Tips to Walk in Heels As you may be planning to wear heels this Valentine's Day, here is some advice to consider from a foot and ankle specialist. All feet and people are unique and will therefore be prone to different types of problems and symptoms. However, the main factors to consider when wearing heels include heel-height, heel-width (contact area), toe box space and your foot type. Heel Height Shoes vary in heel-height from a smart shoe with a 1cm heel, to a stiletto 6 inch heel or beyond. The heel-height affects the intensity of forces that act on the foot, the function, and foot position in a couple of ways: Transfer of weight from the rear foot to the forefoot "“ The higher the heel, the more weight is transferred to the front of the foot. The position of the foot is affected by heel height "“ The higher the heel, the more the foot supinates (arch height increases and foot inverts). You will need to consider the amount of forefoot pressure that will be generated, as well as the stability of your ankles. You generally increase the risk of ankle inversion injury and forefoot pressure symptoms with increased heel-height. Tips: If you experience forefoot pain from wearing heels, try to wear a shorter heel than usual and consider using an adhesive gel pad under the forefoot to increase cushioning. Also, consider toe box space "“ the higher the heel, the more force is pushed to the forefoot, including the toes. If there is insufficient space in the toe boxes, you will increase p