Every time I watch a favorite episode of Sex and the City, I am in awe at Carrie's ability to run after Aidan's dog in heels. For the longest time, I could barely walk in heels, much less run.

For every woman who loves heels, there is another who despises the discomfort of wearing them. Sometimes both these traits exist in the same woman. However, wearing high heels is mostly just about practice.

The first step is picking the proper pair of heels. It is best to start low and work your way up. Beginners should choose heels 1 to 1 1/2 inches high, and because a pair of badly made shoes can ruin your feet, make sure to buy the best quality you can afford. Choose a shoe with a leather upper sole and firm stitching.

Make sure to try the shoe on in the store. Consider whether you will be barefoot, in socks or in hosiery. Remember that hosiery may cause more slippage. Make sure the shoe is snug and your toes are not cramped. This is particularly important for shoes with little or no heel support because you don't want them to fall off. Keep in mind that the thinner the heel, the harder it will be to walk in.

Once you have bought the shoes, walk around in them at home. This will break in the shoe in, but it is also important to just try it out a bit more before you take it outside and they become used.

Once you are ready to take the shoes outside, this is where the most important practice comes in. Balance is the key to walking in heels. Remember to stand straight and to let your arms hang naturally parallel to your body. Swing your arms opposite one another as you walk. Remember to put your heel down first.

The best practice for walking in heels is to first wear them for a short period of time, such as two to four hours. This may be a short shift at work or a short shopping trip. Each time, steadily increase the number of hours you wear the shoes. If it is too much, change shoes and try again next time.

When wearing heels, all the pressure is put into the front half of your foot. This can be tiring, especially when wearing heels higher than three inches for long periods of time. If necessary, try heel grips or rubber soles placed in the bottom of your shoe. This will create more friction and less slippage.

Finally, a big problem women have with heels is driving. The best solution is to keep an extra pair of flat shoes, such as sneakers or flat sandals, in your car at all times. Switch your heels out for these shoes anytime you drive.

With practice, before you know it, you will be wearing heels for an eight-hour day. However, no matter what you see on television, please don't try to run.

— Ninette Cheng

arts@thedaily.washington.edu