Tip for walking in heels!

With only one week to go before Toronto takes steps to end violence against women.. we thought we'd post  these tips for how to walk in heels, by Frank Baird -founder of Walk A Mile in Her Shoes®

Tips for Walking in Heels

• Now that you’ve got altitude, it’s important to accessorize your heels with some attitude! Stand tall and poised, shoulders back, chest out, back straight, butt tucked under. Think Marilyn. Monroe, not Manson.
• While standing still, place weight on heels using toes for balance. Don’t wobble. If you start to fall, fall gracefully and roll, shoes in the air. Do not break a heel. Do not take anyone down with you.
• Walk with feet positioned straight, toes pointed forward. Heels should be vertical to the ground, not horizontal.
• Walk placing one foot in front of the other with a smooth, even stepping motion beginning at the heel and rolling to the toe. Primarily walk on the balls of your feet, using the heel for balance. Think runway model, not truck driver. Suck in your cheeks. Face cheeks, not butt cheeks.
• Keep legs parallel and close together. It’s more stylish and when one leg starts to slide one way and the other the opposite way, you’ll have time to recover or get help before having to return to Tip #2 above.
• Move your hips and swing your arms for balance. Swing your arms. Do not flap them. You cannot fly, though with shoes like these you’ll feel like you can soar.
• Walk with confidence, stay focused, and be mindful of your steps without watching your feet.
• When climbing stairs, make sure both sole and heel land together firmly and simultaneously on each step. When descending stairs, only the sole of the shoe needs to be planted on each step. Avoid walking up or down any stairs.
• Avoid walking on ice, slush, mud, grass, sand, gravel and grated surfaces. When in doubt, take off your heels and carry them, crossing such treacherous surfaces in your bare feet. Dangle both shoes in one hand, hooked to your index and middle finger. Do not clutch them. They are not a football.
• Stick together. Use a friend as a crutch.

Councillor Mike Layton WAMbushes Councillor Josh Matlow

On Friday September 16, 2011 Toronto City Councillor Mike Layton WAMBushed Councillor Josh Matlow to "Step Up" and join him on Sept 29th 2011 to Walk A Mile in Her Shoes® an fundraiser to support the White Ribbon Campaign and it's work to end violence against women. http://youtu.be/avonWb7bH8Y   For more info walkamiletoronto.org

Where do I get the shoes to walk in?

One of the most common questions we get as the organizers of Walk a Mile in Her Shoes® is, "Where do I go to find shoes to fit me?"

We know it's not always easy finding shoes, especially if you are a man's size 10 and above.  So we put together a video of a recent shopping excursions to give you some help.  Near the end of the video we also give you tips and advice for when shopping for your shoes and how to help alleviate the potential fear and discomfort some men experience when out shopping.   

Registration is now OPEN!

Violence toward women and girls is an epidemic in Canada!

51% of Canadian women over the age of 16 have experienced at least one form of gender-based violence. That means someone you know, somebody you care about, has been or may become a victim of violence. It could be your mother, your sister, your friend, your girlfriend, your wife, your coworker, or your daughter.   

Want to do something about it?  Don't know where to start? 

Take the first step.. and join us to walk on September 29th, 2011.  

There is an old saying: “You can't really understand another person's experience until you've walked a mile in their shoes.”

That’s why we’re asking you to put on a pair of high heels and join the White Ribbon Campaign to Walk A Mile in Her Shoes®. On Thursday September 29th, 2011 we’re all going to help end violence against women and girls, one step at a time.

To register visit: www.walkamiletoronto.org

Date:  Thursday September 29, 2011
Time:  12pm to 2pm  (Lunch hour event)
Location:  Yonge-Dundas Square Toronto

For more information visit ww.walkamiletoronto.org