Skip to main content

Please Learn How to Walk in High Heels!


Ladies, wearing high heels is one thing but learning how to walk in them is an entirely different story! It never fails--each time I go to a major casting, I see young girls and even young women in heels and based on their body posture, it is extremely obvious that they are not comfortable in the heels they are wearing. And it looks really bad.

I can't tell you how important it is to make sure that you know how to walk in high heels. Even us shorter models should still learn how to master 3-4 inch heels, regardless of whether you think you'll be required to be on a catwalk or not...it will come in handy one day, trust me.

Here are my essential tips for being successful at wearing high heels:

1. Wear shoes that fit! If the heels are painful when you try them on in the store, chances are even breaking them in afterwards won't help.

2. Choose your heels accordingly when it comes to castings and shoots. For some reason, I see young models wearing bright red high heels or other funky colors that don't go with their outfit. In my opinion, it's not only an eyesore, it's a distraction. Unless it's a foot modeling gig, tone down the color.

3. Be mindful of styles. We all know there are a variety of high heels out there so choose the right style. If you've got a casting that asks for "dressy casual," don't show up wearing stilettos.

4. Mind your posture while walking in heels. Even naturally tall models have to learn how to walk in high heels. Own your height! The saddest sight to me is seeing a tall model wearing super high heels with a major hunch in her back. This type of body languages translates to others as being insecure and awkward.

If you're afraid of being taller than you already are, then I don't know what to tell you. It will be something you'll have to get over. Put on those heels, stand up straight, and be proud! Nothing is hotter or more appealing than a tall girl that is aware of her height and embraces it.

5. Practice, practice, practice! Don't just buy heels and leave them in the box until your shoot or casting (that's a quick way to get blisters). Break those puppies out and start wearing them around the house. To avoid slipping in your heels while walking, it helps to scuff the bottoms so that no matter what surface you walk on, you'll have a firm grip.

6. Heels know no age. If you're a preteen or teen and meet the requirements for fashion and runway, you'll be expected to know how to move in high heels. Remember, the industry will put you into a very adult oriented world so even if you are young, they'll put you in high heels in an instant. So be prepared and start wearing heels and practicing your walk. Being young and naive won't be taken as an excuse if you aren't able to properly walk in heels.

By following these tips, you'll be able to carry yourself properly in heels at all times, regardless of your age and experience. Wear the shoes, don't let them wear you. I've got heels that I can run track in as well as pose in so don't think that heels don't matter. From head to toe, you've always got to be on point.

Comments

Anonymous said…
What kind of modeling can I do at 5'6. A few agencies in NY have shown interest in me, but usually tell me I'm simply too short to be represented by them. With all the competition out there what agencies to you recommend going to that may consider me despite the fact that I am two inches below average.
Dania Denise said…
Hello and thanks for the question! You'll find your answer in my recent post titled, "Answering a Reader Question #28."

Popular posts from this blog

Modeling & Pay Rates: How Much Should You Charge?

(This post is more targeted towards freelance models and not those with agency representation, although it may apply to those that have an agent but continue to find their own work.) A part of being a successful model is making money from the jobs that you book. However, being a freelance model comes with many challenges--figuring out what you should charge is one of them. I will say upfront that there are no established black and white rules when it comes to pay rates. Each modeling job is different, each client is different and budgets vary. Ultimately the factors that should influence what you charge should be the amount of experience you have, the strength of the images in your portfolio and the client's budget/needs. Not every client is going to pay what you want to charge. There may be times when you will be skipped over for charging too much or taken advantage of for charging too little. It's going to happen so be prepared for it and do not take it personally. It

What Are Male Models Supposed to Look Like?

The modeling world is filled with women. That's never been a secret and sadly, that often means male models fall by the wayside. There are successful male models in all categories across the industry but the fact that the modeling business revolves around women can make it challenging for newbies to figure out how to pursue their goals of male modeling. It is important to know that because there are different types of modeling categories out there, that means there are also different types of male models. They aren't all supposed to look alike and what ends up being in demand does change every year. Let's break down the common attributes that come with male modeling in various popular categories, shall we? THE MALE FASHION/RUNWAY/EDITORIAL MODEL These are the typical types of models most of us tend to think of when it comes to men in modeling. What is important to know and understand if you're an aspiring male model is that agencies have all different looks

Modeling and Weight

One of the first things I hear potential models ask is what the weight requirement for modeling is. Sometimes that is the main issue they worry about when it comes to pursuing modeling. Let me tell you right now that weight should NOT be one of those concerns. Obviously, the height requirement reigns supreme when measuring up to the modeling standards sought out by agencies. If you meet the height requirements--whether it's for fashion and runway or commercial/print--that is the first step towards starting on the path to modeling. How much you weigh shouldn't be your biggest fear. It is rare that anyone can look at someone and say, "Oh, my gosh, he/she looks like they are 5 pounds over our weight requirement!" It just isn't realistic. If you look at many modeling agency websites, they clearly list the age and height requirements--rarely, if at all do they list any weight restrictions. The general rule of thumb when it comes to weight is that for models who