost showing their palms.

[Veronica4me]

Thank you for all of the great tips! You gurls are awesome!!

[nancymo4242]

I honestly have watched many women walk, on purpose. To see how they walk, especially the more "feminine" ones. Creepy. I know! But I had to see it in real life.
Almost no woman walks how people on the Internet say they walk.
Most of them walk just like me, and I know that my walk is anything but feminine!
Some do walk that "cat walk", one foot infront of the other walk, but it's done in a real subtle way. It's really not forced.
I guess the safe way would be to walk a lighter, more feminine version of your normal walk.
At least that's how I would do it!

[Micki_Finn]

I would disagree with Kayla who said to not shorten your steps. In order to properly transition from walking in flats to heels, you’ll have to shorten your stride. Heels were designed for your whole foot to come down at once, not heel first like you would with athletic shoes.

IMHO here’s the best thing you can do for yourself to learn to walk in heels: walk WITHOUT the heels. You can do this barefoot or in sneakers or athletic shoes. Stand in one spot, upright with proper posture. Then, lift your heels a couple of inches off the ground. Now try to walk without letting your heels touch the floor. You’ll notice that if you try to walk “wrong” it just won’t work. If you don’t keep your feet close enough together, you’ll get a ship-on-the-ocean, side-to-side wobble that’s not cute. You’ll also notice that you won’t be able to maintain your “guy stride” without leaning forward to some degree. Only by shortening your steps will you be able to maintain your proper posture while walking. It’s a little trite and old fashioned, but putting a book on your head and trying to balance it there will really emphasize how your stride effects your posture, which in turn is important to walking in heels.

[Veronica4me]

Here's what I did this morning - I set up my cell phone to record my walk in 2 inch heels. I shortened my stride to put the heel and forefoot down about the same time, exaggerated, my hip swing, moved my shoulders a lot more, swung my arms accordingly, and almost had a feminine stride! The movement of my top was fun to watch, too! Thank you, gurls, for all of the advice!!!

[Macey]

Ask the same question to ten different crossdressers, get twelve different answers ;)

So glad you're getting tips from all of the wonderful advice and learning what works for YOU! :)

[Emily Occasionally]

Personally I've been hesitant to try heels. Not only because my feet are big-ish, but I'm already tall. I'll stick to flats for now I think...

[Macey]

Try the heels! I'm pretty tall, usually stick with flats, but it's still a good experience to have and a good skill to learn (walking in them, I mean). I wear a women's size 15 … sad to say choices are limited, but you can still get cute shoes in that size :)

[Veronica4me]

Macey, Pleasers goes up to a size 15, but you probably already knew that. They have some pretty shoes, too! I'm about to buy these in a 14, and they go up to 16:
297945
Here is the link: https://www.ebay.com/itm/PLEASER-High-Heels-Stiletto-Womens-Shoes-Classic-Pumps-SEDUCE-420-Hot-Pink/332219029443?var=541236332401

[Macey]

Thanks, I have a couple of Pleasers and I love them! Looking for some more casual shoes … or just more choices in general. Again, I love my Pleasers, but sometimes shoes in this size tend to be a little fetishy. No matter, some cute choices on Amazon as well. I'll get there eventually ;)

[Veronica4me]

FYI - I wear a men's 12 1/2 and fit into a lot of the size 13's at Payless.

[Macey]

Hmmm … maybe their 14's would fit me

[Veronica4me]

Don't know if they go to size 14, but it's worth a trip to the store.

[Leslie Mary S]

The thing I have noticed is that a 4" heel for a size 15 foot is the same angle as a 3" heel on a size 8 foot.
We with the bigger feet should be able to wear the high heels.
Try doing this. Measure the length from the ball of your foot to the center of your heel.
Find a GG friend with size 6 or size 8 shoe.
Measure her foot just like you did yours.
on a piece of paper place a base line across the paper with the line being greater then your longest measured length. Near one edge mark a point. This is the common point (the ball of the foot point).
Measure your length on the base line and mark it.
Also measure the friends length on the base line. Now draw a line four inches above your base line for the full length of your base line.
Using a compass, inscribe two archs with point of the compass located at the common point and the other point starting at the heel point on your base line arching up to intersect the 4" line.
Draw two lines, each starting from the intersection point downto the common point.
Using a half circle compass, measure the angle of the slanted lines between the base line and the common point

[kayla_bayarea]

I would disagree with Kayla who said to not shorten your steps. In order to properly transition from walking in flats to heels, you’ll have to shorten your stride. Heels were designed for your whole foot to come down at once, not heel first like you would with athletic shoes.
.

I said not to "artificially" shorten your stride. Your choice of shoes will dictate how small you take your steps. You should not take tiny steps all the time because you will look ridiculous. Everyone has a different natural stride and to artificially shorten it to look more feminine will make you look unnatural. A 6 foot runway model will not be walking the same as a girl who is 5 foot tall.

Obviously walking in 4 inch stilettos will make you take smaller steps but that happens because of biomechanics. Taking tiny steps when you are wearing sneakers because you think it will make you look girly will instead make you negatively stand out.

[Genifer Teal]

For what it's worth I started with a 6 inch heel with no platform and mastered it in about a month around the house. after that it couldn't wait to get out. it's not necessarily better to start with a low heel. Even now I find a 2 or 3 inch heel very awkward to walk in. It's more of a wedge where a higher heel puts you more on the ball of your foot pushing down in a straighter Direction. It's like walking on your tippy-toes but you have a heel in the back for support. Yes the ball of your foot will get tired faster but it's not jamming the toes into the front of the shoe all the time. Decide for yourself. Just saying starting with a lower heel isn't necessarily better as long as you can reasonably manage starting out in the higher heel. I've never been a fan of crossing over one leg in front of the other. That's more of a catwalk thing, model on the runway deal. I strive for walking with my feet as close together as reasonably possible without scuffing the sides on each other. I think this makes a nice compromise without looking overly exaggerated. When I'm walking on a tiled floor with the typical one square foot tiles my goal would be to keep both feet within the one square of tile don't try to push it like you're walking on a tightrope. To me that's too much. Most importantly get shoes that fit properly and are somewhat comfortable. That will make a great difference in your walk. Loosen your upper body. Men tend to walk like robots. Men also lean forward and lead with their shoulders. Women lead with their waist. I have other thoughts but that was in another post so I'll stop here.

[AlexisB]

Practice a lot. For me the taller heels are easier. All of mine are 4" or more.

[Veronica4me]

For what it's worth I started with a 6 inch heel with no platform and mastered it in about a month around the house. after that it couldn't wait to get out. it's not necessarily better to start with a low heel. Even now I find a 2 or 3 inch heel very awkward to walk in. It's more of a wedge where a higher heel puts you more on the ball of your foot pushing down in a straighter Direction. It's like walking on your tippy-toes but you have a heel in the back for support. Yes the ball of your foot will get tired faster but it's not jamming the toes into the front of the shoe all the time. Decide for yourself. Just saying starting with a lower heel isn't necessarily better as long as you can reasonably manage starting out in the higher heel. I've never been a fan of crossing over one leg in front of the other. That's more of a catwalk thing, model on the runway deal. I strive for walking with my feet as close together as reasonably possible without scuffing the sides on each other. I think this makes a nice compromise without looking overly exaggerated. When I'm walking on a tiled floor with the typical one square foot tiles my goal would be to keep both feet within the one square of tile don't try to push it like you're walking on a tightrope. To me that's too much. Most importantly get shoes that fit properly and are somewhat comfortable. That will make a great difference in your walk. Loosen your upper body. Men tend to walk like robots. Men also lean forward and lead with their shoulders. Women lead with their waist. I have other thoughts but that was in another post so I'll stop here.

Wow! Six inch heels must be like your foot is vertical, isn't it?

[Genifer Teal]

Maybe with tiny feet. It's that whole triangle thing. As the hypotenuse grows the slope is reduced.

[Leslie Mary S]

here is a graphic to support my discussion.

298007

[Jane G]

Interesting thread. I have never worn higher Han a 3 inch heel, as that puts me at 6 ft 7 inches. Looking at some of those taller heels on line these days though I am tempted.

[ronniegirl]

https://www.biomotionlab.ca/Demos/BMLwalker.html Interesting link on how men and women walk...

[Sherrii]

Veronica4me

Try and find a shoe where the heel curves in so the part of the heel that contacts the floor is closer to your toes. This transfers more weight from the front (toes) to the back (heel) of the foot. Think about it if you carried this out to the extreme there would be no weight on the toes or ball of the foot, it could be all on the heel. I never saw shoes like this, just using an extreme to maybe make it easier to picture and understand. Shoes with the heel going straight down from the back of your heel put more weight on the ball of the foot. Sherrii

[Veronica4me]

OK, I bought my first pair pair of Pleasers stilettos in hot pink. I'm just trying to walk across the room, and I nearly fall down. Looks like I need a lot of practice. Come on, Veronica!!!

[Sherrii]

Veronica, I love the style of the shoes you posted earlier. That is the style heel I refer to in my post above. It not places the heel contact area more under the foot, the classic curves just look good. Possibly the curves mimic the curves in a hip and thigh? I have always liked just the style in your picture above. Heel shape and overall proportion of the heel, height, style, etc. seem to all come together and look right. Sherrii

[Veronica4me]

I found this photo of the lovely Gwyneth Paltrow walking in high heels. Ooo, la, la!!!

298040

[DarciInTx]

Got my first pair of 3" pumps 2 weeks ago, and really struggling with just keeping my balance in them. Yesterday I decided to wear them while walking the dog (in the pre-dawn darkness -- no one to see me). Big mistake! I still need something to hang onto when I start to lose my balance. I ended up taking a spill, scraping my hand and bruising my butt!

[Maid_Marion]

My technique is a lot of short practice sessions to strengthen muscles so I have the strength to maintain my balance. I started with 45mm heels and got some 75mm (3 inch) size 7 heels a few weeks ago. Yesterday I was able to cook breakfast, pancakes and bacon, wearing high heels. I also got up a flight of stairs using the handrails for assistance. I've been practicing on a short area rug on concrete. Every now and then the heel will catch on the rug for a balance test.

[Lucy23]

When I was learning how to walk in heels I would watch women how they do it. And I must echo what has been said before; to this very day I have never seen a single woman out there walk like the internet would have you believe. Moreover, when I asked my female friends they usually mocked the models on the runway. Even those that liked heels would say that they would feel like a caricature walking like that.

Anyway, wearing heels I usually make shorter steps and walk slower. It sure looks different than my ordinary way of walking, but not that much. Having ballet flats or sneakers, I walk like I do in my male shoes.

[MarinaTwelve200]

You must not have had enough experience walking in different pairs of heels-----In some pairs I can't even stand up in, much less walk and others --even 4 inch ones, I can walk as easily and smooth as if I were wearing flats.-----The trouble is likely not YOU, but the shoes themselves. SOME are not designed correctly or not as good as others. The heel has to be precisely in the correct place under the foot ---not too far up front or too far back(or to the side)---channeling your weight in a straight line to the floor. The weight distribution of your body may differ than that of another person (male or female) also, but you will discover simply that some shoes lack the proper engineering to properly support ANYBODY.----That is why it is important to try DIFFERENT shoes, not only those that FIT, but those that are also properly designed. I dare say that even many GGs might have some shoes that require a balancing act to walk in, but do it anyway for fashion's sake.

[Maid_Marion]

I used online reviews to choose which shoes to start off with. I've never gone wrong by picking something that is both affordable and popular to start off with.

[AmandaRaquel]

I highly recommend someone videotaping you while you practice. The other day I asked my wife to do this while we were out. It was late and we were outside. We were coming back from a pub. I walked ahead of her and she followed me. In my mind I was “passable”. Sadly, when I reviewed the recording the next day, I realized how naive I was. On the other hand, it allowed me to identify my limitations - especially when walking in 4” tight shoes.

Many of us have nice and slim legs but then our shoulders are “too broad” and out of proportion with the bottom. This is a huge tell-tell. This also causes us to walk a bit akward. Being in NYC I see some GG wearing high heels and struggle but they “look cute” because they are feminine. Same scenario but someone with broad shoulders and more masculine top will look like a CD and will be noticeable from across the street.

Lesson here - I don’t know - I still like my high heels. Lol
Seriously though - practice and also be mindful of how you dress. Next time I will try to experiment with a more casual look when going out. Leave the tight black leggings and 4” shoes at home. Lol.

- - - Updated - - -

Yes but look at her proportions. If she had the same legs but broad shoulders and big hands she would look much less adorable.

[Ressie]

I don't walk in heels enough to walk with feminine grace. I just try to reduce the manliness in my posture and walk. With all of the opposing advice you're getting, your best bet is try different things and video tape it.

There's a beautiful blonde I've seen in magazines that I really adore. Her name is Betty :)

[Stephanie47]

When I have a full day of Stephanie time ( 7 hours) or a longer 24/7 for a week I wear a three inch narrow heel around the house. It was a learning experience. Like any thing else you brain ends up accommodating the shoe until you do not notice or think about wearing the heel. I watch women on the television weather forecasts and news who walk across the sets. Some have very high heels and walk with total ease. It's practice and developing the muscles to counteract strain. I found the surface upon which I walk has a great deal on choice of foot wear. Evening strolls on concrete sidewalks are a challenge. I can work around the home all day without any discomfort. The relative thin soles and a narrow heels wreck havoc with my feet. For evening strolls on concrete I found a wedge with deadening sole material and a two inch heel is comfortable.

I do agree to shorten a stride to the extent it looks unnatural will draw attention. I see some Youtube videos that are dead giveaways it is a MtF crossdresser. If you're challenged to shortening your stride perhaps wearing a tighter fitting skirt or dress will confine the upper legs more and force you to shorten the stride.

If you like to take evening strolls and are overly concerned with arm swing perhaps carrying something across your chest like a small bag of groceries will eliminate any swinging motion. Or carrying a shoulder bag held close to the chest.

Many times when I do go for a stroll I choose an evening with gently falling rain. I carry a tote and hold an umbrella. That also eliminate arm swing and does conceal some visuals of my six foot height.

[Leslie Mary S]

Remember this those spike heels are a torture to some floors. they have a heel less than a square inch and you may weigh in above most women. Also when walking the impact is more than double your weight. Some locations have had to replace ceramic tile or linoleum flooring due to stiletto heels.
I have had to replace some heel tips that got snagged and pulled off.

[Cassandra Lynn]

I can't remember which forum it was on (I've hung out at many sites like this over the years), but I once saw a video research piece done at M.I.T.
It was really interesting and informative and convinced me that females walking, their strides and ease at walking in high heels isn't just a matter of experience.
The report showed both male and females walking and the legs and bone structure were indicated with laser lines, I wish I could remember more of it and I've tried unsuccessfully to find it again.
The short story is though that the differences in women's and men's builds is what makes it easy for them, and add to that experience and it explains it. Think of the young female who grew up on the farm and goes off to college and suddenly decides to become more feminine and starts wearing high heels. A day or 2 of practice and she's got it.
It takes us months and a whole lot of pain and suffering to develop any kind of decent walk.
It takes work and constant practice; I haven't been in heels for a long time now and i'd have to start all over again.

Cass

[nikkiwindsor]

Just practice practice practice...and very helpful to have feedback from cis girls. Check out the youtube videos...heel to toe, natural arm movements, one foot in front of the other as if walking on a tight rope, back straight, chest out as if being pulled along by a string attached to your breastbone, toes pointed slightly in...good luck! Nikki p.s. b/c of my height 5'11" I've started to wear flats more often than heels...trying to be blendy!

[Shybrenda]

To me the walking has come pretty easy I have no problems , up and down steip, out side, carpets, or floors. But when I record myself I still look like a man. Now that is me looking at me maybe I should have other opinions. The problem is my wife is the only one that knows I dress. God love her I would hope she tells me the truth.

[Leslie Mary S]

What I have the most trouble with a 5 to 10 degree ramps. one of the clubs I visit has only a ramp to walk up too get in. going up is not the problem, coming out and down is. No I have not had an intoxicating drink in over two hours and that was just one drink.

[honey1036]

i rarely wear high heels but i guess practice do help?

[Patience]

I think that sort of thing has to come about organically. Trying too deliberately will make it elude you completely.

I have a suggestion that may help, but you'll need a pair of silicone breast forms and a bra that will hold them, but not too well.

Just walk in your high heels with your breast forms in that poor-fitting bra and do your best to keep them from falling out as long as possible. Be mindful of your posture and above all, don't slouch. Have fun.

[Veronica4me]

Hi Patience,

Wearing breast forms does help, but I prefer a form fitting bra with them.

I also now realize that I can't wear stilettos, as they kill my feet.

Walking in 2" heels is now very natural for me.

I did have some 3" heels, which I may try again.

Hopefully, a happy medium!

[Darling Micki]

I love all the advise and tips being shared.

I especially love the suggestion to watch other people walking.

So many times I watch the foot traffic around me. I wonder how a few of them have any cartilage left as every step they drop their entire weight onto the foot like a large sack of flour, Boom. That kind of impact will wear away the cushioning designed to keep things moving smoothly.

I would also recommend going to an animal shelter or zoo, and watching the cats move. Their hind legs are always on the balls of their feet.

The old Book on the head trick can only help things out as trite as it may seem. If you have a natural jarring, lumbering gait... well it's highly unlikely you'll be able to keep the book balanced.

The Bra & Forms tip. Nice. I imagine works along the same lines as the book trick. The bra is so poorly fitting that the forms are just so ready to bounce out. So with that in mind you practice your walk with the knowledge that unless you're smooth and graceful, the girls will fall out. You keep practicing until you are no longer thinking about your stride, or the bouncing Betties.

My personal method of developing the balance and muscle memory is a balance beam. For a legit runway walk use a 2x4 , or 4x4. For more every day walk go with a 2 x 8. I grew up walking with friends to school along a railroad line. Seldom used for rail traffic. But my friends and I would challenge each other to see how far along the rails we could walk balanced on the rail. Then we started to increase the challenge how fast could we go the same distance that balancing was now second nature... etc.

Lay the timber down in a hallway, living room, garage, patio, etc. Some place with plenty of room. Start off barefoot or flats, shoes without a heel. Step onto one end of the board and simply walk the length. Initially you'll be staring at your feet and the board the whole way, but work on not staring at the board. Mentally project the line of the board in front of you as far as possible so you don't have to keep looking down. Again, keep practicing until you don't have to think about it.

I also like to have people imagine while walking in heels they are barefoot, walking across a cold dewy lawn. Most people will walk on the balls of their feet to perform such a task...

Imagine the walk of those you observed successfully walking in heels, or a cat.

Don't hunch over, don't stare at the ground, or your feet.

Regardless, don't walk into a room frightfully thinking, "Oh my god, I look so stupid, everybody is going to know I can't walk in heel, their going to see me do something stupid and fall flat on my face."

When you're in heels and you walk into a room, OWN IT. If people are looking it's because they're jealous of how nicely YOU walk in those heels. YOU have the style and grace they wish they could possess. YOU are rocking those heels, as well if not better than any runway model.

Observation, Muscle Memory Development, and Confidence.

I've been advised that even completely hammered drunk, I can still manage heels better than most women. Straight-line, down a handicap curb ramp, up the other, as well as the stairway to my apartment, all without assistance. Where's the field sobriety test when you need it right.

Well anyways that's my 2 cen.... errr 25 cents worth.