How to stop the 'Clunk'

Okay, so I've been practicing walking my heels and I can't ignore the fact that I'm 'clunking' - you know, the sound you make when you stomp rather than walk. I know, it's going to take a while, but I'm looking for some advice (or a cure lol).

Figure 1.

So here are some tips:

1. Do it in stages.
- Start off with a low heel (such as a kitten heel).
- Then try a higher and thick heel (such as boots).
- After you feel comfortable walking in boots, try going to a thinner or stiletto heel (high, but no higher than 3 inches).

Figure 2.

- Then go to a 4 inch thick heel (such as figure 1).
- After dominating those, go for a stiletto heel (figure 2).

2. Practice is key. 
- Always practice walking in the desired heel a month or 2 before the actual occasion you want to wear them, that way you'll have gotten used to them and had experience with them on different surface types.
- Walk with your legs relatively straight and extend as you place your heel on the ground. NEVER put your entire weight on the stiletto as it could possibly snap - eek! Remember to keep your back straight and leaned your shoulder back a little. This will help with your posture, balance, and eventually speed when it comes to walking.


3. It's all in the preparation.

Figure 3.

- STRETCH!! Start with basic leg stretching (figure 3) and then stretch your back. This part is very important as it will prevent you from pain the next day. High heels really take its toll on your muscles, so if you're muscles are weak you will regret wearing heels. After doing the cobra stretch ( Figure 4), don't forget to roll into a ball shape hugging your knees - you need to relax your muscles after stretching.
- Ballet exercises will help you with your calve, back and ankle strength. Star by doing demi plies (Figure 7), rises (Figure 8), and stretching on the barre (or chair) for your back (Figure 5,6). And if you have one, use a theraband on your ankles to strengthen them (Figure 9).

Figure 4.

Figure 6.

Figure 5.

Figure 7.

Figure 8.

Figure 9.

4. After wearing your heels.

- Stretch your feet and toes. Spread your toes wide and do some more demi plies (this will help!!).

 - Do a gentile back stretch and then relax into a warn comfy bed!