02 / Heels guide
Heels on Stairs, Cobblestones and Grass
A heel walk that works at home can fall apart on the first cobblestone. Each tricky surface needs one small change. Here is what to do on stairs, cobblestones and grass.
Save this guide to PinterestThree surfaces
- 01
Stairs, going up
Place your whole foot on each step, not just the ball, so the heel has support. Keep your body upright, lead with your chest rather than your head and hold the rail. Take each step at the same steady pace.
TipIf the step is too short for your whole foot, turn your foot slightly sideways.
- 02
Stairs, going down
This is where most slips happen. Place the ball of your foot first, then lower the heel onto the step. Keep your weight slightly back, look at the step ahead through your eyes rather than tilting your whole head, and always use the rail.
- 03
Cobblestones
Walking in heels on cobblestones means aiming for the tops of the stones, not the gaps. Take short steps, land more on the ball of your foot than the heel, and slow down. A block heel makes this much easier than a stiletto.
TipLook a few steps ahead, not straight down, so you can plan where your feet go.
- 04
Grass
Thin heels sink into grass. Shift your weight onto the balls of your feet and walk almost on your toes, so the heel barely touches the ground. Keep your steps short and light. On soft grass, a block or wedge heel is the better choice.
- 05
Gratings, gaps and wet floors
Step over metal gratings and gaps, never on them. On wet or polished floors, shorten your stride even more and land flatter, so more of the sole is in contact with the floor.
Plan the shoe for the ground
The easiest way to walk on tricky surfaces is to choose for them. Outdoor weddings and garden parties call for a block heel or wedge. Old town streets call for a lower, wider heel. Save stilettos for flat floors. See stilettos, block heels and mules for more.
Keep your posture
Tricky ground makes most people hunch and look down. Try to stay tall through the crown of your head and move your eyes, not your whole head, to check the ground a few steps ahead. Shorter steps help more than looking down does. The same basics from how to walk in heels still apply.
Practise before the day
If you know you will be on stairs or grass, practise:
- Walk a flight of stairs up and down five times in your heels, holding the rail.
- Walk on your lawn or in a park for a few minutes, on the balls of your feet.
- Find an uneven path and walk it slowly, aiming for the flat tops of the stones.
When to take them off
There is no shame in carrying flats. If the ground is unsafe, or your feet hurt, change shoes. Walking well in flats looks better than struggling in heels. For confidence tips that work in any shoes, read confident walk.
Questions
What heel is best for an outdoor wedding?
A block heel or wedge. Both spread your weight so they don’t sink into grass or catch between paving stones.
Are heel protectors worth it?
For grass, yes. Small caps that fit over a stiletto heel widen the base and stop it sinking. Test them at home first.
Common mistakes
- Rushing on uneven ground.
- Letting the heel land in the gap between cobblestones.
- Leaning forward going downstairs.
- Walking on grass in stilettos with a full heel strike.
- Keeping the rail-free hand busy with a phone.
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